Race Report from Peoria

AMA Pro Singles
Round 14: Peoria Race Park

By Mikey Martin
File photo by FlattrackWorld.com courtesy of Weirbach Racing
PEORIA, IL, AUG. 21, 2011

Hey, everyone, here is my race report from Peoria, Illinois.

I raced Friday at the Peoria Short Track. It was an all-star round. I ended up with a second in the main event, and I am leading that championship with just two races left in the series.

On Saturday, I raced a small short track in Galesburg, Illinois. I easily won my heat race and had a front-row start in the main. It was getting really late by the time our main was up, so I was ready to get on with it.

I came off the line in fourth and made a pass right away and was going for another pass and high-sided but made a quick recovery. A few bikes got past me, as I almost went off the track. I knew it was time to think about the Peoria TT – the reason I was even here. I finished the race, but I wasn’t going to take any more risks. I think my position was sixth.

Mikey Martin at the Hartford Half Mile.

The Peoria TT is always on Sunday. And we got to the track at 7 a.m.; I was felling good for the amount of sleep I got. Since I’m leading the championship, I am the first one to go out on the track for practice and timed qualifying. I went out and put down the second-fastest time in the free practice and the third-fastest time overall. I was sure that I was going to set fast time, but it did not happen; however, I was happy to have a front-row start in my heat race.

In the heat race, I ended up coming off the line in sixth and made some passes to the third position by the checkered flag. Again, I was happy to have a front-row start in the main event.

In the main event, I was ready and knew what I needed to do. The light went green and I dropped the clutch and I was third into the corner. I wasn’t worried; I knew I had plenty of time. I got pushed around a little and found myself losing a position or two. By the time things were settling down, I was in about seventh place. I made a few passes but was unable to make two other passes stick. I had to settle for sixth place, which actually turned into a fifth-place finish due to a disqualification of one of the other riders.

I’m still leading the series, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.

The Indy Mile is one of the biggest events all year for us. The tragic events of August 13 – in which an overhead stage-rigging structure collapsed in high winds, killing five and injuring dozens – resulted in the cancellation of round 15. Our entire team offers its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those lost in this tragic accident.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Weirbach Racing, General Engineering, Barnett Clutches, Spectro, K&N Filters, Saddlemen, Motion Pro, Spider Grips, Engine Ice, Cheney Engineering, G2 Ergonomics, Works Connection, White Lightning Retrievers, Firecoat Custom Powderworks, CP Pistons & Carrillo Rods, Web Cams, PMP Sprockets, Foudree’s Graphics & Signs, Bob Berry Racing, Ron Bailey, VP Fuels, Pro Wheel, Durelle Racing, All Balls Racing, TNT Honda, Pingel Products, Hindle Exhaust, Supertrapp, Regina Chain, Loudmouth Intakes, Rekluse, Arai, Alpinestars, Arlen Ness, Lightshoe, Andrews Brothers Racing, Rod Lake Racing, MEH Corp., Digger 57, and Amped Clothing.

The next two rounds of the AMA Pro Singles Grand National Championship are rounds 16 and 17 at the Illinois State Fairground for the Springfield Short Track and Mile, in Springfield, Illinois. Stop by the pits and say hi.

– Mikey Martin 91Y, Weirbach Racing

Peoria Race Park
Peoria, Illinois
Results: August 21, 2011 (Round 14)

AMA PRO SINGLES MAIN: 1. Michael Avila (Hon); 2. Gerit Callies (Hon); 3. Stephen Vanderkuur (Hon); 4. Andrew Smith (Hon); 5. Michael Martin (Hon); 6. William Cato (Hon); 7. Dustin Cassidy (Hon); 8. Jason Isennock (Hon); 9. Hayden Gillim (Hon); 10. Jeremy Hamilton (Hon); 11. Jake Cunningham (Yam); 12. Michael Bickerton (Hon); 13. Sam Wiggins (Hon); 14. Adam Bushman (Hon); 15. Jake Shoemaker (Suz); 16. Jayson Beal (Hon); 17. Rodney Spencer Jr. (Hon).