Rider: Jesse Robinson
Race: Unadilla, N.Y.   GNCC round 11
Finish:   8th   ( XC1 Pro )
 
           After reaching a new milestone finishing 4th in XC1 and 5th overall two weeks ago in West Virginia. and securing a 2008 AMA/Mideast Hare Scrambles Overall Championship last week for the 4th consective year, the hardships before the break seem to be diminished and fading away as we head north to New York.

           Unadilla is always one of the favorite tracks to come to each year. It has been a track where Jesse has done well. Winning here in 250A and battling for fourth last year with two laps to go (before knocking a hole in the water pump cover) indicate the track is friendly to Jesse's riding style.

           The 13hr. trip was lengthened as we were trying to conserve on the $800 fuel expense and borrowed a Sprinter from Ohlins. The $500 savings would be a plus to the budget but it was all in vain as we neared Virgina and the Sprinter became sick. Heading back home, we decided to stop at a friends shop and check it out. After changing the fuel filter the van ran great.  We headed back up the road and got to Yadkinville where the Sprinter became sick once again. Nothing to do but limp back home and start over. Our 5 a.m. departure turned into a 12:30 p.m. departure. 100 gal. of fuel later, we arrived.

            The conditions were set for a perfect race after the moisture on Saturday. Then the rain came down just before the evening race was to begin.  The track became a quagmire instantly. The jump off the line was good until having to check up for Whilbs who had slid out in the first turn. Trying to make up some time, Jesse finds himself back-side down in the stickey goo. Coating his back-side with slick mud and transfering it to the bike seat made it a task just to hang on to the KX450. After a couple of attempts to clean off the mess, lots of water and fresh towels had to be used to fully clean the seat at the fuel stop. During the stop Jesse said: " I've got one speed today. Slow!" I told him to keep digging and everything would be okay. It was a race of survival where Jesse ended up 8th after stopping 3 times to clean the seat and 8 goggle changes. Sometimes it takes persistence, both in the race or getting to the race.

          I was talking to Monster Energy's Scott Watkins after the race and he summed it up in his quote saying: "This was a man's race today."

          Thanks to all our sponsors who make this possible:Maxxis Tire, HMF, Ohlins, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Mooseracing, Smith, RidePG.com, Asterisk, Renthal, Cycra, Rekluse, Motorex, Works Connection, DP Breaking, IMS, RK excell, AXA, Trials Training Center