Alan Westerfield's Sparta Race Report (2006)

Race Report: Kentucky Off Road Hare Scrambles Series (KORHS) - Round 9
Rider: Alan Westerfield - Bike 3rd Place
Bike: 05 Yamaha YZ250F #7

Dry, fast conditions were the order of the day, but you could not ask for better weather at this location. I finished putting a Thumper 290 kit in the YZF on Saturday so my reputation of being a last minute, seat of my pants, never ready racer remains intact. I'm really happy with the increased horsepower and it seemed to help me pass riders and not be eaten up in the fast stuff quite as much. My start was a two kicker which left me in dead last going into the woods; behind the solar eclipse known as Dave McWilliams. It was fine though, because the big clutch-o-matic was holding a good pace. I could see Whibley and Michaels slowly but surely creeping away but could not get Dave to make a mistake so I could try to stay with them. Finally, I was able to take an alternate route through the giant natural whoops and capitalize on my good buddies line choice. I knew I must have been pretty far back so I put everything I had into catching them. I got within 15 seconds by the end of the first lap but lap 3 and 4 found me in a few less desirable situations. I had put a FMF Q muffler on the bike and that could quite possibly been a hindering factor in passing lap riders as I am not sure they could even hear me approaching. On several occasions I found myself entangled with other riders on the ground due to failed passing attempts. After about three hollers and three missed pull-offs, you have to try to get around or you will lose too much time. These choices must all be made quickly while keeping safety a priority. It seems faster, dry courses are the hardest to pass on because everyone is able to keep a quick pace. It turned out really well though because as far as I know, no one was hurt and everyone had a great day of racing. I'm certainly proud of Dave for getting Julie off that big chunk of iron and on a race bike. She always looks so happy when we come around and has picked her pace up. Rock on Julie!

So the big question still remains, why was I not able to beat Marty and Paul? All I can provide are excuses. They say excuses are like rear ends- everyone has them and they all stink so here are mine.

1: Their bikes are faster.
2: Testosterone injections by one or both parties.
3: Third lap- guy knocks me in the head and tries to steal my spark plug!
4: No sleep due to a 2:00 AM scuffle in the hotel hallway. I yelled that I was going to hurt somebody- then chained the door shut before they reached me! Love>Hate
5: Because Scott Summers didn't race.
6: He's a KIWI dang-it!
7: Because Harvey was a no-show, and I was lost with out him.
8: I had Gas in my Water.
9: Bike was pushing, and I was pulling.
10: Stopped to carve "Marty loves Paul" on a beech tree when I couldn't catch up.
Because they kicked my tail and then handed it back to me! Good ride little fellers! I'm taking notes.

Alan Westerfield