First Time at Budds Creek and My First Pro Motocross Moto Win

To finally get to experience what Budds Creek is all about was cool.

In qualifying I was 7th in the first session and 11th in the second, so not too bad for my first go at the place. 

Moto 1 was where things really came together. I got off to a great start, put myself in a good spot and before I knew it, I was leading for half the race. That was a crazy feeling, especially this early in my Pro Motocross career. I ended up crossing the line in third, but with penalties I was credited with the moto win. I know it’s probably not the way you’d expect to win, but for me it was still a really special moment. To be out front and mixing it up like that gave me a lot of confidence and turned things around since Unadilla. 

Moto 2 didn’t quite go the same way. Bad start, made a couple of passes, then I went down and just had nothing left to give, I was cooked. Not the finish I wanted, but that’s racing. The big takeaway is we know what to keep working on and it was definitely another step forward after 12 weeks off with surgery. 

A lot of people have asked if I came back sooner than planned and yeah, I did. If I waited, I would’ve been bumped out of the SMX Playoffs and had to go through qualifying races with last gate pick every time. That’s not the position I want to be in, so coming back now made sense.

Looking ahead to SMX, the plan is simple... get back to battling up front. Supercross earlier this year showed me what I can do and I feel confident I can put myself in the fight and go after wins. 

I just want to say a big thank you to my team, my family, Yamaha, and everyone who’s been supporting me through the ups and downs. This season hasn’t been easy, but weekends like Budds Creek make it all worth it.

I’m stoked to keep building and can’t wait to line up for the Playoffs.

Cole 🤙