Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing Team Ready to Challenge for Multiple Titles
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | 9:15 AM
COASTAL GASGAS FACTORY RACING TEAM READY
TO CHALLENGE FOR MULTIPLE TITLES
THAD DUVALL JOINS RYDER LAFFERTY FOR EXCITING 2023 SEASON
Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing welcomes Thad DuVall and Ryder Lafferty looks to improve on runner-up finish in 2022 GNCC XC2 division GNCC legend Barry Hawk anchors potent GASGAS squad as Team Manager.
Barry Hawk:“I’m really looking forward to next season as we’re fortunate enough to have Ryder Lafferty with us again. Ryder had fantastic results last season and we learned a few things toward the end of the year that I think will be a huge advantage for him next season. I expect him to be in contention for both championships. One big change for next year is the addition of Thad Duvall. I’ve known Thad and his family for a long time and he’s an extremely talented rider and I believe this change for Thad is a great move. I’m looking forward to finally getting to work with him. I must admit, these two guys are extremely talented but are at opposite ends of the spectrum in their riding style. My work may be cut out for me next year but I love this type of challenge.”
Duvall will focus on GNCC’s XC1 Open Pro Championship in 2023, as well as the U.S. Sprint Enduro series, racing aboard the EX 350F. The West Virginia native is no stranger to the premier class podium, and he definitely embodies the GASGAS way of fun!
Racing aboard the EX 250F, Lafferty will look to build on his successful year in GNCC’s XC2 250 Pro Championship this season, where he finished runner-up in 2022. Also, a third-place finisher in the National Enduro Pro 1 division last season, the young rider is hungry for more and he expects to contend for the top spot aboard the EX 350F in 2023.
Thad Duvall:“I’m excited to join the Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing team for 2023! I’m looking forward to see where this new opportunity is going to take me next year. I already feel a part of the Coastal Racing family and believe this will be my best year with the best people backing me. I grew up riding/racing with Barry in the early years of my pro career and excited to learn from one of the best in off-road history. I think Ryder has a lot of potential and I hope to help him grow as an XC2 rider. We will gel well together. I can’t wait to start testing my new bike and get everything dialed for the GNCC and US Sprints. This is going to be a fresh start for me and I’m beyond ready to put this bike in the center for the box!”
Ryder Lafferty: “I’m super excited for the 2023 season! I’m very happy with the previous GASGAS EX 250F and GASGAS EX 350F bikes I raced this season and look forward to learning and improving them in 2023. Since finishing 2nd in the GNCC series in the XC2 250 Pro class and 3rd in the National Enduro series in 2022 my goals for 2023 are to contest for those championships again. This year for training I’ll be working with Kailub Russell and Jacob Fetty. I think that with their guidance and knowledge I’ll be able to improve and accomplish my goals in 2023.”
Antti Kallonen, Director of Offroad Racing: “We had great success the last two years with Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing and Barry Hawk has been great to work with, leading the teams to championships and race wins. We’re looking forward to working again with Barry and a strong rider lineup. With a new rider entering the team, the plan is remaining the same, to win races and championships. Of course, with Ryder Lafferty returning, we have a strong opportunity to win the GNCC XC2 250 Pro class as well as winning the Pro 1 National Enduro title. In addition, Thad DuVall joining the team will be a perfect fit for the team and I’m looking forward to the success he will bring to the GASGAS brand.”
DuVall will see action first, when the U.S. Sprint Enduro Series kicks of on January 28-29 in Hamer, South Carolina. Meanwhile, Lafferty will get his first taste of action the following weekend at the opening round of the AMA National Enduro in Sumter, South Carolina on February 5