The forecast was for 100 degree temperatures as we approached July 25 and 26th. I was not looking forward to being in that weather. But that's racing.

Special thanks to Jeff and Francie Lemarche for help in the pits and spoiling us with dinner, breakfast, snacks, and those oh so wonderful things soaked in ice water that you wear around your neck! Thanks to sponsors like CycleGear, Lockhart Phillips and Rivals Fantasy Games. Very special thanks to Zlock Racing and Competition Motors for the support this weekend in the heat. And finally Thanks to Geoff Ford again who generously is insisting I race his motor until mine is rebuilt.

I set up Saturday morning. I was somewhat concerned because the track day earlier in the week I was showing a strange tire wear. I resolved to start with the basics and re-aligning the axle and this seemed to make a difference. With the tire not getting any worse I put on a new set of tires and the wear pattern was back to normal. I probably should've practiced more, but the heat was starting to ramp up so I decided to park it and try to stay cool. Was mostly successful between standing in front of fans and misters that other people had and drinking plenty of fluids. The evening was capped off by an excellent meal hosted by Jeff and Francie Lemarche. The spoiling for the weekend began. Chips, salsa, and home made guac. Grilled artichoke hearts, salad, and pork chops with a fantastic red onion peach salsa(?). Was absolutely delicious. After an evening of good conversation with the usual suspects I headed home to try and sleep through the heat.

Sunday I head out in the morning warm up session. Things are feeling fairly decent. Turn 7 is starting to come around where I can feel comfortable enough to work on things again. It was an overall good warm up. I'm unconcerned with times and happy with just feeling comfortable on the bike again for the first time in awhile.

Middleweight Supersport (9th, fastest lap 1:20.148)
I got a really good start. I 'm slotted in 5th or 6ht going into T1. I find myself getting passed on the second lap and unable to keep the pace so I move backwards. Essentially with no one to race I'm not really pushing and I luckily end up holding off a late race charge from David Lane to retain 9th. Again with a lot of my results this year my times are off (this is 2 seconds off fastest laps last year) I know why and obviously something I'll continue to work on.

450 Superbike (8th 1:19.305 fastest lap)
Again. I get an excellent start and I'm 7th going into T1. Sam Bogess comes around me and again I just can't keep his pace. I put my head down and turn a string of 19's. The good news is that feeling more comfortable on the bike I can not only see where I'm giving up time, but now I can formulate in my head how to attack those areas which is a good sign.

Overall progress on recovery being made. Which is good. Also this weekend maybe due to the heat, there seemed to be less 'drama' associated with the Referee duties. Which is a load off my mind for the day. I'm encouraged heading into the last race of the year that maybe I can at least get back to some consistent 18's. But we'll play it by ear. There will be less time for practice as August is a double header weekend with racing on both Saturday and Sunday.