One of the appeals to having EnduroCross on an indoor track is that it eliminates all weatherrelated variables ; promoters and track designers have full control over track conditions . Spectators can sit in their seats with an icecold drink , popcorn , etc , and be in a relaxed environment with a full view of the track without worrying about remembering to pack rain gear or sunscreen . However , when the sun rose on October 23rd for the opening round , the promoters could breathe a sigh of relief ; as the day would turn out to be perfect for both spectators and riders alike : 73 ° F and sunny .
Competitor participation had decreased slightly as compared to the 2019 season mainly because increased travel restrictions kept series veterans like Taddy Blazusiak from entering the country . But that did not mean that fans wouldn ’ t be entertained . Rockstar Energy Husqvarna ’ s Colton Haaker was back to defend the red plate , and long-time rival Cody Webb , sporting some new colors with the FactoryONE Sherco team , had returned from his knee injury the previous year . This round was also Trystan Hart ’ s debut after having been signed to the full FMF KTM Factory Racing Team only a week before .
The format of the race is simple : timed hot laps determine a rider ’ s position in the first of a three-
ON THE PEGS // PAGE 68