Mike Lafferty
Encyclopedia
Mike Lafferty is a multi-time AMA National Enduro Champion from Southern New Jersey, USA. He has been racing at the championship level since 1993 when he won the AMA
Regional Championship. Lafferty has won eight AMA National Enduro
Championships, which ties the record previously set by Dick Burleson
. He has 69 National wins.
As a result of his success, particularly from such a young age, he has been factory sponsored by manufacturers such as KTM USA, part of KTM
, an international manufacturer of on and off-road sporting motorcycles. In 2009, Husaberg North America, a division of KTM Motorsports, Inc. signed Mike to the Husaberg Factory Race Team for the remainder of the 2009 and 2010 season.
His father, Jack Lafferty, is also known within the sport as a very competitive senior class rider, and for being largely responsible for his son's success since a young age. At regional enduro events, Jack is recognized for his physical longevity and riding skill, both of which he has managed to maintain in spite of his advanced age. He consistently outpaces many younger, healthier riders.
In the US Enduro community, the Lafferty name has become synonymous with the sport. Mike Lafferty in particular, is a well known figure, respected by the community's constituents. In addition to his factory sponsorships, Lafferty receives product sponsorships from various motorcycle product manufacturers (primarily in an off-road context, but also from manufacturers who make products for on and off-road riding such as tire and clothing manufacturers, or products such as race-fuels and other fluids).
In a motorsport that does not receive much press coverage, and is supported by only a small fan following outside of the participants themselves and their families, there is not a lot of prize money or advertising (spokesperson) contracts. Factory sponsorship in Enduro racing does not include contracts that are comparable to those received by factory riders in motorsports like Supercross
. Regardless, a few select riders who have attained the very pinnacle of success in the sport of Enduro on a regular basis have managed to make a good living out of racing in the sport. Lafferty is one of those few.
American Motorcyclist Association
The American Motorcyclist Association is an American not-for-profit organization of more than 300,000 motorcyclists that organizes numerous motorcycling activities and campaigns for motorcyclists' legal rights...
Regional Championship. Lafferty has won eight AMA National Enduro
Enduro
Enduro is a form of motorcycle sport run on courses that are predominantly off-road. Enduro consists of many different obstacles and challenges...
Championships, which ties the record previously set by Dick Burleson
Dick Burleson
Richard Burleson was one of the top American motorcycle enduro competitors in history. He is remembered for winning a record eight consecutive AMA Enduro National Championships. His domination of the national enduro series earned him the nickname King Richard.Burleson began his competitive career...
. He has 69 National wins.
As a result of his success, particularly from such a young age, he has been factory sponsored by manufacturers such as KTM USA, part of KTM
KTM
KTM Sportmotorcycle AG is an Austrian motorcycle, bicycle and moped manufacturer.The company was founded in 1934 by engineer Hans Trunkenpolz in Mattighofen. It started out as a metal working shop and was named Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen...
, an international manufacturer of on and off-road sporting motorcycles. In 2009, Husaberg North America, a division of KTM Motorsports, Inc. signed Mike to the Husaberg Factory Race Team for the remainder of the 2009 and 2010 season.
His father, Jack Lafferty, is also known within the sport as a very competitive senior class rider, and for being largely responsible for his son's success since a young age. At regional enduro events, Jack is recognized for his physical longevity and riding skill, both of which he has managed to maintain in spite of his advanced age. He consistently outpaces many younger, healthier riders.
In the US Enduro community, the Lafferty name has become synonymous with the sport. Mike Lafferty in particular, is a well known figure, respected by the community's constituents. In addition to his factory sponsorships, Lafferty receives product sponsorships from various motorcycle product manufacturers (primarily in an off-road context, but also from manufacturers who make products for on and off-road riding such as tire and clothing manufacturers, or products such as race-fuels and other fluids).
In a motorsport that does not receive much press coverage, and is supported by only a small fan following outside of the participants themselves and their families, there is not a lot of prize money or advertising (spokesperson) contracts. Factory sponsorship in Enduro racing does not include contracts that are comparable to those received by factory riders in motorsports like Supercross
Supercross
Supercross is a motorcycle racing sport involving off-road motorcycles on an artificially-made dirt tracks consisting of steep jumps and obstacles. Professional supercross contest races are held almost exclusively within professional baseball and football stadiums.-History:Supercross was derived...
. Regardless, a few select riders who have attained the very pinnacle of success in the sport of Enduro on a regular basis have managed to make a good living out of racing in the sport. Lafferty is one of those few.
2009 - 2010 Rekluse/AMA National Enduro Series Results
Michael Lafferty gave Husaberg their first-ever national enduro win with a come-from-behind victory at the 60th running of the Alligator Enduro in Daytona Beach, Florida – round three of the Rekluse/AMA National Enduro Series. He finished third in Tennessee, third in Texas, and third in Georgia.External links
- MikeLafferty.com - Official site
- http://www.nationalenduro.com/documents/Lafferty_Interview_11-19.pdf