Corona, CA – March 6, 2012 – Husqvarna’s Cory Graffunder rode his 2012 TC449 to a 1-1-1 victory at the Prairie Dogs Grand Prix Endurocross event Saturday night at Glen Helen Raceway. The third annual endurocross race drew crowds and racers alike and Graffunder put on a show.

“It was actually pretty interesting to race on the 449,” Graffunder commented. “The bike was bigger and heavier then my normal endurocross bike so I really had to work to keep it moving. The event alternated between pro and amateur heats, so each and every time we were on the track the matrix and rock sections got tougher!”

As the first event on the newly designed Glen Helen endurocross course, Cory and the rest of the racers had to work for a finish. “The new course is great; it’s a lot tougher and longer then we are used to,” said Graffunder. “Your physical conditioning really played a part in how your night was going to end. I was definitely the strongest one out there tonight!”

The FAR Husqvarna team was back to action on the east coast in the AMA National Enduro circuit. A Saturday rainstorm meant that course conditions were at their best for the 2012 Sandlapper Enduro, and Jason Thomas was hoped to continue his streak with another top-10 finish.

Things started well for Thomas with consistent scores on the first five tests, but a stall on the last test cost him a top-10 finish. Thomas would go on to finish 14th in the pro class.

“I just struggled a bit today,” Thomas admitted. “I felt like I couldn’t get into the game. I want to thank the Fred Andrews Racing team for all of their hard work this season. Hopefully the GNCC in two weeks will be a chance to prove ourselves again!”

Filling in on Andrew Delong’s minute was Wilmington Powersports Husqvarna support rider Robbie Norwood. With top-20 times all day, Robbie finished one spot behind Thomas, and first in the Open A class. “I had fun out there today,” Norwood said. “My goal was to stay consistent, and that is exactly what I did.”

Hall’s Cycles Husqvarna rider Mandi Mastin had a solid performance yet again for her third straight podium of the season. At third overall in the Women’s class, Mastin now leads the 2012 Championship with seven rounds remaining. Mastin has a 16-point margin and is the only female rider to land on the podium at all three of the 2012 events thus far.

Upcoming Races:
GNCC – March 13, 2012 – Westgate River Ranch, FL
National Enduro – April 22, 2012 – West Point, TN

For more information on the TC449 and the entire 2012 Husqvarna line-up, please go to www.husqvarna-motorcyclesna.com.