Last weekend's weather was looking so good that I could not pass up the chance to ride my Unbound Energy / TeamVRM.com bikes and go racing.  I started looking around and saw that there was a qualifier in Du Quoin, Il at Paradise MX Park.  I had some homework to do so we decided just to race on Sunday. 

We arrived Sunday morning and the track looked great.  It was a fairly short track with my average lap time being around 1:25.  I could tell the track was going to get rough in practice.  It was already starting to rut and get some braking bumps into the corners which when in shape I like.  There was a big turnout at the race as it was a Loretta Lynn’s qualifier and I had upwards of 30 riders in both classes. 

Moto One Lites Pro Sport

I did not get a great jump off the line, but going into the first turn I was able to make some quick passes and found myself in 3^rd place.  I passed into second by the end of lap 1 and charged towards the leader.  I caught the leader and made the pass on lap 3.  I went on to win with a small gap on second place.  It’s great to win with awesome looking UE bikes.

Moto One Motocross

Moto one was a good one!  I got a great jump off the line and came around the first turn in second.  I passed for the lead in the third corner and focused ahead of me.  I tried just to focus on the track and put in some fast laps.  A “W” here was making the day shape up really nice.

Moto Two Lites Pro Sport

This was one of the most exciting races of the day.  I pulled the holeshot with Justin Kelly following closely behind.  Kelly made the pass on me in the back section on lap 2.  I stayed right on his rear fender looking for an opportunity to pass him back.  I knew I was a little quicker in a section before the finish.  As he drifted out on the last lap before the finish, I used some Arenacross techniques dove to the inside and flew over the tabletop beside him.  There was a 180-degree corner around a barrel then a short straight to the finish.  I had the inside position but he was not giving up.  He was pushing me into the barrel and I was pushing back.  We locked handlebars and both almost went down.  We both came to a complete stop right in the middle of the corner.  Since I was on the inside, I was able to block him and make it to the line first!  Arenacross racing at it’s best.  J

Moto Two Motocross

This was the best that I had felt all day.  I pulled the holeshot and just was really flowing.  I put in some of the best laps I had done all day and went on for the win.  This was a very satisfying ride for me by Winning and giving some solid exposure to my sponsors.

It was a great day of racing and it was good to get a qualifier for Loretta's out of the way.