This is a race review, kind of. The race didn't last very long for me.

I've been training on MX tracks trying to get to 45 minutes per outing without backing off. I finally got there about a month ago. So I signed up for a local GP to see how I do in a crowd. I'm normally not a hole shot guy. I usually get a mid pack start and pick guys off one at a time for the next 45-60 minutes. Today was different.

The bike was prepped, new tires, chain, and some tweaks to the mapping. The track had every type of terrain. MX section, pavement, single track, double track, mud, loam, dry powder, and blue groove. The most exciting part was going from muddy MX track through a dry powder turn onto the asphalt drag strip. I tried to take note of everything in the 1 practice lap I got. Time to start.

I lined up on the outside but it's a straight run to the first turn. It's a left hand on your helmet live engine start. The starter throws the green and I'm gone, really GONE.

I don't remember pulling the clutch but I remember the sound of the trans as it went into gear. Buzzzzzz, CLACK. I never saw anyone else. I looked up as I shifted into 4th.... hey, my goggles are clean. Hey,.... I pulled a holeshot! I stayed on the gas through the MX section and pulled onto the drag strip.

I changed to a 14 on the countershaft just for the paved areas. The bike pulled the bigger gear very well. The rear end stepped out to the right as the tire broke loose. Up to 5th and now we're flyin'. Big slide at the end of the strip and back onto dirt. Up the hill to a hard right, oops, too much speed. No problem, I'll just go through the banners and come back to the course. Yea..... right. POP, OUCH, CRASH!!! S&*%T my knee hurts. I had to scramble up the hill to shut the bike off. It's upside down, I can't pick it up, and my knee is killing me. So I just sat down. I counted to 20 before second place showed up. Now I'm pissed and hurting. I pull a HUGE holeshot, a 20+ second lead in 2 miles, then take myself out. I never did see what I hit. Oh well, that's racing but I wear knee braces from now on. Hopefully I can try again at the Elsinore GP in 2 weeks.

Till next time,

Kevin