Round 5...I am starting to see the light
The break between Round 4 and 5 was much needed for multiple reasons. I was struggling on the bike and needed some time to just remember that this is supposed to be fun. I am the type of competitor that is always pushing. My expectations are high for myself (good trait) but when I don't hit them in the time I feel is fast enough then it affects me (bad trait) and I start to push harder making more mistakes. For this round, my approach was different. I wanted to have fun again and just enjoy the experience of racing here in the UK!
Getting back on the bike felt so freaking good. Like I was home. I was physically and mentally prepared for this round. We worked hard during the break and I knew I could do well. It was up to me on the track to put all the pieces together. Brands Hatch is another new track for me so FP1 and FP2 were just sessions for me to learn it and try to find areas I need to focus on. Reviewing data with Alan and Jay showed me that info and I was ready for Qualifying on Saturday morning.
As ready as I thought I was....here goes the impact. I qualified P17. Man that was frustrating, I got stuck in packs, then I got stuck lapping by myself and all of that is just a mixture for poor results. But, Mike Torres and I have been working on learning how to flip the switch and look for the positive. So, I did go faster, I did fix the issues I was having in the free practices....Now I just needed to fight and put it together. The race was never going to be easy...but starting from P17, finishing in the top 10 was that much harder. I finished Race 1 in P11, just one spot away from where I wanted to be. The best part about it....I ENJOYED THE RACE. I was starting to feel like myself again and getting into the mix. That made me excited for Race 2.
Warm up on Sunday morning showed more potential. I was in the Top5 for most of it and ended P9 by the end of it. That was confidence inspiring and I was pumped for Race 2. I was starting in a better position for Race 2 due to my better lap times during Race 1 so everything was great for the start. Race 2 found me battling in the second lead group for top 10 positions. I was mixing it up from leading to the group, to tailing the group and then leading it again onto the final lap. Made some offensive and defensive moves to finish P10 right in front of the group. What a fantastic race for me. I was so ecstatic. Feeling that rush of having fun on the track and mixing it up with the rest of the riders was just what I needed before the next round which is the crown of the championship....the British Motogp at Silverstone.
I can't thank Jay Dexter, Elle, Mike Torres, Sean Dylan Kelly, Tim & Buch and my parents for sticking by me while in this weird place. Being stuck in my head and not realizing where I am and how hard I have worked to get here was tough on everyone. This race was so important to me. I needed to have fun and be me and just ride cause I love to ride. There is still lots of work left to do, but I know I have the right people in my corner to get me through it. I miss home, my family, my friends...but I also love my UK family, my new UK friends and this amazing experience I am having. Thank you all and here we come to Silverstone.
