Arlington

Note that the top three in Arlington were significantly more consistent with their lap times compared to Oakland’s rut fest. It’s no surprise that riders are able to be more consistent on dirt that changes less drastically throughout the main event. What might surprise you is the difference slippery vs. tacky dirt can also have on the rider’s heart rate. Aldon Baker has told us over the years that a rider’s heart rate will be higher on a track with tacky dirt because they are able to brake and accelerate so much harder. When the track is slick, the riders can’t gas or brake as hard, and that actually leads to saving energy. Plus, imagine how much strength is needed when fighting through the ruts on a track like Oakland. So consistent dirt and a lower heart rate equals out for a much flatter line on the graph.

Also, take a look at the difference in average lap times from Oakland to Arlington for the entire field. The difference in averages from first to last in Oakland was nearly 10 seconds, compared to Arlington, which was only 6 seconds. Tricky conditions create big separation. Remember that time when Ricky Carmichael lapped the whole field at the Spring Creek National? It was a mud race.

In the 250 Class we saw Justin Hill take his fourth win in a row and a dejected Shane McElrath rolling around the track with a bike malfunction, trying to salvage as many points as possible. While that drama was happening up front, Jeremy Martin and Aaron Plessinger were dealing with their own drama, but it wasn’t as surprising. Yet again, they both got terrible starts and had to charge through the pack. Take a look at each of their starts for the entire season.