#300rr

Years ago, everyone said two-strokes were going away, and yet Beta, a small Italian company with limited resources, invested heavily in the 300RR. Now, here we are in the middle of a two-stroke rebirth. Did Beta foresee it or cause it? Who cares? The 300RR is here now as part of a very healthy class of 300cc off-road bikes.

The 2018 King of Motos event took place last weekend in Johnson Valley, California. Top Enduro riders showed up to compete for the title in the two day event that went late into the night. Riding conditions were dry and navigating the course was a problem for most riders. Beta USA factory rider Max Gerston placed 3rd overall aboard his 300 RR Race Edition. This was Max's second year with a podium finish in the KOM event. For more information about the King Of Motos event go to: www.ultra4racing.com

Gerston's next event will be the 2nd round of the West Hare Scramble series on February 17th. For more information on the WHS series go to: westharescramble.com

Max Gerston: "King of the Motos was a complete cluster. Navigation errors, course workers directing in the wrong direction, confusing course crossings all made for an interesting race. Through all the confusion I just kept moving forward and ended up with Moto scores of 4-3-6 for 3rd overall."

The first round of the NEPG also kicked off last weekend in Wedgefield, South Carolina. The weather started off cold and damp making the sandy soil loamy and full of traction. By the end of the race the weather had turned to full downpours and the conditions worsened. Beta USA factory rider Mike Witkowski placed 14th in the Pro1 Class aboard his Beta 250 RR Race edition. For more information about the NEPG Series go to: www.nationalenduro.com

Witkowski's next event will be the 1st round of the GNCC series. For more information on the GNCC series go to: gnccracing.com

The first round of the Kenda National Hare and Hound took place last weekend in Red Mountain, California. Clear skies and moderate temperatures made for great riding conditions, minus a few dusty spots. Joe Wasson placed 5th overall and in the Pro Class aboard his Beta 430RR 4-Stroke. Wasson was able to pull the holeshot and led the race for a while. Newly signed Chance Fullerton placed 2nd in the 250 Pro Class in the first round of the series. The second round of the Kenda National Hare and Hound Series will take place in Ocotillo, CA on February 24th. For more info visit nationalhareandhound.com

Joe Wasson: "Weekend started off good. I pulled the holeshot over the top of the first hill and was beyond stoked at how well my 430 pulled. Led for about 15 miles then ended up losing a position, then I held second for a while after that. I was riding at a pace where I knew I was safe and wasn't going to make any mistakes but ended up losing a couple more positions which left me in 5th place. There was some good competition out there, but I was able to hold 5th and finish the race strong."

Chance Fullerton: "The race started out well getting a jump on just about everyone then later getting passed by teammate Joe Wasson about a half mile in. I kept a comfortable pace with the top guys and kept going along to the finish where I finished 2nd 250 Pro and 13th overall. I definitely have more in me and am expecting a much better finish at the next round."

Beta USA Press Release - For Immediate Release - Paso Robles, California

Jordan Ashburn aboard his Beta 300 won the RevLimiter (enduro21.com photo)

Newly signed Beta factory team racer Jordan Ashburn has started his season off the right way by winning the first ever RevLimiter extreme race held this past weekend in Decatur, Texas. The event turned out to be a true extreme race with rain showing up the day before. Ashburn, riding his 300 RR Race Edition took the lion's share of the Pro purse by besting the other riders in the multiple race format.  

Ashburn had this to say, "The first inaugural Rev Limmiter Extreme Enduro was not for the faint at heart. On Saturday we had to do a hot lap to set the starting orders for the 3 moto format on Sunday. I was able to come out with the fastest hot lap, so that started me in the first row for Sunday. The first race Sunday I was able get the holeshot and lead. Then we came down into a creek I got passed. Starting the second lap I found myself down over 2 mins. But was able to make some time up in the faster sections to gain the lead before the finish. Starting moto 2 I got another great start and was able to stay out front the entire race for a win. The final moto I got the holeshot and knew it was gonna be tough to get in the lead after getting my bike stuck in a tree. So I was just trying to make all the bad sections without getting burned out. I was able to complete two laps and finish in 2nd place. I ended the day with with 1-1-2 finishes and it was just enough to secure the overall." 

Out in the West, Endurocross specialists Max Gerston is warming up for his season by racing the AMA West Hare Scrambles championship. Round one was held in Prairie City, California and with recent rains, this event was also very muddy which favored the popular Arizona racer.  

"I really wanted to win it but I stayed smooth and rode smart. It was one of those races that could have ruined the season if I pushed to hard. I am going for the win at the next one. I really want to thank my team for everything. I feel somewhat rejuvenated racing a new series. Beraaap!" Gerston comments.