2025 AMA ISDE West Qualifier Results

| March 17, 2025

Just outside Wilseyville, California, at the historic Camp Lodestar, nearly 30 ISDE hopefuls lined up for the AMA West ISDE Qualifier, battling not just each other but the brutal conditions left behind by weeks of excessive rain. In total, more than 200 riders showed up for the weekend, taking on the annual sprint enduro that was held in conjunction with the qualifier this year. But for those vying for a spot on the U.S. ISDE team heading to Italy, the stakes were far higher than just a podium finish.

Layton Smail at 2025 ISDE West Qualifier — **Layton Smail came on strong at the end to win the Wilseyville ISDE Qualifier.**

Story & Photos by Jenny Keller

After two difficult and challenging days on the trail, Team Green’s Layton Smail edged out FMF/RPM/KTM’s Jaden Dahners by approximately 40 seconds to take the overall victory.

The sons of top off-road racers, Lance Smail and Jason Dahners, went back and forth all weekend in the race’s 15 special tests. They each topped five tests, but Smail was slightly more consistent than Dahners throughout the weekend. Smail picked up the pace when he needed to late Sunday afternoon to claim the overall victory.

Third overall, Lane Lorenzo, on the 707 Suspension/Mojo Motorsports/Level 1 GasGas, stuck his front wheel in the mix. He started off fast, winning three tests and finishing just a little more than a minute off the pace when all was said and done.

Jaden Dahners at 2025 ISDE West Qualifier — **Jaden Dahners matched Smail on test wins but wasn’t quite as consistent. Dahners was a close second overall.**

KTM rider Anson Maloney also got in on the mix, winning a test on Saturday and going on to finish fourth overall.

Beta’s Max Gerston was right there, as well, putting his Max Off-Road Beta into the top five at the end.

Ryder Thomaselli (Husqvarna), Zane Roberts (Beta), Nolan Cate (Honda), Anthony Ferrante (KTM) and Zachary Kerling (GasGas) rounded out the top 10 overall.

GasGas rider Ava Silvestri dominated the Women’s LOI class by winning all 15 tests.

Ava Silvestri at 2025 ISDE West Qualifier — **Ava Silvestri dominated the Women’s division, winning all 15 tests.**

Kawasaki-mounted Ashlee Gage was Silvestri’s closest rival. She finished 15 minutes back but just a few minutes ahead of third-place finisher Rachel Stout on the RPM KTM.

Charle Nute (KTM) and Addy Albrecht (KTM) completed the top five overall.

“It was tough, but that’s what makes this event so important,” Silvestri said. “It forces you to adapt—because ISDE won’t wait for perfect conditions.”

Lane Lorenzo at 2025 ISDE West Qualifier — **Lane Lorenzo started hot and finished out the weekend third overall.**

The International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) is the pinnacle of off-road racing—a grueling test of speed, endurance and mental toughness. Riders must not only navigate six consecutive days of intense competition but also maintain their own bikes without outside assistance. Italy’s terrain promises to be a punishing mix of technical rocky climbs, deep ruts and high-speed tests, demanding a level of preparation few races can provide. That’s why this year’s West Qualifier was so telling: the slick, muddy course in Wilseyville mirrored the kind of unpredictable conditions racers will face abroad.

Wilseyville has long been considered a proving ground for some of the toughest riders, and this year’s conditions only reinforced that reputation. Race officials and the NorCal Motorcycle Club faced their own set of challenges, scrambling to adjust the course after heavy rain and snow left large sections waterlogged and slower than they would have liked for the ISDE Qualifier. The chilly temperatures only added another layer of difficulty, creating unpredictable traction that demanded peak concentration from competitors. But adversity breeds champions, and for those with ISDE dreams, overcoming these obstacles was just another part of proving they belong on the world stage.

Despite being a relatively small club, the NorCal Motorcycle Club has built a reputation for hosting national events, thanks to its deep ties within the off-road racing community. Their dedicated network of volunteers and partner organizations played a crucial role in ensuring the race could go on despite the weather challenges. Among them, the Women Off-Road Riders stood out, providing key logistical support and course assistance to keep the event running smoothly. This collective commitment to the sport has made Wilseyville not just a qualifier, but a proving ground for riders aspiring to compete at the highest level.

“The course was diverse and challenging,” said Anson Maloney. “It wasn’t just about who was the fastest—it was about who could keep their head in it all weekend long.”

“ISDE isn’t just about speed,” said AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Michael Jolly. “It’s about mental stamina. That’s what we saw tested this weekend, and the riders who made it through cleanly are showing they’re ready for the challenge ahead.”

The challenges in Wilseyville serve as a fitting preview of what awaits in Bergamo, Italy. The Valli Bergamasche region has a storied history in enduro racing, first hosting the ISDE in 1968. Its terrain varies from high mountains and steep, rocky sections to long, fast cross tests, offering one of the most complete tests of enduro skill anywhere in the world. With over 600 riders from more than 30 nations expected to compete, the U.S. qualifiers will face a true international battlefield.