Round 9:
Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals:
Coolum QLD: 30th/31st July
A slightly different schedule for this weekend meant that practice and qualifying was on Saturday followed by the usual four race format on Sunday. This for me was a positive, as it meant more track time to familiarise myself with the Coolum sand.
An encouraging 9th position in qualifying after the 15 minute session gave me a better selection of gates to pick from for Sunday’s racing.
Race 1: I got a decent start inside the top 10, which meant I was able to miss the first lap carnage and concentrate on riding my own race. A good pace throughout the race earned me a respectful 6th at the finishing flag.
Race 2: Not such a brilliant start this race which meant I had to work really hard on the first lap. Choosing some wide lines early in the race enabled me to make some good passes. I kept charging for the whole race to take 7th place.
Race 3: I was pleased to get a good start in this race as there was a crash in the 1st turn. I was 5th in the opening lap before passing 2 riders and therefore running a respective 3rd for 3 laps. Loosing one position to Mackenzie, I ran 4th for the majority of the race before Waters passed me with 2 laps to go. I think this was due to riding a little tense. However, I finished an encouraging 5th position despite this.
Race 4: My worst start of the day saw me outside of the top 10. Knowing I had some work to do, I was perhaps guilty of being a bit too aggressive on the first lap resulting in a crash. It took me awhile to get going again, due to a shoulder injury I picked up. Subsequently 13th position was the best I could manage from the time lost after the crash.
6th overall on the day. I felt like I had the pace to run up there with the top guys, and was therefore a little disappointed with the last race as this potentially cost me a couple of positions overall. I have some pain in my shoulder but I am confident with some rest and recuperation along with the opinion from the Race Safe staff, that I can come out fighting fit at Southern Cross this weekend.
A big thank you to Team Herb Watson Racing and sponsors for all your help and support and going that extra mile. A special thanks to Scott goggles for clear vision at Coolum.
Jamie Law
# 119
