Well, it’s great to be back after missing Daytona due to Daytona bike week. After watching it on TV, I couldn’t believe I wasn’t there. I felt sad, but there were no Feld Entertainment crew or Monster Energy girls either. Anyway, It was fun to watch on TV and I was screaming from my couch with my family. I spent my week off hanging with the Honda Troy Lee Design Race team in California. They where testing for outdoors. It was really cool to see how the testing was so different from supercross. I learned a lot about timing, breathing and the overall endurance levels. On supercross tracks, they normally do two; six lap motos and a 15 lapper. Outdoors was all about how long you could go. The guys would be out there for 30 minutes straight. That sounds easy, but when you saw how hard they where riding you have to give them kudos. Even though the weather was a little chilly at times, I still had a great time with the guys.
I never thought I would make it to New Orleans! I have heard many stories that involved "The Big Easy." This place was known for its parties and Mardi Gras beads. Even though I did not "earn" my beads, I happen to walk away with a lot on my neck. The Superdome was off the hook. I mean this place was HUGE! It was about 40 stories high and looked like it would fit a million people inside. We had a great turn out for the race!! The weather in the morning was great. Then the storm decided to roll out later in the day. It was pouring. That did not hurt the race at all though, we where dry and inside. :)
During the day, I walked the track with all the guys. I noticed the dirt was pretty. I know how lame that sounds, but it had seashells in it! I thought it had to have come straight off the beach. So I played on the pretty track for a while then had to get ready to meet the fans.
Just like in Indy, there were no pits. This time however, I got to meet over 400 people, instead of only 200! I got to sit down with all the riders, and sign autographs just like they did. I have to say I felt pretty cool. Even though, I was signing pictures of Austin Stroupe and Ryan Villopoto (for some odd reason) fans didn’t mind one bit. It only lasted about 20 minutes before the lites riders had to suite up again for their second practice.
Game time. I was really bummed to see that J- Law was not going to be in the 450 class, due to a hurt ankle. He always throws a cool twist in the results of the race. It was the lites class that where so exciting tonight! It was a weird feeling to not see Nico Izzi or Martin Davalos in the main. I doubt we will ever see that again. Austin Stroupe took the victory following Jessemen (who was on the podium for his first time this year) and following him was Blake Wharton who is a rookie to supercross! It seems like yesterday when I was watching him at all the amateur nationals tearing it up. Good job Blake!
The Supercross class was awesome as usual. With Stewart and Reed close in points, I couldn’t wait to see this one. Stewart took the holeshot away from Alessi and Reed was instantly behind Stewart. I love this part! Reed tried for a pass on Stewart and was denied with a block pass. I was on my feet screaming and Reed was putting pressure on Stewart. Stewart rode a great race and slowly started to pull away. Stewart took the lead and Reed took second. I was very excited to see Broc Hepler finish third and make the podium. Great job Broc!
I can’t wait for next week in St. Louis. Travis Pastrana designed the track and he and J-law will be there in the race. Yes, Pastrana is signed up to enter the race. I am a HUGE fan of Pastana and can’t wait to see him race. For everyone going to St. Louis, come by and say hi. See ya all next week...
