Steward Baylor Wins OMA Opener
Mark Kariya | April 25, 2016
Bum knee and all, SRT KTM’s Steward Baylor swept both motos to claim the overall win at the Beaman Monster Cross-Country National in Sadalia, Missouri, April 23-24. It served as round one of the six-race Zaagman Farms Off-road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) Nationals.
Steward Baylor got things started in the OMA series in Missouri. Photography by Mark Kariya
Despite riding with an already-injured knee, Baylor came from behind in both race and passed Mike Witkowski on the last lap of both races to take the win.
Maxxis/FMF/RPM Racing KTM’s Witkowski nabbed the holeshot in both motos but couldn’t hold off the speedy Baylor in either race. He did, however, hang on to finish second both times, while Funmart Cycles Suzuki rider Adam Bonneur claimed the final podium spot with his 3-3 day.
“In these OMAs with the two 45-minute moto format, it’s easy for a lot of guys to get up [in front with sheer speed],” Kenda/Motul/O’Neal Racing 350 XC-F-mounted Baylor said. “Some guys can hold their head on straight for 45 minutes where they can’t for two or three hours so it’s really anybody’s game. You just have to be in position; the right spot at the right time waiting for their mistake and luckily, Mike made it today. If he didn’t make that mistake, I don’t think I would’ve beat him.”
In the Pro 2 ranks, Nishna Valley Cycle KTM’s Logan Lowrey and last year’s overall A winner Cody Barnes traded wins with the Barnes Family/FMF YZ250 rider, staying off the ground to eke out the all-important moto-two triumph and class overall. Obermeyer/MCS Racing Suzuki’s Duell Murphy put in a 3-3 for third.
