ATVA MX Nationals
- Round One - Richard Pelchat Race Report
Pell City, Alabama - Mill Creek Motocross
By Richard Pelchat
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| #46
Richard Pelchat |
Pell City, AL (3/16/2007)
– Finally the first round of racing in 2007, after
months of testing, training, planning and polishing
out the program we would now see where we stand. Pell
City, Alabama has been on my mind for a while. I have
been training in Florida with friends helping out. It
was really fun to have someone record every single lap
time and kick you butt with push up, sit up and cardio
after a 25 minutes moto. A week prior to the Alabama
events, my mechanic, Mathew, and my dad drove down to
Florida and my friends drove back to the snow…Canada.
My mechanic had brought my new race engine for the event
and we took the time to adjust it to my liking changing
cams, timing and fine tune jetting. I have to say that
he and my engine builder Sylvain really worked together
on this motor configuration. My Yamaha was in perfect
shape and ready for the race. On my part, I was in great
shape, I felt good on the bike and my speed was really
good.
The new format of the AMA PRO ATV championship
is new and a lot different than previous year. I think
it is a step in the right direction. The dB test was
real tough. My Hindle are quiet, we were at 98-99db
last year…but the RPM is higher this year. We
finally were able to get to the mandatory 102db.
I felt good in the first practice. I rode
smooth, look for lines but I wasn’t able to push
very much. I was the 9th fastest rider. Second practice
was better; I saw better lines and started pushing a
bit. My 2:00 minute lap time was good and I was the
8th fastest rider.
Sunday is the real day. As we went out
for practice the track was real slick with no traction
and a bit of mud on the side. To my eye, I rode on OFF!
I could not find a fast line and I my arm were cramping.
Anyhow I was able to put a lap together by the end of
the session…It is important because this year
gate pick are determined by lap time in the final practice.
I was the 5th fastest on the track which gave me a good
starting gate.
As we line up for the first gate, I was
confident. I went out for the pre-lap and felt really
good, my YFZ was running strong. At the gate drop, I
didn’t get a good jump but I still was able to
round up the first turn in about 10th. But during the
VERY first lap my axle broke…done. Frustrating
but what can you do!
I really wanted to do well in the second
moto. I round up the first turn in about 10th place
and quickly made my way around Matt White and a lost
creek rider (Joe or Dunk). I set my sight on number
68 Russel Shumaker and for four laps I pressured him.
I had set my passing spot but it was a rough line and
I was using a lot of energy there. I made a mistake
after the halfway point and the two Lost creek rider
were able to get by. I crossed the finish line in 11th
place, exhausted!
I am happy to have competed this past
weekend, but it is not the result I wanted but it is
what I got and I will work from there. I am back in
Canada for a few weeks, RP Evolution (my business) and
training will use all my time. As much as I would like
to go race in California and Texas, I will probably
have to skip those. I am racing the WPSA this year and
I have to make choice according to my budget in order
to be competitive in this series.
Thanks a lot to the currents
team sponsors:
Yamaha Motor Canada, Groupe Vertdure, RP Evolution,
Elka suspension, Toyota Canada, AAB, ITP, JE Pistons,
K&N, SS performance, Hindle, Streamlines Brakes,
Fuel Customs, Web Cams, Sixsixone, Sunline, Scott USA,
Falicon, AC racing, Mini-moteur RG.
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