Well, I don’t really know how to start this weeks article off.  I have been writing and talking to people about Joe’s ordeal for a couple of weeks now.  At this point, nothing has come up, however many past and current sponsors have expressed their willingness to help.  As I have said before, Joe is lacking in the bike department.  When I thought it couldn’t get any worse, after last nights race, it did!

Joe ran practice pretty well, qualifying 29th for the evening program.  He was starting to get more comfortable with the track and was actually enjoying himself again at the races.  He started off the heat race running 9th…in qualifying position but wasn’t able to keep that spot and finished 11th.  His LCQ didn’t fair any better when Ryan Clark and Jason Thomas came together in front of him in the first turn.  He was able to stay up, but was pretty far back in the pack. 

Joe was running in 6th on the 4th lap when he came up to the second triple.  I had my camera out ready to take a photo, when I noticed a bunch of smoke coming from the exhaust.  As he approached the face of the triple, the motor locked up.  He felt it coming on, so decided to get over this obstacle and get out of the way…the bike had a different idea. 

Instead, as Joe prepared to double the triple, the front end clipped and sent Joe head over heels over the bars.  I couldn’t see where he took the hit the hardest, but couldn’t see him getting up very quickly either.  The Asterisk team rushed over to him and I could see his helmet pop up.  Relief definitely settled in, but I still was unsure as to how bad he was.  His bike was still laying on the track when Chris Barrett came over the jump and landed on the bike.  Luckily, Chris stayed up but the bike took all the impact.  Let’s just say that we were in need of 1 bike on Friday, now we need 2.

Many people came up to Joe after the race and told him they were happy to see him walk away from that crash.  It was definitely scary, but if anything had to be damaged, the bike would be everyone’s choice. 

For weeks Joe and I have been discussing his situation with racing and how hard it has been on him since he broke his neck in 2005.  Joe went from qualifying in 15 of 18 races on a good bike to now riding a bike that he has been practicing on for over 2 months and is basically stock.

When you go up against odds like that, mentally your racing is going to exhaust you.  I know that Joe is still debating on what will happen for his racing future, but it is hard for me to see the hard work and dedication for his passion come to an end like this.  I made the comment to Joe on the ride home last night from the race that I didn’t want to see his career end like this.  Joe said it perfectly, “Usually when things come to an end, it isn’t in our control or the way we wanted to end it, that’s why it comes to an end.”

To be honest, I have no clue what is going to happen.  What I do know is that this sport is going to miss one hell of a rider that many have already commented they would miss if he didn’t race.  I am pumped that he got the chance to live out his dream and know what hard work and dedication will get him. 

Joe is supposed to race San Diego this weekend…unless by some miracle there appears a new KX450F in our garage in the next couple of days…it won’t be happening.  So, who knows…last night might be the last you see of Joe racing Supercross.  Like I said, I hate to see it, especially when he is still as competitive as he is.  I wouldn’t struggle with the emotions of it all if he wasn’t as good as he is.  The many obstacles he has overcome is amazing to me…some will never reach what he has been able to do.  

I couldn’t be more proud of the man I married or the legacy that he will leave his children.  Speaking of children, I will be delivering our daughter this coming Tuesday.  She will join our son Leum and be a part of the “Oehlhof Legacy”.  Joe and I are lucky that all four of our parents will be here to be a part of our new addition.  Hopefully next week I will have some news for you in regards to what Joe’s plans are…and maybe a picture or two of the family.