This last weekend was round 1 of arenacross - what a weekend!
Britta and I headed up to Pasco on Friday evening and made it to my uncle's place by 10pm...ish. The drive was long, but we made it fun with snacks (Flamin' Hot Cheetos), conversation and good music (Britta was dj-ing). After my uncle convinced me to buy his street bike, we decided to call it a night and go to bed.
Since sign-ups for the race didn't even open until 1pm, we were able to sleep in (7am - hahaha - I hate my job) and have a leisurely morning.
We headed to the track around 12:30pm in order to find Team Pinnacle and set up in the pits. After walking the track (and practically ruining Britta's slipper-shoes - oh no! I'm in trouble now!) and getting the pre-practice jitters, it's time to ride!
Moto 1: +25 Qualifier
Coming out of turn 1 (behind Greg Crater, Keith Ford, and an unknown rider), Keith and I began a battle. I slipped into 4th place behind the Pros; leading the Amateur class and rounding out the final lap for the win. Without a break, I headed back to the line for my second moto...
Moto 2: BTH (Before The Hill) Qualifier
The gate dropped and I entered turn 1 in 3rd place with a comfortable lead. I caught a square edge in the whoops, pinching my tube, and I had to finish the last 3 laps with a flat tire - but 3rd place wasn't bad considering the situation. After a quick tire-change at the Pinnacle pits (thanks Rusty), I headed back to the track for Moto 3...
Moto 3: 250C Qualifier
After 2 almost back-to-back motos, I'm tired. Thanks to my amazing girlfriend for all her help (bananas and water sure came in handy)!
+25 Main
Basically, this was a straight repeat of the Qualifier; falling into 4th behind the Pros and winning the Amateur class.
BTH Main
After trying something different on the start in want of a hole-shot, I went wide (instead of the usual inside) into the first turn and got caught up in a 7 bike pile-up. My tire got pinched in the pile-up and I wound up with another flat...damn. DNF. I raced back to the Pinnacle pits to set a record tire change of 1.5 minutes. Thanks, Matt! This is where things got exciting...I had my girlfriend run to the start and hold my gate, buying me 2 minutes. I raced into the arena and to my gate just in time for it to drop.
250C Main
I ended up at the far inside gate lined up to the berm, so I decided to let everyone go so I could cut to the center of the track. I broke early for the corner and dove really tight to the inside, which allowed me to go from dead-last to 4th. I battled with Team Pinnacle rider Cameron Welch. I took 3rd but then he grabbed it back from me a lap later. I ended up 4th overall with ANOTHER flat - yes, that would be 3 flats!
Final Placings
+25 - 1st overall
BTH - DNF
250C - 4th overall
Round 2, here I come!!!
