MEET THE NEW BOSS

Colton Udall is the new “King of Baja” and also the happiest person on 2-wheels.

Colton Udall- Quite Possibly the Most Greatful Man in Off-Road

“I want to say thanks to everyone who supported me this year through Jeff’s passing and all those who stuck by me and helped to win this honor. It’s something I’ve worked years toward and without the support of my friends, family, Johnny (Campbell) and TJ, none of it would be possible.”

Tom "TJ" Jones of JCR: "I am so proud of him. He earned this."

“I want to say a special thanks to Eric Siraton, who helped more than ever this year. He is the most successful mechanic in Baja and someone I look up to.”

JCR Mechanic Eric Siraton; "The Most Successful Mechanic in Baja"

After a traumatic year filled with the highest highs and lowest lows, this warrior met life’s challenges head on both determination and dignity. After watching the most coveted prize in the sport of off-road slip out of his hands a year ago, Udall and room mate/team mate Jeff “Ox” Kargola made their second straight San Felipe 250 title in March.

They Did it in Honor of Ox- (pictured after the San Felipe 250)

Then Ox tragically died the following month.

We Will Not Forget

After pulling it together and recruiting David Kamo onto his Baja 500 team, Colton battled out nearly 200 miles and made up an 8 minute deficit against HONDA rival Quinn Cody and taking his first ever Baja 500 title in honor of “Ox”. It was a historic race between the two top JCR HONDAs and after a huge celebration; the title was overturned on a navigation penalty. Righteously, Udall made the noble concession that he admittedly did not do all of the necessary homework.

Then Udall got picked by Kurt Caselli to represent the USA in the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Finland in August. It was Colton’s first appearance in the event and an honor indeed to pick picked for this prestigious “Olympics of Off-Road”.

George Antill (right) interviews Colton Udall (ctr) and his little brother "Pee'In" Ian Young

For the bulk of the 2011 season, Udall went forward without one of his most trusted allies and mentors, Timmy Weigand. “When JCR decided not to bring Timmy back, it was a huge bummer for me, especially since Timmy has taught me more about racing Baja than anyone else”, Colton explained last March. Therefore, Colton was ecstatic to hear the JCR would bring Timmy Weigand back to the team to help Colton seal the SCORE Championship.

Timmy Weigand was back on JCR for the Baja 1000 and helped Colton seal the 1x Plate

Early in the championship Baja 1000, Colton the bike as far as the second Honda pit before handing off to teammate David Kamo. During his first run, Colton kept the pressure on Kendall Norman’s 1x and was within the minute time gap that they started off on. It was surprising to Colton’s handler Tom “TJ” Jones, a pillar in the JCR HONDA complex. “He knew what he was supposed to do and I think he was pushing too hard”, TJ explained, “I had to remind him to not get sucked into a battle for the race and to focus on why he was there.”

Mark Kariya Photo of Colton Udall speeding across the HWY 3 junction in Ojos Negros

After that and a reported fuel outage, the 0x bike began to settle in to a comfortable third placing and steered clear of dust and traffic. It was just a matter of bringing it home but at least with enough dignity that Colton raced with Kendall during his first section.

Timmy Weigand (L) and Colton Udall (R) Celebrate Ox and Colton's SCORE Title (not pictured -David Kamo)

For Kamo and Weigand, it is a tremendous honor to help Colton earn the 1x plate and to hopefully help defend it in 2012. We know that a lot of people will be trying to knock Udall off the podium next year including THR Kawasaki and KTM, not to mention Baja 1000 Champion’s Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody.

Timmy and Colton have worked hard to get to this point. They will have to keep it up in 2012 to stay on top.

Colton Gets Ready for his SCORE Series Championship for "Ox"