AMA Sports Dirt Track Grand National Champion
7-6-07 DuQuoin, IL - AMA Sports Black Cat Gold Dirt Track Grand National Championships - We started the week off with a 1/2-mile race on Monday. My first class was the 85cc MOD 7-11, I finished 4th in the main, not a bad start considering there were 22 riders in the class and only 12 went to the main. Next up was the 65cc MOD 7-11, I got a decent start and was running third on the first lap. I quickly moved to second and then I had to work for it but was able to take the lead heading to the white flag, holding it to the checkered. With another fourth place in the 85cc DTX 9-13 we were off to a good start. On Tuesday we ran the indoor Short Track, again first up was the 85cc MOD 7-11. I made the main and finished 10th. Next in the 65cc MOD 7-11 I started on the outside and ended up finishing fourth in the main. In the 85cc DTX 9-13 I was running mid pack in the main when I got hit from behind causing me to high-side and then got hit again when I was down. The race was red flagged and I was headed to the hospital with a big cut the front of my thigh. It took 15 stitches to sew it up. Luckily we had Wednesday off so I had a day to recoup. Thursday morning we headed to the TT track and decided to drop the 85cc DTX class and ride conservatively in the 65cc MOD and 85cc MOD to gain some points for the overall title. After a major rain delay things went well in practice, my leg was not a problem at all, but I was still concerned about getting hit and/or going down again. The 85 was a hand full in the tight sections and I didn't make the main in the 85cc MOD. In the 65cc MOD it was a different story I got a direct transfer to the main and was on the front row for the start. I knew my best chance was to get a good start and ride smooth. When the light turned green I pulled the hole-shot only to have the red flag come out after another rider went down in the first turn. On the restart I did it again, got the hole-shot, but was passed by Thomas Goodnick in turn three. I settled in, focused on being smooth and held my lines. It worked I held on to second place and gained a 5 point lead heading to the final day. Friday was our final day and we were back on the 1/2 mile track, my favorite. I was feeling good and my stitches were not an issue so we signed up in both 85 classes again, but I was really after the 65cc MOD overall title. Practice was good and we skipped the second 85 practices to conserve energy in the 90-degree heat. I won both my 85cc class heats, but struggled a bit in the 65cc class with Wyatt Anderson finishing second to him by only inches. In the 85cc MOD 7-11 main I was on the outside of the front row for the start and got bumped going into turn one falling back to 7th place. I was able to work my way back up to 5th by the finish. In 85cc DTX I got the hole-shot and lead them down the back straight on the first lap. Ryan Wells passed me in turn three and then Tyler Butts moved up to mix it up with us. We raced hard and passed each other several times but when it counted Butts was the first one to checkered with me in second and Ryan third. I was excited to make the podium for the first time at the Grand Nationals on the 85cc bike. In the 65cc MOD 7-11 class I had the overall title if I finished in at least second place. I was going for the win though and when the light turned green I took the lead never looking back until I crossed the finish line 8 laps later. This gave me the 65cc MOD 7-11 AMA Sports Black Cat Gold Dirt Track Grand National Championship.
I want to say thanks to all of my sponsors and the AMA staff for an awesome week of racing.
JET Racing, FMF Racing, Cycra, Hidy Honda, Wimer’s Cycle, MSP Suzuki, Hot Cams, Hot Rods, Oury Grips, Rebel Gears, L&J Pro Graphics, Lowery Industries, Grandpa, Cindy Lou & Ely, The Rees Family, Pegram Racing, Vortex, Lucas Oils
Black Cat Gold Fireworks, Bromley Suzuki, Bruce Group Racing, DuQuoin State Fair, Lancaster Harley Davidson, SuperTrapp, The Service Pavilion, Wiseco
POW-MIA not forgotten.
Jeffery Lowery # 23
GO JET RACING!!!