If you have been reading my reports, you'll know that I've been having nothing but problems with the 500. We finally found out the problem. A bad coil was causing intermittent firing which mimicked a fuel delivery issue. Unfortunately, horrific jetting meant I was not competitive for the 500 race so I ended up in 6th. Definitely a learning process.

Now, on to the good stuff.

This was, in all probability, my last race in 250 class. Dealing with all the issues with the 500 meant again I had zero time on the 250 before the race. I got a visit from Kelly Winkelbaur who already has the championship sewn up for this year. He is very fast and he and I have had a few battles with him getting the better of me. Each time, however, I have been getting closer.

The 250 race was the second race of the day and was I ever ready for it! I was gridded in 4th position, outside row one. Kelly had pole. They let thumpers race with us and they usually get the hole shot. If you don't get around them quickly it can become a long and frustrating race.

Two board, One board, Sidewaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaays GREEN FLAG AND OFF THEY GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

I get a decent enough start but so does everyone else, Kelly leads us into turn one and two and he's already pulling away. I'm stuck behind two other bikes as we head into turn 3 and 3a.


Infineon's signature turn, The Carousel, is turn #6. For some reason I have that turn figured out more than any other and I pass both bikes in front of me for second place.

Here I'm leading them through 8 and 8a.


I have never in my life broke as late as I was braking that day. I was catching Kelly on the entrances and we were just about even on power. Before I knew it, I was right on him.


I went to school on him for about two laps. He went wide in turn 6. I came up the inside and out drove him into 7 for the lead.


I had the lead for about a lap. :laff: A bad line through turn 11, the hairpin cost me the lead but not for long. I repassed Kelly in, that's right, turn #6.

I held him off for the last lap and a half to take my first ever win!!!!

He's such a great sport that he came by and congratulated me after the race.


I was sooooo jacked!! We had "Victory Potato Salad" after that.


It was good.

After the official results came out, we went to pick up our spoils.


Thanks to my lovely wife for all her support. She kept complaining about all the second and third place trophies I had been getting. She finally got her first so I can race in peace from now on. :laff:


My niece. Take it easy guys.



Thanks also to all my family and friends who have supported me and I look forward to seeing you all at the races next year as the adventures of Short Fuse Racing will continue.

Chuck, VERY EXCITING !! happy you shared with us. Congratulations on your win.

joe

Great report

Excellent result

Nice looking niece ehehe

Going to take the time from 250 to improve on 500??