Corona, CA – February 28, 2012 – Factory-backed Husqvarna racer Cory Graffunder is staying strong and consistent in the Pro2 division of the World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS). Graffunder notched his third-consecutive podium finish in as many races, and sits in a firm second place in series points.
Round three in the WORCS took place in the deep sand of Mesquite, Nevada, which presented a stiff challenge for plenty of racers. Graffunder switched from his TC449 to his TXC511 for Sunday’s Pro2 race, which proved to be a willing accomplice in the power-robbing sand washes.
“I had a decent start – fourth or fifth – and people were crashing everywhere,” Graffunder recalled. “It was so dusty I was almost running into them, but I managed to stay out of trouble. Ivan Ramirez took off, and I was battling with Justin Seeds for second during most of the race. I had to pit a second time because in the sand you’re burning so much fuel, and he got back by me for second. I was in third and thinking, ‘Time to go again. I’ve already passed him twice…’ There were three laps to go but I was whooped.”
Graffunder put on a charge and closed in on Seeds toward the end of the race, but didn’t make the pass and had to settle for third place.
“The sand was so gnarly and deep and rough, it would bite you if you weren’t careful,” Graffunder commented. “There was a fine line between being aggressive and trying to stay consistent. The TXC511 was great, though. It had great torque down low, and being a six-speed helped because I could shift more and get back up on top of the sand quicker.”
Next WORCS Race: March 23-24, 2012 – Lake Havasu City, AZ.
