Experiencing SMX Playoffs for the first time in Charlotte

Charlotte was my first taste of the SMX Playoffs, and man, it was a wild way to kick things off. 

Qualifying was pretty decent considering how gnarly the track was. I was 9th overall in combined times and I knew I needed a good start for Moto 1. I managed to nail it, sitting 4th early and by Lap 3 I had moved into second. The track was tricky with the conditions, and unfortunately I tipped over the next lap, which dropped me back to seventh. I kept pushing to the end and crossed the line 8th. Not the result I wanted, but it showed I could run up front, which gives me a lot of confidence.

I was fired up to go again in Moto 2, but the weather rolled in hard. Heavy rain and storms forced the officials to call the rest of the day, which was disappointing, but at the same time I’m glad to come out of the weekend healthy.

The main takeaway for me is that the speed is there and I know I can put myself in good positions. Now it’s about building from here. We’ve got a short break before St. Louis next weekend and with double points on the line, it’s going to be a big one.

Thanks as always to the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team, my family, and everyone who continues to support me.

This was just the start of the Playoffs and I’m looking forward to keeping the momentum rolling.

Cole 🤙