CREW TAKES FACTORY TEAM WINS IN OREGON

Apr 30, 2009

Written by Bart de Jong

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It didn't take the newly formed REDLINE-CHALLENGE Team long to show their strength; taking the Factory Team wins both days at ABA's Great Northwest nationals. Now in their 21st year of existence, the CHALLENGE TEAM, based out of Northern California, has teamed up with REDLINE Bicycles for 2009 and beyond. This new Factory combo combines thee longest lasting "privateer family" teams with the original BMX brand- which is bound to make it a force to be

rekoned with. Up against the tenacious teams such as Redman~Rockstar and Tangent~Bawls, the REDLINE-CHALLENGE team scored their first two Factory wins of the season.

At the GNW Natls, everything came togther for the Am squad - who for the first time was able to use cross-over Factory Redline rider DAKOTA "The Robot" SENGER, on their sheet. His finishes, combined with Challenge's ALEX "The Axeman" JONES, made for some Redline domination in 13x and 13 cruiser. On Saturday, Jones scored the impressive win with a nice move in the first turn, with Senger rounding out the 3rd spot. On day two, Senger put it all together in 13cruiser, taking the victory and backing it up with a 2nd in class, while Jones remained in the hunt and rounded out his weekend with a 4th.

DAKOTA "The Iceman" ISENBERG was also on the jammy in his new 17-18 Expert ranks, and seems to have adjusted to the bigger/older 18x's with 4th place scores both days. In 28-35x, it was all RASHEEN HICKS - aka "The Machine," with wire-to-wire wins both days ahead of NW legend and X-up King Pee Wee Lee. And up in 36-40x, CHRIS WESTBROOK found himself in the mains both days and up against some tough comp.

Meanwhile, even though he's not rostered with Redline~Challenge, TORY NYHAUG was looking incredibly quick in 16x and X-Open, scoring three wins out of four mains; and one detour to the backside of the berm.

All in all, Redline riders and 2009 FLIGHT bikes were seen out front often, proving that it is still the lightest and most affordable bike on the BMX race scene.