National Mini Road Racing Series Report By Tracey Marshall

National Mini Road Racing Series Report By Tracey Marshall

Quesnel, B.C: On August 1st long weekend, now declared, Mini Road Racing Day by proclamation of the Mayor of Quesnel. Riders gathered under shade awaiting the riders meeting. The event was hosted by the C.I.M.R.A. at Quesnels Caribou kart track with a lot of class entries representing clubs from across western canada. I'm sure the local racers were keen to test their skills against the large group of visitors.

I entered into my usual three classes over 21, thumper and women's. But this time I added one more. Why not? I didn't drive all that way to sit down now did I. So now I would be riding my Midwest Motorsports NRG 125 in two of these classes, and would be racing in two others. Wow I had a full day ahead of me. I have added other bikes in the routine to further my riding ability. This shows me different skills that may not be apparent, yet very helpful when riding my NRG 125.
　
My Midwest NRG was running great. I was worried because we were so far from home and it was 35 above, that maybe it wouldn't run to it's full potential but I was wrong, it ran perfect. I didn't have to touch it all weekend. The Midwest NRG proved itself once again. Not to mention helping me keep my promise of a podium. Placing third in the thumper class, sponsored by the Canadian Powersports Group.
　
And it starts. The sound of revving engines, your heart beating out of your chest, the sweat beading down your face as your breath fogs up your visor. Your ready. I was. The flag dropped and I nearly wheelied that NRG, passing everyone but first place. She was moving, I managed to keep up for about two or three laps then I heard a familiar sound. It was one of the Ham sisters, my Grand competitors. So I'm thinking, ok I'm in third I just got to keep this up. I held out for as long as I could but those sisters caught up with me. Wow what a race.
　
One thing Quesnel is known for is, their popular three hour Endurance race. This goes on the day after the big race, and usually a good evening of celebrating. Things commence pretty early in the morning in blistering heat of course, and the team makes a plan. I paired up with only one partner, the man himself, Jay Fox. I would have to say this was the biggest event all weekend. Everyone was out on the track at the same time. All classes, all skill levels, dukeing it out. I even got run off the track by an eleven year old!, man what a little racer. But the best part of all of this was time on the track. If you have the opportunity to ride strait for that amount of time, your skill level starts to expand. It gives you time to explore and try new things, take new lines. You start to notice things you didn't notice before. This folks is where I learnt to drag my knees. Yes, I got off the bike, I leaned it over more, and there it was. It was the greatest feeling ever. This is a good day, a motivating day, I'm moving up.
　
What people don't see is the growth that happens within the club family which makes this happen. I mean the stuff that happens behind the scenes. Friendships are made, some enemies. It's emotional and crazy. Not to mention the crazy characters that come out of this sport, I met a few in Quesnel. You people know who you are, but (what happens in Quesnel, stays in Quesnel) right?. So when it really comes down to it this is what its all about people. Being a family, a race family. I am so proud to be apart of this family and how I've grown within thanks to everyone, and my little NRG 125.
　
Thanks to Midwest Motorsports Canada Ltd, Canadian Powersports Group, The AMRA, And to those others who have helped me out.
Signing off till next time, Midwest's first lady, Tracey Marshall