Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Matusek Shows Speed in First XC2 Race in Florida

Monster Energy Kawasaki Under The Tent

Holding Down the Team
After teammate Scott Watkins broke his arm last week while practicing, it was up to Matusek to represent the Monster Energy Kawasaki team in the XC2 class. In his first year as a professional GNCC rider, he managed to get inside the top five.

I didn’t get a good start. I had to play catch-up on the first lap. I picked up the pace but crashed before the end of the first lap and was pretty far back. I slowly picked people off and made my way up to the top five. I didn’t really come into the race with too many expectations and I am pretty happy with how it ended up

Nursing a Broken Arm
A broken arm won’t keep Watkins away from the races as he came to cheer on his fellow teammates in Melbourne. After being asked over and over what happened, Watkins decided to get a little creative with his story. Make sure he tells the right one.

Russ Pearson Gets The Holeshot
Coming off his second-place finish at the Best in the Desert in Laughlin, Nev., Russ Pearson blew away the competition and grabbed the $100 GNCC holeshot.

Three Hours of Racing
When riders are going for three hours, pit stops are crucial. Having the necessary items on hand at each stop will help to ensure that each stop is as fast as possible. Most of the mechanics have gas, new goggles, gloves, water, and the occasional gel pack.

Team Work
Matusek’s pits stops were fast and efficient thanks to the help of his family and the extra Kawasaki crew that were on hand at the first round.

Back to the West Coast
With a break in their busy schedule, the Monster Energy Kawasaki West Coast off-road riders Ricky Dietrich, Destry Abbott, and Damon Huffman were able to make an appearance in the XC1 Pro class. Although the results weren’t what they had hoped, they all came away with a respect for the racing that the East Coast riders endure during the 13 round series.

For all the pictures, videos and most recent Kawasaki racing action, visit www.kawasaki.com/racing

Grand National Cross Country
The Triton - Melbourne, Fla.
March 4, 2008

XC2 Pro Lites Class Results
1. Thad Duvall, Williamstown, W. Va., Yamaha
2. Josh Weisenfels, Fort Smith, Ark., Yamaha
3. Dustin Gibson, Cumberland Furn, Tenn., Yamaha
4. ANDREW MATUSEK, FAYETTEVILLE, GA., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
5. Takeshi Koikeda, Chatsworth, Calif., Yamaha
6. WALLACE PALMER, MULLICA HILL, N.J., KAWASAKI
7. Kevin Hodge, Pittsburgh, Pa., Suzuki
8. Johnny Barber, Rome, Ga., KTM
9. Nick Gentry, Dawsonville, Ga., KTM
10. Brian Lawson, Adams, Mass., Yamaha

XC2 Pro Lites Class Points Standings
1. Thad Duvall, Williamstown, W. Va., Yamaha, 30
2. Josh Weisenfels, Fort Smith, Ark., Yamaha, 25
3. Dustin Gibson, Cumberland Furn, Tenn., Yamaha, 21
4. ANDREW MATUSEK, FAYETTEVILLE, GA., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 18
5. Takeshit Koikeda, Chatsworth, Calif., Yamaha, 16
6. WALLACE PALMER, MULLICA HILL, N.J., KAWASAKI, 15
7. Kevin Hodge, Pittsburgh, Pa., Suzuki, 14
8. Johnny Barber, Rome, Ga., KTM, 13
9. Nick Gentry, Dawsonville, Ga., KTM, 12
10. Brian Lawson, Adams, Mass., Yamaha, 11