We crossed the Pacific ocean from down under to Hangtown, California to compete in the first round of the AMA Lucas Oil Pro Motocross.
Our privateer team is made up of my Dad & cousin (mechanics), my girlfriend (manager, physio & media), my Mum (hospitality) & little sister (moral support / team promo girl). For me, motocross has always been a family sport and this trip would not have been possible without them all. Of course there are a bunch of other brands and companies that have jumped on board to help with product to make this possible.
Race 1
I qualified 19th position. Being my debut AMA race I was put in the B group for practice and qualifying. B group practice was after the A group so the track was a little rougher. The track initially started off ripped quite deep with soft, sharp bumps and long ruts. With forecasts of thunderstorms, by race 2 the track had turned into mud. I got off to an average start in Race 1, but true to my style I weaved my way to just outside the top 10 by lap two. Of course, I found my Aussie rival Dean Ferris and finished just behind him in 12th position. It was mad to battle with Dean & Cody Cooper during the mid part of the race!
Race 2
I had a better gate pick and lined up in between the two factory Honda boys Roczen & Seely. With a better start, I found myself pass into the top 10 however got stuck in the mud and went over the handle bars at the end of lap one. Regrouping myself around 20th position, with muddy gloves and frustration I ploughed my way back to 13th.
Overall, it was a great debut AMA Motocross round despite leaving a little frustrated as I felt I could have capitalised in the mud as this is usually one of my strengths.
Next stop…
We are currently road tripping 8hrs in the RV down the California coastline to the second round in Pala. True to my nature I will make sure to smell the roses along the way on our American dream trip.
I’m looking forward to experiencing a race in SoCal, as this is the hub of the motorcycling industry and everyone who’s anyone will be there!
Thanks to Berry Sweet Strawberries, Snap On Australia, KTR, KT Cables, Husqvarna USA, DPH, Kite Wheels, Acerbis, SKDA, Odi, FMF USA, Dunlop USA, Motorex, Forma Boots, Asterisk USA, Troy Lee Designs, M2R Helmets, Oakley, Swift, Wade Lewis Art for t-shirt designs (check out my website), Robert Jonas and Blaine Schuttler from Husqvarna, Dale & Tash from DPH for giving me the opportunity to align with Husqvarna in 2019, Brandon Parrish from Rider’s Insurance and all the helpful ProMotocross personnel. (Sorry if i missed anyone out!)
Keep on revving it. Todd (currently #477)