Personal History
I started riding dirt bikes when I was 9 and basically have never stopped. I started racing in the late 80's and have been doing so on and off ever since.
2008 was the first year I committed to an entire season with the OTHG racing every event. By doing so I earned the #4 plate. In 2009 I once again raced every event and got a little closer; this time the #2 plate.
In 2010 I was unable to race every event due to work constraints and finished with the #5 plate. I plan to continue racing as much as physically and financially possible.
Riding Goals
I moved up to the Expert class at the end of 2010. The learning curve is pretty steep and it's taking a while to come up to speed.
Unfortunately I suffered a setback in a crash at Fernley in May 2011. In the crash I dislocated my right hip, and was off the bike for about 6 weeks. It is taking time to get back to the level I was at and my plan is to slowly ride my way back into shape and regain full mobility in my hip. Because of this, my results will be down for a while.
In 2012 I have unfortunately been suffering with more injuries that have held me back (fractured right foot) as well as series of engine failures on my bike. I have this resolved now and have been doing more riding and training. I'm hoping to have a strong comeback in 2013.
Competitive Highlights
I was very consistent with my results in 2009 and came very close to getting the #1 plate (ended up #2). In a season this long and this tight in the points chase, one bad outing can affect the rest of the season. For me it was the OTHG National at Hangtown where a simple tip over in moto 1 snapped my clutch lever clean off, resulting in at 28th place finish. Even though I battled back for a 9th place overall that weekend, I could not regain the points I lost through the rest of the season. I have since picked up Sunline as one of my sponsors and now run their V1 unbreakable levers; so hopefully this will not be an issue for me again.
At the 2010 OTHG Glen Helen National I had one of the most bittersweet experiences in my life. In the 38 Int class, I dominated the weekend for all but one moto. In the first moto on that Sunday morning, a loose coil wire caused my bike to intermittantly pop and stall about half way through the moto. I went from a 7 second lead to finishing 12th. That weekend I went 1-1-12-1 for 2nd overall. It that last moto, I got a bad start and charged from way back to win it on the last lap. It was an awesome moto and for the most part a great weekend. If not for that one moto, the weekend would have been mine.
No matter where I finish on the track, I always keep pushing myself to try harder. As with every year, I'm having a great time racing my fellow vets in the OTHG. Thank you to all of my sponsors; I could not have gotten this close without your help!