Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Teammate Richard Cooper and I had a tremendous showing at the Virginia International Raceway (June 21-22) during the ASRA Pro Thunderbike and CCS Thunderbike races.
I managed to grab four first place finishes on both the BMW R 1200 S and the new HP2 Sport race bikes. I also set the all-time ASRA track record time! Cooper not only grabbed two podium finishes, but also set the qualifying track record time at the VIR.

For me, the biggest thing that stands out is that how the BMW R 1200 S never lets me down. It gets faster every time I race it. The R 1200 S is so versatile.

I got the top honors at the ASRA Pro Thunderbike national race on the BMW R 1200 S, while Cooper finished in the third position, and then I did it again in the CCS Thunderbike regional race while still on the R 1200 S, with Cooper achieving the second position.

Cooper and I have such a great relationship; it is the highest level of team work and sportsmanship that I’ve experienced. This was Cooper’s first time at the VIR, so I tried really hard to get him up the speed as soon as possible because I wanted to see two BMWs up on the podium.

I set the ASRA track record of 1:31.9 in the ASRA Pro Thunderbike race, while Cooper set the qualifying track time of 1:32.4 during qualifying for the same race. We could not have been hotter on our BMWs that weekend.

Cooper and I were blown away by the level of support from so many BMW riders at the VIR that came from all over.

I changed my bike to the hot new track-ready BMW HP2 Sport in the CCS Supertwins to finish first again. The number two spot crossed the finish line 8 seconds later. I also grabbed the top finish and crossed the checkered flag four seconds ahead of the next racer in the CCS 750 Superbike class, which features some of the best 600 and 750cc racing motorcycles.

I really credit the awesome support from the BMW community for the great showing with Cooper at the VIR. The BMW riding community is strong in the US and Cooper was surprised by the level of support that we get at these races. He said he realizes why I keep going faster every time.

I think we're well on our way to this year’s ASRA championship!