Anaheim 2 was retro night.  It was a tribute to the classic battle of Anaheim circa 1986 between Rick Johnson and David Bailey.  The track was modeled after the same track, riders had special gear from that era, and even some of the bike graphics were designed from 86.  Everyone was excited about the idea and it created a buzz for an otherwise normal race.  We wanted to try out the new track design, since most of the tracks are similar these days.  Myself, I was looking for redemption after a dismal showing in Phoenix.

Practice started off good, I picked up the track quickly and turned in some decent laps.  After a couple of laps though, I started getting arm pump.  I kept riding but it was getting worse and worse.  I finally had to pull in the mechanics area and try to get some feeling back in my arms.  I finished practice but couldn't really ride that hard with my arms so pumped up.  I was a little off in the times and knew I needed to pick it up in the second practice.

I came out trying to put in a solid time early in round 2 and struggled with the same problem.  I simply couldn't hold on like I needed to.  I just rode as hard as I could and loosen up on the track.  I had a decent lap on the last lap of practice, now if I could just get my arms straightened out!  I went back and iced them and had Dr. Navarro work on them for me.

I knew in my heat race that I was going to need a great start.  I had a tough qualifier and there was no place for weakness.  Luckily, I rocketed out of the gate in 3rd place.  Langston and Millsaps were out in front of me and I just tried to sprint with them for as long as I could.  I lost ground to them and just was trying to put in a fast, mistake free 8 laps.  I lost 2 spots but ended up with a solid 5th in the heat.  I was really excited to have a good finish and go straight to the main.  It was a confidence booster and awesome for my team and sponsors.

Come main event time, I was looking for more of the same.  I wanted a good start and try to race with the factory guys for as long as possible.  Unfortunately, this would prove to be wishful thinking.  I came together with Tedesco out of the gate and had to back off way too much.  That left me at the back of the pack on lap 1.  It was pretty chaotic back there, people crashing everywhere.  My buddy Red Dog went down in the pileups too.  I was chasing Gibson on the 3rd or 4th lap and just made a bonehead mistake and stalled my bike.  I was pretty mad at myself and knew I was going to be racing by myself the rest of the main event.  I just tried to put in consistent laps and catch anyone having problems.  Millsaps and Grant Langston had seperate mishaps and I was able to gain a couple positions.  It wasn't a great main event by any stretch, but points are points.  I finished up in 17th, but it easily could have been 19th or 20th after making that miscue.  I wish I could have gotten closer to the top 10 or 12 but it wasnt to be.  I am just going to try to build off of it and improve each week.  I have my bike figured out now and have my head back where it should be.  The rest should fall into place.  Next week is San Francisco, which is usually a good race for me.  I am going to work my butt off this week and try to come out swinging!  See ya next week!