#mike witkowski

EnduroX Round 2 Overview:

Location: Denver, CO

Beta Factory Race Team Results:

-Rachel Gutish had a great performance last weekend placing 2nd in the Women's Pro class and is currently tied for 2nd place in the series points standings.

-Max Gerston finished just shy of the Super Pro podium in 4th place and is currently seated in 4th place in the series points standings.

-Morgan Tanke raced in the Women's Pro class finishing just off the podium in 4th place while also finishing in 3rd place in the men's amateur class.

RACHEL GUTISH

Bike: 200 RR

"I am excited to have earned another podium finish in Enduro X. The track in Denver was fast and jumpy, which is one of my weaknesses. There was one jump that I was unable to fully clear, and I consistently lost time there each lap. Like last round, I somehow got tangled with another rider off the start, but this time I kept my composure keeping the bike and myself off the ground. On the second lap I was able to pass Maria in the corner right after the little log step-up. The 200 was a real advantage in the really short, tight corners given how light and maneuverable it is. That same lap I was able to pass Morgan in the matrix and moved into second. However, Shelby was already long gone by the time I made it into second. So I focused on trying to be smooth and ride clean, rather than potentially charging my way into a mistake. Hopefully I can get a better start at the next round and battle for the win!"

MAX GERSTON

Bike: 300 RR

"Denver Enduro X was awesome! The track was fast and not very technical which made for some insanely tight racing. My 300 RR ran clean and the team did a great job dialing it in with the change in altitude. I was able to card 4-6-3 moto scores for a 4th overall. That 6th in the middle moto was costly for my overall as I was one point away from putting it on the box. I know I can do it and look forward to Nampa in one week! Let's do it!"

MORGAN TANKE

Bike: XTrainer

"Since it was my first Enduro X race in over a year I decided to race the Men's Amateur class along with the Women's Pro class. The night started off well for me almost getting the holeshot and leading the amateur race, a few issues with lappers put me on the podium in 3rd racing with the guys. I got another great start in the women's race holding 2nd for a little bit charging for 1st. Unfortunately some mistakes got the best of me and I finished in 4th. I know what to work on for next weekend and am ready to redeem myself."

National Enduro Round 9 Overview:

Location: Sand Springs, OK

Beta Factory Race Team Results:

-Rachel Gutish finished in 2nd place on the Women's Elite class podium after traveling all night from the EnduroCross event, and is currently in 4th place in the series points standings.

-Mike Witkowski finished just off the NEPro1 podium in 4th place and is currently in 4th place in the series points standings.

RACHEL GUTISH

Bike: 200 RR

"Although my wonderful parents drove the van all night from the Enduro X to the NEPG so that I could attempt to get some rest, to say the least I was a little tired. We arrived about 20 minutes before key time, and according to my watch I clocked four hours of sleep. The first couple tests I felt like I was riding in a dream, and in our sixth and final test I definitely hit the wall. I did manage to get my act together in test five though, and won the test by eight seconds. However, eight seconds doesn't help much when you're already over a minute down (laughs). So, I ended up with a pair of second-place finishes this weekend, and all things considered I am proud of how I rode and happy with how things went!"

MIKE WITKOWSKI

Bike: 300 RR

"Once I started racing, I understood why the terrain was awesome! It was fast and flowy with sandy soil and really good terrain. I was having a complete blast and it showed in my results. I won the first test of the day and ended up second in the next test. After two tests of racing I was winning the overall. That was something I have yet to do at an Enduro! So to say the least, I checked some goals off my bucket list which was just winning a test. Let alone lead the race after two tests. I was competitive until the later stages of the race where the terrain changed to rock and I didn't feel as comfortable getting wild in the rocks, so I ended up with 4th overall for the day."

National Hare & Hound Round 9 Overview:

Location: Lucerne Valley, CA

Beta Factory Race Team Results:

-Beta Support rider Zane Roberts finished out the season with a win after sustaining a broken scapula only a few races prior to the event. Roberts ended the season 11 points behind the Pro 250 leader in 2nd place.

-Joe Wasson also finished out the season on the podium with a 2nd place Overall finish. Wasson battled the entire season for the lead while finishing just 15 points behind the OA leader.

-Chance Fullerton had a great performance at the final round finishing just shy of the Overall podium in 4th place. Fullerton's ability to adapt to the bigger Beta 430 RR Race Edition throughout the season, and his determination, showed in his results as he finished in 4th place Overall.

-Morgan Tanke had some bad luck in the final round resulting in a DNF. However, Tanke had a strong season with one win in the Women's Pro class and five 2nd place podiums resulting in a 2nd place finish for the 2019 National Hare & Hound series.

ZANE ROBERTS

Bike: 250 RR

"I was finally able to get things back on track this weekend at the final round of the National Hare & Hound series. I had some bad luck the past few races, so I was very happy to take a convincing win and end the season on a high note! I can't thank the whole Beta USA crew enough for helping make this a great season, and I'm excited for next year!"

JOE WASSON

Bike: 430 RR

"Round 9 was an awesome race! I knew going into it some miracles were going to have to happen for me to get the championship, but I still had a positive mindset! I got lined up on the start line and when the banner dropped we were off. 44 miles of virgin single track, rocks, and sand washes made for an awesome course. I was running third and made the pass for 2nd in the second loop. I could see the leaders dust, but I would have had to hang it all out there to get the win. It wasn't worth it because I still wouldn't have won the championship seeing how the points leader would have still been second, so I rode a smart race and had a blast!!!"

CHANCE FULLERTON

Bike: 430 RR

"The final round of National Hare & Hound went pretty well! After a horrible start, I charged to the front and ran 4th all day. I just couldn't make it to the lead group, but for my first year on a big bike I'll take it. I ended up only a couple points shy of 3rd in the championship! All in all I'm impressed with my overall riding. I can't wait to see how much more I have to improve. Thank you to everyone for the 2019 series!"

MORGAN TANKE

Bike: 250 RR

"Sunday was a tough day for me. I got off to a good start and was riding well. The course was very rocky and technical which I liked. I passed for second early into the first loop and held it going into loop 2. The technical sections of loop 2 gave me some breathing room between myself and the 3rd place rider and I was feeling good. Unfortunately my good day made a turn for the worse with about a mile to go. My motor seized up and I was dead in my tracks. After pushing my bike through the sand for a bit another racer came to the rescue and towed me to the finish, which unknowingly disqualified me due to a technicality. I'm extremely bummed that it ended up that way, but lucky I still managed a 2nd place in the championship for the team and I. I'm disappointed that my season ended this way, but I'm happy with how my first full season of desert racing went. I'm proud of what I've learned and accomplished and am excited for next year."

GNCC Round 12 Overview:

Location: Beckley, WV

Beta Factory Race Team Results:

-Mike Witkowski battled for the XC2 class lead for most of the day and ended taking home a 2nd place finish. Witkowski is currently in 3rd place for the series points standings 4 points behind 2nd place.

-Rachel Gutish finished just shy of the WXC podium in 4th place and is currently in 9th place for the series points standings.

MIKE WITKOWSKI

Bike: 250 RR

"The Mountaineer GNCC terrain was very rocky and hilly. The week prior I had rode at my local sand track getting my fitness up to par, but I didn't exactly have rocks to practice so I just went at it the best I could with a good mindset toward the race. My Beta 250 RR got off to a great start. I went into the woods in second, but quickly passed for first and tried to check out. Unfortunately, I didn't have all the hot lines picked out and was quickly passed. I sat back and learned from the leader taking in all the good lines. About three laps in, I found myself in contention for the win again. I took a pit stop on lap three and the leader didn't gas, so I had about 30 seconds to make up. I had a really good lap and kept the gap manageable until a lapped rider cleaned me out on a downhill. Ultimately it was a bad lap that caused the leader to break away even more. I settled for 2nd place and 9th overall for the day's end result. I think without that major crash, and a few mistakes, I could have cleaned up and would have been in the hunt for a win. We have one more race at the Ironman GNCC to make it happen!"

RACHEL GUTISH

Bike: 200 RR

"I got off to an excellent start at my last round of GNCC this season. I entered the woods in about fourth place, and by a few miles in had moved up into second. About three miles from the barrels I passed for the lead, and maintained it for several miles before dropping back into second. Lappers are a thing I have always struggled with, and as soon as we got into the thick of them on the third lap, I started to have quite a few problems. I dropped down into fourth place and was unable to make up any of the time I lost. With that being said, this is still the most competitive I have felt at a GNCC since I was injured. I have high hopes for next season! I am also looking forward to the rest of the EnduroCross series, where I am still in contention for the series title."

GNCC Round 8 Overview:

Location: Snowshoe, WV

Beta Factory Race Team Results:

Cody Barnes had another great race placing his Beta 125 RR Race Edition on top of the XC3 class podium at last weekend's round 8 of the GNCC series. Barnes is currently leading the series points standings by 13 points.

Mike Witkowski was riding great until he encountered some mechanical issues mid race, he was still able to get back out and salvage a 13th place finish. Witkowski is currently seated in 2nd place in the series points standings.

Rachel Gutish is back after a serious elbow injury. Gutish finished just off the podium in 4th place aboard her new Beta 200 RR race bike.

The next event for all three riders will be at the 6th round of the Sprint Enduro Series on July, 13th in Fairmount City, PA.

CODY BARNES

Bike: 125 RR Race Edition

"Snowshoe isn't really one of my best events, but leading up to the race I prepped really well with the help of Alex Teagarden who let me stay with him and practice in the rocks! I started quite a few rows behind my other competitors, because I wasn't in the top 20 overall in points. I knew that this race was all about time. On the first lap I was able to put my head down and latch onto some fast XC2 riders in front of me. I ran a good lap catching up to first place in my class who started on row 4 and I started on row 11. I knew I was already winning with the adjusted time and had to plan my next move. I followed for a little while until he made a mistake and I passed him. After that I put my head down and rode a pretty mistake free race! My Beta 125 RR handled the rocks awesome today! It made my job a lot easier, and I was able to come out with the win in XC3 and 14th overall which is my best overall of the year."

MIKE WITKOWSKI

Bike: 250 RR Race Edition

"The Snow Shoe GNCC is one of the best races on the circuit. With tons of fans and good tough racing. It's one you usually don't wanna miss. I started out good by hole-shoting my row and leading a bit which was cool verse some good competition. I was just getting my flow together on lap two and figuring out the track when I encountered a mechanical issue. When this happened I was at the bottom of the mountain. I had to ride 3 miles up the road to the pit. So fast forward 45 mins or more and the bike was fixed. I was so far down at that point, but I got back on the bike and finished the race. That's why we race, you never know what will happen. We won't give up till it's over with! Big thanks to everyone for getting me back on the track and working hard. I still have 4 more GNCC races to redeem myself and prove I belong on the podium every weekend."

RACHEL GUTISH

Bike: 200 RR

"Snowshoe is the gnarliest GNCC of the year, and I was definitely nervous about it being my first race back after elbow surgery and being on a brand-new bike on top of that! But, the bike performed like a champ and my elbow mostly held together. I'm definitely not satisfied with a fourth place finish, but I'm happy I was at least competitive for most of the race"

Stix & Stones Extreme Enduro Overview:

Location: Kellogg, ID

Beta Factory Race Team Results:

Max Gerston finished just shy of the podium in 4th place aboard his Beta 300 RR at the Extreme Enduro event.

Gerston next event will be at the Tough Like RORR Extreme Enduro event on July, 6th in Tamaqua, PA and Ty Tremaine will be competing in the next 2 rounds of EnduroCross.

MAX GERSTON

Bike: 300 RR

"The Stix and Stones Extreme Enduro was an awesome event. It had a ton of cool forest sections along with shale mountains and wet creeks to ride up. My 300 RR was working amazing and felt planted to the ground even in the nastiest of sections. I battled for the lead the majority of the race and a small mistake costed me big time. I came in a close 4th place. I really wanted a podium spot, but this race was a huge confidence builder for extreme races in the future. I can't wait till the next race!"

TY TREMAINE

Bike: 300 RR

Grand National Cross Country Series Round 1 Overview:

Location: Palatka, FL

Beta Factory Race Team Results:

Mike Witkowski grabbed the holeshot and finished round 1 on the XC2 Class podium in 3rd place.

Cody Barnes finished round 1 on the XC3 Class podium in 2nd place.

The next race for both riders will be at the 2nd round of the Grand National Cross Country Series on March 16th-17th in Washington, GA.

MIKE WITKOWSKI

Bike: Beta 250 RR Race Edition

"The Wild Boar GNCC is always tough on the body and bikes as it is always hot and sandy with deep sand whoops. My Beta 250 RR got off to an awesome start grabbing the XC2 holeshot and getting me into the lead. I was feeling so good all day. I should've pushed harder toward the beginning of the day because the last couple laps I still had a lot left in the tank. I was happy with the winter prep I put in and my fitness. The bike soaked up the big sand whoops really well which I was happy about. All in all, it was a great weekend for Beta! Thank you Beta Racing and everyone for all the hard work. Glad it's paying off!"

CODY BARNES

Bike: Beta 125 RR Race Edition

"I got off to a good start and was sitting in 3rd and then moved into the 1st place spot at the beginning of the second lap. Then I was able to pull a small gap. As I went to pit for gas on the beginning of the third lap I noticed my radiator began leaking. Everyone gave a helping hand to replace the busted radiator. I lost a lot of time from the pit stop and dropped down several spots. By the end of the third lap I was able to make it back to 4th. I knew I was in podium contention, so I put my head down and pushed as hard as I could and was able to make it to the second place spot on the podium. My Beta 125 RR was running awesome all day! I'm happy with how I rode, I just had some things that were out of my control. Looking forward to next weekend."

Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series Round 2 Overview:

Location: Blackshear, GA

Beta Factory Race Team Results:

Cody Barnes finished on the podium this weekend in 2nd place in the Pro 2 class at the second round of the FGSE series.

Mike Witkowski also ended up on the podium with a 3rd place finish in the Pro 2 class.

The next race for both riders will be at the 1st round of the Grand National Cross Country Series on March 9th-10th in Palatka, FL.

CODY BARNES

Bike: Beta 250 RR Race Edition

"My weekend started off good with a good first test, but I made some mistakes in the first enduro test and dropped a few positions. After some track changes, due to the mud holes, I started making ground on the competition and worked my way into 3rd going into the last test of the day. With about three turns until the finish on the last test I had a good get-off causing me to lose a lot of time and dropping me back to 6th for the day.

On day two of racing I knew I had my work cut out for me. I was able to do very well all day in the cross test, but I was losing some time in the enduro test. I was still able to make my way to podium contention going into the last enduro test. I found where I was losing time and went into the last test knowing I had to run a perfect test. When the test was done, I was able to claim the second place spot in the Pro 2 class. My bike was working awesome all weekend and I had a blast at this event!"

MIKE WITKOWSKI

Bike: Beta 250 RR Race Edition

"The first day of the Sprint Enduro in Georgia couldn't have went better. I stayed off the ground while riding smooth and consistent. With only a couple mistakes I was happy with my bike and riding performance. I ended up winning day 1, which I hadn't done yet. I was happy going into day two with a solid lead.

Day two started off on the wrong foot with a shoulder problem in the first test leading me to lose over 10 seconds. After the first test I was down and out of the lead. But, I charged all day despite the adversity I endured. I ended up winning test 5 for the day, but I came short of 2nd place for the weekend by less than a second due to my first test result on day two. I was pretty bummed as I wanted to win and I knew it was all mine after day one. Ready for our first GNCC next weekend in the Florida Sand. Definitely motivated after a not so good end result at this sprint enduro!"

AMA East Hare Scramble Series Round 2 Overview:

Location: Graysburg, NC

Beta Factory Race Team Results:

Beta Factory Team rider; Rachel Gutish finished on top of the podium in 1st place in the Women's class at round 2 of the East Hare Scramble Series. Rachel Gutish's next race will be at the 1st round of the Grand National Cross Country Series on March 9th-10th in Palatka, FL.

Beta Support rider; Kyle McDonal also topped the podium with a 1st place finish in the Pro Class.

RACHEL GUTISH

Bike: Beta 390 RR Race Edition

"I'm very happy with how the race went! I was smart and consistent through the deep ruts and mud-holes, which was enough to give me the win! This also moves me up into first place in the series points, which I'm pretty excited about."

KYLE MCDONAL

Bike: Beta 390 RR Race Edition

"Yesterday was round 2 of the AMA East Championship in Garysburg, NC and with all the rain we have been getting it made for a good mud race. Six riders showed up on the pro line and with starting so close to the corner I was last off the line. I was able to make good passes and pick a lot of good lines the first lap to put myself in 1st where I rode for the remainder of the day with a 30 second to 1 minute lead. We did 9 laps on a shortened course due to standing water with a mix of single track, clay hill climbs and open jeep roads. I was able to stay consistent throughout the race and stay out of any deep mud holes where other riders were getting stuck and that really gave me an advantage over the 2 hours. On lap 8 I smashed my shift lever, but luckily I was able to use my hand in the open section to shift and leave it in 3rd for the woods sections."

Rev Limiter Overview:

Location: Decatur, TX

Beta Factory Race Team Results:

Max Gerston placed 6th at the 2019 Rev Limiter last weekend. Max Gerston's next race will be at the Wild West Extreme Enduro event on May 4th, 2019 in Sparks, Nevada.

MAX GERSTON

Bike: Beta 300 RR Race Edition

"The Rev Limiter Extreme Enduro was tough! I actually had a lot of fun riding the terrain and my Beta 300 RR was finding incredible traction. Unfortunately the race was poorly organized so the scoring was confusing and rules were being changed mid race which takes away from the legitimacy of the results. I am looking forward to the next round, and I continue to fall in love with the 2019 300 RR"