Five-time American EnduroCross Champion Taddy Blazusiak admits Las Vegas’ final round of the 2013 season was one of the most difficult main events he’s ever contested.

In one of the most dramatic EnduroCross races of all time, Blazusiak edged out KTM teammate Mike Brown for the title with a fifth place result.

Falling during the opening lap in the torturous lop pile section, Blazusiak’s bike became trapped underneath two other bikes, which allowed Brown, who’d earlier made a mistake, to draw level once again.

Despite several more mistakes Taddy managed to get ahead once again and in finishing the race fifth he claimed the 2013 Endurocross title – his fifth consecutive AMA championship.

“That was the most important fifth place result of my career,” Blazusiak said. “It was a horrible race, but I did what I needed to do and I got the championship.

“The final was the longest, hardest, slowest final I’ve ever ridden, but like I said I got the result I needed and it feels great to have turned around what was a tough season and win a fifth Endurocross title.”

Blazusiak admitted that nerves got to him in the main event, as he and Brown scrambled for the championship honours.

“I managed to keep calm right up until the gate dropped in the main event,” he added. “I felt good, had a good Hot Lap, but once the gate dropped I don’t even want to remember what happened during the opening laps of the race.

“Once I was out of the first few corners and in the lead I should have been gone, but I made a mistake entering the log pile and that almost ended my race. I was trying to walk my bike out when I slipped and fell again, then other riders fell on top of me.

“I honestly thought it was over, that the championship was gone. I saw Browny beside me so I knew I had it all to do again. I managed to get back in front, and that was all I was looking to do.

“I didn’t want to race with anyone, just stay ahead of Browny. But I was making mistakes, stalling my bike, and just making things such hard work. But finally it was Mike that made the big mistakes and got the championship.

“It’s been a long, hard season, but winning the title again makes it so worthwhile. My team and my mechanic have been great, working hard to get this championship won. Being a five-time Endurocross champion means so, so much.”