Team Solitaire/Kingdom/FLY Racing Honda Event Update
Anaheim, CA
January 20, 2007
The third round of the 2007 AMA Supercross Championship Series revisited Edison Field, marking the second of three visits to the Orange County venue. With 45,050 spectators looking on, the cool California night brought some very exciting racing action. Although we are still one rider short, with Jiri Dostal recovering from the injury suffered prior to Phoenix, everything was looking good under the canopy and we were ready to go racing.
Ryan Clark in timed pract...
Ryan Clark in timed practice.
Practice: I had solid practice times and felt really good from the beginning. I struggled with one obstacle, a rhythm section after the second set of whoops, and never was able to get that down. Regardless, I felt smooth and fast and was ready for the night to begin.
Second Heat Race: I lined up next to Stewart again, just like in Phoenix, and was looking for a repeat of my Phoenix start. I didn't get out of the gate too well but held on looking for an inside line to open up through the first corner. When it did I jumped on it, but at that moment a few riders to my outside tangled and one came into me, causing us both to grind to a halt. I was nearly last rounding the first turn and had my work cut out for me. I rode well, but just not well enough to advance into the top nine. On the last lap I had moved into 11th and had a whole group of riders just ahead, but I couldn't get the job done and had to go to the LCQ yet again.
LCQ: The start of this race was odd. The gate jerked before it actually fell and a few riders, including the rider to my inside, hit it and threw everyone else off. I came out well, despite the chaos, rounding the first corner in fifth. By the end of the second whoop section I was moving into third and would only have to displace only one more rider for the final transfer in the six-lap race. Corner three would prove to be my downfall; I was gunning for the pass but was run high just clipped a tuff-block with my break pedal. The impact bent my pedal up and on top of my foot peg, which rendered the peg and brake useless as I couldn't put weight on the peg or the brake would engage. I stopped on the side of the track and frantically kicked the pedal as straight as I could get it, but my efforts would be in vain. By the time I was back on the course I was in last with quite a deficit to make up. I worked up to 15th place, but was nowhere near qualification.
Summary: Frustration is the only word I can use to describe this weekend. Although I brought all of these problems upon myself by not getting out front and clear of the carnage, I am still extremely frustrated with the outcome. I will continue to work hard, especially on my starts and other weaknesses, and try my hand again next weekend at San Francisco.
Update: Jiri Dostal had surgery last Monday to insert a plate to secure the broken bone in his lower leg. The surgery went well and he is back at home recovering. Please keep Jiri in your thoughts as he continues to heal and work toward getting back on the bike.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support!
Team Solitaire/Kingdom/FLY Racing Honda is an independently owned and operated professional Supercross and Motocross race team based in Phoenix, AZ. Our 2007 marketing partners include: FLY Racing, Kingdom Clothing, American Honda, Dragon Optical, WPS, Dubach Racing Exhaust, RideNow.com, Ohlins by Coppersmith, HoyFox.com, Michelin, Vortex, Team Hawg Racing, ASV, Coachseiji.com, Dirt Pro, Polisport Plastics, Enjoy Mfg., Ride Engineering, Boyesen, Pivot Works, Ready Filter, Sano Systems, Twenty20, Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals, RK Chain, Excel, Group D, DC Auto Wraps, Champion Tool Storage, Motion Pro, OGIO, Ron Davis Radiators, Crank Works, Hot Rods, CP Pistons, Barnett Clutches, Sidi Boots, RPM Science, NGK Spark Plugs, QTM/Brembo, Pro Grip, Hammerhead, IMS Products, USA Sport, Cytosport and Lakai.
Ryan Clark dialing in a timing...
Ryan Clark dialing in a timing section.
Ryan Clark after a timed practice...
Ryan Clark after a timed practice session.