After a long swing in California, it was good to be heading back east a little.  Even though Texas isn't exactly on the east coast, the dirt is a lot better that we have seen so far.  My goals were basically the same as all the previous weekends... have a good practice/qualifying laptime, qualify out of the heat race and have a strong main event.

I started practice pretty well, picking up the track quickly and putting in some decent times.  I just rode laps and was content with how it was going.  I had a little problem at the end of practice with my setup but other than that it went smoothly.  The 2nd session was more or less a disaster, I never felt comfortable at all.  The track was really rough from all the previous sessions and I wasn't able to find a rhythm in the ruts and bumps.  Every time I tried to put laps in I seemed to make big mistakes.  I was pretty frustrated with myself and needed to re-focus for the heat race. 

I knew a good start was going to be crucial to qualifying.  Everyone was really close in speed and passing would be rough and tumble.  Luckily, I came out around 6th at the end of the first lap and stayed out of trouble.  I didn't feel fast at all but managed to stay where I needed to.  I lost one spot and finished 7th... good enough.  I was relieved to be in the main event again and have a chance for a good finish.  After the heat race, there was an incredible storm outside in the pits.  It ruined more than a few teams' tents and equipment.  It was pretty chaotic out there, people running around chasing aluminum and then running the other way trying to avoid it 30 seconds later.  We headed back inside pretty early to get out of the mayhem. 

I got a great gate for the main event start, however, it had a pretty big hole on the exit of the gate.  I tried to fix it on the parade lap but it was still pretty ugly.  I was hoping to get a great jump out of there and just hop right over it but that was wishful thinking.  I did get an amazing jump, and my first thought was that I was going to holeshot.  As soon as I hit the hole though, I lost all my momentum and Short and Windham on each side of me went blowing by.  I tried to funnel in with the pack but it was tough to find a gap.  I was pretty far back and just wanted to move up as much as possible.  I started to find a good pace a few laps in and was picking guys off.  I started pushing pretty hard and made a huge mistake and fell down.  I just lost traction with my front wheel and tipped over.  It was a stupid little crash but costly nonetheless.  I lost about 5 spots and a ton of time.  It was really frustrating but I had to try to get any spots back that I could.  I got back to 15th after a last lap pass, not great, but salvaged something out of it.  I think I could have gotten up to 11th or 12th at best so it wasn't a total loss.  I felt really good on the bike and strong for the 20 laps so I can build off of the weekend in that aspect.

This weekend is Atlanta, one of my favorites.  I like everything about this race and it will be cool to see the east coast lites guys race too.  I think I can do really well if things go my way and I can get a good start.  Im looking forward to trying anyway!