Sears Point race weekend August 18-19, 2001

This was my second time at Sears Point and I had high hopes for a top 10 finish in 600 Production. Saturday practice went well and I got fastest time in practice group three a couple times. Sunday morning practice felt great and I posted my best laptime all weekend. I got a really good grid position in row 4 for my first race of the day, 600 Production. The green flag dropped and we were off, I tried to go around the left side of the pack but got closed off, then the middle opened up and I got past a few bikes on the way into turn 7. From there I just started flying, I passed three bike in the first couple laps and started running by myself. I knew I was going faster than ever and felt completely confident, I guess maybe too confident. I passed one more person and then about lap five, coming out of turn 4, I lost the front end and it was all over but the sliding. I actually had a chance to try and save it by pushing the bike back up with my knee pressing on the ground but that only worsened the situation and caused a small high side. The bike and I tumbled and slid to safety at the edge of the track, I was not hurt and the bike... well the bike was definitely done for the weekend. Kinda of a bitter ending to my first season of motorcycle racing but crashing is always a possibility and this was a pretty easy one. My laptimes during the race were a full 2 seconds faster than practice and I was in 9th position when I fell. Unfortunately, the crash only left me wanting more, maybe next year...


Pictures taken in the 'temporary' turn 9 at Sears Point








Photo by Gary Rather