Jan 16 & 17 Neeses, SC
Traveled with Derek Hersch from Pa and Kenny Lamberti from Va to Neeses on Friday. Got the first practice in and had some bike troubles. Garth Brow came to the rescue and let me ride his framer, which was awesome. It started raining after practice and we were done for Saturday. Garth helped me with my bike on Sunday and I was back in action. I won both my features, but the old fast guy kept me honest and passed me at one point! I owe a big thanks to Garth for the help all weekend. Good to see Paul again too. My gram and sister drove over from North Carolina (where my sister now lives) on Sunday to spend the day with me and we had fun. Derek had a get off in the first main and wacked his head pretty good, so we headed home that night. I think I will be heading out again in a couple days to Chicago to George's house for some ice racing on Sunday. Getting used to driving alot of hours by myself and living in my van! L.T.D.- my sister said she's jealous and I better enjoy it now.
"Livin The Dream", Matt
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January 14, 2010
This winter has been a bit crazy so far. I stayed in Pennsylvania for most of November and went to Neeses to race one weekend with Kenny and some other fast guys. I also went to Timonium indoor for the first time and had some concrete fun with Jake Johnson and the Pennsylvania crowd. I met Tyler in Kentucky to transport my motor to Kenny and a bike to George Mack. I have been playing on the ice, both at my grandpas pond and this past weekend drove myself back out to Chicago to George Macks, where I got to play on the ice all day with Brock, Ion, Jesse and George. I am planning to head to Neeses again this weekend and back out to Chicago next weekend to race on the ice. I didn't want my fans to think I have been sitting around all winter. Still working at the Gym one day per week and training. I would like to get back over to Mototown in Connecticut, they reopened with a new motocross track just a couple weeks ago. Still trying to meet with some sponsors and get some financial help for my twins program. I may have to skip the west coast races this year and just do the ones that my budget allows. I will update again later, am looking forward to Daytona. 44 days to Savannah!
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Pomona, California
My parents and I were not going to be able to make the drive, so I was hoping Chris would let me ride the bike again this year and he did. I was looking forward to riding Chris' XR750 and have Kenny Tolbert there to tune for me, they were both alot of fun last year at Pomona and I am thankful to them for this opportunity again. My day did not start out easy and Kenny made some adjustments with suspension after the first round. I felt the bike bog a little in the second qualifying round and he made some carburator adjustments before my heat. It was a stacked heat, the top 5 of us were in the top 8 spots in the main! I came from behind to pass Jared, JR Schnabel and then Sammy Halbert into 2nd place. He quickly passed me back and I almost got Sammy again in the last turn, but caught a big hole and ended up 3rd. I was not happy that I missed another dash and a front row start. The track was rough and my line was fast but really rough. I came from way back to 4th in 3 laps and felt really fast. On the restart, I was running right up front and actually led off turn two for a few short feet. Smith and Wiles were alongside of me and Coolbeth was right there in the mix. Kenny and I battled for several laps back and forth and this was the most fun I had all year. My line got rougher and I almost got off several times. This allowed Jared, Kopp and Sammy to pass me, I ended up in 6th place. I don't know how I ever saved it a couple times and although I was upset I got passed, I was happy I didn't crash.
I will be testing with a potential new twins team for 2010 and am talking to a couple other teams for a twins ride for next year. I will be riding the Mack Daddy Racing Honda 450's for George again next year and happy about that. I am heading to North Carolina this weekend to visit my sister who moved there. I am checking out the local MX tracks that I will be able to go and practice at this winter. I also plan on doing some ice riding with George and possibly some indoors racing. I have set high goals for next season and will be training all winter to acheive them.
Please contact me with any questions or potential sponsorship opportunities, I am trying to put together next year's program and need help. I have added a new page on my site with my resume on it so please check it out.
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Richwood, Ohio October 10 & 11
My dad and I headed out for Indiana to go and pick up the race truck and then head back to Ohio for a double header weekend. I brought "Big Black", one of my XR 750s and my framer 450. I was so excited to have my framer back and running, my dad threw the spare, older motor in it this week and we were ready to go! It is not as stout as the other motor, but is still a fast one. I miss the framers and look forward to every chance I have to ride one. I had never been to this Ohio track and it was a typical, fairground, cushion 1/2 mile track. It was very smooth and by night time, it was sweet. You could run low on brushed off cushion, or high and deep by the bales (this is my favorite). I was happy to ride the Harley in two classes and get some time in on one again before we head off to Pomona. I also felt like this was my best ride on my 450 framer bike in a long time. Everything worked really well at this track and I won all my races. Sunday I won the heat races and ended up getting paid by those. They called the rest of the mains in the evening after a couple riders went into the fence. It was nice to pit next to an old Canadian friend, John Parker. We had alot of fun racing in Canada together for a few years and he is still a fast cushion rider. I was encouraged by all the Amateur riders, the 450 am and Open am had 4 heats and an A & B main. There were some fast ,young riders in the 85 cc class and all the way up through, which was good to see. It was a long trip home; 11 hours and we had to drive two separate vehicles which made for a longer ride than usual.
Next stop - Pomona, California for the season finale.
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York, Pa 9/26/09
I was asked to ride Brian Philips Harley and thought it would be a good idea to try his XR750 and the J&M frame. He has been telling me I need a more stout mile motor and that he has a good runner. I rode his 1/2 mile bike and I did like the way the front end worked. I like my front to react quickly and it did. I went to my buddy, Cory's house and stayed on Friday night and he offered his 09 CRF 450 to me because I didn't bring my 450 and the purse was pretty good in those classes too. He played mechanic for me on Saturday with his 450 and Brian was my mechanic for the twin. It was a cool deal and we all had fun. I won all my heats, but was having some trouble seeing in the rain a couple times. I did not get a good start and ran third most of the 450 pro class and Shawn Baer got me at the line, I finished 4th. I was missing my framer, but it is still blown up from Altamont. I won the 450 DTX Pro class and set pole for the twins main, so I got first place pay, but it started raining hard and never got to run the twins main. A big thanks to Cory and Brian, I had alot of fun.
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Aaron Creamer Cup Race, 9/19/09
This is my favorite track and I grew up racing here from 50cc on up. I knew Aaron well and wanted to win this one. My Rotax was hooked up as usual and I won the Open Expert Cup race by over a straight. There were 32 entries and the track was brushed off, so it wasn't easy, but I felt really good. The 450 Pro main didn't go quite as planned. I was fast throughout the night and won my heat, but got a bad start on the restart and was about 7th. I had just passed into third on lap three and was setting up Conklin and Rafferty next, when they threw the checkered flag. We only got to go 4 laps due to the curfew, so I had to settle for third. I was happy to win the Cup race and I took Aaron's sister for a victory lap ride and talked with his dad and had a great time.
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Springfield Mile
We waited all day and they hurried us in for a shortened program. The track was tacky, sticky and I loved it. I always seem to qualify good here, but as it get slippery, grooved and dry, I struggle. Sticky was good for me and my bike was handling better than any other rider out there. I went out in the first qualifier and was 2nd fastest, I went from 9th to 1st in one lap and checked out in 3 laps. I felt so good riding high at the bales and road racing, wide open through the turns, it was awesome. I had Carr, Kopp, McCoy and Murray in my heat, so I knew it was going to be a tough one with all the milers in there. We had alot of fun and the crowd was going crazy as I passed them in both turns on the outside and then was drafted down the straights. The four of us stayed close the entire race, taking turns leading in every turn. I finished 4th, but felt like this might be my best Springfield ever. I lined up for the main and when I went to take off the line, it did it again. My heart sank and I tried to get it back into gear as quick as possible. I was dead last by alot and rode wide open to catch the back of the pack. I actually passed a couple riders and thought I might be able to salvage a top ten. On lap 4, my XR began to break up and felt like it was running on one cylinder. I looked down to check air filters and didn't hear any motor noises, so I kept going. I salvaged a 12th place out of the day, but the whole team had long faces. I did make alot of new fans with my passing all day, so that was good. I was very disappointed, but knew we were heading back to the short track on Monday and needed to have my game together for that. Steve Morehead and several others came over to my dad and said, I watched that bike jump out of gear, I didn't know if it was rider error at Indy, but now would say you definitely have a tranny problem!
We will need to get that fixed along with both bikes needing bottom ends done for the end of the year.
| Springfield Short Track - Monday
I can't tell you how upset I was that it rained on Friday night. I qualified first and second and had told my mom at breakfast that I just felt really good, like I could win this race today. I was leading my heat, first time ever in a singles race, when the rain started coming down hard and they called it. They told us we would be qualifying all over again on Monday, so it was a whole new day.
I qualified fastest overall again on the laps that they didn't count in the first session. I was officially 2nd overall and then they inverted practice and I got an even worse track, which put me in 9th overall. My heat looked like a National with Mees, Johnson, Kopp, and several others. I got the holeshot, but the bike hooked up so good off of turn 4 that it took me wide and Kopp got under me to take the win. I was happy for second with a front row start and making the dash. We tried something in the dash and it didn't work, I blew the turn and finished last. I had a great start in the main but before I got to the turn, I got hit on the inside which pushed me into a rider on the outside. I saved it and ended up in 6th or 7th, then passed into 5th and stayed there until the white flag lap. I didn't know Sammy was there and he slammed me pretty good in the middle of turn 3 and 4. My bars were knocked out of my hands and I thought I was going down. I had been in 5th the whole race and this was my best singles finish to date and I wasn't going to throw it away. I caught my bars on my knee and saved it and finished 6th. I was a little upset, but I am not one to hold a grudge, these things happen in racing, especially on little short tracks. I was happy for George and Mack Daddy Racing that I could finish out the year with a decent singles finish. All in all it was a good weekend, I knew that I had ridden well and am working my way towards the top. I will run some local races and keep training for Pomona.
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Indy, August 29
What can I say about Indy. it is one of the biggest races of the year and I felt I had a chance to do good here this year. I went out in qualifying and was fast way up in the cushion. I qualified 4th and was ready for my heat. The powers to be decided to not maintain the track and several top riders, including myself, were not happy with the slippery, dry, notchy groove. I knew I would struggle and finished 5th in my heat. We made several changes as we were now forced to run a tiny groove at the bottom of the track. I was all set for my semi and felt I could qualify for the main. I had not missed one in the twins all year. I went to take off and the bike jumped out of gear. I frantically tried first, and it wouldn't go. I put it into 2nd, then first and took off. I was dead last and knew without a restart, I would miss this main. I rode hard to 10th place, my night was done. My dad took the transmission apart and polished it some, but didn't find any major cause to the problem. I am hoping it's fixed.
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August 23, Peoria
I traveled with my mom, Brad, Chad and his girlfriend, Stacey. We had a good time driving out and a nice dinner at the Cracker Barrel the night before. We all went to bed early and were ready to go the next morning. I had been to Peoria three times and qualified for the main, all three times. I like this track and usually feel good here. The 09 Honda had some issues with the front end and I had a severe head shake in the first round. It was better, but we switched to the 06 Honda for the last qualifier and I felt more comfortable. I qualified well and was on the front row with Schnabel, Wiles, Johnson, Halbert , Janisch and every other good TT rider we have! I was actually running well in 5th place and on lap two my chain broke. George was so upset and felt bad. These things happen and I knew I probably was not going to qualify from the third row of a semi. I did my best and worked my way up to 8th, but not good enough to make the show. This would hurt me in points overall, but it's one of those things that just happen. Thanks to George and all his hard work, I know everything will come together and we will eventually win some races.
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Aug 16th Grove City
I was looking forward to this one and set my first ever fast qualifier. I was cushion crazy and couldn't wait for my heat to start. I got a good start and passed into the lead on the 2nd lap and pulled away on the back straight only to see the red lights come on at lap 3? I thought someone fell and we went to the hot box. Come to find out it was too dusty in the pack and they stopped to water. I did not get the same start the 2nd time and going into turn one, Aaron King found a big hole, stood the bike up and drove straight at me. I bounced off the bales, feet off the bike and held on for a ride. I was 7th down the back straight and by the next lap had passed into second. I wasn't sure I could catch the leader, but before I had time to think about it, I lost my brakes and threw the bike on the side going into the turn. I caught my hand and bars on the guard rail, cutting my cable and ripping my glove. I kept going and with a lap to go, Schnabel passed me and I finished third. This was disappointing because I wanted to make the dash. The team had alot of work to do on the bike and got it all ready for the main. I was on the second row and had a decent start. I passed into 5th and was working my way forward when I lost my brake pads again. I rode hard to stay in 6th place in front of Coolbeth and he passed me just after they gave us the white flag. I immediately passed him back in turn one and crossed the checkers just a 1/2 wheel ahead of him. I slowed down and rode down the back straight with Kenny in front of me. We came around and got another set of checkers. I thought , oh no, not again. I knew it wasn't going to be good. They messed up and gave me and Kenny the white and then the checkers, but a lap too early. I went to the officials, but they wouldn't change it and I got 7th place. I posted the picture on my site, we got the checkers twice. Needless to say, my day ended on a sour note again with a flagging error.
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August 4th
Rapid City, SD
We went and looked at the track when we got to South Dakota on Sunday night. I was excited to see this huge, smooth, clay 1/2 mile track that looked like it was going to be fast. The promoter was there and some workers and I could tell they had put alot of prep time into the track to make it smooth for the Grand National. We talked for a little while and then headed to the short track in Sturgis. I had decided weeks ago that I was not going to race the Hotshoe short track at Sturgis and didn't even bring a DTX bike. I was hurt there last year, the track was one of the worst I had ever been on. The track stayed in much better shape for the race this year but I had no regrets on my decision and just felt like it was ok to skip this one. Some older and wiser riders had taught me growing up that sometimes you make these decisions and stick to them. I was ready for Rapid City on Tuesday and felt good in the first qualifying round. I was 6th fastest and the track was smooth and fast. It was hot and dry and the track became dry slick after the first couple groups of riders. The 2nd round I was 13th and was having trouble getting traction. Dad and I discussed bike set up and tried minor changes but our tire seemed to glaze over within a couple laps. I went back out for the third session and was 9th and caught Jake and felt like I could pass him, so I thought I was better. The heat races were next and we still were in some daylight which meant the track was still very dry and slippery. I never do good on these " go slow to go fast " tracks and I was not looking forward to the heat race.
I got an awesome start and went into turn one alongside Halbert and Carr. I felt good until the 1/2 way flags came out and I started to spin-everywhere. Jake passed me first and then on the last lap, Nichole rolled right up the inside of me in the turn. It was frustrating, I had to figure out something.
The black clouds came in and the AMA crew said there were 70 mph winds coming in. We quickly loaded up the EZup and bikes and it started pouring. The races were called and the AMA said we would receive one point each and 50% purse. We hung out in the pits all night because none of the haulers could get out of the mud. We were taking Brad Baker and his bikes home with us for the rest of the Nationals. We loaded up his bikes and gear and left the next morning. We still had to drive back to George's house to get my van and we were suppose to arrive there around 2 am. We broke down in Wisconsin about midnight and had to wait until morning for a tow truck. The Freightliner garage fixed the truck and we were back on the road at 2pm. Me and Brad jumped in the van at George's and drove straght through until 7am when we got home.
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August 1st Altamont, Illinois
I had raced this cushion 1/2 mile last year and loved this track. However when we got there, we found out it was a different race format. Mees, Halbert, Brock, Hittle, Luke Gough and some other National Numbers were there and they told us we were going to accumulate points in scratch heats, heats, semis and the main event. We would also have inverted starts with the fastest riders in the back for each race. Whoever ended up with the least points would win. You could win the main and not win the overall. We only practiced one time and I felt ok. I went out for my first scratch heat and got the holeshot. Luke passed me right away and I felt like the bike was not quite right. I talked to dad and told him the bike did not have it's usual power and he said maybe I should change my line. I went out in the next scratch heat and the same thing happened. I was getting frustrated because I now could win the heat and feature and still not win the overall with this points system. We decided to change the gearing and it started to sprinkle. I went out in the rain for my heat and was leading by a good amount. I went into turn three with a couple laps to go and I felt the motor let loose. I quickly pulled in the clutch and coasted to the bales, but it was too late. I pushed my old reliable framer (I have been racing this bike since 12 years old and won alot of cushion 1/2 miles in Canada with it) to the truck and we were done. It had started to get really slick on the track and now it was starting to rain harder. It had not been a good day for alot of us, six or seven riders had blown up their bikes.
The races were called and we headed out to dinner with the Halberts and were on our way to South Dakota.
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July 29th Champagne, Illinois
I drove my van 14 hours to George Mack's house on Tuesday. Wednesday we headed to Champagne for a Steve Nace Cushio 1/2 mile race. Sammy, Brock, Atherton, Kirkness, and several other National Number riders were there. The Premier class was a 450 DTX class and George brought out the 06 Honda for the race. I also rode the Open Pro class which had framers and DTX bikes in it. I felt really good in practice and my heats went pretty well. The Open pro main was first and I got a holeshot in the open pro class ahead of Halbert and Brock who were on their framers. We came off turn 4 and the red flag was out. Someone jumped! Me and Sammy went into turn one side by side and I got pushed high, losing a couple spots. My bike seemed to work best up in the deep cushion and I finished third. The DTX class was the money class and I wanted to win this one. I started out the fastest in practice, but as the track got deeper and rougher on top, I was struggling a little. I asked Steve to drag the top a couple times, but the fair was going on and the owner wouldn't let them stop and groom it. I was running second to Sammy and tried to drop down to the middle, when Brock went by. I had to ride the top in order to be fast, but it was very rough and I felt on the edge. I don't like riding like this, I have always been smooth and like to feel 100% in control. I caught back up to Brock, but not enough to make a pass. I had to settle for another third place. I felt like I let George down, I wanted to win for him too.
We headed back to Chicago and I spent the next couple days with him and his family. George Jr and i are the same age and we had fun playing Sprint Cars video game and hanging out. I went to work with George and this was really exciting for me. I had a great time and want to thank him again for all he has done. He is a great person and sponsor.
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Hagerstown,Md
I was looking forward to this race, it was the closest to home and some of my family, friends and fans were coming to watch. It started to rain in the afternoon, it has rained here for the past 3 years. The track is so tacky, you can't touch your foot down and you have to be willing to ride agressively. Me and Kenny ended up alongside eachother in the heat and we both blew the start and went into the corner mid-pack. He got to the front quicker than me, I ended up 3rd and missed the Dash again. I wasn't happy about that, however I felt comfortable with the bike set up and the track. I went into the first turn of the main and Sammy came in hard and almost clipped my front wheel. I made my turn and shot off turn two in about 10th place. I passed up to 5th place in the first 7-8 laps and worked on catching Jared. I just caught Jared to where I might pass and going into turn one, Luke was on the ground and his number plate was laying in the turn. I just missed Luke and hit the number plate, which sent me way up by the bales. I lost all ground on Jared and went to work again. I caught Jared in a few more laps and had a sweet line in turn one and two that was so much faster than his line, I passed him and left him down the back straight. I could see Sammy , I made up a good distance on him in just that half a lap. Sammy was coming off turn four as I was in turn three and as I headed out of turn four I saw the flagger waving the checkered flag! I was so disappointed, I was still catching the front runners and needed more laps. I saw the red flag hanging down by the flaggers side as I passed the finish line. I was not disappointed with fourth place, I had passed alot of fast riders, Smith, Carr & Mees to get there. After the race we were loading up the truck when someone said they might change the results. I went up to the AMA tent as they were all standing around trying to decide what to do. The AMA made the decision to revert, which put me in 5th place. Me and Kenny tried to protest, they said they would be reviewing the rules and a decision would be made on Monday.
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Elkins, WV Hotshoe
When we got to the track, it looked like it was going to be alot of fun. My dad an I had made the decision not to race the Harley due to the National at Hagerstown. I had a problem with one of the bikes the last race and we did not want to be without a bike for the National. I was committed to racing George Mack's 09 Honda, we had been trying different things with the bike and wanted to dial in the suspension and handling. I was very happy with the way the bike launched off the starts, the suspension seems to be good and George is working on getting me a little more HP before Peoria. I got a good Holeshot in the main, with Mees and Texter alongside of me coming off turn two. Mees passed me early on and I ended up with a comfortable second place over Cory. It was a Honda CRF '09' sweep on the Podium. I was happy to leave with a good finish and the track was awesome all night. George's 09 Honda was working great and he was pleased with the results.
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Frederick Maryland, 7/4/09 Hotshoe 750
Well, after finishing second here on the harley last year, I felt confident I could do good again. In practice I felt great, and then in my scratch I finished second right behind Jared. This meant I was going to be in the 500 to win dash. Well in the dash I won, and the money was to be mine! I was pretty pumped, and then went out in my heat and passed Sammy Halbert to win my heat as well. I set pole for the final, and was awarded another 92 dollar bonus. However, in the main I got a horrible start, and both Sammy Halbert and Dan Gideon got out away from me. I seemed to catch them a little at the end, but never could get close enough to make a pass. I ended up with a third, which was an alright finish for the day.
| Frederick Maryland, 7/4/09 Hotshoe 450
I won here last year, and felt that I could do good again even on the dtxers. In my scratch I finished second right behind Jared, and right in front of Sammy. The three of us were so close you couldnt fit another bike anywhere in the mix. In the heat it was Sammy's turn to win, and I finished second again, and Jared third this time. In the final I had a horrific start, and came down the back straight in about 8th. I finally worked my way up to Sammy and Jared, and actually passed one turn to get into the lead. However it seemed that I just began spinning, and both Sammy and Jared got me back and I finished third. I was pretty bummed with this finish, and can hope to avenge myself again next year. We now have a few weeks off to Hagerstown, so I might start some training again or just ride with some friends until then.
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Lima, Ohio, 6/27/09 GNC Twins
I came into here looking to finally get my first podium. My confidence was high and I knew I was going to feel good all day. Well it seems like when I feel confident, the day doesnt go as planned. I qualified 1st in the throw away round, which made me feel pretty good. In the second round I had transmission troubles with my bike, but managed to get in a good first lap and was 5th on the charts. The last round I switched to my clay bike, the bike I actually rode the week before. Surprisingly I felt very comfortable on this bike as well, and finished 2nd in the last round. Overall I ended up 5th. In my heat I knew I had a good chance to finish in the top 2 and make the dash. However with my poor starts, it was just not meant to be. I went down the back straight in around 7th, and worked my way up to finish 3rd. This meant a second row start for the main. In the final, I tried my top line for the first couple laps. Dropping back to around 13th, I realized that it wasnt working at all and I needed a change. I dropped down to the bottom in 3 and 4, and just began riding right on the grass. This line worked great, and I ended up working my way all the way to 4th. I had Sammy in my sites at the end of the race, but I just couldnt get him for the podium finish. Another week, another top 5. We are slowly working our way towards that podium finish, and maybe a win!
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Bulls Gap Tenn, 6/20/09. GNC Twins
Well, heading to bulls gap I wasnt expecting to have too great of a stellar finish. To be honest clay tracks that are greatly banked like bulls gap seem to be my weak point. I think I only finished in the top ten once or twice on clay tracks last year, and I wasnt looking forward to getting out there. But after the first practice that all changed. I ended up qualifying 5th overall, and I felt extremely comfortable in all three qualifying sessions. I went out in my heat and passed Joe Kopp, to win my first ever grand national heat race! I was so excited to be in the dash I couldnt even express it in words. In the dash I got a horrible start, and worked my way past Bryan Smith to finish 4th. In the final I once again got a bad start and restart, but worked my way up to 5th. I almost had Bryan at the end, but ended up finishing 5th. I was so excited with this fantastic result, and am looking forward to the rest of the clay tracks on the schedule!
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June 12th. Norwalk Ohio Pro-Am
We started off by running the 450 heat races. I had Joe Kopp in my heat race, as well as Dan Gideon and others. I got a poor start, but I worked my way towards the front and made a last turn last lap pass to get by Joe. This would put me in the 450 dash so I was very excited. Then in the open class I decided to run my rotax. I decided it would be best to save the harley for Dayton the next day. In my open heat I had Gideon, who was flying all night long. I got around him in 3 and 4 on the first lap, but that was as close as I ever got. The harley seemed to have just a little to much on me down the straights, and I was forced to settle for a second. Second was good enough to put me in the open dash as well. In the 450 dash I got the holeshot and just never looked back. It was nice to pick up the win. However when we came in my dad noticed the top radiator mount was cracked, which meant a no-go for the main. However, I made decent money in the dash and was excited for that. In the open dash I got second off the line to Gideon, and stayed about a half a straightaway behind him. In the open main I got a good start but Gideon seemed to gap me just a little. With about two to go he hit heavy lap traffic, and I thought I might get close enough to make a last lap pass, but it just turned out I got close enough to eat a little of his spray! All in all it was a great night, and I want to thank Dave and Jean Martin for putting on such a wonderful track. They prepped the track almost every race! and the track was mint all night long.
| June 13th. Dayton Pro-Am.
Well every year this is the race I looked forward to the most. It seems to be one of my strongest tracks, and its where I almost won my first pro race. I knew it was going to be an all out brawl all night with some of the top guys there like Mees, Schnabel, Kopp, Halberts, and Cummings. In my 450 and open expert scratch heats I finished second. Which meant no dash for me on the harley. However, I believe that they may have been a good thing, because there was an awful wreck that took out several very good riders. Jethro and Nicky heal up SOON! So in my heat races I felt really good because they finally went out and dug up the track. I won both my heat races by a lot and set pole for both main events! I was stoked because I though that my day had finally come to win at dayton and take home some of the big bucks. However, as fate would have it, it just wasnt my night. In the 450 I got second off the line behind Jared, and basically just stayed there. Getting second after being so much faster in the heat was a major dissapointment, and I was pretty bummed to just miss out on the win again. On the harley I had to start in the bottom rut again, which was the worst rut of all. I got a horrible start and entered turn 1 around 7th. I worked my way up to third at about the half way point, but just couldnt make up all the ground on Jared and Jr. I know if I could have started up there with them, I would have given them a run for their money! However, I ended up third, and left Dayton happy, yet slightly dissapointed at the same time. I want to thank all the sponsers for their contributions to the purse, and thank everyone who helped put the Dayton event on.
| June 14th. Peoria Hotshoe.
Every time I come here I feel better and better, however this time was not the case. Bad track conditions and bad starts seemed to plague me all day. In my scratch heat I jumped and then stopped and was last into the first turn. A very amateurish move, which I wish I could take back! I passed several guys and ended up 5th I believe. That meant back row for my heat race, which was STACKED! I had a lot of the top tt guys all in my heat, and only 6 went. Well I passed Bryan Smith about half way through it, to put me into 6th and meant I made the main. However the last lap I twisted my ankle in the huge right hand hole, and it wasnt good looking at all! I decided to race the main after careful consideration, and ended up just rolling the jump. I still passed several guys to finish 15th. It was an alright day, but I know if I was 100% in the main I could have done a lot better. Next time at the GNC I hope to do a lot better!
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May 31st, Electric City, NY
The new club and my grandfather have been working so hard to get a new surface on the track. They brought in more clay and stone dust after the first race they held in April. Being a "cushion" rider, I was happy to see stone on the track.
I had some bike troubles in my heat and finished last. My dad got everything all set and my old girl- my "05"DTX CRF 450, was ready to go. There were only 4 of us in the 450 class and I fell on the start in the 1st turn and was put back to the penalty row. It was about halfway and I was making the high line work, passing Conklin for 1st place, when I fell pretty hard. My leg was twisted under the bike, and they threw the red flag again. There were only a few laps left and coming from the penalty row, again, I worked hard and fast to win this race. The Open Expert Class had two heats and I got a bad start in the main. I ran the outside line again and passed into the lead and won. I banged up my knee, but had a fun day. My Uncle Steve came and raced, my Grandpa was there working all day, my Girlfriend, Toby, AJ and Roger were there to hang out with, we had a great time.
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May 23rd Springfield TT
I have been working towards this for the past several months, practicing & racing both Motocross and TT, trying to improve my TT skills. I have always been a decent TT rider, but never felt above average on them. I felt fast on practice day and thought I had the speed to make the show. Qualifying is more critical now, and unfortunately, I am a better racer than qualifier. I started on the second row of a tough heat and finished well enough to be on the front row of the semi. Me, Kenny and Russell were out front and all set to make the main when a red flag was thrown. I knew what I had to do and holeshotted into turn one by 5-6 bike lengths. All of a sudden, I got t-boned in the swingarm and just about went off the track. I lost enough positions to knock me out of the top 3 and neither Kenny or me could pass back up to the front. I was so disappointed, especially for George, who had alot of faith in me- to make the main. I knew I had to get a good nights sleep and try and put her in the show at the mile on Sunday.
| May 24th, Springfield Mile
This place was tough for me last year, I missed it by one in both the heats and semis, both days last year. I started out qualifying good in the first round that doesn't count. The second practice that does count, I was not as good and the track got slower. My dad made adjustments on the chassis and gearing and I felt much better in the 3rd round, qualifying in 10th overall. This put me on the front row of a stacked heat, Coolbeth, Johnson,Smith and some other front mile runners were in there. I got the holeshot and led going in, but was in 5th place coming out of turn 2. I went back to 6th and felt discouraged that I was not able to figure out this big mile. I was running 2nd through 4th in the semi, drafting back and forth with Mataya & Bonsey. I went into turn 3 on the final lap in 4th place and knew the only way I was going to make it was to get the double draft at the checkers and sure enough, Mataya went for the pass and pulled me right passed him at the line to take 3rd. I was so excited to make this main and felt like in the last couple laps of the semi, I figured some things out. Walking on the track to the line in front of the big crowd on this most famous mile was a big deal for me. I was last place for the first couple laps and then my tire started to work and I started moving forward. I got up to 8-10th place before the first restart, but was put back a couple spots because they revert back a lap. Every time there was a restart, I would lose a few spots and have to pass my way back up. I was very happy that I kept going forward and almost passed McCoy at the checkers to take 8th place. The front 6 were not far ahead and I felt I had learned alot for next time.
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Springfield Illinois, May 11th TT test day
After our good weekend, we drove out to meet George and ride the 09 at the test day. The bike looked great, and we were excited to get out there and see where we were. We made several suspension changes throughout the day, and just when it seemed like we were getting dialed in, it threw a chain, and broke the cases. We were majorly bummed, but lucky for us we had my trusty old 05 bike. So we went out on that for the rest of the day, and actually threw down some smoking good lap times towards the end. So leaving there I was pretty dissapointed about what happened to the 09, but I was excited that I could go so good on my 05 practice bike which is pretty much just a stocker. Only two more weeks and we get to be at springfield for one of the most exciting weekends of the year. Hope to see you all there!!
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Brownstown Illinois, May 9th Short Track
We headed off for a long triple header weekend, and when we got to brownstown on saturday, the track was looking mint. There were some pretty fast guys there, and I knew it was going to be a tough night. I had pretty decent heats for both classes, and I went out and won both. I was pretty excited for the final, and I thought i might have something for ol hank. However, in both classes he got the start and we stayed about 5 bike lengths apart the whole race. It felt pretty cool to keep up the same pace with him, because he is one of the greatest small bike riders around.
| Greenville Illinois, May 10th Half Mile
It was both mothers day and my fathers birthday, so I knew I had a lot of pressure to do good. After winning both my heats and feeling extremely good, I was excited for both mains. In the first main Wiles holeshotted, and I was just riding behind him waiting to make my move. On the last lap I set him up and got him going into turn one. I felt really fast, and I knew my bike and everything was working great! The next main I had a horrific start, and I was about sixth the first lap. It took me a while to get past pearson on his harley, and then I worked on getting past rispoli and carver as well. After that, I tried running some crazy different line combos to run down Wiles, but it just wasnt going to happen. On the last lap I was almost there, but the eight lap final just wasnt enough. I felt really good to get second after such a bad start, but I sure would have liked to win one for each of my parents on their special day.
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Brownstown Illinois, May 9th TT
Thanks to the hard work of Steve Nace and his crew, the tt was in its usual tip top shape as well. We went out in practice and felt good. In the heat I just couldnt seem to get around brock, so I ended up finishing second. In the main I holeshotted Wiles, but i knew that he was going to be on rails. He passed me on the first lap, and I stayed with him for about three to four laps. After that he seemed to just turn on the afterburners, and gapped me by a bit. I ended up putting in some hard laps, and finished second. It was a pretty good day, but I would have liked to been able to get the best of him in one of them. We were off to the half mile the next day, where i was feeling that I would have a good day.
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May 1st, 2009 Little Rock, Arkansas
After 21 hours, we arrived at this neat little short track and there were 28 450 Pros who showed up. I went out on my old girl, the framer, and then tried my DTX bike and decided to ride the DTX one. There were 4 heats and I went out and won my heat, and so did Carver, Pearson and Kirkness. There were a couple semis and it was time for the dash. I definitely picked the wrong starting spot and finished 4th in the dash. I was glad to have the chance to try the outside before the main, and switched my starting spot to the lower part of the track. I got the Holeshot and despite many charges from Carver and Pearson, I held my position and just tried to stay smooth for 20 laps. It felt good to take the checkered flag around, wins don't come as often as they used to! The $1000. dollars to win helped to pay for the trip and then some. We took the van and fuel was still low, so I came home with some money still in my pocket.
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April 26th, Electric City, NY
I was so excited to head back to EC, after not riding here for four years. I grew up on this track and was happy to be back at a hometown track, racing with friends. My dad, grandfather and I were up at EC all day on Saturday trying to help get the water truck going and the track graded and in shape. The new club took over the track recently and are really working hard to get the track in good condition, and promote racing again in this area. It is only 40 minutes from my house and there is a Short Track and TT track there. I only ran the 450 Pro and Open Pro classes on the ST, skipping the TT for today. I finished 2nd in the 450 heat after a good battle, passing back and forth like old times, with Gary Conklin. I won the Open Pro heat, there were 3 heats and I set fastest time. I got a horrible start in the 450 main and the track got dry slick and tough to pass on- by the mains. I passed up to 5th place, but that was as far as I got. I knew I had to get a good start in the Open Main, and I did and checked out early. The club gives a 100% pay back and there were 14 entries, so I made decent money for the day. They had great food too. I had a good time and have to thank my buddy, AJ for letting me steal parts off his CRF 450 framer. My bike broke before practice and I was going to have to spectate for the day. Next week I am heading to Arkansas for 3 days of racing.
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April 19th Claverack, NY
I raced on this local MX track when I was on a 50cc and a 65cc, years ago. I practiced all winter at an indoor MX track in Conn. and decided to have some fun and race Motocross. I bought a used '09' Honda CRF 450 and this would be the first time I rode it. I had ridden George's '09' two times so I was familiar with the bike. Mine is totally stock and we spent the day trying to get the suspension right. I raced the Open A and College boy classes. I heard there were over 800 entries- the track was really rough and it was a good workout for me. I didn't get tired at all, but I did crash once in the first moto and DNF'd. I finished DNF/17th in the Open A and 17/12 in the College boy class and passed alot of riders in the 2nd moto, after heading into turn one in last.(mishap on the start) I felt better by the end of the day and was happy I got a good workout and more riding time in before we head to Springfield.
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Brownstown, Illinois April 4/5th
I had been here bofore and it is a great Short Track and TT, promoted by Steve Nace. I drove out with my friend Toby Stay and met George Mack from Mack Daddy Racing, to dial in the suspension on the '09'Honda 450 and get some more time on a TT track before Springfield. There were plenty of Pros there and I had to qualify in my heats. As the track got rougher- the suspension didn't work as well and I ended up 4th in the second heat, sending me to a semi. George and I worked on getting the suspension better throughout the evening and I finished 3rd and 5th in the features in the 450 Pro and Open Pro classes. Next up was the night TT and I was pumped for this because I really liked this track and at night it holds moisture, which makes it really fun. I didn't win either heat, but won both mains. Brock and I had a great battle in the 450 main, we passed eachother like 6 times in one lap- it was fun. George was happy and headed home to Chicago late Sat. night.
Sunday morning it poured and the cushion 1/2 mile was rained out so me & Toby headed home.
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March 4th..day one of the Stadium. GNC Singles
Well we started off by qualifying 2nd in the first round. Even though this round didnt count it was a huge confidence booster for the team going into the rest of the day. In the first actual round that counted I qualified 7th, which was pretty good. In the last round I couldnt seem to get a good time, and I ended up around 18th in that round. However the second round was good enough for me to end up with a 10th overall. As the new format is setup there is only 3 heats. Which meant I knew my heat was going to be totally stacked. No surprise, it was extremely hard. After getting a bad start and working my way up I ended up just missing it by one at the finish. I had an awesome race with Mick, but just couldnt get him in the last turn. In my semi I was running second behind Joe Kopp, when the red flag came out. Seeing that his tire went flat at the same time, I knew that he was going to be out. So I got out front on the restart and put my head down. I finished second in the semi behind Rob Pearson, which was good enough for a ticket to the big dance. After running dead last for the first couple laps I finally figured out my line and worked my way up to 14th. With about 5 more laps i would have had the next group in front of me, but I just ran out of time. Overall I was extremely excited with the team and I feel like everything worked out great! I was really excited and looking forward to what was in store for day two.
March 5th, stadium round two. GNC Singles.
So, we started off the day by qualifying good in the first round. I believe I was around 8th. The second round I was right around the same spot, maybe like 10th. Then the third round I struggle big time, and this put me at 31st overall. I was mega-disappointed with this qualifying effort, because I knew it meant a back row start for my heat race. I had another hard heat (there sure wasnt any easy ones) and I finished 7th behind Nicky Cummings. In my semi I got a decent start and finished third. This was good enough to make it to the main again! This was a major improvement from last year, and I was pretty happy with that. I got a decent start and then Bryan Smith crashed and brought out the red. The next start I wasnt so lucky, and I was running towards the back at the beginning. I caught up to Bryan Smith around lap 10, and was stuck behind him till lap 25. I never got to make a clean pass on him, and was force to settle for another 14th. It was a little disappointing, because I knew I was much better than what the results showed. However, we are moving on, and I plan to do a lot of training and riding in order to be ready for the Springfield weekend.
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January 18 Sturbridge, Mass
I have been riding at Mototown, an indoor MX track in Connecticut, one-two times per week and playing on 100's on the ice. I got to race at Mass this weekend. Roger Durkee, Justin Velicky and a couple of other guys I haven't raced with in a while were there in the Pro classes. After 27 years of retirement, my mom, yes, my mom, raced my CRF 450 and so did my dad! All three of the Weidmans had a good day, we all won our classes and had lots of fun doing it. They race every Sunday, so hopefully I will get there a few more times before Daytona.
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