SVM Race Report #2
Hey Guys,
Its Derek again writing to keep
you’ll updated on the motocross end of the SVM racing program. I have been
racing every weekend since I returned home doing my best in chasing after some
Kawi money, and also trying to win a NESC amateur championship or two.
Currently, I am sitting in the runner-up spot in both of my classes having only
attended 5 of 9 races, and still having five rounds left to go I would much
rather be here then leading the chase. My bikes have been going through the
typical new bikes loops of testing suspension with Factory Connection and
dialing everything in for the rest of the year with the motor and other
accessories.
I would like to thank everyone who
has helped me get my program together this year such as: Everyone here at
Souhegan Valley Motorsports, FC Mike, Ann Marie and Ziggy at Factory
Connection, Renthal, Dunlop, Scott USA, Scott Buxton at Fox Racing, Engine Ice,
Osiris Shoes, Titan Graphics, FMF, and everyone else I forgot… I will continue
to keep everyone posted with my results and how things go with the rest of the
Spring Series.
Till Next Time Ride Safe,
Derek Almy #141
SVM RACE REPORT #1
Southwick Loretta Lynn Qualifier
Hey Guys,
Well, we all know the story about motorcycle
racing in New England. No matter how hard we try to avoid it, winter always
finds a way to come and hit us hard. This is where I’ll begin…
I headed south this winter to
Florida to train while everyone else was being hit by heavy rain and
snowstorms. The experience was awesome and I really feel it is one that has
impacted my racing greatly. My normal days down south consisted of going to
classes at Central Florida Community College in the morning, then loading up my
bikes and off to the track I went.
The tracks down there are very fun
to practice on, but get old after you ride them week in and week out. I decided
that after being out for almost all of last season with my knee injury, I should
take my time getting back on the bike, and really build a solid base on the
physical fitness end of things. This is probably the most over looked aspect of
any form of racing. People just think we sit on a motorcycle and twist that
thing on the right and hold on (or at least try to). I know I am guilty at
times of being too lazy to get into the gym or go running, but having a lot of
time to think down here I have turned my attitude and outlook around. I got on
a five day-a-week plan with lifting, cardio, endurance, etc. After this
weekend, I think it might be paying off.
For those who don’t know about Loretta Lynn
Amateur National it’s the Kentucky Derby, Super Bowl, or Final Four of amateur
motocross. You need to do two rounds of qualifying to even make it to Loretta’s
Ranch in Tennessee. The first stage is the Area Qualifiers which are held all
around the country at local tracks. Then you go on to the Regional which is
where you have all the fastest kids from all over your part of the US dicing it
out for a spot to travel down to Tennessee in Mid-July. It gets very crazy with
a lot of emotions and dreams which are either crushed for some or made for
others.
Southwick, Massachusetts, also known as MX338,
is home of the first and only LLQ in New England. It brings out the finest
riders from all around our area to give it a shot at a spot to take their career
to the next level. This is why I had flown in to race it.
This weekend in particular is what I had been
working hard for all winter. I knew the expectations were high from all my
friends, family and sponsors after being able to ride down south with some big
shots all winter.
After spending two days frantically trying to
get the new 2007s from Souhegan Valley Motorsports broken
in and setup for my liking, I thought I was ready. Well, I quickly realized
that you need to make sure bikes are race ready before you get to the track.
Saturday, I struggled with minor bike problems all day and just some really
tough luck. I wasn’t going to let this get me down seeing as I was already
qualified for both of my Saturday classes. Sunday, I regrouped and put together
some good performances with my worst finish being a 6th in a stacked
field of riders. I nearly won the 250 B Modified class leading both motos of
the day from start to about the last three corners finishing with a 2nd
overall. Kind of a bummer, but hey I’m in for the Regional.
My 2007 KX 250 and 450
pulled me off the gate unbelievably grabbing three out of four holeshots on
Sunday. I was happy with the weekend overall it was my comeback race in New
England at a track which has many mixed emotions for me.
So, thanks for reading my race report of the
first weekend up north and I hope to have many more to come thanks.
Till Next Time Ride Safe,
Derek Almy #141
