09/19/2024
MotoAmerica at Circuit of The Americas wrap up... this will be a long one!
It has long been a dream of mine to qualify for a professional race, and we decided as a team this year that I should give it a shot at COTA. Definitely no gimme there, a challenging, hp favoring circuit with a bunch of dudes who are crazy fast, why not right?!
We made it to the track Thursday morning with the crew and the whole setup day was a bit of a trip. Walking around, seeing all these guys I've been watching on TV, sitting in a pro riders meeting, getting headshots for the broadcast, just all of it was so cool but at the same time, just flowing with nerves about making it in.
Fast forward to Friday and it's game time. I'm trying to walk off some painful butterflies, felt like I was never going to be ready. But everyone got me ready and settled, set me out on track and away we went.
P1 - nice to get the jitters out. Seeing the track again for the first time in a couple months, making some changes but definitely far off from where I needed to be. I think I ended with a 2:28 something.
Q1 - Starting to make some suspension changes as well as pushing brake markers, adjusting lines etc. Got to a 2:26.6. Not great but better. That being said, we were down like 10-12mph in the speed trap on the straight and it seemed like the bike was way down on hp.
That evening we all sat down and talked about what to do. We had Mika's bike in the bnb garage and knew the motor was stronger, but knew it potentially had some transmission considerations. Ultimately, as an communal TRM Racing team decision, we opted to swap the motor that evening to be ready for Q2 the next morning. Everyone did their part from keeping us hydrated, working on the bike, picking up dinner etc, we busted ass for about 3-3.5 hours, dropped 2 motors and swapped his into the bike by about 11pm and shuffled off the sleep.
Q2 - Turned out to be the right call. I could immediately tell the motor was stronger and the transmission issues wouldn't be a factor. Adjusted lines after James Roy gave me some pointers and really pushed my brake markers per Robert McCoy's instructions. He also made some changes that helped and I was able to end the session with a 2:23.1, within the 108% window to make the grid.
We did it! No question there, no extra drama, got the starting grid sheet and we were on, 32/32 for Supersport. Holy s**t !
Everything from then on was a bonus. Goal of the weekend was 1. Make the grid, ✅ 2. Don't crash. ✅ Mission 100% accomplished.
Race 1 was a mess on the first lap with people crashing and bumping bars. I just kept my cool, hoping to get a tow. Unfortunately a rider crashed in front of me out of turn 11 and I had to roll off to avoid hitting him. By then, the next guys were 100ft up the road, no chance of a draft or anything, was just do my thing and finish the race. Ended up 27th with a couple crashers rejoining behind me.
Race 2, looking forward to moving forward, at least with dropping time. Unfortunately it was hot, and I am not in that kind of shape haha. Decent launch into T1 but I was pushing myself and got horrible arm pump by lap 5, made it really hard to brake/throttle etc. Was burning up in the suit too, but crossed the finish line 25th, last on track. Someone has to do it!
At the end of the day though, I'm just so stoked. I knew I'd likely be last and that was totally fine. The point was to make the show, and we did it, well within the margins, working together awesome as a team. Just an absolutely insane, unreal experience for me and everyone, I can't be more happy and grateful to everyone that helped make it happen.
If you're reading this far, I applaud you. it's not over as I have so many people to thank for being apart of this adventure.
First and foremost, my wife Brianna Rene Dinges. She's put up with me getting ready for this event for what was easily months of prep, not just with the bike but with me mentally. She has her own stuff going on and I've been in lala land over here, but she's been nothing but supportive and caring for me. I don't have enough good things to say about her being there and guiding me through this with nothing but love.
My boys, Robert McCoy and Mika Davies. They kept me and the bike in top shape this weekend, doing the brunt of the mechanical and suspension work to make sure everything went off without a hitch. I couldn't have done it without them.
Richard Stone - unsung hero this weekend, he brought tools, water, went to get food, made lunch runs etc he was just there with bells on to help with ANYTHING that needed help. Mr Clutch behind the scenes.
Sarah Taylor coming in last minute to offer with logistics, planning, cat herding, etc. All of her work and stress, careful planning, tasking of others absolutely made this weekend move about as smooth as possible. She took so much off my plate so I could focus on riding, her help was more than I could have imagined. And on top of all of that, all of the constant social media that you all saw, all her! Kept that rolling all day every day, I'm just so thankful for everything.
James Roy, I know your knee was killing you and you wanted to do more, but you persevered and your track insights and tips were massive into getting me in the right spot, giving me the perspective I couldn't get. Also that golf cart came in clutch too ha what a killer idea there. Thank you so much from coming out from CA to help.
Kelly Vernell made the trip too! We all loved hanging out with him, everyone knows this guy is the nicest, super generous with his time and photos, so stoked he could make it and make me look awesome on track as well.
My dad and Janeen made the trip out as well, and on her birthday weekend! Thank you thank you for coming out to endure the Texas heat and support my riding, it was special for me to have you both there for this massive weekend for me.
To everyone who reached out to me this weekend, I received more messages and supportive comments than I knew what to do with, having that push from the home front really warmed my heart, and I do truly thank you all for your support.
And lastly too all our sponsors that helped make it happen
Mixed-Up Cocktail
Racers Edge
Mike Canfield
Vortex Racing
64 Degree Racing
PLUS Racing Gear
Motul USA
Yoshimura Racing
Chicken Hawk Racing Tire Warmers
Sunstar Sprockets
OGIO powersports
MotovationUSA
Dunlop Motorcycle Tires
