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.
