P3 at Cleveland – Fought Through a Rough Night for the Podium

It was a really rough night, but I still managed a podium. I didn't give up and fought hard to get through it.

Coming into the weekend, we were anticipating a mud race which we hadn't had this year. Although the area had some rain, the track crew did an amazing job early on, but more rain was forecasted for the main event.

Qualifying was solid. In Q1, I took the top spot early with a 47.662 but got bumped back down to P2. I also got cleaned out by another rider right before a fast lap, which was an interesting one. With one lap remaining, I threw down a really solid lap and claimed the top spot with a 46.690. Q2, the track had dried out heaps compared to Q1. I got stuck into it right off the bat, topping the times with a 45.868. Had a couple of sketchy moments in the whoops but claimed the top spot in qualifying and first gate pick heading into the Triple Crown races.

Race 1 started decent. I got shuffled back to P3 by the first couple of turns, made a pass on Hammaker early and set my sights on Thrasher. With 6 minutes remaining, I made a huge mistake after the finish line and went down. Lost 3 positions, dropped to 6th, 10 seconds off the lead. I finished Race 1 in 5th. Really not happy with how it went, but I had to reset and focus on the two races ahead.

Race 2 was wild. The track had copped a lot of rain and it was only getting worse. I got a decent jump but in the first rhythm lane, Adams and I came together hard and we both went down. I picked myself up and kept going but the bike and I were pretty banged up. After lap 1, I was back in 14th. Then the race was red flagged for Adams – bummer to see him go out like that. At the restart, I was P5 and quickly made the move into P3. Hammaker passed me and pushed me back to P4. I got back past him with 2 minutes to go, but with one lap remaining he passed me back. I knew I didn't have to do anything crazy – it was all about the big picture for me. Finished Race 2 in 4th.

Race 3, I got a great jump and pulled the holeshot, which was crucial with the track conditions. I put my head down and focused on my own race. Banked the Race 3 win and secured 3rd overall for the round.

Congratulations to the boys – they were riding good tonight. Championship lead stretched out a little further, which is solid coming into next weekend in Philadelphia.

Cole!