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.
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