Aden de Jager Washougal Report
Practice/Qualifier 1: I went out in first practice with a whole lot of determination after everything that had gone pear-shaped throughout the week. The track was very enjoyable and I felt fairly fast and smooth with finding some good lines. I was ashtonished to find out I had the 3rd fastest time in my group with a 2.21.
Practice/Qualifier 2: With a massive confidence boost and feeling really relaxed; I knew I could drop off a few more seconds from my time. Each lap I pushed harder and ended up knocking 4 seconds off my best time in my first prac. This landed me the fastest time in my Group B with a 2.17.302. This result qualified me in 26th position overall ready for the main. It is hard to find words that can explain how I felt not only qualifying for the main for the first time, but having the number one time in my entire group.
Moto 1: I had a fairly decent start off the gates and narrowly missed the commotion that occurred through the first few corners. I found myself close behind Nick Wey through the first four laps. After lap four I was starting to wear off and was passed by a few riders. I was trying to keep up to the pace however it dramtically increased my heartrate resulting in me ‘hitting the wall’ by lap 8. I continued to put in my best efforts nonetheless I was suffering as my hands and fingers were sore. I ended up finishing 29th.
Moto 2: I had an inside gate with a substantial start. I sneaked right to the inside on the first corner as there was a good size crash towards the middle. I fought my way through on the first lap with a 16th position just behind New Zealander’s Luke Burkhart. I stayed behind Burkhart for five laps until I passed him going through the whoops. I held him off for ¾ of a lap until he passed me again on a down hill braking section. I made a small mistake giving him the opportunity to pull about 2 seconds on me. At that point I was the meat inside the New Zealander sandwich with Justin McDonald not far behind. Half a lap later Burkhart made a mistake and crashed putting him out of the rest of the race. I continued to fight as McDonald was approaching fast. I kept a good distance infront of him for approx 2 ½ laps, however he found the chance to make a pass steaming up Horsepower Hill. I stayed with McDonald for another 2 laps but maxed out my heart rate by lap 12. I tried to stay smooth for the rest of the moto and use my legs a bit more to save some energy. I was pleased with my finishing result in this moto in 24th position.
The bike was extemely responsive with my Roll-on Throttle and FMF pipe. I must give Chris and Jeff my mechanic from Wonder Warthog a massive thanks for all of the hard work and encouragement they put in.
I would also like to give a big thanks to all of my other sponsors who have helped me out tremendously; BDR, Wonder Warthog, Fly Racing, Kwala MX Components, Kali Protectives, Stomp Grip, Hammerhead, Roll-on Throttle, No Toil, Go Pro, Scott, The Burgess Family and my Mum and Dad; without their support I would not be here.
I will be returning to Australia to compete in the 2009 Australian SuperX series. I am looking for sponsorship, so any team, company or anyone willing to sponsor me please feel free to contact me with any information or help that you can provide.
