I traveled to Dayton Ohio for my second race of 2017 and for my life. I used to spend summers visiting family in Dayton and Middletown but had not been there in over 10 years. I was disappointed with the disparity I saw and felt for the people living there as it seemed their lives had been impacted with a loss of jobs just as mine had in Eastern Kentucky.

I arrived at the track to be very surprised by the outward appearance as it resembled much of the collapsing rust belt industrial area. However, upon walking inside I found a very welcoming staff along with a welcoming group of riders and spectators. I attended the Saturday night Warnicke Scholarship race which had a small turnout but ended up being a blast. 

This would be my second race ever and as I looked across the gate I saw a rider clipping in with an Akron Championship jersey on. I knew he was more experienced and most likely an intermediate level rider so I did not set my expectations too high. I struggle off the gate in all three moto's but managed a 3rd, 2nd, and 3rd on the day which isn't too terrible for my second race and I had good competition with Joe Samanas. 

I later talked to LBO's Out Racing leader Maurice Adams and learned my gate issues may have been due to my 44x13 gearing choice. After the race I ran to my local bike shop Broomwagon Bikes and Coffee to pick up a 16t rear cog. I cannot wait to hit the track and see if I will have better results off the gate.