Preseason 2025 has begun...
Kicked off 2025 with a BANG! The annual SFLMiniGP 3-day camp? Seriously, it's my absolute favorite. Picture this: wide-eyed rookies hopping on bikes for the first time, and just three days later? They're knee-dragging, grinning ear-to-ear, and owning the track! Seeing that transformation? That's why I do this. It's about giving back to the community that lit my own fire, and honestly, it's the highlight of my year, every year.
The learning curve was steep, but the reward was immense. Straight from coaching mini-GP riders, I found myself in the dirt at Johnny Lewis's Flat Track Boot Camp. It was a masterclass in flat track fundamentals, and I was eager to soak it all in. From the days or learning we dove right into the mix in the Texter Promotions Winter Throwdown. In a brief sentence, its the most impactful pre-season race for amateur and professional flat trackers. When my bike threw me a curveball with a shock issue, Mr. Wolfgang stepped up, providing his incredible Honda 450. A quick adjustment, and I was ready to qualify. While the main showdown eluded me, Friday night was a testament to the progress I made. Each lap brought more speed and confidence, culminating in a thrilling holeshot. The experience has ignited a passion for flat track, and I'm determined to refine my skills throughout the year.
From the dirt track to the road course! Straight after the throwdown, it was off to JenningsGP for the 2nd annual Ceparano Classic. Racing with the Bad Boys Racing crew – Ella, Avery Dreher, and yours truly – always means a wild ride. But this time, we hit a major snag: Avery got KO'd by some seriously nasty food poisoning. Talk about a curveball! Ella and I had to double down for Saturday’s two 2.5-hour races, pushing ourselves to the limit. We took one out of the two overalls on Saturday against some much larger machinery. Avery, the absolute warrior, battled back for the 5-hour on Sunday, and we were SO close to the overall win! Two laps separated us from glory against a twins team. We dominated our class, sure, but that overall victory was what we were hungry for. Trust me, we’ll be back next year, and we’re taking that trophy. Huge thanks to John Ludwig for bringing me along – always an epic time!
Two weeks. That's all I had between the roar of the engines at JenningsGP and the rumble of a plane taking me to Spain. And I made every single second count. After the intensity of the endurance race, I craved the simple joys of family. We kicked things off with a trip to the South Florida Fair – pure, unadulterated fun! Then, my grandma surprised me with a visit from up north, a gesture that meant the world. We spent our days catching up, reminiscing, and just enjoying each other's company. It was a beautiful contrast to the high-speed world of racing, and it made me appreciate the importance of slowing down and cherishing these moments. Now, as I embark on my Spanish adventure, I carry those warm memories with me.
Pre-Spain hustle was in full swing! After soaking up family time, it was back to the grind. Sumo training sessions, check. My sleek new DRC training suit arrived just in time for the 450's makeover – fresh graphics and wheels, looking sharp! Bushnell and Andersen got one last visit, fine-tuning my skills. Then, the SFL mini-GP sprint series roared to life! The paddock was buzzing with familiar faces, and the vibe was electric. It was awesome to unveil my new kit and jump into the action. A mechanical gremlin tried to spoil the party, but a borrowed bike saved the day, and I got to share some epic track time with everyone. It was the perfect farewell race. And let's not forget Tampa Supercross! That was a dream come true. Seeing the pros rip it up in person? Absolutely mind-blowing. It's been ages since I caught a Supercross race live, and it was pure magic.
Landing in Spain and diving straight into training with Riders Formation has been nothing short of extraordinary. The level of dedication and skill here is off the charts. Every day is a masterclass, with significant progress being made in every aspect of my riding. Getting to train with Moto3's Ryusei Yamanaka was a surreal experience, and hiking with Valentin Perrone? It's the kind of camaraderie that fuels your passion. And when I'm not on the track, I'm on the road bike, pushing my endurance and enjoying the stunning Spanish scenery. I'm loving every minute of this journey, and I'm beyond excited for what's to come. I'm here to learn, grow, and deliver – expect big things!
