The Nelson Report
Round 1 - 3/17/13
Glen Helen Raceway
Devore, CA

Round 1 of the 2013 Yamaha Quad X series was held on what might have been the perfect weekend as far as weather was concerned. Mostly sunny skies and temps from the mid 70’s to low 80’s greeted the racers for our first visit to Glen Helen in 2013. It was nice to see the Pro class grow by a few, with 3 top Pro-am riders from last year stepping up and also some names that are new to Quad X altogether. As if the competition wasn’t already tough enough, I threw myself on the ground very hard on Saturday and would be starting the season with what felt like a bruised kidney and a very sore right side.

Moto 1: Beau Baron pulled the first holeshot of the year with his teammate David Haagsma close behind. I battled through the first 5 turns with Pro newcomer Tanner Gemperle before locking down the 3rd spot. Out front, Baron rode fast, consistent laps as Haagsma tried to make a bid for the lead. I had already lost the leaders wheel when Haagsma made a mistake and stalled his bike in a corner letting myself and Josh Row by. Haagsma quickly made his way back into 3rd and steadily gained on me until just after the white flag when I over-slid a corner and had to try and protect the inside of the next turn. Haagsma had me lined up good and gently nudged me out of the way to take the 2nd spot. At the finish it was Baron, Haagsma, me, Row and Collins Webster rounding out the top five.

Moto 2: Haagsma pulled the holeshot with Baron 2nd and once again I battled with Gemperle for the first few corners to secure 3rd. I gave quite an effort to run the leaders pace for a couple laps but the square edges and acceleration bumps were killing my already sore insides and they began to slip away. Haagsma pulled a 3 second gap early but Baron slowly closed it before making a mistake and getting hung up on a berm. This spaced out the leaders and made for an anticlimactic run to the finish where Haagsma would win the moto and the overall, followed by Baron, me, Jon Glynn and Webster once again rounding out the top five.

Round 1 of the 2013 Yamaha Quad X series was a tough one. I finished 3rd, which is acceptable with the circumstances but I expect to win. There is lots of work to be done before round 2 at Racetown on April 14th. I’m looking forward to more time on the bike and dialing in our new a arms and shocks.