Moto Innovations Race Report: Freestone

99 degree heat, the wind in your face, tons of sand all around – picturing a beach in the tropics? Well, don’t!  Picture a gnarly, rutted, sandy motocross track in the heat of the deep South.  Freestone Raceway separates the men from the boys and separates the average rider from the determined athlete.  One of the most grueling events in the season, Freestone did not disappoint – dishing up all the obstacles it is known for, including wind gusts up to 35 mph.

Johnny Moore (140) came into Wortham with a determination and focus.  Training at Texas tracks earlier in the week had prepared him for the conditions ahead, and he was confident that he had put himself in a position to succeed.  Qualifying practices were a quick indication that Moore had come to work.  Running top 3 in practice one, and then shaving off another 3 seconds in the second practice showed that Moore was prepared to sustain two strong motos.

A moto 1 first turn pile up put Moore in the back of the pack to start the race, but undeterred, he was able to push forward, ride smart and find the fast lines.  With one lap to go, Moore was up to 24^th until he dropped the front tire in an unforgiving rut.  Finishing 28^th was respectable, given the unfortunate start.  While many would be discouraged, Moore was even more focused on his goal.  Moto 2 brought a better start, and a fast lap with front runners until a hard fall in the sand dropped him to the back of the pack.  It was here that Moore dug deep, and pushed with the heart of a champion.  While others tired, Moore got stronger – pushing his way up to 20^th place at the finish of the race.  Even with the trials of the day, Moore was able to get an overall of 26^th place, and solidified for the team his ability to thrive in the series.  Without a doubt, the 140 of Moore will be consistent throughout the remainder of the year.