For those of you that have been following along (does anyone actually read this blog?) on this little journey over the past four years, hey – we’ve had some fun. Right? We’ve jackassed our way from a bumbling yellow plater to somehow winning a championship, and finishing at the top more times than we should have.
For the second round this season, we showed up with our third motor and just a shred of hope to pull out a successful season. BRG had the engine failures resolved and if I could win every race for the remainder of the season, I could win another 500 Twins championship by one point. ONE. It doesn’t sound like much to hope for. There’s zero room for error. But, I like a good challenge and felt ready to take it on.
In 450 Superbike, I came from the back row to 2nd place and tried to stay with Elrod, but just couldn’t hang. I finished comfortably in 2nd place and was happy with the results since 450SB is my “fun” race.
I went back and made some suspension and tire changes in preparation for 500 Twins and got ready for the grid. Got a really nice start with a holeshot and was running away, but the dreaded red flag came out. Another restart (with the race shortened to 6 laps) and another holeshot. This time we all managed to remain upright and I was riding well – out front and just getting into the groove.
Then the bike started feeling really soft.
Two corners later, I had the throttle pinned mid -corner in T4 and was barely able to keep from falling over. The motor was dying. It felt like it was having an asthma attack and just wheezing like a deflated beach ball. I thought just maybe I could at least finish the race and get some points, but by T9 I changed my plan to just making it off track and not having to suffer the indignity of pushing my bike back to our pit.
Arm raised in the air through T10 while waving the Ninja 250’s by and I exited the track in T11. The bike sputtered and limped back to our pit before giving one last cough and backfire to let me know it was completely dead, and also that our relationship was officially over. RIP little 500. We had some good times. None of them this year though.
This is the third motor that’s blown on that bike. One for each time it’s been out on track. Thanks BRG!
I want to say thank-you to my wife Ingrid for all the love and support she’s given my over the last 4 years and for sticking by me through thick and thin. What more could a guy ask for? Thanks to all my fellow racers and competitors that have become our friends. Lately, I’ve looked more forward to spending time with you guys than actually being on track.
And finally, thank YOU for following along. Hope you enjoyed the ride! 
I enjoy the “ride” always, and excited to hear about your next venture. You “done” good!
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*sad face* lookin forward to some FOUR hundo akshunz!
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Allen… My friend… This was a hard read buddy. You are an excellent competitor and good company at the track. I always have fun reading your posts on here and I hope this isn’t the last one.
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