The 6 Hours of Temecula was my first race as part of the new SoCal Endurance team. I’m excited to be a part of something new and I’m looking forward to doing as much as I can to be a positive influence on the young racers on the team. My goal is to help each of them stand atop the podium and don a stars and stripes jersey. I’m personally looking forward to getting back to racing the longer format solo races I used to enjoy so much back in the day. I’m also looking forward to learning from the talent on this team.
This was my first solo lap style race in at least five years so I wasn’t sure hat to expect. At one time, this type of race was natural in that I didn’t have to think about the pacing or nutrition everything felt natural and I just got into a groove. This race was nothing like that. I definitely wasn’t in the zone. My mind was either wandering or trying to keep track of too many things: my pacing, my nutrition, my lap times and my standing. My body was no better. I am not use to riding in the same position for such a long time. I’ve grown accustom to the duo format; ride hard, rest and repeat for 12 or 24 hours. I knew my first race back to the solo format would be hard, but I expected it to be a bit smoother. There are plenty of things I need to work on and re-learn.
I want to thank Jason Ranoa for inviting me to be on this fantastic new team. I’d like to thank the sponsors who have already done so much in a short amount of time to help get the team up and running. Finally, I’d like to thank the parents of my fellow teammates for helping in the pits and the encouraging cheers.
