Pre Race: This race always falls on labor day weekend, so I’m excited for many things. It’s a three day weekend, my mom’s birthday, the first race after the summer break, and the race where I got my first Arkansas overall. I adjusted a few things on my Rekluse before the race, so I was excited to test that out in practice. We pulled in Saturday afternoon, and a cloud of dust covered the motocross track. The new settings on the Rekluse worked great, but the track was by far not fun because of the dust. I knew it was going to be important to get out front early, so I spent a lot of time practicing my starts. I had that down, and was ready to go.
Race: I got a good jump off the line. Although I did not get the holeshot, I was able to make a pass on Bryan Vaughan to take the lead before we entered the woods. I pushed hard to get away and did just that. I had a nice lead after the first few laps. On the third lap, the lappers started getting really bad, causing me to slow down a lot, and pretty much taking all the fun out of the race. I did not feel comfortable at all in the dust and I lost my rear brakes, allowing Parker Nolen to gain time on me. I pulled into the pits at the beginning of the 7th lap, and this is where it all fell apart. While dad was filling me up with gas, the bike died. I went to start it, and it wouldn’t. I kicked and kicked but it just wouldn’t fire. We tried a new air filter, new spark plug, but nothing would work. My race was over. We were all really disappointed seeing this is the second Arkansas race in a row I have had mechanical problems. I have been working and training so hard, and this kind of stuff happens. We still don’t know what is wrong with the bike, but I’m taking it to Bill Eddy’s motorsports, so I know it will get fixed right. Thanks to everyone who tried to help this weekend. I will be back in a couple weeks for the next round more prepared than ever. Thanks for reading.
Results (Overall) 1. Parker Nolen (Yam)
2. Bryan Vaughan (KTM)
3. RD Johnson (KTM)
4. Brad Warren (KTM)
5. Nathan Bolton (Kaw)
Zach Ingram leading after 7 laps, DNF
Thanks to the following for their support: Bill Eddy’s Motorsports, KTM, Moose Racing, Rekluse, Enduro Engineering, Source MX, Alpinestars, Smith, Sixsixone, FMF, my family, and most importantly
Mechanical failures will ALWAYS be! Keep your head up and don’t let this get under your skin. Although disappointing and through the years championship determining for may riders at all levels, You stand to gain from other riders’ mechanical failures as much as you stand to lose by your’s.
Your biggest fear should be your little brother. He will be a bruiser.
Haha thanks for the comment
I would like to hear what Bill Eddy’s finds on you bike.
Too bad the rain was only about 4 days late.
I am still coughing up dust
Better luck next race.
Kelly,
I will let you know when I find out for sure, but we are for sure putting a new top end in the bike.
The rain would have definately helped out this past weekend, but at least the next race will be better.
Thanks,
Zach Ingram
What kind of trails should be expected at Beach Grove Bandit?
Also, Ross got some support with AXO and will have to start doing race reports. I will have Ross use your reports as examples.
He got third at Hwy 89.
Beeche grove is more of a typical enduro trail. Some fast fields to get to the single track and them tight hilly rocky woods.
Tell Ross congratulations. He will start racking up those sponsors.