10/29/2014
Race Report: Arizona Motorcycle Riders Association Round 1 - Laughlin, Nevada, 25 October 2014.
Result: 5th out 16 in class.
Well after a tough summer of training it was finally time to kick off the racing season. Wasn't sure if I was going to make it to the race as I had a shoulder injury 2 weeks prior to the race that sidelined me. Knowing that I would miss Round 2 I had to find a way to race and get some points so I could stay in contention for the series. I made the decision Thursday to give it a shot (so to speak) :). This was fast and grueling desert race with 25 mile loops and the temperature at start time was about 100 degrees. The start took us straight into a fast wash with big whoops and there was lots of crashing and drama that I was able to avoid. I actually led the class for the first 1/3 of the first loop and was riding pretty well. I had to be really conservative and protect the shoulder so I could not hold off the leaders. This course was very Javelina friendly and I was leveraging my desert experience and making lots of passes. I started having blister problems and my left hand was actually bleeding through the glove. I chose not to pit after the first lap and went straight out for another 25 miles. Halfway through the second lap I had a minor crash but enough to aggravate the shoulder , I battled through it and maintained my top 5 position. I was happy to see the leading pro pass me at the end of the second loop, which brought out the checkered flag and allowed me to avoid the third loop. In the end I earned 5th place points which will keep in contention. Now I need to heal up and get ready for round 3. Special thanks to all of our sponsors MotoCity Ktm Arctic Cat, Motorex USA, Kenda Tires USA