This past week I drove out to California, prior to Anaheim 3, to spend some time with the Honda Troy Lee Designs race team. I got the chance to really live the life of a pro supercross racer, and be there for everything they go through. These guys are on a really strict schedule and work their butts off. Before we got to go out riding we went to the " shop" where the mechanics where working on the bikes, and getting them ready for the weekend. I never understood what mechanics go through and how much time goes into those machines. I was talking to Matt ( Blose's mechanic) and he said he puts about 60 hours per week into that bike. He also said it becomes like a child to him and he wants to perfect it. Thats definitely the attitude to being a mechanic. These guys are good at what they do and love every minute of it.
After loading up the practice bikes it was off we went to the Honda Test Track, located in Corona. Growing up I had always heard about these “ test tracks” that all the pros ride at so I was really anxious to finally be there. Getting there, however, was the tricky part. Never in a million years would I think it would be so hidden. You have to go through an old mine that’s all run down with tractors everywhere and through a ton of hills till we approached the gate. We where there! Joining me was Chris Blose, Sean Bourkenhagen, Jake Moss, and Steve Boniface. The track was really well groomed and had a gorgeous view of the mountains. I didn’t want to leave! While being at the test track, we saw the Heart and Hunnington team, Geico, and Moto Concepts. I didn’t just watch these guys ride though. I did my part in helping to count laps and set the start device on the forks to practice gate drops. When these guys are not out practicing you can find them in the gym doing cardio, running on the streets or getting their rest.
It was time to put all that practice and hard work to the test. Race time! It was Anaheim 3 and the clouds had rolled in. It had been raining for about three days prior to the race, and the day of, we where in for a mud race. The pit party was nice and shiny until nature had it’s way, and rained on my time with the fans. This did not stop anyone from coming and seeing me. I had a great time, but came out of that party drenched.
This was my first mud race ever seen in person, and I couldn’t wait. This race, anything could happen. I was really bummed I did not get a chance to walk the track with the guys due to the track being so muddy. This was no Daytona, but it was a mud bath. There were puddles in between every jump, and the starting gate was just thick gooey mud. During all the heats, I could not keep my eyes off the track. It was only a guess what could happen at any moment!
I wanted to say a little shout out to the number 42, Jake Moss, on the Honda of Troy team. He has just come back from a broken back and has already started racing. He won the LCQ and took a 14th in the main event. Glad to see you back on the bike Jake!
The race was almost over, the lites where done with a Weimer, Morais, and Brayton finish. The lites race was crazy. Dungey went down in the first turn with Blose, and amazingly came back with a 4th place finish. This was a huge win for Weimer, stealing the number one spot from Dungey in points.
The Supercross class was just as crazy as the lites, but Stewart showed us why he is our current points leader. About 12 laps into the Supercross main event, the rain just started coming down. After every lap it got more intense. You could visually see the track becoming shiny and slick. James Stewart still pulled through with a win with Chad Reed and Davi Millsaps following. Good job guys! See ya in SD :)
