Kurt Caselli Wins Panaca Hare & Hound In Comeback Race

[caption id="attachment_15304" align="alignright" width="300"] "It feels really good to come back to the series and take the win," stated Kurt Caselli - Photo: Mark Kariya[/caption]

Factory FMF/KTM rider Kurt Caselli took the overall victory at the eighth round of the AMA National Hare & Hound Series in his first race back since returning from a shoulder and knee injury earlier this year.

The Panaca course was very dry and dusty and Caselli knew he needed to get out front early in order to get an advantage and the early lead. "I spent a good amount of time walking the start straight and trying to pick a good line for the race," remarked Caselli. "I found a line I thought would do the trick, and luckily, it paid off."

Caselli launched off the line at the start of the race and grabbed the holeshot. He was fortunate enough to get out front early and avoid the dust from the pack of riders behind him. He led the entire 100 mile course and was able to take the win in his first race back since injury by over one minute on the 2nd place ride of Jacob Argubright.

[caption id="attachment_15300" align="alignleft" width="300"] Kurt Caselli launched off the line and grabbed the holeshot avoiding the dust from the pack of riders behind him - Photo: Mark Kariya[/caption]

"It feels really good to come back to the series and take the win," stated Caselli. "My bike ran perfectly the whole race and I had no issues. My shoulder and my knee felt good and I feel like I am back to top form. I am still a few points back in the series but I know with a couple rounds left that the championship is still within reach, and that is definitely the end goal.

Caselli will now begin preparation for the International Six Days Event where he will lead Team USA as the Captain of the USA Trophy Team. Upon returning from the ISDE, he will jump right back into the Hare & Hound Series where he will try to make up his 13 point gap to capture a repeat title in the series.

Source: KTM North America

Panaca Overview And Point Standings

Overall Results

1. Kurt Caselli
   
2. Jacob Argubright
   
3. David Pearson
   
4. TJ Hannifin
   
5. Justin Morrow
   

1. David Pearson - 163
   
2. Kurt Caselli - 150
   
3. Justin Morrow - 120