Friday we had practice twice. The track was really tight, as
expected and busy. It had two sets of
whoops and was a bit longer than usual. Lap times ran from around 48 seconds and for a 25 lap main event,
it made for a long race. My Heat on Friday night started out good, I had the
holeshot, but got passes buy a few guys in the second turn. I fell back, but
eventually ended up fifth for a qualifying position straight into the
main. With only 12 gate positions in the
main event, qualifying is extremely tight when you have the best of the best competing
against you to get in. The Main event,
I got the holeshot once again, but came into the first turn too hot. (At that
time the track was really dry and slippery) I ended up sliding out to the hay bales,
eventually going down off the track. I got up and got going in last, but
managed to pass a few people and ended the race on 9th place.
Saturday we had two practices again, same format. They made
some minor changes on the track, but nothing major. Lap times stayed about the same.
My heat, I started in about 4th around the first turn and mid way
through I collided with another rider in mid air on the outside part of the
track. We're lucky neither one of us went down, but I lost a couple positions.
I managed to pass a couple people back and hold off "The Rock" on the
last lap, finishing 4th overall for the heat and a qualifying position once
again straight into the main. Boy was I glad because that LCQ was pretty
gnarly. It was definitely the best race of the weekend though. Kyle Lewis (my Moto
XXX teammate) and Ryan Clark had quite the battle that entertained the crowd.
It was an exciting race that was close to the very end, with Ryan winning by
1/2 a wheel. The main on Saturday
night, I had a better gate pick and started out in about 6th. I rode solid and
steady but eventually got passed by Tortelli and LaRocco. I had a large lead
over the rest of the pack and ending up in 7th.
For the weekend, I ended up 8th overall. It was a pretty
good weekend considering I only received a 2005 450 a couple weeks prior and
that it was not a track well built for the 450. I'm looking forward to getting my deals squared for 2005 (which
will be very soon) and getting on a new bike and practicing and training hard
for the 2 THQ World Rounds in Canada.
Take care,
Huffy
