The 2007 NBL Grands are in the books and I had a decent weekend. Saturday started off well, but then later in the 2nd round, my gate start became an issue. I made it through both rounds and then started off suckin’ in the gate again Sunday morning. Once I made it through the motos, I had a long talk with myself and said, “Dude, this is it, pull your head out of your butt and let’s take care of business.” So I go up for my 1/4 final in class and complete unclipped down the first straight. I try getting back in and make up points, but it was way too late for me. Down to 2 classes now, cruiser and 30 and over open. I hit the cruiser and FINALLY my gate is back and I scoot on into the semis. I was thinking of skipping my open moto and just save it all for cruiser, but I was like, “what the hell?!” and gave it a go. Gate drops and I destroy the gate and take the lead down the first straight. Mind you I have the current world champ and #1 Vet Pro in the moto. I finish that lap and that did wonders for my confidence! In the semi of the open moto I get another killer start and fall in behind Jason Carnes. Into the 2nd turn, big Shawn Diprite rolls by me, so I’m chillin’ in third. Down the last straight, Big Daddy Eric Rupe gets by us, then Shawn is slowing down and on our out side, we get passed by Domingos Lamogllia!!! 3rd to 5th….done in open.
Cruiser was left and I made the main for this one. 4 people are up for the title. Myself included. Gates drops….and I’m on the gas. Lead into the 2nd turn and all of the sudden I see blue and yellow! It scarred the crap out of me! So I follow Scott Moreland and try to make the move down the last straight, but didn’t have anything for him. So I end up 2nd and ranked #2 in the U.S. for the season.
Scott won the title and I’m glad it was him that beat me for it. Nothing against the other riders, because they are deserving too, but Scott has been almost like a big brother of sorts to me and I have the utmost respect for him.
Heard there were some roadies out there checking it out. Hoped they enjoyed it. Other locals jammed too and we have several young me and women that deserve a big pat on the back for their hard work.
The volunteers of Derby City BMX. Amazing!!! Absolutely the best team of volunteers that I have encountered in my 25 years of racing there! Not enough can be said of their work!
I hope to get some photos and maybe a link to some vids….
2×4
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Tommy--
Good going! That's a second place national ranking? Wow!
You description communicates some of the excitement you're in stir with all day before, during and after the races. It's a flat out sprint over junk yard dunes. Crazy. I'd be eating dirt or doing face plants, I'm sure.
Excellent, Tommy.
The name Eric Rupe brings back some memories. The last time I saw the Grands in person, Rupe, Hill, Thomsen, and Leary were all still running in the top division.
And Mr. G is right. Having planted a noggin or two in Sawyer's dirt, I can doubly appreciate your skills. Great stuff.
Post a Comment