Mud, Sweat, and Tears Grasstrack Victory

Race #2 of the Mud, Sweat, and Tears.  Tuesday night Grass track Racing.

Format:

5 lap Scratch (all out 5 lap race

Missing Out (Race starts with two race laps.  Then on each consecutive lap the rider in last is pulled out of the race.  When the field is down to two riders there is an additional two laps to sprint it out for the final.)

2 heats of six riders.  Top 2 from qualifying race advance to final.  3-6 of qualifying  race battle it out in last chance heat to make the final.

5 lap scratch

Qualifying heat #1

I’m in the toughest heat with Angry Drew (winner Velo City 2008), Willis (4th monster track, 3rd Sludgement Day, and Brantley (2nd Cranksgiving).  Nobody has ever ridden their slick tired track bikes on a bump, tight, and slick as fuck grass track before.  I change my gear to a 49×18 for more control.

After 1 neutral lap I bolt off the front.  I’m sensing the limit and sliding the bike around the corners  on the verge of wiping out.  I win by half a lap.  Brantley is 2nd.  Andrew 3rd.  Willis 4th.

Qualifying heat #2

This race featured Dan Chabanov matching my break away skills with a solo win off the front.  Kye (spelling?) from Germany is second.  Third wiped out on the last lap, got back up sprinted hard and kept his position.  Not sure of the kids name but he had a scruffy beard and was on a green Brooklyn Machine Works Bike.

Last chance Qualifier

Willis takes it easily.  Gabe is second.  They transfer on.

5 LAP SCRATCH FINAL EVENT

I launch off the start and get an immediate gap or my arch rival Dan Chabanov.  I’m absolutely on the limit of traction from the beginning.  My front end washes out numerous times.  I stay upright.  My bike end slides out, i somehow don’t crash.  Dan gains a bit of time.  I’m hugging the inside line so tightly i take out the same cone two laps in a row.  Dan is pissed about the cone, i win by a straight away.

1. Dave August

2. Dan Chabanov

3. Brantley Archer

Missing Out

Qualifying heat #1

I’m off the front again at the start.  Brantley crashes hard hard hard on the warm up laps.  He’s shaken in the race.  Finishing order is Dave August, Willis, and Brantley.

Qualifying heat #2

Dan C saves his energy to battle it out in the final against me.  He wins but narrowly over Kye.  Gabe is third.

MISSING OUT FINAL EVENT

The track is getting consistently wetter and slicker.  The start is important.  Passing is becoming almost impossible.  I attack off the line and never look back.  Dan Chabanov is eliminated on the fourth lap to everyone’s surprise.  Brantley chasing hards but never gets close.  I win followed by Brantley and Willis.

1. Dave August

2. Brantley Archer

3. Willis

Matched sprints

Matched sprints were held after Grass track racing.  It involved a short straight chariot style sprint on extremely wet grass.  I spun my tires and lost to Andrew and Willis.  Brantley takes the final against Andrew. Willis is third.