CSR Racing's 2007 Season Kickoff

The 2007 Triton GNCC

It's that time again, time to load up the bikes and go racing! It seems like yesterday that I entered the last post of 2006 and commenting on how short the season seemed. Well the time off was certainly short, and we are still getting ready for '07.

The Inaugural Triton GNCC in Vero Beach Florida is history and we made it through the weekend! For the first time since we started racing, Brenda and Cam weren't able to go to the race. Cam had a tennis tournament at Valdosta State the same weekend as the Triton, so Cam and Brenda went to VSU and me and Scott loaded up and headed down to South Florida. Let me tell you, I don't want to do that again. Scott and I handled everything and got through the weekend, but it is not something I would want to do every weekend. When you get a certain routine going and things work so good, it is hard to change the routine. We are a team, both on and off the track, and we need to keep it that way. There is a LOT of work to do at the race and everybody on the team knows what they need to do. When someone is missing, it is really hard to remember every little detail. Brenda handles all the logistics, pre-planning, reservations, photography and details, plus she keeps up with the scoring. She also keeps me calmed down. All I have to do is drive and work on the bikes. Do you think I missed her????????????????????

We had a good trip to the track, but it was a long ride. In Florida, you have miles and miles of nothing and it makes the trip seem longer than it really is. We got to the track at about 1:00 PM and started the process of signing up and getting through tech inspection. After all of the details were taken care of, we started checking out the track and scoping out a place to pit. With Brenda and Cam missing, we had to find a place close to scoring so I could kinda keep up with what place Scott was running in and be close in case he needed anything. Scott walked the track with Stephanie Parton and some other people while I was getting some pictures. I got to meet David Knight, the new KTM GNCC contender from England. He is taking Juha's place. We also talked with Santo, Chad Duvall, Richie Brown, Big John, Tracey,
and Jennifer & Phil Albright. In addition to being a great racer and all around nice person, Jennifer is a Journalist and Executive Staff member with
ATV Exposed Magazine. Check out ATV Exposed, great photos, articles and race coverage! Jennifer had a great race, she finished second in her class right behind Tracey Cecco! After an unexpected end to her 2006 season, Jennifer was due this 2nd place finish. Congrats Jennifer, you were really charging!

We found a good pit area next to the Kymco pits. After getting caught up with all the business and socializing, we checked into the hotel and found something to eat. After a good nights sleep, we headed out to the track early to get setup. We knew it would take longer with the missing crew members. Scott's row was row eight. The AM race had 234 participants. The track was typical Florida sand, plenty of whoops and Palmettos and roots. The track was super fast as well.
Scott got a terrible start, third from last! As they headed into the woods he had already started passing people. When he came out of the first woods section, he was already about mid pack. By the first lap, he was in the lead! Man, I was stoked. Before the race started, I called up Brenda and Cam and I left the phone on speaker so they could hear the race and I would keep them updated. Cam was also checking the race coverage on ATVRiders web site. We were really excited about Scott being in the lead. On the second lap, he stopped for fresh goggles and some water. By the second lap, the track was very whooped out and got worse every lap. When Scott came around for the second lap, he was still in the lead. He was looking good and setting a good pace. On the third lap, Scott was still in the lead. He stopped again for more water and I added a splash of gas just for insurance. He headed out for his final lap. Everything was looking good. At mile marker 7, with only four miles to go, it happened. Headed into a wet boggy section, that Scott described as "quicksand" the wet murky soil, sucked up his frontend. Scott went from wide open to zero in about half a second! Landing about 10 or 12 feet from the now vertical quad, Scott was a little dazed. Luckily for him, the quicksand cushioned his landing. He jumped up and, with the assistance of some nice spectators, got the bike going again. He was able to finish the race without incident, however, he would end up in forth place. Considering the fact that he didn't get hurt, forth seemed pretty good. Other than getting his bell rung a little and a tweaked up knee (Thank God for EVS Web Braces), Scott was in pretty good shape. Just the usual Florida blisters, arm pump and dehydration. Normal for the Florida GNCC. So, he finished forth in his class and 31st out of 234 participants. Not bad for the first race of the season.
I have the picture of the event posted on our web site. They aren't the quality or quantity that Brenda would have produced, but we gave it our best shot!

Overall, the trip was a success. Scott did a great job, was charging hard and was really working for a good overall finish. He almost had it, but you never look back on what could have been. He got a good finish, and came back home in good spirits and good health. We had a good time with all of our racing friends, and you really can't ask for more. Everything worked out well and we are really thankful for all the support and prayers. It was a busy weekend, and a lot of miles but it was certainly worth it.

Now all we gotta do is get ready for The General in only four days! No problem........

See you in Aonia!