Quick report from the weekend.
I qualified #10 in the top sportsman class with an ET of 7.87@154mph. I wasn't able to make the 2nd run due to a loose chain and not enough time to rectify the problem so my first run stood to get me into the class of the quickest 32 bikes from the 100 plus bike field. I qualified #2 in the 5.60 index class with a 5.601@118mph on my 2nd pass.My 1st qualifying pass was a 5.61 so I knew the bike was dialed in pretty close for Sundays eliminations. One the 1st time run for the Honda, I ran an ET of 10.69@120mph. My next time run was a 10.70 so once again, a consistent run between passes. I decided not to enter the bracket bash on Saturday and just waited for Sunday eliminations in all classes.
First out Sunday morning was top sportsman. I dialed the bike up one number at a 7.88. My opponent was on a slower bike so I had to give chase. We both stayed up and he left on green. I waited until I thought I saw a solid yellow bulb but I quickly saw re. Dang it. Foul start and a lose right at the starting line for me. Next out was street ET. I dialed the Honda at a 10.70. My opponent was on a slower TL1000 dialed in tbe 12s. With all bulbs light, the light came down and once again my opponent had a green light start. My tree came down and I gave chase. I caught her about 3/4 track and took the win light. I then jumped on my 5.60 index bike to head to the lanes. I got paired with a young gun on a street Hayabusa. The lights came down and we were both off on the pro tree start. As we neared the 1/8th mile marked, my opponent caught up to me and put a wheel in front at the stripe, ending my chances for advancement.
At this point I only have one bike left in competition, the trusty Honda. I was feeling pretty good about my odds of making rounds. Unfortunately I lost in the next round due to a slower reaction time, ending my weekend at the races.
We'll be back in Virginia again in September for the 2nd to last race of the season for the XDA series and we'll wind it down at the finals in Maryland in October. There are still other races on our schedule at different venues this season. Hopefully I can turn on some win lights before the year is over.
