RK Excel America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2012

Kurt Caselli Injury Update

MURRIETA, California – After recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained in May, Factory FMF/KTM rider Kurt Caselli announced he will be taking the rest of the summer off to have minor arthroscopic knee surgery to repair his meniscus.

“My shoulder is getting better, but the summer is the best time to take a few weeks off to fix the tear in my meniscus. I’m bummed to be missing X-Games, but I look forward to getting back to racing after the summer break,” commented Caselli.

Caselli plans to return to his regular racing schedule at the conclusion of the summer break.

Murrieta, CA – Factory FMF/KTM rider Kurt Caselli received further evaluation on his injury sustained over the weekend at the Jericho, UT Hare & Hound to determine that he has a third degree collarbone AC separation.

Caselli was injured during a crash while leading the Hare & Hound and first reports thought he broke a collarbone. Caselli started rehab this morning and is expected to return to racing in two weeks.

“If the rehabilitation goes as planned, Caselli should be able to make a full return for the next Hare & Hound race and begin pre-running for the SCORE/Baja 500 immediately after. However, we will reevaluate after the next Hare & Hound race to ensure Caselli is in good health before moving forward with the SCORE/Baja 500 preparations,” commented Factory FMF/KTM Team Manager Antti Kallonen.

Despite a DNF at this past weekends Hare & Hound, Caselli still maintains the lead in the overall point standings and is looking forward to returning to the racing action for the next event on May 19, 2012.

FMF/KTM Factory Team rider Kurt Caselli dominated the second round of the AMA Hare & Hound Series held in Ridgecrest, CA when he crossed the checkered flag 8 minutes ahead of the next closest competitor.

The weather was perfect for the second round of the series with temperatures in the high sixties. In typical Hare & Hound style the track was incredibly dusty as it had not rained at the race location in quite some time. The course was made up of three loops. The longest loop was the first at 48 miles with a second loop of 31 miles and the final loop a short 17 miles.

Caselli initially had a bad start, unable to fire his bike right away. He eventually got off the line about 5 seconds behind the group. The dust was so thick at that point, that he had to veer from the original line he had picked down the bomb run. As they neared the final stretch of the bomb he was able to move back into his original line. Feeling more comfortable in his chosen line, he worked his way up into 3rd place before they headed to the narrow single-track.

Shortly into the first loop Caselli caught and passed the 2nd place ride of David Pearson. A few miles later the leader was within his sight. As the race continued Caselli closed the gap on current leader Kendall Norman to about 10 seconds. As Caselli closed in, Norman took a spill and handed the lead to Caselli before the halfway mark of the first lap. Once in the lead, Caselli charged forward at an incredible pace. At the 48-mile mark, and the team’s first gas stop, Caselli had already laid down a 4 minute lead.

Caselli continued his pace on the second loop and doubled his lead before the next gas stop. Now 79 miles into the race, Caselli had an 8 minute lead on the competition. For the remainder of the race, Caselli maintained his pace and went on to safely cross the line and take the win by over 8 minutes on the rest of the field.

“It feels really good to get a win here after an unlucky result at the first round. My bike ran flawless today. Factory Connection made some suspension improvements between the last race and this round that helped a ton and overall it was a great ride today,” commented Caselli.

With two rounds down, Caselli currently sits 2nd in overall points just 9 points away from the lead spot in the title chase. The next round of the AMA National Hare & Hound Series will be held in El Centro, CA on March 6, 2011.

AMA H&H

Round 6

Lucerne, Ca.

April 25, 2010

Race Day:

The race consisted of two loops. The first loop was 37-miles and the second was 40-miles. It was pretty dusty and I knew I needed to get a good start. When the banner dropped, I was off and had the KX450 pinned until I got to the end. I was the first one to the banner, but the guys to the left had a smoother line and were able to get by. Now I was in 3rd with Kendall leading, and Bret Saunders 2nd. I was able to get by Bret pretty quick, and now it was time to try and catch back up to Kendall. I was making a ton of mistakes and just was really struggling trying to push it. The more mistakes I made, the tighter I was getting. Kendall was pulling away and I knew I was really off today. I just tried to ride smart and not overdo it. I came into the pits running second with Kamo right behind me. As soon as we left the pits, he was able to get by me on an off-camber hill. Once he did this I was able to just key off him and ride his pace. I knew we had a pretty good gap behind us, but Kendall had a big gap on both of us too. This loop put us into some tighter sections where I felt a lot better. I just wasn’t able to hold on in the fast valleys, so the slower stuff was a lot better for me. Halfway into the last loop I was just outside of Kamo’s dust, in one of the valleys, and then the next thing I knew I hit a big rock I never saw. It threw my bike sideways and there was no way to save it. I went flying off at a really high speed, and hit the ground hard. When I finally stopped rolling, I knew I was hurting. I thought I had popped my shoulder out again since it was hurting so bad, but I could feel it was in. Then I felt my collar bone and knew right away it was broke. After a little bit I went and picked up my bike. The guys behind me all slowed down to make sure I was ok, and I gave them the thumbs up. I did the same thing to Gary Sutherlin, but he still turned around to see what was going on. I know they’re still racing so I hate when they have to stop for me, but that was way cool of Gary to do. I finally was able to get the bike started and ride it to the next check, but I can tell you that wasn’t fun at all!

Overall Summary:

As you can guess it was a really bad day at the races for me! I’ve already been dealing with this dislocated shoulder, which was a lot harder than most people know. It’s been really tough trying to ride through it, but I didn’t want to give up on this championship. Now since I broke my collar bone, it’s time to get my shoulder fixed and look forward to the end of the year. I felt so good at the beginning of the year, and did everything to make this one a special year. I can promise you that I’ll be ready for 2011!

Results (top 5):

1st Kendall Norman

2nd David Kamo

3rd David Pearson

4th Jacob Argubright

5th Gary Sutherlin

Other Notes:

This has been a roller coaster year, but one of the high notes was getting on the cover of Dirt Rider (June issue)!!! That was awesome and make sure you go and support them! Photo attached!

On a really sad note, minutes before the race started we found out two people from Desert MC club had suffered carbon monoxide poisoning during the night. After the race I heard they were able to revive one of the guys and I believe he’s still in critical condition. Our prayers go out to all of them. http://www.district37ama.org/forums/showthread.php?t=37378

I just got back from my Orthopedic surgeon and I’ll be having surgery to fix my clavicle tomorrow (Wednesday), since it’s broke in a couple areas. Then two weeks later I go back so they can fix my labrum. Not really looking forward to the next few weeks!

It looks like I’m going to have some time off the bike now. My plan is to come back to the Vegas EX race (July 17th) or the WORCS race in Washington (August 1st). It all depends on how everything is going, but I’m going to make sure I’m back to 100% before I start racing again.

I started a fan page for Facebook. I’ll be posting updates and giving things away during the year. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Destry-Abbott/114746998547830?ref=ts

I’d like to thank the guys from Rescue 3 and the club workers that helped me out at the check. Really nice guys!

www.destryabbott.com
2010 Sponsors: Monster Energy Kawasaki, Thor, Dunlop, GPR stabilizers, Shoei, Akrapovic exhaust, Stephen Gall Training, SIDI, IMS, Zip-Ty, HoyFox.com, Motion Pro, BRP, Braking, Works Connection, Concept2, CTI2, Maxima, Kicker, O’GIO, Traxxas, Renthal, Hinson, Jonre Multimedia, dragonfireracing.com, Matrix, Scott, Cyto Sport, N-Style, UNI, Parkway Chiropractic, Tire-Balls, and ZLT.

AMA H&H

Jericho, Utah

April 10, 2010

Race Day:

According to the club the conditions down in the valleys were supposed to be pretty dusty. However, up in the mountains they said it should have some good traction and even some snow on the ground. Thank goodness they were right and the course was actually really good! The race started out just in front of the sand dunes and then went right into them. I had a great start, and was leading for the first 4-miles until Kendall made a good pass on me in a tight corner. I stayed right on him for the next few miles, and then had to back off because of the dust. This year they kept us down low for the first loop and ran us through more sand, which was pretty cool. I was pretty conservative through a lot of the sand sections and most of the first 54-mile loop. After the alternate gas, halfway into this loop, I could still see Kendall and figured he was still less than a minute ahead of me. I also had David Pearson not far behind me, so I had to make sure I still was riding a good pace. Towards the end of the first loop, we had to stop at a check where we had to get off the bike and run beside it until we got to the other side. I’m not used to running next to my bike, but it was pretty cool. Coming into the main pit I was still in second with DP third, followed by Kamo and Sutherlin. After I gassed I was cruising down the pit, and to my surprise I saw Kendall sitting at the end of it with a course marshal. I thought he got a penalty for speeding in the pits, but after the race I found out he was stopped and held for a minute for not getting off his bike and pushing it across the road (he must’ve not known). Now I was just handed the lead and was pretty happy. The next loop headed into the trees, which I’m usually pretty good at, so I figured this was going to be my strong point in the race. I had a good pace going, but every now and then I could see Kendall a little ways behind me. This 51-mile loop was awesome and we actually rode across some snow in a few sections. I made a few mistakes, and hit a couple trees, but I figured the guys behind me were doing the same thing. This loop also had an alternate gas halfway into it, and I wasn’t sure if I could make 51-miles so I stopped and Steve Argubright gave me my gas can. As I was filling up, Kendall went by and didn’t stop for gas. Right away I was like I probably shouldn’t have stopped! Luckily I was able to push it and catch back up to him and that’s when we had some great racing. We were both on it and I was pushing it more then I would’ve liked. There was one point he blew a turn and when I tried to go under him we could’ve collided, but I backed off and wasn’t going to chance it. I was really having a good time with this until I blew through some trees, and had to turn around, which gave him a little gap. I started pushing it pretty hard again and then washed my front end out. I lost some more time and now we were getting back into the lower stuff (out of the mountains) and it was pretty dusty again. I figured I had lost my chance and now was just hoping for a mistake on his part. Believe it or not it happened, and I didn’t even realize it. There were some cows in the open fields, and I guess he didn’t see the turn arrow and kept going straight. Well I turned, and as I was going I was thinking to myself he either checked out or got lost. I still was pushing it with about 8-miles to go, but really wasn’t sure if I was leading. There were still a few small tree sections and I was trying to look as far ahead as I could to see if he was up there, but couldn’t tell. I can usually read the tire tracks and tell if there was someone going fast in front of me and I didn’t see any. Now I was looking over my shoulder, but never saw anyone. When I came across the finish there were a ton of people cheering, but I really didn’t know until I stopped at the end and didn’t see him. I asked someone if I won and they said YEAH! Jonny was there and I told him Kendall must’ve got lost. It was a weird way to get the win since it didn’t feel like I won, but I’ll take it! That’s the first time I’ve ever been on that end of the deal!

Overall Summary:

I felt I rode really well today considering where my shoulders at. I still have to be careful in some sections and then others I feel like myself. To now only be 3-points down for the championship (behind Kendall) feels really good. I just have two more H&H’s before the summer break and feel like I’m starting to ride better, so it should go good!

Results (top 10 Overall)

1st Destry Abbott

2nd Kendall Norman

3rd David Kamo

4th Gary Sutherlin

5th David Pearson

6th Robert Underwood

7th Morgan Crawford

8th Jacob Argubright

9th Nick Burson

10th Shawn Strong

Other Notes:

It was really nice to get my first win this year. I wasn’t sure if my luck was going to change, but it definitely worked out for me at this one. Kendall and I had some great battles today and he would’ve been really hard to get by in that last section since it was so dusty, but I’ll still take the win. I was in the same situation at a race last year and lost it with about a mile to go. We both kept our racing clean and that’s what made it that much better!

Here’s a video, from Beau, of the race. http://promoto.tv/10H&HRND5.html .

I also attached some photos from the race. Brad Bentley took a lot of great photos and even got one of Kendall and me battling with about 20-miles to go. I’ve also included a few other photos that were sent to my facebook page from other people. Thanks everyone!

I really thought the Sage Riders did an awesome job with the race. They ran us in a lot of new stuff I’ve never been through and they even made it over 100-miles, which I know takes a lot of hard work. Awesome job guys! They had a really good turnout too!

Out of all the H&H’s I go to, the Utah spectators and fans are the best. I for sure sign more posters there than any other place. I even had some people bring me some gifts, which really meant a lot. They love their motorcycle racing!

I want to be sure to have you guys check out Korbin McEwan’s Facebook page. He’s a 7-year old that was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma cancer last month. It really hits home when you have kids and know what they mean to you. They’re raising money to help out and I highly recommend helping them out. I ran his armband on my bike during the race (photo attached) and that win was definitely for him. Hope to see you at the races soon Korbin! Here’s his facebook page http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=14028&id=1753306198#!/group.php?gid=361236388490&ref=ts

Gary Sutherlin drove up with Jonny and I to the race. He had a horrible start and couldn’t get it started until the 10th kick. He still worked his way up to finish 4th OA. Still a great ride for that far back!

This summer I’m planning on doing a two day riding school up in Utah, while I’m recovering after my shoulder surgery. I’m planning on doing one day for kids and the next for adults. I’ll only be taking 10 riders per day though. As I know more, I’ll post something on my message board.

My next race is this weekend up in the high desert of California (Racetown). I missed the last WORCS race, but I’m going to see how I feel for this one.

“Championships are won on your bad days” RC!

www.destryabbott.com
2010 Sponsors: Monster Energy Kawasaki, Thor, Dunlop, GPR stabilizers, Shoei, Akrapovic exhaust, Stephen Gall Training, SIDI, IMS, Zip-Ty, HoyFox.com, Motion Pro, BRP, Braking, Works Connection, Concept2, CTI2, Maxima, Kicker, O’GIO, Traxxas, Renthal, Hinson, Jonre Multimedia, dragonfireracing.com, Matrix, Scott, Cyto Sport, N-Style, UNI, Parkway Chiropractic, Tire-Balls, and ZLT.

AMA H&H
Murphy, Idaho
March 21, 2010

Race Day:

Coming into this race was a lot different than most! I dislocated my shoulder on Wednesday, and I really didn’t think I was going to be able to race this one. Jonny, Gary and I were supposed to leave on Thursday, but I told them to go without me so I had more time to see a doctor and hopefully get my shoulder stronger. As of Friday I still didn’t think I was going to be able to race, but I wasn’t willing to give up so I booked a flight up to Boise for Saturday. I had a lot of people help me out and they made it possible to race on Sunday, but it wasn’t easy by any means. I could still barely lift my arm up, however I was actually more worried about it popping out during the race and not being able to put it back in. Fortunately I had a really good brace that I wore, and it helped keep it in the right position most of the time.

The race was a little over 100-miles and I heard there were going to be quite a few whoops (which I wasn’t looking forward to). My goal was to try and get a top 10, and as many points as I could. I came into the race with the series points lead (by 7 points), but knew I wasn’t going to be leaving with it. When the banner dropped I had a first kick start and was off, but by the time I got to the end of the banner I was in 4th (which was way better than I thought I would’ve been). I was ok sitting down and could actually ride a decent pace, but as soon as I started hitting bumps my shoulder hated it and I would have to slow way down. A couple riders passed me, but I was still sitting in 6th at the alternate gas (25-miles in). Justin Imhof passed me, while I was getting some gas, so now I was in 7th. I stayed here for the rest of the first loop, and didn’t see anyone behind me so I was pretty happy. The first 46-mile loop was over and now I just had the second 59-mile loop left. I definitely wasn’t on the tired side, but my shoulder was aching and hurting more then you could imagine. Not too far in I lost my front end and went down! Luckily it was a slow speed crash so everything was good. Once I got going again, I was staying just a little ways behind Justin and figured if it wasn’t rough I might make a little push to see if I could get by. Well over halfway into the loop he slid into a barb wire fence and got his bike stuck. I asked if he was ok and he gave me the thumbs up. I was really happy to be in 6th and honestly never thought I would be that far up front. Then as we got closer to the finish Justin was back on me fighting for 6th place. We ended up going back and forth a few times, and this was by far the hardest I had to ride all day. I hit one drop off that scared me really bad and I’m not sure how I held onto that one. I ended up getting back into 6th and holding him off until the finish.

Overall Summary:

I’m super bummed to lose my points lead, but at the same time I’m only 8 points down and pretty pumped to be able to pull off a 6th today! This was by far the hardest thing I had to do in a long time, but it was all worth it. Now it’s time to get things taken care of and try to finish the rest of the H&H series strong.

Results (top 10 overall):
1st Kendall Norman
2nd David Kamo
3rd Gary Sutherlin
4th Jacob Argubright
5th Underwood
6th Destry Abbott
7th Justin Imhof
8th Bobby Prochnau
9th Nick Burson
10th Josh Mott

Other Notes:

I was really lucky to be able to make it to this round! I had a lot of great people that helped me out and would like to thank Dr. Cohen, Dr. Popiel, Dr. Micheel’s, and Stephen Gall. I also have to thank Kit Kamo for picking me up at the airport Saturday and for bringing some goodies.

I’m having an MRI done this Wednesday and will know more this weekend as far as what I’m going to have to do. I had this same thing happen in 2002 and had to have surgery. This was the first time it dislocated again, but I’m hoping to be able to put surgery off until summer (if I have to have it done). I know a lot of guys thought I separated it, but there’s actually a big difference from a separated shoulder and a dislocation. Luckily when it did pop out I had Gary Sutherlin and another buddy there to help put it back in (20 painful minutes later).

I’ll be missing this weekend’s WORCS race in Havasu, but I’ll probably still be going to watch and support my teammates. Monster Energy Kawasaki is putting a fill in rider for me this weekend, and I’m actually really happy with who they chose. I know he’s looking forward to it and should do great!

I have to give huge props to everyone that helped put this race on. They did the best I’ve ever seen as far as getting the word out on the race, and hosting a national caliber event. We had a pro signing on Saturday night in town and I was pretty busy for a good 2-hours. I also did a phone interview with one of the big radio stations on Friday. We were flipping through the channels on Saturday night and saw that the Fox TV station was talking about it in their news segment. They also had a plane that followed the leaders and took some footage of the race. Great stuff guys! Hopefully we can get more clubs to do that kind of stuff.

Here’s a really cool video clip with one of my favorite sponsors and great guys (Randy Norman from GPR). He’s hanging out with Jay Leno talking about the GPR! http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/extras/car-parts/how-to-gpr-stabilizer/

Since I’m not racing this weekend I have a couple off weekends to get ready for the Utah H&H (April 10). Time to rest up!

www.destryabbott.com
2010 Sponsors: Monster Energy Kawasaki, Thor, Dunlop, GPR stabilizers, Shoei, Akrapovic exhaust, Stephen Gall Training, SIDI, IMS, Zip-Ty, HoyFox.com, Motion Pro, BRP, Braking, Works Connection, Concept2, CTI2, Maxima, Kicker, O’GIO, Traxxas, Renthal, Hinson, Jonre Multimedia, dragonfireracing.com, Matrix, Scott, Cyto Sport, N-Style, UNI, Parkway Chiropractic, Tire-Balls, and ZLT.