Race Report - Bark River II‏

Last weekend of racing had a lot of action for Team JSM. We made a lot of changes on the team and it was so far the best race weekend of the season. We made a couple adjustments on my buggy as well. We switched to bigger rear tires from Cooper and that helped a lot on the track. Like always, the Rigid Industries and Lincoln Welding displays brought a lot of people under our tent.

Saturday was a really busy day when we realize that my buggy was not running properly. My crew tried their best to fix it in time for my race. It was crazy to see how many people wanted to help me because they want to see me rip on the track.  Ultimately, I missed my race because we did not fix it in time. It was the first time for me that I missed a race, which is the worst feeling ever for a racer but at least I know my crew did their best for me. 

It is pretty funny at night in Bark River because all teams work late and after the band quits playing up on the hill, the entertainment from all the “not so sober” fans begins as they come to watch the crews working and try their best to understand what is going on.

Sunday was a much better day for me, because I got to race. My buggy was running so good and the new Cooper Tires made a really big difference on the track. The beginning of the race was pretty good as I was able to pass a couple racers. However, in the middle of the race I could not see in the dust and I made a mistake that cost me a couple positions but in the end I got some positions back. I finished 11 out of 14 racers. I know I can do better, if I can just be a little more aggressive on the track.

The team is heading to Sturgis next week but the buggy is not racing there so I will be taking care of the displays and merchandise. Rigid Industries sent us some fliers and discount business cards for the fans.