Round 2
We arrived at the track around 8:00 am. Today I felt prepared for what the track would be like. It appeared to be about the same as the day before. I knew what I needed to do to qualify top 10.
In the first practice I felt confident even though the track was slick and rough again, I went in and looked at my time and I was around 12th place. I needed to find a way to get faster so I watched Henry Wiles and some of the experts to see there lines. I couldn’t wait until timed qualifying, I felt like I was ready.
It was finally my practice group and I went out and got two great fast laps, and couldn’t wait to see the times. I was qualified 5th and I was so happy. I knew we were going to do well, and then we had to endure the 2-hour intermission. During that time, I cleaned the bikes and looked at the track some more. I was ready and confident.
Finally it was time for the heat race, the horn went off and it was time for the race. My heat race was loaded with the likes of James Rispoli, Brad Baker, and Mikey Avila all were in my heat and they were flying today. I got off to a great start and was in 5th where I stayed there for half the race.
I started to gain positions and I got up to 4th place battling with Rispoli. On the last lap I was close, but ran it in to turn 3 too hard. I couldn’t get a good enough drive to pass James down the straightaway, but I was in the main.
Now I’m really nervous, and starting from the 2nd row. The horn goes off and the mechanics and riders walk out to the starting line. My heart was pounding, and I was so ready.
Everyone starts their bikes and the mechanics leave the track. The light goes green and we drop the clutch and everyone is bunched up and hitting each other. I was about 11th as I spun off the line.
The track was slick and I couldn’t get much traction but I moved up a few positions. I was pushing so hard but just not getting anywhere. I ended up 9th and was disappointed. I really just wanted to hook up, and show what I can do.
We left Daytona in 7th place overall in the points standing. Ted, Dick and my dad were super-happy. Thanks to them and all my sponsors, they’ve done so much for me.
March 4, 2010 Daytona Beach, Florida Pro Singles Grand National – Round 2 – WeirBach Racing – 91Y – Mikey Martin
Sponsors
WeirBach Racing, General Engineering, Barnett clutches, K&N filters, Motion Pro, Cheney Engineering, Spider Grips, Spectro Oil, Saddleman seats, Engine Ice, G2 ergonomics, Works Connection, All Balls Racing, Spy Optics, Pro-Wheels, Firecoat Custom Powderworks, Foudree Graphics, Hindle Exhaust, Web Cams, Bob Berry Racing, Durelle Racing, Cycra Racing, Pingel, Regina chain, Supertrapp, VP fuel, Ron Bailey, Wendell Poggie, Boyesen, A&A Racing, Arai, Alpinestars, RAB, Lightshoe, Micah Racing, SHY Racing.