National Hare and Hound April 29th
This weekend was another AMA National Hare and hound. This race was held in Lucerne Valley, CA. Unlike the last National in Utah this one was going to be really hot, fast and rocky. Usually we go out Saturday and practice the bomb and hang out. One of my good friends brother was getting married this weekend so instead of going to the desert early I went to his bachelor party. We held it at Pole Position raceway in Corona, CA. It is an indoor go-kart facility that is owned by the motocross industry. We had a great time and my buddy Matt Henderson and I took first and second in our main with myself coming in 1st. Then it was out to Lucerne to stay with the Abbatoye’s and get some sleep. We woke up early and my Dad showed up about 6:30am with my bike and I went and practiced the bomb. I felt I had a good line so I rode back to the truck to get my last minute preparations ready. We checked the bike over, prepped some goggles, got the dump can ready, and filled the bike up with gas. I went to the starting line about 9:15am to get ready for the 9:30am start. At 9:30am the banner went up and I was ready. My Kawasaki 450 fired up first kick and I was gone. I saw Destry Abbott off to my right so I knew I had a good start going for me. My line Crossed with another and I got dusted out pretty good but started moving right to get out of the dust. Finally once I got going I think I was about 17th or so. I made a lot of passes right away in this really rough sandy valley. I made a few more in the rocks and a couple on a dry lakebed. Before I knew it the first loop was over. I came into the pits and got a fresh pair of goggles, a drink of water and a tank of gas. My Dad said I was 10th overall. I really wanted a solid top 10 finish so I pushed on. I caught Kendall Norman who was having some troubles right away. That’s when I realized the front end was all over the place and I had a front flat tire. I figured I could still push and be under control so I still charged on. Then I caught Brett Saunders and made the pass on him. As soon as I passed Brett, I realized the back end was handling really bad. I looked down and now I had a rear flat tire also!!!! Man I was bummed!!! Right then Kellon Walch passed me. I figured if I could stay with him I would be ok. I pushed hard but was fighting the bike really bad because of the two flat tires. Kellon pulled me but I kept pushing. Finally after forever we hit the final valley. I saw some guys closing in behind me but I wasn’t going to lose my top 10 finish in the last 5 miles. I pushed as hard as possible hanging on for dear life with the flats it was really scary. I finally made it to the finish. I finished 9th overall first Open Expert. It was a good day and if it wasn’t for the flats I believe I could have been close to a top 5. I just need to thank all my sponsors and My Dad for prepping my bike. My next race will be a District 37 AMA Big 6 Grand prix at LACR.