Round five of Arenacross in Milwaukee, WI had two night shows. This meant Preston was racing the 50cc 4-8 championship race on Friday and Saturday as well as the 50cc Open and 50cc 7-8 classes on Sunday (amateur day). We left Brantford on Thursday night at 10pm after trying to nap beforehand so that we could drive straight through the night. We stopped once just before Chicago so that Justin could nap for half an hour, and then it was back on the road. Needless to say, Friday was our ‘zombie’ day. I hate the feeling of being sleep deprived but that was how we all felt.
There’s a lot of waiting around on the Pro days, and honestly I could have fallen asleep in my chair a few times. The things we do for our kids! Preston was determined he was going to win. As soon as I saw him during practice I believed he could too. He was on fire. After not being 100% the past two weekends, it looked like he was finally back to his usual self and ready to race. Preston went on to win his heat race. I was so excited but at the same time nervous knowing the main event meant so much to him. The track was so tough on the Pro day, the whoops were crazy deep, even the big bikes were having trouble on them.
Eight o’clock rolled around and as usual I was sitting in the stands having a heart attack waiting for his class to go to the line. Preston started 4th, he was running in 2nd until right before the white flag. He squared up first place in one of the corners then rode fast and perfectly on the last lap. I’m sure I looked like a crazy person; my throat hurt from screaming. Justin was so happy that he finally got a little aggressive, he wanted this win and nothing was going to stop him. Tanner Ward went on to win his Super Mini race. It was a great night for us Canadians.
With the two night shows we were able to get caught up on our sleep as we went straight back to our hotel to rest up. Usually we have to be back at the arena by 7am, but this time it was 10:30am. Preston woke up in a great mood knowing he had won once. He was ready to do it all over again. He had found a tiny toy dirt bike the day before and told me it was his good luck charm. He told me to hold it tight for his races. Of course I would! He went on to win his heat and the main event again. He got the holeshot in the main and rode a perfect race. I can’t even begin to describe how proud I am of him. To ride in front of so many people, get up on the podium and thank everyone without getting nervous. At one point Miss Arenacross asked him what was going through his head while in first place. His response was “good thoughts”. I honestly think he concentrates so hard on the race that he doesn’t think about anything else. We were so happy, Preston was as high as a kite; it was a great night. He even got to talk to Tyler Bowers (Arenacross Champion) for a while and have him sign his plaque.
We usually leave straight after the race but this time we decided to stay and watch Tanner’s race, and I’m glad we did. The first lap Tanner was running in second. He was right behind first place. On the second lap he saw first place go to jump the finish line, Tanner hadn’t practiced it all weekend but decided to try it. The jump was huge and he cased it. It didn’t look good from where we sat so we rushed to the pits. The medics thought he broke his ankle so he was rushed to hospital. Justin looked at the bike and said he’d never seen a bike in such bad shape. We later found out that Tanner broke his Tib/Fib on both legs and his right wrist. Luckily we had stayed and were there to help. We drove Tanner’s friend back to the hotel with us. What had started out as a fantastic night turned into a disaster.
We were back at the arena early for amateur day. Actually, we were running late. It’s so hard to get the kids up, check out of the hotel and grab a coffee all before 7:30am. What made it worse was we had to park so far away from the arena. Justin dropped us off with the gear and went to park the truck. Preston got dressed and ran out to do his track walk by himself. The track always changes for amateur day, so I’m glad he did. Justin got into the arena as the kids were on the start line. We were so rushed; Preston took off from the line like it was a race and rode fantastic. He came back saying “I told you Mom, I was leaving the fastest race for last.” I was so nervous; he wanted to win all four main events so badly. I have never held on to a toy dirt bike so tight in my life. Maybe it’s a lucky charm because he did win them all. He rode to a perfect weekend.
Preston had been worried about Tanner. He saw the accident and we told him about the broken bones. I was scared that it might affect his racing. It didn’t, thank God! I’m so glad we decided to race this last round. Preston was feeling great, rode great and his confidence is back. It’s been a fun and exhausting three weeks but definitely worth every minute and every kilometre of driving (Roughly 24 hours of driving each weekend). I will have that little toy dirt bike in my hand for every race to come. Who knows, he might be a Pro one day and his old Mom will still be holding it.
That was the last Amsoil Arenacross race we will race until the finals in Las Vegas in May. I can’t wait! Please keep Tanner in your thoughts as he hopes to be back and healthy for the Vegas Finals. Thanks again MXP and for all the comments and likes on my last post. I’m so happy that so many of you take the time out of your day to read these.
