N-Fab/TiLUBE/Yamaha A3 Report
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Last Saturday was Groundhog Day, and instead of hanging out in Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil came out to watch the fifth round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series. Reports from Phil are that Supercross racing is incredible and we are going to have an early spring – perfect for riding!
Chris Blose and Phil Nicoletti arrived at Angel Stadium for the final Anaheim round of the season healthy and ready to do battle. At the completion of the daytime qualifiers, Blose ended up in 19th position followed by Nicoletti in 22nd position.
Nicoletti got off to a good start in the first heat race and was running fourth after lap one. At the halfway point he found himself in a fierce battle for the ninth and final transfer spot. Coming out of a sharp 180-degree turn, Nicoletti made a small mistake and went down, resulting in a trip to the LCQ. In the second heat race, Blose also got off to a good start and found himself in fifth after lap one. Fending off attacks from several other riders, Blose held onto sixth place and would transfer directly to the Main Event.
Knowing he had been riding well all day, Nicoletti lined up for the LCQ looking to secure a spot in his first main event of the season. With a few good moves, he found himself in the lead after lap one. Nicoletti started getting pressure for the lead on the sixth lap but was determined to hold his ground. Unfortunately, a bobble later in the lap resulted in two riders making their way around Nicoletti, ending his night prematurely.
“Things are starting to click for me,” said Nicoletti following the race. “In the heat race I was close to the front but made a mistake. In the LCQ I was out front and should have won it easily but a slick corner cost me a few valuable seconds and my first main. I am leaving healthy and ready to make more improvements before heading down to San Diego.”
As the field of riders lined up for the main event, Mother Nature threw everyone a curve ball as rain began to fall, making already slippery track more technical. Blose got out of the gate well but got shuffled through the pack and completed the first lap in 16th place. Four laps later he had worked his way up to 12th place and had momentum on his side. However, an unexpected problem with the motorcycle saw Blose pull into the mechanics area on lap five. Unable to diagnose the problem, Blose was forced to pull out of the race and would ultimately be scored in 19th place."We worked a lot on improving my starts and flowing through the corners this week,” said Blose. “I think the team’s hard work showed in my racing tonight. It was a bummer to have a mechanical problem but it’s racing and it happens. I know my team has my back and they will get everything squared away for San Diego next weekend.”The series travels south to Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif. for round six of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series this Saturday, Feb. 9. Be sure to stop by the N-Fab/TiLUBE/Yamaha truck to show your support and to have your picture taken with Phil Nicoletti and Chris Blose from 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. See you there!
About N-Fab TiLUBE Yamaha Racing:
N-FAB is the industry leader in making quality Nerf-Bars, Pre-Runners and other Off-Road accessories. We design and manufacture the strongest, most durable and best looking Nerf-Bars available in the industry today. TiLUBE products offer engine protection in extreme conditions, outperform the manufactures requirements, are dyno tested to offer engine protection in extreme conditions and outperform the manufactures requirements.
N-Fab TiLUBE Yamaha is proudly supported by:
N-FAB, TiLUBE, Yamaha, http://www.babbittsonline.com/Wiseco, Motion Pro, Akrapovic, Ride Engineering, Podium Ink, K&N Filters, Cycra, Mafia M/C, Fusion Graphics, Dunlop, Daniel Crower Racing, Enzo Racing, Tamer Motocross, ARC Levers, SDG USA, 77Five, Excel A60, Crank Works, Sunstar Sprockets & Chains, Metaltek, ODI Grips, Brembo, Dubya, Bermcannon,
