![]() Race Report by Bill Bailey- October 26th-27th. The course at Oglethorpe Speedway Park was not as sandy as in previous years, making it even faster, with the start making almost a full lap on the 1/2 mile banked clay oval, making it seem more like the start of a crit race, but there was some very deep sand heading under the tall flyover which caused some of the more road oriented guys to bobble as they tried to make the transition off the edge of the hard packed track. This year the course ran backwards of previous years, and the "death spiral" in the infield was much smaller, faster, and wider and they added a sharp steep little hill that proved to be a run up for those not expecting it. I lined up for CX4 on Saturday and the field instantly split heading down the fast flat backstretch of hard clay. I worked to maintain my place in the small group at the rear, and overtook a couple of riders in the more technical sections, but by the third lap I knew I was cooked. A new first for me, D-F-L. At least I rode the hill every time. Saturday nights SS race was as exciting as always, under the lights. I hung in well for the first lap, but was completely spun out coming down the track in front of the grandstands, running 39x19 to try to help my weak legs. Sunday, I raced CX4 and SS again. I managed slightly better racing in CX4, and running 39x18 in single speed. I've never spent that much time in the drops in a CX race. I pushed hard and stayed with the middle pack of racers for several laps, before finally falling off, and being lapped with one to go. While my placing a were pretty dismal enough that I don't need to mention them, I can say my bike handling was very good, with zero crashes, holding good speed through all the technical sections and transitions. I've ridden and raced over 700 miles in the past month, with very little time between events, and it seems to have finally caught up with me. I'm taking a full break this week to get completely recovered, and am already looking forward to my next race weekend at Baldwin Dingo-Cross. I hope to see many of you there. -Race Report by Bill Bailey |
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