The 2012 US Endurocross series gets underway in Las Vegas on Friday May 4, the first of eight rounds that will see many of the State’s top off-road racers line up to try and wrestle the coveted Endurocross title away from defending champ Taddy Blazusiak.

So, as the man that’s seen more Endurocross races than any other does Eric see anyone beating Taddy in 2012? “I think Taddy can do another perfect season, but he has a target on his back,” offers the man that brought indoor off-road racing to the States eight years ago. “Young guns like Taylor Roberts or Colton Haaker could end up challenging Taddy, if they both keep on progressing. Taylor Roberts is 21 years old, backed by the factory Monster Energy Kawasaki team, the former junior Endurocross champ, he’s arguably the rider with the most potential.”

Aaron will be a big fan favourite in Las Vegas Photo: © Drew Ruiz

But in recent seasons it’s been the more experienced racers like Mike Brown, Taddy’s KTM team-mate, and Geoff Aaron who have pushed Taddy the hardest. “Of the older riders Mike Brown or Geoff Aaron show no signs of slowing down and are big fan favourites,” adds Eric. “But let's not forget of course the solid top ten risers such as Justin Soule, who’s always progressing, Kyle Redmond, Cody Webb, Gary Sutherlin and Canadian riders Bobby Prochnau and Corey Graffunder. I’m sure they’ll all be back with a vengeance!”

2012 will see few a few changes to the US Endurocross series. Sadly the series leaves the East Coast due to a scheduling conflict, but is planning to return just as soon as it can. The Sacramento Arena will become the new added round and should please Northern California Endurocross fans. The series also returns for X Games in July – an event that for many was the highlight of the 2011 championship.

“There’ll be plenty of exciting racing to qualify for X Games 18 during the first two rounds of the series,” adds Eric. “For many riders the desire to perform at the Staples Center on July 1st is like a championship within one race. It’s going to be a great year for Endurocross…”.