Subject: Team Am-Pro Yamaha Race Report

Race:AMA National Hare Scrambles
Location: Rhinelander, WI
Date: Oct. 7, 2007
 
Raines Wins 3rd National Hare Scramble
 
 
Round 9 of the AMA National Hare Scramble series ventured to the far off land of Rhinelander, WI this weekend and it turned out to be a long drive from South Carolina, but after the weekend was finished it was a drive well worth the time.
 
As we were driving to the track on Saturday it was raining so hard that we could barley see the road and I was thinking it was going to be a super mud race like the last round of the series in New York, but when we turned off the freeway there was one spot of blue in the sky and it was right above the track! It didn't rain a drop on Saturday at the track! The track had gotten quite a bit of rain on Friday, but the terrain is sandy, so it soaked up every bit of rain and by the time our race started at 1:00 on Sunday, the conditions were perfect.
 
On the day of the race the weather was warm for Northern Wisconsin (85 degrees) especially this time of the year, and the humidity was through the roof due to the moisture in the ground. The 10 mile track was in perfect shape and offered a variety of terrain. It had a sandy MX track, tight woods with a lot of roots, big fir, pine and maple trees, wide open fire roads, and a grass track. It had a little bit of everything.
 
My WR 450F fired up on the first kick and I got the jump on the field, rounding the first turn with the holeshot. I was passed before we entered the woods section by Justin Williamson and I followed suit. I was right were I wanted to be and keyed off of him while we were getting accustomed to the track. He was running a very quick pace, but I was able to stay right with him and about halfway through the first lap he pulled to the side on one of the roads and let me by. I really didn't want to lead and be the one to make the mistakes and have him key off of me, but I thought what the heck, he gave me the lead, I might as well take it. I tried to just stay smooth and not make any mistakes and I was able to open up a small gap by the time we completed the first lap.
 
The second lap, I maintained a smooth pace but I charged a little harder and made it through the lap without making any mistakes and when I completed the 2nd lap I was able to open up a 40 second gap.
 
On the third lap, I felt like I maintained my same pace and rode smooth and consistent, but towards the end of the lap, Justin was gaining ground and took 15 seconds off my lead. I started to get a little worried that I was stuck in my pace and would struggle to push any harder and maintain a faster pace.
 
On the fourth lap I got out of my old pace and charged as hard as I could the entire lap to see if he would be able to still gain time or if I would be fast enough to pull back away. I didn't make any mistakes and felt comfortable riding harder and more aggressive. I was coming to the end of the lap and judgment day when my dad would inform me if I was able to maintain my lead or if he was still reeling me in. At the end of the lap I was relieved as my dad put out the pit board and told me I had pulled out to a minute lead! So my pace was good and I decided to try and maintain it and keep pulling away.
 
I kept inching away lap after lap and only made one mistake on the last lap when I tipped over in a corner, but it cost me almost no time. By the time I picked up the bike and swung my leg over the seat, I already had it running because of the magic button! The electric start has been the best 3 lbs I have ever gained and I can't do without it!
 
At the end of the 3hr, 7 lap race I emerged with the victory with a sizable lead (3 plus minutes). It was kind of a boring race after the 4th lap, but I don't mind! My day went perfect with almost no mistakes and my WR 450F did all the work and I was just along for the ride, I couldn't have asked for a better day!
 
I want to thank my dad for all his support; he ran back and forth to different parts of the track all day (I think he was more tired than me after the race), and my sponsors for all their continued support. The club did a great job too, it was their first AMA National Event and they did a great job, were very organized and motivated to put on a great race.
 
Results:
1-Jason Raines
2-Justin Williamson
3-Robbie Jenks

 

Jason Raines
Team Am-Pro Yamaha