Endurocross
Las Vegas, Nevada
Nov. 18, 2006
The main show didn't start until 8:30 at night so I had plenty of time to relax and get ready. Earlier that afternoon we had our one lap practice and then our time trial for gate pick. I made two small mistakes that cost me some time, but I was still 6th fastest with John Down winning it.
When the main event rolled around, I felt really good and knew I had a great shot at doing well. I was in the third heat with only the first two finishers in each heat going on to the main. I had the second gate pick behind David Knight. I started just next to him and when the gate fell I had a pretty good jump and was second at the first corner. It was a really tight left turn and I went in really tight and actually had a wheel on David, but I made a small bobble and he was off.
I was still in second, and held that for half the race, until Homero Diaz made a good pass on me. Then we got the white flag and I knew I had to do everything I could to get back by, but at this point I was so tight I could barely pull in my clutch or front brake. I came really close, but Homero rode smooth and I wasn't able to do it. Off to the semi I went!
In the semi I got the first gate pick and felt really good. I had a great jump and was first for most of the race. With a couple laps to go I saw Nick Brozovich wasn't far behind me, but then we had a big gap on the next group. I came into this right-hander and I knew I had a little bit of room on Nick so I took the good line and went outside. Unfortunately that was a bad idea. As I was trying to exit the corner, I looked over and saw him coming right at me over the inside berm. I was pretty shocked, to say the least, when I saw him trying this move. After we hit I was able to keep it on two wheels and try to catch back up. A few corners later I started to really push it, because I knew I had to win to go to the main. At this point I was riding more aggressive than normal and took a soil sample. I banged up my wrist pretty good and was in no hurry to get going. I still finished and now it was off to the LCQ!
This time I had to start on the back row, behind the first group, since my semi was so bad. After the first couple corners I was around 8th (out of 10), and just tried to keep it on two wheels and see what happened. It wasn't that great of a race for me, but I still had the night race I could do.
This actually looked like a lot of fun and I told myself to just go out there and ride smart (easier said then done). They turned off all the lights in the stadium and there were 9 of us with lights mounted on our bikes and helmets. When the gate dropped I had a great jump and was first, but right after that I clipped a log and face planted myself into the ground (again). I was a little upset, but I ran back to my bike before I realized my shifter was stuck in the case. My day was done so I had to watch the rest of the race. Justin Soule went on to win the race, which was pretty cool. He's really a good guy!
Overall Summary:
I was so looking forward to this event and felt like I had the speed, but things didn't go as planned. I made some bad decisions and it cost me. I know without a doubt I can be right up there with the leaders, so next time I'll be even more prepared! This event takes some patience and a lot of luck. I was lacking both at times!
Results (Main Event Top 6):
1st John Dowd
2nd Nathan Woods
3rd David Knight
4th Eric Rhoten
5th Matt Karlsen
6th Homero Diaz
Other Notes:
On a really good note: I just received my new Dirt Rider issue and was super excited to see myself on the cover. They also have a great two page spread inside. It was really cool to see Dirt Rider do that. Thanks guys! Be sure to go out there and support them if you don't already subscribe.
This is by far one of the best motorcycle shows out there. If you weren't able to make it, I would be sure to put it on your schedule for next year! I know it sold out early this year (over 7,000 people). Thanks to Tim Clark and Eric Peronnard for another great event. I'm looking forward to many more! I know the race is going to be on TV in January so be sure to check it out.
The final laps in the main were really great to watch between Nathan and John. It came right down to the last lap and Nathan almost got the win and the pass, but went down when they came together.
I have a few weeks off and then I'm heading down to Mexico for the Motonation ride (SIDI). It's a really good time and then I'm going to stay down there and race the Tecate Hare Scramble.
A huge congratulation goes out to our ISDE Junior team for winning over in New Zealand. It was great to see those guys ride like they could and bring the trophy home.
I want to thank everyone for cheering me on! Trust me I could here you guys out there and that really means a lot. Also Thanks to Jonny for putting in a lot of work this past week to get ready for this event.
I'd like to give Guy at Canyon Raceway a big thanks for letting me build an Endurocross course. I also had Jonny Wiesman, Gary Sutherlin, and Kyle Krause help out with building it. They also raced on Friday, but didn't make it. Gary was super fast and should've made the Saturday night show. Then Jonny had some great moments, but hit the ground a few times. Kyle also put in some great laps, but came up a little short. I had fun watching all of them!
Last week was the first time I've ridden my 2-stroke all year. I didn't want to ride it before the H&H and mess myself up. It took a little while to get used to it, but it worked out great. I also tried a Dunlop trials tire and couldn't believe how great it worked. It was definitely the hot set-up for this event.
I have some championship sticker and t-shirts I'm going to have on my site here soon, so be sure to check them out.
Best Wishes,
Destry
www.destryabbott.com
2006 Sponsors: Kawasaki Team Green, Thor, Dunlop, Pro Circuit, Scott Goggles, SIDI, HoyFox.com, Motion Pro, Pro Clean 1000, BRP, Works Connection, Shoei, CTI2, Red Baron, Maxima, Acerbis, Wiseco, Steahly, Trick Fuel, DP Pads, RK/Excel, Renthal, Bent, Hinson, American Racing Wheels, IMS, Jonre Multimedia, Twisten Wrenches, Cyto Sport, N-Style, GPR Stabilizers, Zip-Ty, Tire-Balls, Team Hawgracing.com, and ZLT.