Rider Updates
Jul 31 2021
On Jul 10th we had the second race of the TORN series. The track was dry, but it was a lot of fun. I don't usually do more than one practice lap, but it was so much fun, I decided to get a little extra riding in. It was definitely a typical summer day in Texas, but I was well hydrated and ready to deal with the afternoon heat. I got a pretty decent start about 5th from the holeshot and made it through clean, which was the plan all along. The first turn off the start was super slick, so I was relieved to make it through clean. The dust that day was like I was racing back in the deserts of Nevada, but I could deal with that and figured as we get into race pace, we would spread out a little, so I wasn't too worried. I mad one pass for 4th and was riding really good. Went to make another pass for 3rd, washed the front end out in a slick, silty corner and went over the bars, with the bike landing on top of me. Luckily, another racer was kind enough to ditch his own bike and help me out. With the wind knocked out of me, I finally got up and realized that my right shoulder was super jacked up. With that, I made my way back to the pits and called it a day. We packed up, went back home, and finally to the ER. Got some xrays at my specialist and I have a fractured collar bone, torn ac joint and busted upper back. I'm down right now, but praying I can get back into the series before the finish of the 2021 season. Thanks to all of my sponsors! I couldn't do it with out you and you all kept me safe, as things could've been a lot worse. We'll get 'em next time!!
Apr 30 2021
This weekend was supposed to be the 2nd race of the year, but due to the crazy weather here in Texas, it would've been a mud fest, so the TORN crew decided to cancel. I really hope that it gets added back to the schedule, but we'll have to see. I was really excited, but it's good that this series always keeps the land owner in mind. As soon as it dries out a little, I'm hoping that the local mx track opens back up, so I can at least get some seat time in before the next round. Once again, thanks to all the sponsors for keeping my season going! I can't wait to get back out there!!
Thanks!
Craig Hall #490
Apr 6 2021
Last weekend was one of the 2021 TORN series in Bluff Dale, TX. The weather was great, track was awesome and it felt great to be racing again. I was second off the line with a lot of momentum going into the first lap. One guy got bye me and we were playing cat & mouse in the woods until we both tried to stick our bikes in the same spot and went down. We both really wanted it and weren't going to let up. It was a really fast track and the whole class went bye before i could get up and racing again. I immediately got arm pump and tried my best to hold on to the 450. I eventually clawed my way back to 10th and that's where I finished. All-in-all I had a lot of fun and can't wait to get back after it next race.
Thanks again to all the sponsors for the help. Gaerne. Matrix Concepts, Spy Optics, Flo Motorsports, DirtX Industries, Ryno Power, Arma Sport, Ride Engineering, Eagle Grit, FXR, Worx Gloves, Funnel Web Filters, Skullcandy, Pit Posse Motorsports, Risk Racing, Bike Graphix, Slick Products & EVS Sports. I really appreciate all the help!
Thanks!
Craig Hall #490
Feb 27 2021
This weekend was supposed to be the opener for the TORN 2021 season, but due to this crazy TX weather, they decided to re-schedule. Although I'm disappointed that we aren't racing today, I'm more than ready to get this season going. Last month I found a new place to practice and it has been a game changer. I feel like the terrain is a lot closer to what we race and I feel way more confident going into the '21 season. Thanks again to all the sponsors for the help. Gaerne. Matrix Concepts, Spy Optics, Flo Motorsports, DirtX Industries, Ryno Power, Arma Sport, Ride Engineering, Eagle Grit, FXR, Worx Gloves, Streamline Brakes & Controls, Funnel Web Filters, Skullcandy, Pit Posse Motorsports, Risk Racing, Bike Graphix, Slick Products & EVS Sports. I really appreciate all the help!
Oct 26 2020
I've been doing as much riding as I can these last few months and have been feeling pretty good. Finally got back in the gym and getting a new routine going to target some of the areas that have been a weakness for me this year. I'm finding myself still getting some arm pump, but not nearly as bad as last year. My plan is to do some high intensity stuff and a lot of core from now on to make things a little easier come race day.
I had my first post COVID-19 race last weekend and it was fun, but definitely a rough day. I race the two-stroke this weekend, which has been a little hard starting here lately and it was no different last Saturday. I knew I should've brought the 450 as well, but I chose not to. I got to the line a little late, since the YZ decided that she didn't want to start, so my start position was not great. I got through clean though and was able to make a few passes, then hit an extremely slick spot and went down early in the first lap. Couldn't get her to fire up real fast, so I got pretty far behind. That pretty much set the tone for my day. I made a few more mistakes, played cat and mouse with a few guys and just rode the best I could from there on out. Overall, I was disappointed with my results, but happy to finish. I did have fun despite all the set backs, but I'll be back on the 4-stroke from now on. A big thanks to all my sponsors for your continued support! I couldn't do it without you!
Craig Hall #490
Jun 2 2020
I finally got to go to the "training grounds" last weekend and it was great to be back on the bike. I got to do an hour long moto, which felt really good. The bike was running great and I could definitely tell that my mountain biking is starting to pay off. I've seen that the TORN season will be starting at the end of August, so I am extremely hopeful for that and as they ease the restrictions here in Texas, I look forward to more trips to get out an practice. I've also started building a toy hauler and I can't wait to use it. It's going to be a game changer on race weekends. A special thanks to Eagle Grit, FXR, EVS, Bike Graphix, Risk Racing, Worx Gloves, Cycra, Streamline Brakes & Controls, Ride Engineering, Ryno Power, No Toil, Slick, Spy Optics and Skull Candy for your continued support!
Apr 22 2020
We started teleworking almost a month ago now and it's definitely been an adjustment. With the gyms closed, I've had to find new ways to stay active as many others have around the world. Luckily this pandemic hit during the prime weather period here in Texas, so it's a little easier than it would've been during other parts of the year. I bought my first mountain bike a few weeks ago and have been loving my time spent on it so far. It's been great to get out and do something that mimics riding a dirtbike, while getting some much needed outdoor therapy. I'm doing my best to stay active and prepared for the delayed race season and can't wait to get back at it. A special thanks to Eagle Grit, FXR, EVS, Bike Graphix, Risk Racing, Worx Gloves, Cycra, Streamline Brakes & Controls, Ride Engineering, Ryno Power, No Toil, Slick, Spy Optics and Skull Candy for your continued support!
Mar 24 2020
Well....This is not how I envisioned the 2020 race season. As many athletes are feeling the sting of COVID-19, my story is no different. We were supposed to be racing this upcoming weekend, but it doesn't look like it will be happening. Additionally, I am on a 75 mile travel restriction, which means that I will not be able to make it to the practice area to throw down any motos. Looks like it may be awhile before I can get back on the bike. As we speak I am working on ways to keep moving forward with my fitness program and supplement the time off the 450. Also, I decided to start working on a project that I have been pondering for awhile now. Looks like I'm taking my 7'x16' cargo trailer and making a toy hauler for the family and I to take on our future racing trips. I'm pretty excited and what better time to have a project like this to accomplish. A special thanks to Eagle Grit, FXR, EVS, Bike Graphix, Risk Racing, Worx Gloves, Cycra, Streamline Brakes & Controls, Ride Engineering, Ryno Power, No Toil, Slick and Spy Optics for your continued support. I may not be racing, but I'm still doing my best to represent you all the best that I can.
Mar 4 2020
We just had the first round of TORN 2020 last weekend and it was a great race! The track was awesome with a lot of deep sand that added a good level of difficulty. The woods were pristine and the table top near the pits gave me a chance to air it out for some of the spectators. I really enjoyed it and I'm so glad to be racing again. I ended up 7th out of 17 so I'm happy with that for my first race back, however, I won't be completely satisfied until I'm on top of the box. I'm trying some new workouts at the gym that should help with the arm pump and I look forward to getting back the speed that I used to have as I ride and race more this year. It's going to be a great 2020 and I want to thank all my sponsors that are helping me out. A big thanks to:
FXR, BikeGraphix, EVS, No Toil, Streamline Brakes & Controls, Eagle Grit, Slick Products, Ride Engineering, Worx Gloves, Cycra, Ryno Power and Risk Racing
Thanks!
Craig Hall #490
Feb 27 2020
I had a great practice session today getting ready for TORN Round 1. I went to Twin Buttes in San Angelo, TX and got some good seat time in to see where I'm at as well as the 450. Everything is coming together nicely and I can't wait to get to the race this weekend!
A big thanks to:
FXR, BikeGraphix, EVS, No Toil, Streamline Brakes & Controls, Eagle Grit, Slick Products, Ride Engineering, Worx Gloves, Cycra, Ryno Power and Risk Racing
Thanks!
Craig Hall #490
Feb 21 2020
I just added a couple more pictures from last month at the youth center here on Dyess AFB. It was a blast to talk to the kids about our great sport and give them some insight on what it's like to be a racer. I had my wife take the pics so be sure to check them out!
No riding this week, but a lot of gym time to get ready for the season opener next weekend in Stephenville, TX. I can't wait to get back on the bike again and represent all my new sponsors for 2020! Also, as we speak, the family and I are ramping up for the SX at Arlington, TX tomorrow. It's going to be awesome!! I'm really hoping Jason Anderson can pull one out this weekend.
I want to give a special thanks to the following companies:
Ryno Power, EVS, Risk Racing, Bike Graphix, Cycra, FXR, Eagle Grit, Ride Engineering, Worx Gloves and Streamline Brakes and Controls.
I promise I will represent you well and I hope I can take you all to the top of the box next weekend!
Thanks!
Craig Hall
#490
P.S.
There may be an unplanned racing adventure next month to so stay tuned!