Welcome to the second post in my ‘Behind the Shot’ series, where I look back at motocross and enduro photographs that I’ve taken and tell a little bit of the story behind the image. For this one I’m going back to Round 3 of the AMA’s 2023 IRC Tires Endurocross Series in Idaho Falls, ID, back in late October.

The AMA Endurocross series is a world-class set of six races taking place in the US from early October to late November. Athletes from around the world take part, and for many it’s a lead-in to the European-based FIM SuperEnduro series that starts one week after Endurocross ends. As a photographer and journalist I have a real passion for the enduro side of the off-road moto world. Endurocross is one of my favourite things to shoot as it combines the best of motocross/arenacross with the natural features and obstacles riders experience in the backcountry.

This shot captures Canadian Enduro/Hard Enduro star Trystan Hart as he doubles over a tire obstacle on his way to winning the final moto of the night, and the overall for the round. This was a turning point of the series as it saw Trystan rebound from a very disappointing first two rounds where he had finished 5th in both. Jonny Walker (Beta Racing) (jumping finish in background) had won every moto in those first two rounds, and had looked simply unbeatable in the process. Trystan had gone down to California between Rounds 2 and 3 to work on his riding and bike, and had come into Idaho Falls with a new suspension setup that he was feeling good about, as well as a very strong ‘do-or-die’ mindset.

At this point of the night, Hart had absolutely turned the tables on Walker. He had gone 1-2 in the first two motos and was back to believing that he had a chance to fight for the series championship.