WOW!!!  Thats the only way to start this race report from round 12 at The Ironman! Hey everybody, its Zman Zack Ponder. After winning Rd 11 at the Powerline, I was pumped to get back on my Obermeyer Yamaha/Raines Riding University/Offroadviking.com RaceTeam YZ 85. I knew with only 2 races to go, I had to win out to have a chance at the championship.

Well as we all know, Indiana's Ironman race is either really dry or really, really muddy. So after pulling in Saturday morning and getting our truck stuck, I realised it was a really, really muddy year. After a good nights sleep I got to the track Sunday morning ready to do work. I put on my lucky FlyRacing Gear jumped on my Yamaha YZ 85 and hit the line. I heard Rodney say TEEEEEEEN seconds, Ricky Towery dropped the flag and as usual my YZ 85 sent me to the 1st corner in front of the other 40 racers in my 85 (12-15) class. As we hit the woods I settled in 3rd behind 1st and 2nd in points in my class. I knew that I needed to just ride there pace and keep them in sight. After the 2nd lap I had woked my way to 2nd about 30 sec behind points leader Braxton Magee. I put my head down and starting hammering down and I could see that i was getting faster. Those Kenda Tires Sonny put on was perfect for the mudd. As I headed down the last hill before scoring I took a bad line and over the bars I go. I Lost alot of time there and I new I had to hurry so I could at least stay in 2nd cause Vendetti was coming. Well I was able to stay outta trouble and on the last lap after another mishap in the same spot I took the checkered flag in 2nd and 10th overall out of 160. I was really dissapointed because I realised the championship was out of reach now. But after calming down I understood that I gave it my all and it was these battles this year that got me faster and faster this 1st year on the 85.

So congrats to Braxton Magee on the win and the championship. Now I got to get ready for the final round at Loretta Lynns where me and Vendetti will race for 2nd in the points. I know that whatever happens in 2 weeks, that I have give it my all this year and I have represented our team and sponsors in a respectful way. Thanks to everyone that has believed in me and supported me. Im going to lorettas to win and get back to that top spot on the podium. Thanks everybody and congrats to my teammate Cody Ruckle on his great year. Remember to Support our Troops because without them we couldnt do this awesome sport we love. Keep Jon Michael Rainey and Cheyenne (RacedayPix) in your thoughts and Prayers!