Alright, fact time.
Throughout the 80's and 90's Ohio averaged sending over 90 each year to Loretta's. Strong numbers continued until 2005 when Ohio had 95 qualify. Then, BOOM. numbers just went in the hole to the tune of 2012 = 46 and the worst year 2013 = 40. 2014 = 52 and this year 2015 we are sending 46.
Now before anyone claims its the training facilities in the south... In 2005 Georgia sent 68, this year, 76. Not exactly the increase you were expecting right? Yes Georgia has had a spike in resent years. They reached an all-time high in 2015 at 97. YES, 97. Ohio use to average that.
Other home states to big full time training facilities like North and South Carolina have even more puzzling numbers. In 2005 North Kakalaka sent 64. They peaked in 2013 at 81 and have dropped to 63 last year and only 55 this year. South Carolina has always averaged 27 and this year will send 24 so it aint da south stealing our fast boys...
Florida in 2005 = 130, this year 123
Texas in 2005 = 102, this year 90
And of course, California 2005 = 125, 2012 = 147, 2013 = 145, 2014 = 165 and this year, BOOM 209. Yeah, I don't think moto in Cali is all that bad.
So whatever killed speed in Ohio should be pretty easy to see. Its still there.
I knew that MBA and engineering degree would be useful for something someday other than supporting our racing habit.See, other people like data also... Nice work Dad
From that regional, who qualified from what state? Did Ohio have the most LL qualifiers from the Sunday Creek regional or did all other states combined come into Ohio and beat us out of going to LL? Basically did Ohio win the Ohio Regional? Did MI win the MI regional?
Guess point I am trying to make is that although you cannot qualify in your region and/or beat the fastest from your state, they are still faster than our best. ??? Isn't the point to get the fastest riders in the country to LL not necessarily the fastest riders from the region to LL's?
The problem is, if you make it to the ranch it only gets rougher. I haven't raced there is 20 years, but judging by what I have seen, it's just as rough as ever.Ohio guys might win Ohio rwgionals If the promoters stop mimicking track conditions (sand) of other regions!!!
A lot of these rough and tough sand riders can't keep it on two wheels through hard pack slick blue groove courses....
Remember who I beat in the final?The problem is, if you make it to the ranch it only gets rougher. I haven't raced there is 20 years, but judging by what I have seen, it's just as rough as ever.
By the way, I was standing there in 91' when Knox won the balance contest and walked away with a new KX80.
I forgot about that, but now I do remember people being pissed that they thought a Team Green rider was going to win it.Remember who I beat in the final?
King of Supercross. pffff