Cory Texter :: AMA Flat Track Racing, Lancaster Harley Davidson

Pomona, Ca

I was really excited to race in Pomona. I have not been to California in probably 10 years or so and I have never raced in California so it was going to be cool to open up to a whole new group of fans and race on some new soil. When we got there, the track looked awesome. I was so excited to get on the surface. As race day came along, I felt good all morning. Right as we started to unload, I started getting a scratchy throat. I figured it was just the air and dirt, but I was getting nervous. Sure enough as the day went on, I was feeling more and more sick and fatigued. By the time heats and semis came along, I felt like poop. I knew I had a job to do and I tried to stay as active as possible walking the track and I even tried to eat something to shrug it off. 3 days later and I am still feeling cruddy as I write this, so hopefully I feel better soon because this really stinks!

I felt descent the first time out there. Most of the guys who were going to be in the main event, have raced here before and qualifying was going to start with my first lap on the track, so I knew I was already starting in a hole. I was like 18th the first round and 23rd the 2nd round which put me 20th overall. Not surprising as I have struggled in qualifying all year, but I actually felt good and confident for my heat race. I lined up in heat 2 with B.Smith, and west coast kids Jethro Halbert, Bonsey, Russell. Aaron King and Luke Gough were also going to be competitive in this race. I came off the line descent and was running a close 5th when I saw someone come blitzing up the inside of me and not lifting the throttle yet. I got my whole foot ran over and got pushed up so high, I hit the haybales with the outside of my leg. I lost 3 or 4 spots when this happened and was back in like 10th. I made some ground and got back into a close 7th across the finish. One more lap I felt I would of had 6th, maybe 5th.

It was a long waiting game until the semi. By the time the semis rolled aroud, it was like almost midnight eastern time. I was feeling really cruddy and I wanted to get back out there and race my semi. I ended up 2nd off the line behind Jake Johnson and I shut off a big early going into there and got pushed high. Gedeon, Mataya, Gough and Pearson found their way by me in one corner. I made up some time as the race went on, but didn't ride to my potential and when that happens, I watch the main events and that is what happend tonight. The track got nice and rough and usually when that happens, I feel really confident, but I just couldn't hack it tonight. You have them nights sometimes, but I am really disappointed because we lost alot of ground in the points tonight. Instead of me gaining 3-4 spots, I lost 5 spots in points.

On the bright side of things, we made 4 grand nationals this year and were within a second of making a few more. I podiumed my first hot shoe and had a few more top 5's in that series as well. It was a tough year to try and focus on racing when all I could focus on was the wellness of my father. I couldn't put the full practice in during the week like I needed to and focus 100% at the track when needed to. I want to thank my mechanic Rich Hanson for everything he has done this season. Without him, the season would have been a complete failure. Hopefully we can work together again next season. He has faith in me and we know what I need to work on over the winter and into next season. Jared Mees went from having his worst season to winning the number one plate the following and that shows me what alot of dedication and preparation can do in a few short months between seasons. Congrats on the championship to Jared and also to Henry for his first twins win.

Springfield , IL

Indianapolis, IN

Peoria, IL

Grove City, OH

Sturgis ST (Hot Shoe National)

Elkins WV, & Hagerstown MD

2008 Archived Race Reports