Preseason has been strong...
Been really busy the last handful of weeks since my last blog post. Working with Coach Michael Torres to make sure I am physically and mentally advancing towards my goals has been one of the major impacts so far this pre-season. I have been fortunate enough to add two very different but high impact sponsors to my program for 2023 as well. I am feeling really good, strong, smart and confident and I am looking to carry that enthusiasm and new routines into the new year as well.
Eddie Cacciola; Owner and Operator of the Bike Shop SRQ; located in Sarasota, FL stepped massively during the end of the SFLMINIGP race in Nov and has sponsored me with a true road bike for my training. I have been working with a Walmart special for the last couple of years. Making priority decisions on where to spend funds, a new bicycle wasn't in the cards and I am so thankful and honored that they have stepped up to provide me such an incredible tool. I have ridden it a handful of times already and doing 20miles feels like a breeze. Going to be logging in some major mileage on this bad boy here shortly. Thank you Eddie again for your kindness, generosity and support in 2023.
Some of you may have already seen my NSF changing colors and livery in the past month or so. That is because Zenith Performance Miami has stepped up to be my training partner for 2023. We met Ben and his son a couple of years ago at the infamous MiamiGP through an SFLMINIGP event. Since then we had always bumped into him during local race events as he is an active racer and has some incredible race machines. As Ben started to create this new venture for him and the motorcycling industry, he added the thought of helping out our program as well. I am beyond blessed and honored to race under your colors and represent the amazing facility you have built and the incredible person you are. Thank you so much for this opportunity and I look forward to growing together in 2023 and beyond.
I did get to do something totally non motorcycle related and way off the radar for events I have ever done in my life. My very good friend Shawn Sloan invited us out to enjoy a weekend of shooting guns and experiencing some really cool technology. The event was named CANCON and everyone who is anyone in the gun industry was there. Although we were there to have a blast, we also networked a ton and made some really awesome connections. I am excited to see what comes of those for the future, but the memories and feelings of shooting a fully automatic weapon or hitting a target at 520 yards is beyond belief. Shawn was there the entire step of the way and taught me some cool things as well. His daughter Sidney was our tour guide and the overall experience was amazing. Can't thank Shawn enough for always being in my corner and finding ways outside the box to impact my program!
I got to head back to the Vasco Moto Ranch as well and get some seat time in the dirt. Rode a couple of 450s and 250s and man this is a workout. Very uneasy feeling with how much the bike moves, but once you get in a rhythm and just let the bike do its thing while staying on the gas...its like being one. Always enjoy training there, Jorge is so fast and has so many things to teach. I try and learn as much as I can each time I go out.
I got to get back on my #dbpsquad NSF as well under its new livery for the final round of the WERA 2022 championship. We headed up to Roebling road and I was super excited. Especially since it was my first time on the newly paved track...I was anxious to see what it felt like. Working with Alan from Microlise across the pond, Coach Mike Torres and Tim my crew chief we had a fantastic weekend. I did have a leak in one of my forks and Mike (thermosman) stepped up and had us repaired in no time. I got down into the 16s which is about 2sec faster than the last time I was there I was beyond myself. We all worked really well and the progress is very noticeable.
This past weekend we headed down to Homestead with CCS. I enjoy homestead, its a fast track and has some decent braking corners. You have to hit each apex just right in order to get the max speed out and get those drives on the long straights. We worked in the 34s this weekend trying to get into the 33s. I had a predicted lap at one point that had me doing a 34.3 but I just couldn't put that one together. Again, Alan with Microlise was fully involved, Coach Mike as well and my #dbpsquad was in full force with Tim and Buch there working on the bike and getting mint for each session. I got to ride a lot in two days and work through some tactics that I plan to implement in my riding moving forward as well. I really good weekend and ton of fun with the Zenith team as well. My family was there on Sunday as well and its always great having everyone there to watch me ride.
Looking forward to Christmas and the new year coming up. But who knows, maybe we can find some other places to go ride in the meantime. See you guys at the track soon!