LL 2011

Well what a crazy year it has been. I cant believe that 2011 is behind us already and that 2012 is right around the corner. The past couple weeks was the final nationals of the year for us at Ponca city and
Loretta Lynn's. Ponca went well for me throughout the week and I was able to walk away with one championship and a pair of thirds going into week number 2 at Loretta's.

I was feeling confident and ready going into the second week of racing, and I wanted to go out and prove myself and my hard work that I had been putting in. First day of practice started out well for me as I posted some fast laps and showed my speed was there to win. My first class of the week was Collegeboy; I rolled up to the gate, picked my gate (which unfortunately was gate pick 35) and was looking forward to getting the racing started. I started way outside and got off to a horrible start (around 25th). I put my head down and started working my way towards the front. I had moved myself into second coming from way behind and was all over the leader for awhile. The end was near and I really wanted to get into the lead, but unfortunately got stuck behind a lapper and ended up second which I was still pumped on for the first moto.

My second class was 450 B mod, where I again got a horrible gate pick (this time I picked 41). I again got a bad start from the outside and had even more work to do this time to get to the front. I charged the entire moto and rode really well considering where I came from and ended up with another second place first moto finish and another silver medal.

Second motos were about to get underway and I was looking forward to some good gate picks this time and some more good finishes. Collegeboy started off with a decent jump off the line, but got pinched off and was mid pack thru the first turn. I was able to charge the first couple laps and move inside of the top ten and then I steadily kept working forward and up to second again. I was a little disappointed with that start and having to come from behind, but due to everyone else being inconsistent,  was sitting in the lead as far as points and was looking great for a championship.

450 B mod was up again, and I was tired of coming from behind with horrible starts. I finally got a good start (was 4th off the start) and I was at the front of the pack. I was quickly able to move into second and was chasing the leader. I put my head down and put in the fastest laps of the moto and was able to catch up to the leader. I was feeling good and was riding well. We were a little past half way and I came out of a turn with a little too much throttle. My front tire missed the lip, my back tire hit it and before I knew it I was going over the bars. The bike threw me to the ground and ran me over. Instantly I knew something wasn't right, and I was so bummed! My week was over after riding so well, and having a championship in Collegeboy so close as all I had to do was finish top five or better and I would've won.

Unfortunately injuries are part of the sport, and mine just happened at the wrong time. I ended up dislocating the scafoid bone in my wrist and had to get it put back in place with 5 pins to hold it in there. It will be about 3 months in a cast and then I can start rehab and get back to 100% as soon as possible. I cant thank everyone for your support in 2011. I look forward to coming back stronger than ever, and I look forward to an even better and even bigger 2012 season!

Ponca Results:
250 4-stroke non-pro - 1st overall
450 4-stroke non-pro - 3rd overall
450 stock intermediate - 3rd overall
250 modified intermediate - 4th overall

Loretta Results:
Collegeboy b/c - moto scores 2,2,DNS - 25th
450 B mod - moto scores 2,DNF,DNS - 38th