The 2015 Winter Nationals were hosted at Black Mountain BMX this past weekend in Phoenix, AZ. Although I didn't achieve exactly what I wanted to do, I still had a great weekend. The track was VERY long and all the obsticles were built up a lot bigger since the National there last year. I studied the photos prior to arrival with a game plan in my head but the photos did no justice because everything was way bigger in person. I struggled to dial in the track in the short amount of time we had in practice. I was only confident in my first straight...

FRIDAY (pre-race) I raced 36-40 Cruiser and my only goal was to make the main. Only 5 guys raced so I was able to qualify fairly easy. I eneded up with a 2nd place finish which exceeded my expectations.

SATURDAY - I raced 31+ mixed open (7 riders) & 36-40 Inter. (11 riders) I qualified 1st round in open and 2nd round in class. It was a long day, a long track, and a long time before mains started because of the high moto count and all the Pro races. In open, I got a great start and came out 2nd in the 2nd straight. After the 2nd turn, the guy out front made a huge mistake and bucked hard over the bars. I avoided the carnage and sailed to a smooth win. 36-40 Inter was a tough group of guys but I got a pretty good start and came out of the first turn in 3rd. I chased them down till the last turn and wasn't able to make the pass. so I had to settle for 3rd place.

SUNDAY - I qualified first round with moto wins in open & class so it was nice to be able to have some down time before mains. I felt pretty drained from riding this longer than usual track 3 days in a row, but I was hopeful that I could push it hard in my final 2 races. I got 1st in open and was warmed up to race my 36-40 Inter main. Unfortunately there was a big crash in 36-40 crusier that caused over an hour delay as one guy had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. Definitely not what anyone wants to see right before going up to that starting hill. I cleared my mind, said a prayer for safety and was ready to race. The full gate dropped and I shot out quick into the 1st turn. Cei Osman was on my inside and swooped me on my left as Kevin Pittman railed the right. I tapped my brakes and tried to carry my momentum into the 2nd straight, but Gavin Mattingly had the drive and got around me as well. I gain my composure and tried to chase down the 3 in front, but came up a little short. I ended up 4th which was just below my expectations of getting on the podium, but I was happy to go home safe & sound and get ready for the next round.

I hope to see a big group of guys again at Ventura for the Seaside Nationals in May. Until then... Ride Hard, Ride Safe.