Willard Nets Monster Energy Top Privateer Honors
Solid starts and smart riding proved to be the key to a great weekend of racing for the #86 Yamaha.
Saturday Timed Practice:
As time for practice approached the skies became very dark and mother nature dumped on the High Point Raceway. Michael had a very smart approach to the timed practice, he rode around observing the new track layout. He pulled to the side of the track saving his bike and energy. The green flag flew and it was game time – Michael put down the 12th fasted time in session one, that advancing him directly to the main event on Sunday. Michael has obviously encountered these conditions before.
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The crews did an amazing job with the track and come Sunday morning it was a much different circuit than what the riders had encountered the day before. In the morning practice the race bike unveiled some setup issues hindering Michael’s ability to be comfortable on the track. Chris Durham of Fox Racing Shox was going to have to perform his magic and turn the bike around.
Moto 1:
When the gate dropped the #86 Cycra / K&C Yamaha surged out of the gate and crested the hill into the first turn. It was obvious that from his gate that he would be more than likely be pinched off from the riders inside of him, however Michael stayed on the gas and emerged around 19th place. With the lites class competitive field he knew he was going to have his work cut out for him. He remained very composed and began his charge towards the front. He battled his way into an eventual 15 place moto finish – very respectable and in the right direction.
Moto2:
Another decent start earned a top twenty position on lap one. It was going to be another long battle but Michael was up for the challenge. By moto’s end he found himself in 16th place and just to tell you how competitive the lites field is the 15, 16, moto finish ,14th overall earned Mike the Monster Energy Top Privateer Honors and a very nice check to go with it. That means that the 13 riders in front of him are riding out of a Semi, getting Factory Support and Collecting a weekly salary.
This was a big weekend for the confidence and the morale of this racing effort. We are looking ahead and continuing to make improvements to the bike setup, in the week off Michael will be spending time with Chris Durham of Fox Racing Shox and working towards a setup that is better suited for the high speed demanding conditions of the Outdoor Series. Thank you all for your support and we will see you at the races!
Thanks to the Sponsors:
Cycra, K&C Cycles, Fox Racing Shox, Motorex, Pirelli, Moose, Parts Unlimited, FMF, Wiseco, Powersport Graphics, Alpinestars, Renthal, RK, Excel, CV4, DP Brakes, DP Clutches, Twinair, Von Zipper, Ogio, SDG Braking, Sunstar, Boyesen, East Coast Wheels, Works Connection, RG3 Tripleclamps, Vans, Quicksilver, CTI, and One Industries Helmets
