Washington State MX Series Rd. 9-11 Recap

Hey guys,

First and foremost I’d like to apologize for my delay in updates here on the blog. I wish I had a decent excuse, but I just didn’t get around to it. So rather than going back now and updating those days I missed, I’ll just give you a quick rundown here.

5 years ago I was fortunate enough to make the trip out to Port Angeles to watch my cousin Zack race. The track was long and muddy and it looked like an absolute blast. Other than the big jumps that I had no thoughts of being able to jump on my ’76 RM. But 5 years can change things quite a bit. Surprisingly there were very few modifications to the track. The with the exception of a couple small doubles down in the bottom section and a double in the infield, the track was essentially the same. I was for sure excited to get out and ride! The first day I decided to do two classes, 250 beginner and Open beginner. The first 250 moto began with a mid-pack start to bike stall in corner two. Another rider cut from the outside into my line and I locked up the brakes to avoid plowing him. Bike stalled and by the time it re-fired I was dead last. So I set out to make up some ground. I would come back to finish 9th of 14 or 15. Moto two for the 250 class I got a little better start and tried to stay out of trouble. I was able to avoid other riders on my way to a 7^th place finish, good for 8^th overall on the day. There were only 5 riders in the open class and not too much excitement. I would end up 3^rd in moto 1 and 5^th in moto 2. By the end of the day I was exhausted and couldn’t get myself to battle in the final moto. It was a good experience though.

Day two at PA saw the rains come in and give the track plenty of moisture. Luckily the track has very little, if any, clay in it so it holds water fairly well. The mud added a bit of an equalizer to the race, and it was really anybody’s game. I decided to race only one class in order to conserve myself (and the bike) in the mud. I got a pretty good start in the first moto and kept the wheels under me. I was so stoked when I came around to the finish and was in 3^rd place. In moto two I just wanted to keep it up and I knew I’d have a shot at a decent finish. I settled in around 4^th place and stayed there for the rest of the moto. By the end of the day I was 4^th overall with 3-4 moto finishes. Hey, it was good enough for a trophy today J.

The next weekend we had a one day event down at Washougal. The cool thing about this one was that there was a practice day on Saturday to prepare for Sunday’s race…and it’s Washougal! I’ve ridden ‘Shougal twice before, once in the best possible conditions, once in the worst. June’s mud race was a much different animal that the sunny-70 degree dream-ride we had in May. This time would prove to be much of the same as that day in May. It was a bit more chilly and overcast, but the track was perfect. Washougal tends to get rough and today was no exception. Breaking and acceleration bumps littered the corners and holding on for four laps was a challenge.

Again I would compete in two classes. Open D was first and there were only four of us out there. I got matched up in a battle against a youngster on a CRF150R. I’m gonna say he’s been racing a bit longer than me because he was putting up a darn good fight. I was able to pull him on the straights and take some insides that gave me the advantage. When it was all said and done, I ended 3^rd in the moto. Just three motos later I was back on the track for the 250 class. Already tired (or warmed up as I told the competition) I knew it would be a fight to push for another four laps. I got a horrible start this time, about 14^th of 18. I put myself in a situation to have to push right from the get go. I was able to carry some momentum and make a couple passes on the first lap. On the last lap I had made it back up to 7^th and was only one spot behind my rival, 716. I wanted to push myself to catch up and pass him on that last lap but had to deal with another rider trying to make a move and was not able to keep charging forward. I would end 7^th, not bad considering my start.

The second moto’s would go much the same as the first. I was fortunate to get out and run with the leader in Open D and would settle in for a second place finish. 250 D pitted me with another bad start and battle to make up time. On lap one I saw 716 on the side of the track trying to re-fire his bike after a tip-over. Knowing that staying in front of him would give me a better overall finish, I set out to make up as many positions as I could. I eventually made it back up to 7^th again, good for a 7^th place overall finish. The weekend was very fun and I was able to gain some points in the 250 class to give some breathing room going into the final round at PA.

Wa.St.MX Round 6

Washington State Mx Series Round 6

Hannegan Speedway - Bellingham, WA

Saturday September 11, 2010

Well, here goes another update of the 2010 Washington State MX Series. It was back up to Hannegan for round 6 and 7. With reports of rain all weekend, the chances of a dry race surface were pretty much slim to none. And well, better off preparing for the worst!

Boy was I excited when I woke up to blue skies and warm air. Well, as warm as it gets in Bellingham at 7am. But there was not a cloud in the sky and it was time for some racing.

The track was not much different from the last time I raced up there, with the exception of a couple corners. There were no new jumps and none removed. Practice went well. I felt good, fairly fast, and was eager to get the day started.

Unfortunately, since I planned to race two days and didn't want to wear myself out, I only signed up for one class. And I ended up in moto 12, so there would be a good amount of anticipation before I would have the chance to hit the track.

The first moto started out fairly well. I was a little late getting to the starting line because of a last minute potty break, so I was lined up a few gates outside of the middle. I was able to come through the first turn in about fourth and make a pass in the whoops two sections later to put myself in third. I would stay in third for a lap and a half and then get passed in the long back straight after casing a small double.

I tried to stay with the third place rider, but I soon found out that taking a week off did not help my stamina at all. I got tired around lap 3 of 4, and did my best to hold off the rest of the pack. I was able to stay in fourth, with three riders right behind me the entire last lap.

With a fourth place finish, I was happy but wanted to get back out there and go again.

Another two and a half hour wait and I was lined up for moto 2. This time I was on-time for the gate, but still ended up a few gates from the middle. This start was not quite as good and I settled in around 6th for the first few sections. There was a small pile-up after a tabletop that I was able to avoid and pass a couple riders. After getting around another downed rider, I was sitting in third trying to make a move on second.

We came around and got the white flag, and I knew it was time to go. I was taking every line I could to try to get by the 147 Honda in front of me. I pulled up to him in the whoops only to get pinched off in the upcoming corner. After the big tabletop in the middle I slid into the corner and exited right next to him. We went side by side over the next jump and I took a little roller on the inside of the next corner. He just wasn't going to give it up! Two corners before the finish I slammed the brakes and took the inside. We bumped elbows off the next little tabletop and I took the good rut in the final corner. I pinned the throttle down the finish straight and as I was crossing the line, I saw they were waving the white flag.

WHAT?!?!? So, Hannegan speedway has a long finish straight, then about 100 feet before a hard right corner. I was fourth pinned when I realized what was going on. Stopping on hard-pack is nearly as hard as the surface. I overshot the turn by about 50 feet and turned around as I was being passed by another rider. Both myself and 147 had exited the track already! A little angry I took off back down the start straight to complete another lap.

I would end up finishing third in moto 2, which was my goal. It turns out they gave the white flag a lap too early, and so they gave it again on the next lap. It sucks that they messed up, but that's racing sometimes. I ended up 4th overall, but it was a good day.

Round 7 of the series would get cancelled due to pouring rains on Sunday. I'm looking forward to being back out at Ward Creek next weekend barring rain. Hopefully we can get some good racing and more good results.

I'd like to thank Dad and Macauley for making the trek up to B-ham and supporting me. Thanks to Mom and the rest of the family at the birthday party I missed, Two Wheelers Racing, MTW Design, O'neal, Factory Backing, Steel MX, Torc1Racing, ODI, and all of you out there for the support!

Wa.St.MX Round 5

Washington State Mx Series Round 5

Ward Creek MX - Rymond, WA

Sunday August 29, 2010

Welcome to Ward Creek MX. For those of you who have never been to Ward Creek, there's a big hill right when you enter the park. I mean, this think is about 50 feet tall and near vertical! Yea, we get to jump down it!

I attended a race to watch my cousin ride at Ward Creek about 5 years ago. From what I remember there is a big hill in the middle that you get to ride up and down to your hearts content. Okay, you actually only go up and back down four times each lap, but that's still a lot of hills!

This week I decided to do two classes rather than just one. With it just being a single day I figured I might as well go all out and get in as much riding as I can.

There aren't a lot of jumps at Ward Creek, except a big over the hill triple that nobody in the beginner class does. Mostly just small table tops that aren't very difficult at all.

Practice was good and I was jumping all the small jumps. I didn't really hang it out much but spent my laps getting used to the flow.

250 D - Moto 1

I got an unusually good start in the first 250 D moto. I was second to the number 24 Honda who has won his share of motos already this year. I wanted to try to cling to him and see how my speed matched up. Following him was good for me because I forced myself to push through the turns and hit the hills a little faster. By the third lap of five I stopped hearing the revving of engines behind me as we entered and exited corners. Wanting to push forward rather than look backward, I kept my eye on the leader.

I was never more than 100 feet behind him and was keeping a steady pace. Unfortunately, on the last lap the third and fourth place riders would put on a hard charge. I was trying not to think about the two coming up from behind, but steadily heard their engines louder and louder. I would get passed by one of the riders and come across the finish line in third place.

Overall, it was a solid ride and really good for my confidence. I realized I can ride with the leaders, and just need to keep putting in laps and getting stronger.

Open D - Moto 1

The open beginner class was run at the same time as the open junior class and I would soon realize how much faster the junior riders are. Out of the gate alone, myself and the 24 Honda would start in the back of the pack even with decent starts.

After getting plastered with dirt and rocks, I latched onto my fellow beginner rider and pushed myself to keep up with him again. We battled a little bit until I passed him on the third lap. This was a big feat for me, since it was the first time this series that I put in a significant amount of time in front of one of the front-runners in my class.

The little boost of confidence would not go far enough though as I would be overtaken on the final lap about half way through. Our last lap battle was awesome as we held the throttle wide open up the hills, close enough to reach out and touch each other. He would end up taking the insides and I was left with little room to maneuver. One final charge up the final hill and I came within feet of overtaking my rival.

Even though I ended up with the short straw this time, I knew I could do battle with these guys. I would eventually find out that we were jockeying for third and fourth, and I came out with the latter.

250 D - Moto 2

We lined up for the next moto less than 30 minutes after the previous. Those of us that had ridden the open class were all drinking water and cooling off while waiting for our turn to ride again. I once again lined up a few gates inside the dog house (right in the middle of the start gate, where the guy that drops the gate gets to hide). When the gate dropped I dumped the clutch and pinned the throttle.

Can you say...HOLESHOT!!!!!

I came into the first turn and to my surprise, I was all alone! I was so excited I lost concentration and almost fell in some loose dirt in the second turn, but was able to keep it on two wheels and tried my best to check out. I was giving it everything I got. And I was actually leading! The first time ever that I have had a lead for a good amount of time.

As I came up the hill I saw hands reach over the fence and clap, telling me to hammer down and go for the win! It was such a great feeling. I would power up the hill to cheering fans and they would motivate me to give the throttle that little extra twist.

I saw people waving their arms and my dad twirling his hat as I rounded the corner before the big downhill. I was so excited and giving it everything I had.

I held onto a slim lead until half way through the third lap when I was passed by an unfamiliar bike. While I expected my rival 24, it was rather the 212 Honda that made his way past. I did my best to stay right with him in hopes to put on a last lap charge and regain the position.

I would have no such luck and finish the race second. Even though I didn't win, I was ecstatic! Everyone was congratulating me and I was so happy. It is cool to just think about the fact that I was actually leading a race!

As my luck would have it, this would finally be the day. With 212 pulling out 4-1 moto scores and me a 3-2, I was able to pull out second place overall! My first trophy!

Open D - Moto 2

With 11 motos between my second place finish and the start of the final open class moto, I had some time to rest up. I came to the line hoping to have another solid ride and see where I could end up on the day.

A lack-luster start put me once again in the back of the field of beginner and junior riders. I began putting in laps in third position in the beginner class, next to last overall. This moto would prove to be the least exciting of the day with me pulling out a narrow third place in the beginner class.

The day as a whole was great! I got my very first holeshot and lead for three and a half laps! I came away with a second place trophy and some well earned series points. I was beat by the end of the day and will be feeling it for a few more. With a weekend off I will have plenty of time to recuperate and get ready for rounds 6 and 7.

Thanks to Dad, Mom, Macauley, Markie, Nana, Papa, Cory and Candice for the support down at the track. It's so much fun to come off the track to some excited fans, and you guys were great. Thanks to my sponsors Two Wheelers racing, MTW Design, O'neal, Factory Backing, Steel MX, Torc1Racing, ODI, and everyone reading this for the support in making this a fun and successful weekend.

Wa.St.MX Round 4

Washington State Mx Series Round 3

Burnt Ridge MX Park - Onalaska, WA

Sunday August 22, 2010

Round 4 would take place on the second day down at Burnt Ridge MX park.

After a day of racing the track workers decided to make a few changes to the track. The took out a set of s-turns and added a double-triple rhythm section in place of a large table top.

I came out during practice and really enjoyed the new layout. The removal of the s-turns made the back down hill way faster and a bit more fun. I opted not to try the rhythm section in practice again due to a little psyching of my own self. After watching some 60's and a fast kid on a 50 do it, I decided I had to.

I got another 4th place start in moto number one. I lost traction going up to the step-up and came up way, way short. I got passed by two others and was in a little trouble. Yea, there were only 6 riders in the class. Last place, time to go! I hung right with the 4th and 5th place riders but was unable to make a pass.

On lap 3 we came across the finish line to a coupe yellow flags. Two of the front-runners had gone down hard and weren't up yet. We cautiously made our way through and got back to racing. I was riding the same pace as the two riders in front of me but was just not able to close the gap. On the last lap the third place rider, that 716 Suzuki, fell in a tight right hander. I was able to make it around and put in one final charge on the next in line.

For the first three laps I had been double-double-single through the rhythm section. As I rounded the sweeper toward the section I saw Cory waving me on and the flaggers holding up three fingers. I don't know who told them to cheer for me, but it was time to go. I didn't let off before the triple this time and cleared it with relative ease. So much for that big triple I'd been telling myself about.

I would place 3rd in the first moto, not too far behind second.

After checking the results I knew I needed another third to put myself in trophy contention. (It's not really THAT impressive, but it would have been cool to grab my first trophy. I got a plaque down at Washougal in June, but that's just not as cool as something standing on the shelves at home.)

With the class down to four riders (One of the downed riders from moto 1 was forced to leave due to injury and his brother did not show up for moto 2), it was time get down to business. All I had to do was beat that 716 Suzuki and I'd have a shot at a new house ornament.

In moto 2, I almost, almost, almost had my very first holeshot! But then again, almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, right?

I was second through the first turn and ended up in the lead for about 100 yards. After that it was pretty much all downhill. I got passed again and settled into third for a lap. On the second lap I got passed and was back in last place again. Fourth doesn't sound so bad, but knowing there are only four guys on the track, it doesn't sound so good.

I tailed my rival for the next lap and a half and he seemed to be pulling away. As I came through the white flag, I decided it was time for a two minute sprint. Each section I would pull a little closer to him. I remember thinking, I'll get my shot at a pass. But then I told myself to not wait for it and I needed to go now! Down the back straight he pulled me a little but I would catch him in the slippery sweeper at the bottom of the hill. It all came down to the final section so I tripled and got on the brakes early. Brakes early, gas earlier. Down the final straight I pulled up right next to him but was forced to check up when I almost launched off the track. I would finish about a bike length behind, making up about 100 yards on him on the last lap.

It was a good day and I was able to walk away with a 4th overall with 3-4 moto scores.

Later in the day another rider in my class was injured and I would like to give the injured riders a shout out and get well soon. Hope to see them back at the track as soon as they can.

Thanks to Dad, Mom, Macauley, Markie, Emillia, Cory and Candice for cheering for me. It's so much easier to push yourself when you have people behind you, and you are much appreciated. Also thanks to my sponsors Two Wheelers racing, MTW Design, O'neal, Factory Backing, Steel MX, Torc1Racing, ODI, and everyone reading this for the support and be sure to keep checking for racing updates!

Wa.St.MX Round 3

Washington State Mx Series Round 3

Burnt Ridge MX Park - Onalaska, WA

Saturday August 21, 2010

Well, it's been a while since my last post. Sorry about the delay but I just didn't find the time to sit down and write down the report of two weekends past.

Dad and I departed for Onalaska, WA in the mid afternoon on Friday. I've never been to Burnt Ridge so I was a bit anxious and extremely excited to see what was in store. The two hour drive through Eatonville and Morton couldn't have taken any longer! Taking the back roads, while advantageous, make car rides rather boring.

We arrived at the track and picked out our campsite. I was ready to go take a look at the track so we decided to put our sleeping quarters on the back burner and go have a look.

We started out at a small step-up preceding the finish line. We would find ourselves walking amongst big jumps and huge berms. In particular, we found a step-up that was bigger than I've ever jumped. In truth, looking at it the night before allowed me to psych myself out before ever throwing a leg over my bike.

Morning practice went fairly well. It was a little cool but great for a nice motorcycle ride. I ended up rolling that step-up every time I came upon it. I was not completely jumping many of the other jumps, but I was giving them a good go. After practice I had a good chat with my fellow riding buddies who convinced my that the "huge step-up" was completely do-able.

I started the first moto in 4th place. I followed the leaders through the first couple turns and came upon that big ol' step-up. With all the adrenaline of the moto flowing through me, I grabbed another gear and hammered the throttle. Well, let's just say...it wasn't THAT big. I tagged the landing a bit but it was nothing to worry about. Whew! I would go on to hit that step-up three times in a row before catching a lapper coming up to it and checking up on the face. I finished the moto in 4th place, right where I started.

I was happy with my result and beat the man who became my ultimate rival this weekend.

Moto two started out much the same as moto one. I would start in 4th, and the leaders would pull away. I feel like I had speed, but was just unable to maintain the pace. This time I was kept in check by the 716 Suzuki and was able to just barely hold him off at the end of the race.

All in all, the 4-4 day was good and gave me a 4th overall, an improvement from last week!

I'd like to thank Dad, Mom, Markie, Emillia, Macauley, Cory, and Candice for coming out and cheering for me when I spin laps on the track. Also thanks to Two Wheelers racing, MTW Design, O'neal, Factory Backing, Steel MX, Torc1Racing, ODI, and everyone reading this for the support in my racing efforts!

Wa.St.MX Round 2

Washington State Mx Series Round 2

Hannegan Speedway - Bellingham, WA

Sunday August 15, 2010

With a mere three months of competitive riding under my belt I have decided to take on the Washington State Motocross Series. This series is 12 rounds that take place at various tracks in western Washington in August, September, and October. I missed the first round because I was having a blast on vacation, but was able to catch the Sunday round up at Hannegan.

I believe beginning the series at Hannegan really work to my advantage. I have raced up there three times this year, and with minor track changes, I've pretty much got the flow. The only major changes to the track from the last time I had been there was a small set of doubles in the long back straight. Well that and the heat of course.

It was in the 90's throughout the day and let me tell you, that's hot! Especially once you get strapped up in 15 pounds of gear that cover you from head to toe. Needless to say, I took most of it off between motos.

With 11 riders signed up to race, I was looking to finish somewhere in the middle. Of course, I would like to get out in front and win, but right now I'm trying to set realistic goals.

The first moto started out great. I was fourth coming through the first turn despite a lackluster jump off the gate. Hugging the inside produced a good starting position for me. I felt good and rode hard at the beginning. Unfortunately after two laps my arms were toast, and I began to slow significantly. I ended up dropping two positions, placing 6th by just a few seconds.

Though my finishing position was not as good as where I started, I proved to myself that I have the speed to run up front once I get the stamina. I only lost a few seconds from the leaders in the first two laps. But staying at that pace will be a key for me.

Moto two started much the same as moto 1. Lackluster jump and fourth in the first turn. But then the top three guys cut to the inside leading into a sweet loopout by yours truly! I'm not 100% sure what happened, but I remember the front wheel tucking into some soft stuff and grabbing a handful of throttle. When in doubt, throttle out...right? Not in this case. An off-balance wheelie sent me to the ground. I was lucky not to get run over, which I am very thankful for.

After getting back up and re-firing the bike, I was on a mission to make up lost time. I was actually able to ride a little better pace than the first moto, and since I was focusing on my breathing (thanks to a pep-talk by Cory) I was able to keep that pace for three full laps! I ended up passing 4 riders, then getting passed back by one on the last lap.

I finished the day 6-7 for 6th overall.

Next weekend, August 21 and 22 I'll be down at Burnt Ridge MX Park in Onalaska, WA for rounds 3 and 4. Be sure to check back for updates!

Thanks to Mom, Dad, Markie, Eric, Emillia, the Storrar's for transportation to Bellingham, Two Wheelers racing, MTW Design, O'neal, Factory Backing, Steel MX, Torc1Racing, ODI, and everyone reading this for the support in making this a fun and successful weekend.

--Michael

Sponsorship

Well, as you may have figured, Motocross is no cheap sport. Whether is be protective equipment or new parts for the bike, it all costs money. Luckily I have been able to get hooked up through a sponsorship website. While they don't hand out paychecks like the pros get, everything they do to help cut the cost of riding really helps.

In May 2009 I discovered a website called Sponsorhouse. It is basically a website for athletes that gives them direct access to companies looking to help them out in what ever sport they participate in. I signed up with little expectation based on my experience at the time but was pleasantly surprised when I received my first offer.

Steel Mx Optics was the first company to sponsor me. And then came Panolin (Performance oils/lubes) and Factory Backing (Graphics). After that things kinda died down and I didn't have any offers for a while.

O'neal was the first company I sent an application to. When they sent me my offer, I was quick to pick up my first set of gear. I then applied for O.D.I. who deals with both motocross and mountain biking grips.

Torc1Racing sent me an offer just recently and I have added their products to my bike.

MTW Design Services (HVAC and Plumbing Design) has been added just recently along with my title sponsor Two Wheelers Graphics Company.

I would like to say thanks to all of my sponsors for every little bit that they help out. If anybody would like to help out, feel free to contact me on here or by email: michaelswheeler@comcast.net

--Michael

Welcome!

Welcome everybody to my racing blogspot! I'll do my best to keep you all updated on the latest in my motocross racing efforts.

I started riding a motorcycle around the back yard many years ago. It all started on the 1970 QA50. I rode that until I was about 12, just because that's all I had. I probably outgrew it when I was 8 or 10, but I was stuck on that thing until I got my first big bike.

Then it was onto the 1976 RM125 that my parents bought me in 2004. Even though that was a much larger bike, I still managed to carve a track in out tiny back yard. I used to go out and ride for an hour or so around the back yard almost every day. I would dress up in full race attire and act like I was racing the pros.

I participated in my first ever motocross race in 2008 aboard my '76 RM. I found a vintage racing site online and Dad and I decided to check it out. I think my first race I went 8-8 for 8th overall in the 125 Amateur class. Yea, there were 9 people in the class! I ended up in front of one guy because he crashed both motos!

That weekend I also ventured out on Dad's 1982 Honda XR250. Unfortunately somehow the clutch had gotten adjusted so much that it was constantly holding the engine. Not making power=not going fast. I would figure out the problem weeks later and feel like a complete goon. That bike makes respectable power now that everything is adjusted.

After a couple vintage races, two to be exact, I raced my first modern motorcycle race. It was an endurocross race up at Hannegan Speedway. I had no idea how hard endurocross would be, but it was a great experience.

Now, early this year, I purchased my first new motorcycle! I now have a trusty 2009 KX250F that I pilot around the motocross track. Heck, I even jump it from time to time! And that brings us to the present. I have participated in about a half dozen races this year since I started in May. Be sure to check back often for updates!

--Michael