Season Opener in Alabama

After a long off season I was back into action this weekend with the opening OMA round in Tuscumbia Alabama. It was in the mid 70’s and just on the dry side of perfect conditions with a few mud holes mixed in, and a lot of rocks. I fought hard all day and finished 5th overall.
I got a mid-pack start and worked through some guys going through the grass track section leading into the woods. I let the bike come out from under me on a downhill left entering the woods and lost a spot that would really cost me a lot of time. I spent a lap barking my 450 at the rider that was in front of me who was just killing my pace. At the end of the lap I made up that position and had to make up ground for a few laps to catch the Honda duo of Scott Watkins and Jimmy Jarrett. I would make a run at them and go down several times before finally sweeping past Watkins in the grass track section on the last lap.
Passing was difficult on the course due to the long stretches of tight woods separated by one lined dirt roads. But the technical attributes of the track made it interesting and fun, with rock sections and tight trees. This was a classic OMA track by Bill. Russel Bobbitt would take the win over defending champ Paul Whibely. Jordan Ashburn and Jimmy Jarrett would finish within a minute ahead of me, with Scott Watkins within a minute behind.
Husaberg, FMF, Dunlop, Muscle Milk, WP USA Racing, Ride PG, Enduro Engineering, EBC Brakes, Motorex, Husaberg Parts and Wear, Renthal, RK/Excel, Bell Helmets, Tire Balls,Twin Air, Motion Pro, Smith Optics, Gaerne Boots,