Irvine, Calif. – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Justin Soulè and Kawasaki dealer assist rider Gary Sutherlin’s last minute pairing for the Best in the Desert team race in Laughlin, Nev. proved profitable as the duo dominated the event on their Kawasaki KX™450F. Right from the start, the two skilled riders gapped the competition and eventually finished several minutes in front of second place.

Soulè and Sutherlin got the call on Thursday night and the two didn’t hesitate to make it out to Laughlin, Nev. With little time to set-up the bike, the pair went out and took over the lead on the first loop and after completing 111 miles, the Kawasaki team was crowned the winner.

“It was definitely last minute, getting the call on Thursday night,” said Gary Sutherlin, who rides for Valcom Motorsports/Topar /Fly Racing Kawasaki at WORCS and Hare and Hound events. “When I started the race, my goal was to pull as big of a gap as possible. Justin and I both rode really well and didn’t have any issues at all. It was actually a picture-perfect race.”

Each loop provided the riders with different challenges. Sutherlin started and ran the first loop, which seemed to be a little faster and more whooped out. Soulè took over on the second loop and showed off his skills in the more technical sections.

“My section was pretty tight and single tracked,” said Soulè. “It was rocky, but I also had some sand washes. I haven’t been able to come to this race before and everyone always talked about how fun it was. It lived up to my expectations and was one of my most fun races I’ve raced in a long time.”

Best in the Desert
Laughlin, Nev.
March 6, 2010

Team Race Results
1) JUSTIN SOULE/ GARY SUTHERLIN, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
2) Bobby Garrison/Cory Graffunder, Husqvarna
3) Ty Davis/ Nick Burson, Husqvarna