Rider Updates
Dec 19 2006
Well, to say arenacross is not my favorite part of racing would be an understatement. Don't get me wrong. I love racing, no matter what. I just do not have my best moments in the tight confines of the arenas. I am more suited to fast, rough, outdoor stuff.
This past weekend was another of my not so glorious days inside. I was the fastest rider in my class during practice, but somehow managed to get caught up in the short tight moto madness. I crashed on the last lap of the first moto, and stalled on the first lap of the second moto. The important part is, I had fun. A frustrating day racing, is still better than a day in the office!
Once again I would like to thank all of my sponsors; Moto Option, MSR racing, KSR Wheels, Ogio, Weapon MX, Osiris Shoes, Namura Technologies, and Vision Motocross. Their dedication to our sport helps all of us compete at the top of our game, as well as making the financial responsibilities a little easier. I will be out there every weekend promoting your products, so I can give back what you give me.
I hope to see some of the mxsponsor.com guys at the races this year. I am sure the outdoor season will be here soon enough.
Michael
Oct 17 2006
It has been a long and fun summer. I won the 30+ and 125B championship this year, and I am looking forward to adding more in the arenacross series.
I have been away from the sport for a long time, and was not sure I could be competitive with the younger crowd. It didn't take long to find my speed again, and get on top. This has been a great season and I can't wait for the 2007 outdoor season to start. I will be racing full time as well as helping my son start racing in 2007. He is too young (3) to race in 2006, but he is very excited about doing it in 2007.
Michael
Sep 30 2006
The Summer Showdown Series is at the end. I have been consistant all summer long, and it has paid off. Going into the last round, I have not won the overall in the 125B class, but today was different.
The first moto got off to a rocky start. I went down on the first lap when I lost the front wheel in a tight off camber. I was able to keep the engine running and get back after the leaders. After all was said and done, I ended with a second. Going in to the second moto my mind was set on nothing less than the win. I got a bad start in that moto, but did not let that stop me. I rode hard and smart and was able to take the lead on lap 2. I had to win the moto to get the overall, because the winner of the first moto finished second this time around. It took a while but it finally happened.
I am now training for the indoor arenacross series starting in November. Look for more updates in the near future.
Michael
Jul 21 2006
This was one of those nights were "Murphy's law" prevailed. The promoter is doing a series that runs at county fairs in Ohio, but they made some changes to the normal routine. These races are one moto, so if anything goes wrong, it is over.
I was off a bit with starts tonight, and that got me in a little trouble, but that is how it goes sometimes. The 30+ class was the tougher of the two classes. I got a bad start then stalled in the second corner. By the time I got the bike started again, I was two corners from being a lap down. I put my head down and rode my heart out. I ended up in eighth at the end. This was a hard one to take, because my lap times were an average of 6 seconds faster than the leader.
The 25+ class was not much better. Again a horrible start, and once again had to play catchup. I passed several riders, but could only manage to make it to seventh.
I did have a good time, and met some new people at the track, so it was still good in some ways. I also got to pitch all of my sponsors to other riders at the track. I am very thankful to have them to make this all possible to enjoy the sport that I love. I will have to put some time into starts now, and get back on top.
Jul 9 2006
Back to racing with no luck in getting the elusive win in the B class. I am staying very consistant, but can not put it all together for the win. My race speed is picking up with every ride, but so is the competition. I hope to have a win in this class before the end of the series, but if not, I will try to put it together in the winter arenacross series. Indoor tracks are not my strong point, but I can stay in the top 3 most of the time.
The 30+ class was a little tough this weekend too. I went 2-2, but missed the overall in the second moto by a short distance. I was faster in most areas than the rider that won, but the track got very hard packed and he had a better tire for the conditions. I could not hold the inside, so he could easily turn in under me. It was just his day to shine and not mine, but that is O.K. because the racing was very intense and exciting. I had so much fun passing for the lead so many times. I had more fun getting second than any of the other races this season!
All in all this was a great day. I even helped my competition with his bike. He had some mechanical trouble, so I helped him repair it, so he could race, and I a very happy I was able to help him. If we could not have repaired his bike, I don't think we would have had so much fun, and that is what it's all about.
This was also the first race for my best friend. He did very well for his first MX race. He was the fastest rider in the begginer class, but he had a few minor crashes from pushing too hard, and left him with a second place finish. I don't think he expected to do that well, and I was very excited for him. He is now hooked on this great sport, and like me, can not wait to get back to the track.
Michael
Jul 5 2006
The Summer Showdown Series has been on a short break, but it kicks off again this coming Saturday. I am excited to get back to racing. After the last race I moved into the points lead in the 125B class. I still do not have a win in this class, but I have been consistent enough to gain the lead. The 30+ class has been a different story. I have lead the series since the first race, with only one race not being a win. I wasn't sure I would be up to racing this class on a 250F, but it turns out that it can be accomplished. I will be out promoting my sponsors and racing hard this weekend. Check back next week for an update on the Summer Showdown Series.
Michael
Jun 6 2006
This round turned out both good and bad. The bad news first. I was having an off day and could not get to my usual speed, but you have those days. My starts were not very stellar either, which put me in a position I did not want to be in. On the first lap of my first moto a rider lost control of his bike on an uphill triple jump, and the result was a mid air collision, that ended with my bike on top of him. This is not what I wanted to happen. I do not want to see anyone injured, but in this case he was.
Now the good news. The injuries that my competitor received were not too severe. Some bumps and bruises and a few second degree burns from my exhaust header. It could have been much worse for him. I ended up 3rd overall for the day and am happy to have it. The best part is I and the other guy will be at it again on 6/11 at an indoor track.. Stay tuned for round 7.
Jun 2 2006
I decided to get back into racing this year, and it has been a blast. I hoped to finish the race safely, but as it turned out, I have some speed left in me. My first race back I went 1-1 in the 30+ class, and 2-3 in the 125B class. I also pulled the holeshot in 3 of 4 motos.
This series has been fun so far, and I can not wait for the upcoming race this weekend (6/4/06).
I will update my results soon.
Michael