Florida. Beautiful weather, two weekends in a row of great racing, and a little bit of a break for me. I flew out early to make it to the Daytona SX race and bike week. This was my first time attending the SX race in Daytona and actually my first time ever in Daytona. The streets were flooded with street bikes and decked out Harleys. Every bike manufacturer had huge displays set up with every dirtbike, quad, street bike, and more. Races were taking place everywhere and in the middle of it all was the SX race Friday night. It took place right in the middle of the Daytona 500 NASCAR track. I was amazed by the grandstands and all that was around. I was even able to walk on the banks of the NASCAR track and see actually how steep it really was. That is still one thing I would like to do, is see a live NASCAR race. I also got to catch a glimpse of the road bike racers. It is amazing the speeds they go around the track and the different strategies they use while racing. It is a lot different that supercross and motocross.
That whole week after the Daytona race I stayed in Georgia, relaxed, and caught up on a lot of school work. During the week the Honda guys were out riding and preparing for Florida at the Millsaps’ tracks. Davi, Hahn, and Windham were all cutting up the laps and practicing together. They put in a lot of time, practice laps, and hours in the gym to keep in shape. Mechanics were always on hand to make adjustments to the bikes for top performance.
On Friday I headed to Orlando. On race day the weather was great as always and the sandy track was ready to get ripped up. The Florida tracks are made of practically white beach sand and end up dusty and rutted. Everyone knew that this track was going to stir up the tension and race action all through the night. The Supercross class was a battle like no other. RC raced his last supercross race of his career as he battled with James Stewart one last time. It was all the way to the finish line with the two both in view the whole time. Even with Stewart taking the win, RC went out in style. He is a class act for sure and we wish him well!
The Lites class is a line up that is so full of talent it is a surprise who will top the race in the main event. It is all about getting good starts and holding your own strong race. Every weekend we see new faces on the podium and the points chase is always moving around, but so close anyone can take over the race to the championship. In the main event, for the Lites class, it was a scramble to the first turn and many riders got into a tangle. Another red flag for the season sent everyone back to the start except Sipes and Dungey. Sipes went out with a broken leg and Dungey with a down bike; a bummer for Dungey who didn’t even finish the main in Daytona. He was the hype starting off the East Lites and every weekend it is a new face to the game. I felt bad for Sipes, we wish him a speedy recovery.
Behind every SX rider is his mechanic. These guys work behind the scenes week after week with one mission, get their rider to the podium! It's hard work and it does not go unwarranted as we always here from the riders on the podium the, "Thanks to their mechanics" or "I would not have made it here without my mechanic." We see the mechanics at the beginning of each SX race carefully walking their masterpiece to the start line placing it on the gate safe and sound. They take much pride to their work. Then to the starting gates in tow with a number of tools and pit boards, the main source of communication between rider and mechanic. Whether it has to do with making riding adjustments or just plain turning the throttle, the communication is important. A typical SX mechanic is the type who can handle burning the candle at both ends. Between the travel and the races, they work tirelessly.
Well, I'm headed home today. And Spring Break has just begun at home. But I have just enough time to go home unpack my bags from Florida and then repack for Indy. The action continues. See you at the races!
