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
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