Irvine, Calif. – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ricky Dietrich and Destry Abbott stood on the top two steps of the WORCS podium as they went an exciting 1-2 at Saddleline ORV in Olympia, Washington. Dietrich’s fourth win was sweetened as he reclaimed the points lead. The podium in Washington was the first for Abbott since the end of 2006, who concentrates on the AMA National Hare and Hound series. Teammate Damon Huffman finished the day in 13th.

With the WORCS and AMA Hare Scrambles running a combined event, the riders started with a dead engine and facing roughly two and a half hours of racing in the Washington woods, 30 minutes more than normal. Dietrich was left behind on the start when his first kick attempt didn’t agree, going into the first turn next to last. The race was soon red flagged because of an un-passable section on the course. His chances of winning didn’t look good when the race was restarted with the riders being released in five-second intervals with Dietrich starting 25th.

“I honestly didn’t think I had a chance when I saw how they were restarting the race,” said Dietrich. “It gave the front guys an instant two minute lead on me. I just rode hard and tried not to give up. I knew once I passed (Bobby) Bonds and Mike Brown, I could just ride a good pace and finish with some good points. I eventually caught Destry (who was leading) and passed him at the end of the race.”

Coming from 25th place to first isn’t easy, but Dietrich rode like a man on a mission.

“I’m pretty beat,” said Dietrich. “It was pretty hard coming through the pack since the track was getting more and more beat up with every lap. I think everyone went down at least once. Once I caught the guys in the points lead, I was able to really ride the race I wanted. I really had to earn it today.”

Although Abbott has been absent from the podium for two seasons, Sunday was his time to shine. After the restart, Abbott blew through the obstacles in the Washington woods to take the lead for a majority of the race before conceding the lead to his teammate. The reigning AMA Hare and Hound champion rode solid and was able to show his off-road talent goes beyond the desert.

“I felt really good the whole race,” said Abbott. “It was amazing to lead the race. I was completely comfortable being out front and once Ricky caught me. I knew I wasn’t going to hold him off for long so I didn’t put up much of a fight. I am ecstatic with second and I can’t wait for the next race in a week.”

With Dietrich’s remarkable performance in his home state, the former champion regained the points lead. He now leads second place by two points.

“It’s nice to have the points lead back, but we still have three big races left,” said Dietrich. “I just want to remain consistent and keep the points in my favor.”

After a decent start, Huffman struggled to find his rhythm on the constantly changing track. His 13th place finish didn’t do justice for the heart he put into the race.

During the summer break from both the WORCS and Hare and Hound series’, Abbott had surgery to help lessen the arm pump he gets while racing. The successes of surgery showed with Abbott leading the bulk of the race.

“I didn’t get arm pump at all,” said Abbott. “I felt great and although the surgery marks look a little weird, it was worth it.”

The WORCS series remains in the green hills of Washington for one more weekend. Abbott and home-boy Dietrich are staying in the area between rounds, while Huffman returned home to his family.

“I lucked out having the double weekend in my home state,” said Dietrich. “I’ll be able to ride once or twice throughout the week and see some old friends at the same time.”

AMA World Off Road Championship Series
Straddline ORV – Olympia, Wash.
August 2, 2009

Pro Class Results
1.    RICKY DIETRICH, MENIFEE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
2.    DESTRY ABBOTT, PEORIA, ARIZ., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
3.    Kurt Caselli, KTM
4.    Charles Mullins, Suzuki
5.    Mike Brown, Gray, Tenn., KTM
6.    Justin Soule, Reno, Nev., KTM
7.    Glenn Kearny, HSQ
8.    Brendan Ritzman, KTM
9.    Brian Garrahan, Yamaha
10.    JAMIE LANZA, BEAUMONT, CALIF., KAWASAKI
13.    DAMON HUFFMAN, VALENCIA, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI

Pro Class Points
1.    RICKY DIETRICH, MENIFEE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 147
2.    Mike Brown, Gray, Tenn., KTM, 145
3.    Bobby Bonds, Maricopa, Calif., Honda, 129
4.    Justin Soule, Reno, Nev., KTM, 108
5.    Tim Weigand, Santa Clarita, Calif., Honda, 104
6.    TAYLOR ROBERT, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ., KAWASAKI, 92
7.    DAMON HUFFMAN, VALENCIA, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 89
8.    DESTRY ABBOTT, PEORIA, ARIZ., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 54
9.    Nathan Woods, Paso Robles, Calif., Suzuki, 68
10.    Bobby Garrison, Hesperia, Calif., Honda, 58