It was just a great day for racing at Sandia. For me, all of my championship finishes were pretty much set, regardless of how I finished or if I even rode at all. It was one of the most fun SMRI race weekends I’ve done in awhile. Since this was my last event for the year, I’d rather recap the year, thank my sponsors and those that helped me then, tell about each race.
This turned out to be a banner year for me, especially if you look at how I finished out my last novice year with 2 championships, 3 if you count the one in UT. It was the kind of year I’d hoped for last year.
Finishing an entire season is hard to do and I actually managed to do more then I would have imagined possible at the beginning of the year.
- I raced in UT, AZ, CO and NM, with 4 different race clubs;
- Got to race and ride on 8 different track configurations, at 5 different tracks.
- Help instruct with new racer classes, coach numerous students on the track and off the track with the MSF.
- I was able to convince 3 track day riders into doing their first races.
- I converted 4 street riders into track day riders.
- I got to attend two schools with the YCRS guys at Miller.
- Attend the WSBK race at Miller.
- Meet a few AMA and WSBK racers
- Participate in a 4 hour endurance team rely race which included racing in 2 states, with two different clubs in one weekend.
- I took part in one of the most awesome birthday present deliveries I’m ever heard about. Picked up a bike in AZ, stored it, cleaned it up, transported it to UT, and helped hide it until the party. It was awesome fun.
- But, one of the best things about all of that was, I got to do it all on my own bike. After last year, that is huge. The bike was fantastic, even though there are still some mods I’d like to make and tweaks to the suspension that need to be figured out but I’m feeling comfortable on it and I love riding it.
Talk about going out with a bang. With wining two SMRI championships this year, I get to move from Novice to Expert. It’s going to be a huge change is some ways and in others I won’t really notice the difference. I’m going to have to get used to having people pass me again, maybe even lap me in a few races. I just hope they drag me into the corners and help me pick up some more speed.
I really need to thank my 2011 sponsors, for helping this happen:
PJ’s Motorcycles: That mostly goes to Aaron, again this year. He didn’t have to suffer through as many calls from me on Sunday this season, because he did such an amazing job of getting the bike sorted out over the winter.
Race Tech: Lenny, who is always available to answer my questions and give advice on how to make the bike handle better.
SIDI Boots ( MotoNation): I’ve been using these boots on the street, in the dirt and on the track since I started riding. I’ve experience a number of crashes, and I’m convinced the boots have saved my ankles and legs enough time to pay for themselves. I don’t believe there is a better boot out there.
XBAM: Bree who makes my sore muscles feel great, so that I can go out there and ride, even with all of my past injuries.
Speedin’ Motorsports: Brian, who did all kinds of work on my trailer this year, helped me out with parts and supplied me with oil.
Amsoil: Has proven it’s self in a hard test this year with both of my bikes. Since switching, I don’t have the issues with finding neutral that I used to have.
Chick Hawk Tire Warmers: Their warmers are the easiest to use and offer great flexibility.
Fastline Racing: Without all of Daryl’s help and support it would have been an impossible year. Not only did the supply my favorite Power One DOT race tires, he gave me a place to crash on the weekends. Help with things not related to tires, one of these days I won’t need so much help fixing all the little things that keep popping up. Not to mention his, fantastic wife cooked us all dinner.
Suomy Helmets: They have protected my head more times then I would like to admit. I’m really going to miss those flower designs.
Woodcraft cfm: Without these parts, I wouldn’t have made it to any races. Their customer service is above and beyond what I’ve experience with other companies, for that they will always get my support.
Amour Bodies: Body work that fits and holds up to multiple crashes… so much so I still haven’t needed to replace them.
Tachyon XC: Cameras that work every time, without drama. It provides me with video that was fantastic for figuring out where I could improve and helped the students I filmed improve.
I also need to thank a few people for helping me out this year:
Brian, Thank you for putting up my crazy ideas again this year and letting me talk you into doing a 4 hour endurance race on no sleep.
YCRS: The things they helped me with were just fantastic, they helped me to get over the confidence issues I struggled with the year before, and helped me to figure out how ride faster and consistently with less drama. (ya all know what I mean… those pucker moments) I know it surprises people when I talk about racing and tell them that I very rarely scare myself. Where most have a moment each lap or 3-4 moments during a race, I might have one per day.
Poker & Brandon: for the super exciting and completing insane weekend of racing in two different states in 48 hours, as well as all the good company at the track.
Rybo and Dave: For scrambling to put my bike back together in the 30 minutes between practice and the first race of the day.
Mike and Lindsay: For giving me a room every time I’ve come up to UT to race and visit. I know that extended house guest are trying, no matter how much you love them.
Mike, Tim, and Warren: for allowing to me to play a part in their endurance team.
To Mike (TMC) a third thank you!! For taking time to follow me around the track and yell in my ear during a race weekend.
Greg, thank you for all the bike insight, information, and advice.
