SCORE Journal

SCORE-Journal-May-2021

SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing

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CLASS IN SESSION Edgar Cota Wins His First SCORE Pro Moto Ironman Race By Dan Sanchez Photos By Get Some Photo Although this was Edgar Cota’s first SCORE Ironman race and win, the experienced rider ran the SCORE San Felipe 250 back in 2018 as a co-rider for another team. Riding since his youth, Cota liked the longer trail rides, and as he improved, and began racing in motocross. It was then that he met the owner of the Sedlak Off-Road School in San Diego, CA, and began working with new and novice riders through motocross camps, endurance camps, and other instructional courses. “It was the perfect job for me,” said Cota. “It was a way for me to continually be riding, but to also give back to the sport.” When the 2021 SCORE San Felipe 250 came up, Cota wanted to try racing in the Pro Moto Ironman class. “I like riding on my own instead of a team, but not because I don’t get along with other riders, but because the bike is usually not set up the same for everyone,” said Cota. “It was great riding with a team, but I wanted to set out this year to do solo riding and race in both Baja and Dakar.” At the start of the 34th BFGoodrich Tires SCORE San Felipe 250 Presented by Ford, Cota began the course in a way that he is used to. “I like to approach it like a long trail ride,” he said. “It’s just you against yourself and how tired you get, comes from how hard your mind is working. I wanted to focus on what is in front of me and see how much the course changes.” Cota appreciated fans cheering him along the route, as it helped him push when he felt tired. “I knew I had a good lead around mike 190 and my team was telling me I was doing great in time,” said Cota. “At the finish line, that’s when I realized I had won. I never stopped pushing until it was over and time to enjoy the moment.” For Cota’s students and family watching on, he said they celebrated when he returned home. “I guess it was good for them knowing their instructor can do what he’s teaching them,” Cota said with a laugh. “The thing I like to see is that when we can demonstrate the capabilities of proper riding and show a win like this, it inspires others to come into the sport and learn the correct and safe way to ride.” What’s even more amazing is the Cota did all of the preparation and work on the motorcycle himself. “I bought a new ES450 GasGas and threw on a new stabilizer, Mita tires, but everything else was stock,” said Cota. “I did all the bike-work myself but several people helped with parts. The good thing about working on the bike yourself, is that you know how to fix it if something goes wrong on the course. Fortunately, it all went well at this race.” SJ

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