Red Bud National – July 3

We had a weird issue with the bike in the first practice, a rock to the outer clutch cover! Mike did not even get one lap of practice!!! To say he was upset would be an understatement.

Using parts from the practice bike, we put his race bike together with about 5 minutes to spare for the second 15 minute qualifying session. Of course, Mike had never ridden this track and had no chance to test anything here, so his first few laps were nothing more than looking around laps.

He made a stop at his mechanic, Todd to adjust the forks to make them stiffer, then headed out to do a hot lap. He cruised up to the bowl turn, then got on the gas hard heading into the “front” section towards the finish line. When he got there, the checkered flag was waving and our day was over.

Project Two 50 Race Machine at Red Bud.

To clarify about the “fast” lap that Mike did (the 2:39)… at best he was riding at 80% of what he is capable of. Anyone watching closely could see that he was trying to learn the track.

He only hit the double in the back once… between learning the track and needing some adjustments on the bike, he was just getting ready to put his head down for a fast lap, practice was over. It seemed like the 15 minute practice went by super fast!!

When we checked the results at the AMA tent, Mike was listed as qualifying 75 out of 80, which really does not show what could have been. My observation with watching Mike ride/race is that he could have knocked off at minimum 12 seconds from the lap time they listed. Which means he would have qualified for the motos.

This trip was a very, very expensive lesson for all of us. Unless you actually have done this, you have no idea of the costs involved. To sign up for the race alone was $200. pit passes cost $40. per person. That’s just to get into the event. Then take into account fuel, tolls, food and other misc. items and you are talking about an effort requiring a great deal of time and money.

Motorhome loaned to us by Craig at MicroBlue Racing. There is no way that we can thank Craig enough for all of his dedication, support and friendship. Project Two 50 is a much better effort because of him.

That’s the reason that we were all so disappointed. Even if he qualified and finished 40th in the motos we would have accomplished a part of our goal.

Obviously it would have helped to have completed the first practice session. To learn the track, add a tooth to the rear sprocket and get some serious speed going.

We are so sorry to disappoint our fans… although we learned a great deal and know that our results at Unadilla will be much better.

As an aside, Mike said that there were tons of people cheering him on, waving towels, shouting, blowing air horns and more. I heard the guys next to me talking about Project Two 50. When I pointed out Mike to them, they were happy and excited.

We realize we are heading in the right direction and our results will improve.

Project Two 50 will be in the big show at Unadilla!

Did I mention that ‘dilla is Mike’s favorite track??

Thank you all our fans for your amazing support! A very special thanks to our tireless crew, Mike, John, Todd, Roger, Jackie and Craig. It was great meeting our new friends Rich, Dean and Dave as well.