So fun as always, ultimate moto vacation. We originally weren't going to go, then we were going to go for a couple days, then when Emig, Hughes were going we decided to just get the camper and head down for the week.
Place was soooo packed this year, but it's hard to tell is it really because there are that many more people or is it because everyone is basically bringing super rigs with extra cars as their pit vehicles (SideXSides). The giant SXS pit vehicles are out of control, and riding around there on my Zuma is almost like having an EZPass on the turnpike because all of them get stuck in gridlock traffic jams and we just zip right on by all of them!
We spent a lot of time talking with Ryno, Emig, Keith Johnson. They were super cool to hang out with. Also cool to talk with old moto buddy Justin Zeman since he was there with Yamaha for a couple days; I haven't seen him in years. Mario Testa was there too supporting Yamaha with Triangle Cycles. Chad Watts was there as Ryno mechanic, and Mike Gosselar was there with Honda for a few days.
So a cool story. Besides all the friends and Ohio folks we cheer on, we usually end up meeting new folks too....Anyway...
We are on the fence watching +50 moto one, and start BS'ing with this kid and Mom from California. He seems super nice, humble young kid, etc. So he says he is racing College at 5pm #36 and we say ok we'll look for you.
So 5pm rolls around and we say hey let's go cheer on that kid, you know, to help him feel good.....anyway, he rips a massive holeshot and is leading for a long time and absolutely flying before Justin Kokinos passes him. He races in 2nd for a while....and his bike dies!!!!! He ended up with a 39th....so I'm looking this kid up because I'm thinking there is no way there is a kid this fast that I haven't heard of....it was Luke Kalaitzian!
Definitely know that name. We find them and find out there was some electrical problem with the bike. He ends up winning moto 2 and 3 of College to get 10th o/a with a 39-1-1. He also got 4th in the final Open Pro Sport moto! He is one to watch for sure. 18 years old, super nice.
Such a fun time, always sorry to see it come to an end!