2009 ABA Silverdollar Nationals.
Well the 2009 ABA Silverdollars Nationals have come and gone. I went to get my first NAG (NAG 8) plate and throw down some good laps. I wasn't too worried on the racing part. The weather was wet for a few weeks here in Phoenix so track time was at a minimal.
Friday I got to meet my new team mate Randy Stumpfhauser. I have always admired him, being that he is about the same age as I am and how he conducts himself on and off the track. I got to talk to him for a few minutes and he really is a cool guy. We talked about his new ride and how much he loves the GHP. He said it cut a pound of weight just in the frame alone. He was looking really fast on it too.
John Purse made the trip. I think it was Friday during practice, Greg and a few of us were watching pro practice when we noticed John only went around two times. We kept seeing our other pros, but John was missing. We joked and said he was probably in the pits working on his bike, sure enough he was there. He wasn't working on the bike but he was putting stickers on his number plate. John is kind of a business man. He always represents his sponsors every time he goes out. Greg asked John what he was doing and he said that "There are people taking pictures. I need to have all my sponsors on my plate."
Saturday I stood on the platform with NAG #1 James Starks as we received our plates and him, his number one helmet. James put in one hell of a season. He came back from two broken wrists to dominate the class. After this race he ages out to what could be the toughest cruiser class, in the older ages, there is. I wish him the best. Doug Butcher from Industrial Ride Shop took a few pick and it was off to practice.
Practice went well and I was feeling really good about my starts. For some reason I wasn't worried about them. Usually I get so nervous I can't beat a 5 year old out of the gate. First round didn't go too well but second round was an easy advance to the semi main.
In the semi I had gate 7 again. Gate dropped and the first straight wasn't too good. I tried to dive in the first turn to no avail. I set up the third straight leading into the last turn for a last ditch effort on the fourth place guy. They were taking four riders to the main and I needed that spot. Down the third straight I pasted one guy and went into the last turn on the inside. I bumped the fourth place guy and went to start pedaling when the other guy I passed high lowed both of us and I made contact with him coming unclipped. No main event for me that day.
Later I was hanging around the pits in my “I didn't make the mains." street clothes when Greg Hill asked me to "step into his office." He also pulled over BMX legend Tommy Brackens. Greg talked to me about reassessing my goals for the weekend. He knew I came to get my NAG plate but now it was time to race. Tommy agreed and we all had a good laugh. I always look for advice from Greg, Matt Zitto (GHP T.M.) or just about anyone on our team. To get advice and encouragement from such legends as Greg and Tommy is nothing short of special to me.
Sunday morning I went and looked at the moto sheets. We dropped six riders which canceled out semi mains. This left us with a straight to main scenario. First round I was in gate 7. Without an awesome first straight coming out gate 7 or 8 you’re hung out to dry. My start was good and I went into the first turn about 3rd, I think. Fellhauser from Raceplace.com got a little out of shape, per say, and went to the top of the turn taking me with him. My front tire went over the turn and I went running down the berm. Second round I was starting to really feel the head cold I had from Thursday and was really tired. I needed second to advance and second I got. It was ugly, but I'll take it.
The main events came around and what do you know lane 7. To my left was Melvin Shadrick. Melvin has serious first straight pull. To my right, not sure his name was a rider I felt I could beat out of the gate with out a problem. James Starks was in lane 5. Gate dropped and to the first turn we went. Melvin came out good. Starks tangled with Fellhauser causing James to hit the ground. Out of the first turn Melvin lead, Fellhauseer in second and me in third. I don't know how far back I was but I like to think I was kind of close. Into the last turn Melvin couldn’t hold his line and washed out at the top letting Felhauser and myself by for the first and second.
With Starks out of the class it opens it up to anyone who wants it. As soon as this cold is gone I’ll be back in the gym training hard. I want that NAG #1 plate and I’m going to get it.