Hart Wins, Seals '26 Championship at Hollowpoint Hard Enduro in Ohio: A Tale of Cooperation and Survival
The 2026 Hollowpoint Hard Enduro in Ohio was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the riders, with Trystan Hart emerging as the champion. This race, part of the AMA National Hard Enduro Championship, presented a unique challenge with its wet and slippery conditions, demanding more than just individual skill.
The Amateur Challenge: A Test of Balance and Grit
On Saturday, the amateur riders took on a 10.5-mile course, battling the post-rain slick conditions. Karsen Fulton, a versatile racer, showcased his prowess, mastering the balance between rocks and slippery clay. Fulton's victory in 3:18:31 highlighted the importance of adaptability, as he switched between his usual 85cc Supermini A competition bike and a 300cc for the US Hard Enduro.
Cory King and Graham Kobak followed, with Kobak's praise for the track's balance of creeks, hills, and flowing trails despite his mechanical challenges. The amateur race was a display of survival, where riders had to make tough choices, like holding the throttle open on greasy hills.
The Pro Prologue: A Dash for Cash
The Pro Prologue on Saturday set the stage for the main event. Red Bull FMF KTM's Trystan Hart dominated, showcasing his strategic thinking. Hart's comparison of the course to Romaniacs and Erzberg's Motorex Highway hinted at the challenges ahead.
The Main Event: Cooperation and Strategy
Sunday's Pro race was a 13.5-mile, two-lap affair, with Hart and Cody Webb leading the charge. Hart's realization that being in first wasn't always advantageous due to evolving lines was a key insight. The race became a game of cooperation, with riders pulling, pushing, and steadying each other.
Hart's strategy of following Webb's line proved effective, as he finished in 3:40:47, a full 5:33 ahead of Webb. Branden Petrie and Kawelo Huddy completed the top five, with Hart's victory securing the AMA National Hard Enduro Championship.
A Shift in Dynamics: From Individual to Collective
The race's dynamics shifted significantly from the previous year's dry conditions. Ryder Leblond, who praised the dry course in 2025, struggled with blown-out lines and fatigue on the wet track. The race demanded more cooperation and patience, with riders pulling each other through difficult sections.
The Human Side of Hard Enduro: Helping Each Other
The race showcased the human side of hard enduro, with riders stopping to help each other. Ryder Guest and Matthew Stevens, a 19-year-old South African, exemplified this spirit, using a tow rope to navigate challenging terrain. Stevens' first race in the US was a learning experience, highlighting the importance of community in extreme sports.
Conclusion: Survival and Strategy
The Hollowpoint Hard Enduro 2026 was a testament to the power of survival and strategy. Hart's victory was not just about individual skill but also about adapting to the challenges and working together. As the AMA National Hard Enduro Championship concludes with the Tennessee Knockout, the sport continues to evolve, blending individual prowess with the collective spirit of endurance.
