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!
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