Southridge Challenge, Fontana CA November 20, 2011

Race Report: Southridge Challenge, Fontana CA November 20, 2011

Southridge Park in Fontana, CA was the location for the 2011 Southridge Challenge, the last race of the year at Fontana. The downhill race was held on Sunday, and everyone was hoping the forecasted rain would hold off for the days action. McKenna headed up to Fontana bright and early Sunday morning to check out the course, and get as many practice runs in as possible. The course was very challenging with many tricky rocky sections and several small drops. Most of the corners were deeply rutted with lots of soft of soft sand to catch you off gaurd.  The finish line was located in the lower lot, which meant the race course included the dreaded "wall", a long flat pedaling section before the last jump and the finish line. McKenna was able to get almost three full practice runs in, and was feeling good about the course overall.

Racing got started around 10:30, and McKenna being one of the last riders to start, waited for the last shuttle before heading to the top. As she waited for her turn to start, a light sprinkling started, and the wind picked up substantially. By the time it was her turn, she was freezing and couldn't wait to get on the course and warm up. The starter counted down, and on 3, 2, 1, McKenna was off. She dropped into the first turn, over some erosion bumps, up a slight uphill, and into the first rock section. A slight hang-up here forced her to put a foot down in order to get lined up and going again. The rest of the run was fairly smooth and generally mistake free. McKenna did her best on the "wall", but it took its toll on her little legs. Finally the finish line was in sight, and she gave it 100% as she sprinted across the line with a time of 4:20. Get a riders-eye view of the course McKenna raced here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3SziSJSA2Y

The rain couldn't hold off any longer, and the awards were given out as the clouds opened up. The wet conditions couldn't dampen McKenna's spirit as she received her medal and took her place on the second step of the podium. She again had a great time at her second downhill race ever, and looks forward to next year, and the Southridge Winter Series held in Fontana. McKenna would like to thank all her family, friends and fans for following her and her racing exploits. Stay tuned in for future reports.

California Golden State Finals, Fontana CA, October 29-30, 2011

Race Report: California Golden State Finals, Fontana CA, October 29-30, 2011

It's official, McKenna is a downhill racer as well as a BMX racer. This past weekend was the Golden State Finals, held in Southridge Park in Fontana, CA. McKenna raced her first ever downhill race and had an absolute blast doing it. She travelled up to Fontana early Saturday morning to sign-on and begin a day of practice. She was somewhat nervous at first, because everything about a downhill race was brand new to her. She had been training, doing runs at her local track for the past few weeks, so she was confident in her ability. She just had to figure out the logistics of it all. Loading her bike on the shuttle truck, and getting a ride to the top was the first step. This was followed by a short push-up to the start house, then getting in line for her turn to practice the course. Luckily she had her new friend, Maxine, to show her the course and calm her nerves. Several runs later, McKenna felt she had the course under control, and was looking forward to the next days race.

The format for racing on Sunday was 2 runs, with the times being combined. McKenna made her way to the start for her first run, and was visibly nervous as the countdown started. 3...2...1, and she was off. Dropping into the first right hand turn, you could tell she got her nerves under control, as she cranked into the first rocky section, getting through this tricky part flawllessly. She rode the entire upper half perfectly, carrying speed everywhere. Her first mistake came mid-course, where she had to traverse a cement drainage culvert, and got hung up, losing valuable time.  The only other mistake came right before the finish line on the last rock drop, missing her line and again getting hung up, wasting more time trying to get going again. She sprinted across the finish line with a time of 3:46.

The second round of runs began directly after the first one was completed, so McKenna once again made her way to the top. Being much less nervous this time, McKenna was immediately on the gas when the starter got to ...1.  This run was nearly mistake free, except for once again having trouble at the drainage ditch, but not losing as much time. The last rock drop was only a slight hiccup, as McKenna had to put a foot down and correct her line before she dropped down it. She crossed the line at 3:22, taking 24 seconds off her first run!

McKenna was very proud of her first ever downhill race, and very satisfied with her 2nd place finish in her catagory.  She wants to say a "huge" thank you to Donny Jackson and the rest of the Southridge crew for being so nice and accomadating to her; to Maxine for doing runs with her and calming her down; and to TR at Marzocchi for the work on her fork prior to the race. McKenna can't wait until the next race at Fontana, November 19-20. Stay Tuned Sports Fans!

Redline Cup Finals, Boulder City, NV, October 14-16, 2011

Race Report: Redline Cup Finals, Boulder City, NV, October 14-16, 2011

 All the big guns gathered at Boulder BMX, in Boulder City, Nevada for the western region Redline Cup Finals. The race weekend was the 14-16th of October, and consisted of a pre-race on Friday night, and then a Redline Cup race on Saturday and again on Sunday, with the points being combined for the overall Redline Cup Champion. McKenna got to meet one of her favorite racers and an olympic hopeful, Haro-Rockstar's "Insane" Brooke Crain.  McKenna got to meet one of her favorite racers and an olympic hopeful, Haro-Rockstar's "Insane" Brooke Crain. 

 McKenna was very focused and quite determined all weekend. She started things off on Friday night by winning her first round and transfering to the main right away. In the main, she made some mistakes, and was only able to scratch out a 3rd place. Saturday dawned, and the real racing got underway. McKenna was able to transfer in the first round, and was assigned to lane 2 for the main. As the gate dropped, first place took a substantial lead as McKenna and another girl battled for the second spot. The other girl was able to get Mac in the end, and she crossed the line in 3rd place. Sunday morning got strated in much the same manner, as McKenna transfered in the frist round. She was given gate 8 for the main, and knew it would be harder work to earn a top spot today.  McKenna got a great snap out of the gate, and came straight over and slotted into second place before turn 1. She was able to hold off the pursuing girls and finished on the heels of first place, grabbing up the second spot.

McKenna came into the Redline Cup finals with 19 qualifying points, and as she tied for points on the weekend (a 3rd and a 2nd), the other girls 20 qualifying points, moved McKenna to 3rd place overall. She earned the priveledge of running the Redline #3 plate all next year! McKenna had a great time and raced awesome all weekend long. She  would like to thank Aunt Maria and family for hosting her this weekend and for coming out to the track and cheering her on. She would also like to wish Brooke Crain continued success as she makes her drive for the 2012 Olympics. Keep it tuned to this station in the next couple of weeks, as the subsequent race report will be of McKenna's first downhill mountian bike race, scheduled for October 30th, from Fontana, CA. Stay Tuned.....

Las Vegas Nationals, Las Vegas, NV, July 15-17, 2011

Thousands of eager BMX racers packed the South Point Casino in Las Vegas, for the 2011 Las Vegas National.  Held the 15th, 16th, and 17th of July, the weekend saw hundreds of action-packed motos, taking place in the indoor equestrian center. The weekend would be many "first-time" experiences for McKenna. Friday night started off as usual with the Pre-Race. This would be the first time McKenna ever raced an indoor arena, and the air conditioning was well appreciated, with the 100 degree outside temperatures.

 

McKenna was able to transfer to the nights main event without any problems, and was assigned lane 6 for the main.  As the gate dropped and all 8 racers sprinted down the first straight, the group became extremely tight over the first table-top. The middle riders tangled and three went down, McKenna being one of them. After some time untangling bodies and bikes, McKenna was able to get going again, and she showed great determination in sprinting the whole track and finishing seventh.

 

 With the race being held in a casino, it was difficult keeping McKenna away from the slot machines, but she finally kicked her gambling habit and focused on racing. Saturday morning saw the first motos of National #1. Checking the moto sheets, McKenna was stunned to see a total of 16 girls in her class, resulting in the first time ever having semi-main rounds. Making the main this weekend would be no easy task. McKenna was up for it, and transferred out of her qualifiers and into the semi. She went on to transfer out of the semi round and into the main. She got a gift from the ABA fairies, and was assigned lane 1 for the main. McKenna made the most of this gift, and charged the entire track, finishing second, right behind the fastest 8 year old girl in the nation. This was McKenna's first 2nd place at a national, and her best result to date.

Sunday, and National #2, was much the same as the previous day. Again three groups of 8 year old girls resulted in semi-main rounds. McKenna once again did her job, transferring through her qualifiers, and the semi, earning her spot in the main event. This time though, the fairies were not as kind. McKenna was given lane 8 for the main, and she heroically tried to get in the mix, but was repeatedly shut down, and had to settle for 7th spot on the line. The weekend was an incredible success, as McKenna was able to step up and race against the quickest girls in the country and her second place on Saturday proves that she is definitely one of the fastest 8 year old girls in the nation. McKenna would again like to thank the Bulgatz Clan, her hospitable hosts for the weekend.

 

U.S. Nationals - Bakersfield, CA - May 13-15, 2011

Race Report: U.S. Nationals, Bakersfield, CA May 13-15, 2011

This past weekend, McKenna Dean loaded up the Team Race Trailer for the four and a half hour drive north, to participate in the 2011 U.S. Nationals in Bakersfield, CA. The weather forecast for the weekend was looking good, except for the possibility of showers on Sunday morning. McKenna arrived in plenty of time to get the trailer and pits set up for the weekend of racing, and make it over to practice before the Friday night pre-race. The pre-race saw a

smaller rider turn-out, probably due to the fact of many racers still travelling on Friday, and McKenna was able to have three great rounds of racing and take the win on Friday night.

  

Saturday morning dawned bright and early with clear skies, and little wind. McKenna made her way to the track for practice, feeling confident from the previous night's win. National #1 would have a full gate of 8 year old girls, and today's racing would be tougher than the pre-race. McKenna was able to win the second round and guarantee herself a spot in the main. She was assigned lane 6 in the main, and rode well, but found herself in some traffic and was unable

to get around, finishing 5th.

As Sunday morning rolled around, the skies were much greyer, the temperature colder, and the wind a lot stronger. Racing got underway at 8:00 am sharp, and shortly thereafter, McKenna was again able to win her second round qualifying for the main event. Around this time, the skies opened up and a good drenching came down on the track. The long period of waiting around for McKenna's main, gave the track a chance to dry out and get fast again for the most important race of the day. As the gate dropped for the main, McKenna shot out of lane 8 and immediately came over to the inside, slotting into 4th position. She pushed and challenged 3rd place in every turn, but was unable to come around, finishing 4th on the line.

 So the weekend wrapped up with a 1st, a 5th, and a 4th place. McKenna thoroughly enjoyed the track, the racing, and the competition. She now has a break from Nationals for a while, with some State races and Redline Cups to occupy her time. She would especially like to thank Vince at Free Agent, Ryan at Troy Lee Designs, and Frank at Triton Imaging, for working so hard in getting her 2011 race gear to her in time for this National. She says "Huge thanx for keeping me looking Factory, Guys!".

So Cal Nationals, Chula Vista, CA April 15-17, 2011

Race Report: So Cal Nationals, Chula Vista, CA April 15-17, 2011

The 2011 So Cal Nationals were held last weekend at Chula Vista's Olympic Training Center. The National was held in conjunction with USA Cycling's National Championship race. Friday kicked off racing with National #1, and McKenaa found herself among ten 8 year old girls vying for the 8 starting positions in the main event. She was able to transfer to the main in her second round. She was lucky enough to draw lane 1 for the main, and raced in 4th position for most of the race, but lost two spots in the final straight, finishing sixth.

 Saturday morning started off with the opening ceremonies of the USA Cycling National Championships. This one day race would determine who the 2011 National Champions would be, and who would have the honor of wearing the stars and stripes of the US National Champion's jersey. The format for the days racing would be slightly different, with all racers racing 3 rounds for points, in an attempt to qualify for the main event. McKenna rode 3 solid rounds to transfer to the main event without much difficulty. As the gate dropped in the main, the length and heat of the day was evident, as McKenna put in a lackluster effort to finish in seventh place.

Sunday morning and it was business as usual, with an 8:00 am start of National #2. Again, there were 10 girls on hand to battle it out for a spot in the main. McKenna finished in 3rd place in the first round, narrowly missing one of the 2 transfer spots. She was able to win the next round, securing her spot for the main. After a long wait under the San Diego sun, main events got underway, and McKenna was given lane 5. She loaded into the gate and got ready for it to drop, but mis-timed it, and was last coming out. Chasing the pack down the first straight in last place, McKenna pulled off an awesome pass in turn 1, moving from last to 5th place. She challenged for 4th spot the rest of the race, but had to settle for 5th place on the line. She was very happy with this result, as she gave it 100% the entire track.

This race weekend was extra special for McKenna, as she had her little buddy, Preston Evans from Marietta, GA out to race and stay with her. It was great to watch the two of them practicing, racing, riding and hanging out with each other. She was saddened to see him leave, and she looks forward to the next race they will be at together. Good Luck to Preston next weekend at the NBL Gator National in West Palm Beach, FL.

Winter Nationals, Surprise, AZ March 18-20, 2011

Race Report: Winter Nationals, Surprise, AZ   March 18-20, 2011

   

Speedworld BMX in Surprise, AZ hosted the 2011 Winter Nationals, held March 18th through the 20th. Speedworld is a new track, and this would be their first time hosting a National. This weekend would also be McKenna's first national of the new year, and her first chance to see how she stacks up against the fastest 8 year old girls in the country. Like a remake of Thelma and Louise, Michelle and McKenna hit the road friday morning for the 6 hour drive to the Phoenix area. They arrived in plenty of time for practice, and racing got underway for Friday nights Pre-Race. McKenna was able to make the main without any drama, and looked to have a third place finish in the main, but was beaten at the line, to finish fourth.

Saturday morning started off bright and early with 15 minutes of practice. Sometime later, motos were posted, and McKenna saw there were 14 girls in her class, and most with low number plates, and National Rankings. Making the main event this weekend was not going to be an easy task. They divided the girls into 2 brackets, leaving McKenna to race 6 other girls for the 4 available spots. The first round had McKenna finishing 5th, well outside the 2 transfer spots. With the pressure on, the gate dropped for the second round, and McKenna was able to cross the line in second, and transfer to the main. Coming out of gate 8 in the main, she rode a solid race to finish in 6th place.

  

Sunday's racing held the same scenario, with two groups of the fastest 8 year old girls vying for only 8 spots in the main. McKenna was unable to transfer the first round, but won her race the second round, securing herself a spot in the main event. This time she found herself in gate 5 for the main, and got a great start as the gate was dropping. Unfortunately she tangled with the girl in lane 6 at the first jump, and they both ended up on the ground. McKenna was unhurt, and was able to get back on her bike and sprint to the line ahead of the other girl, finishing in 7th place.

One of the highlights for McKenna this weekend was receiving her 'District Top 10' jacket that she fought for and earned by all the hard work at the end of last year. She finished 2nd overall for 2010, and will be sporting the big #2 on her bike this whole year. The Winter Nationals were a very successful start to McKenna's 2011 National Campaign. She is looking forward to the next Nationals, held at home in Chula Vista next month. McKenna would like to thank all her family, friends, sponsors and supporters, and hopes to have a great 2011 Racing Season. Keep it tuned here for complete coverage of the upcoming So Cal Nationals from Chula Vista, CA held April 15-17.

State Championship Qualifier, El Centro, CA March 13, 2011

Race Report: State Championship Qualifier, El Centro, CA March 13, 2011

Imperial Valley BMX in El Centro hosted one of the first State Qualifying races of 2011 on Sunday, March 13th.  McKenna made the hour long drive out to the desert to be greeted by mid-80 degree temperatures and a groomed track to battle for the available state points. After an hour worth of practice and great gate starts, racing began under the blazing afternoon sun.

From round 1, through to the main, McKenna was able to cross the line first and take home the maximum number of points available for the day. This win comes at a great time, providing McKenna with a valuable confidence boost prior to next weekend's Winter Nationals in Phoenix, AZ. Keep it tuned to this channel for complete coverage of McKenna's first national of 2011.