*PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BMXPHOTOS.NET, and LAURIE KLEIN*
While some were out at our track this weekend getting it ready for our opening day, other Shoreham riders were in Woodbridge, VA at the NBL Freedom National. Historically the track in Woodbridge has always been in tip-top shape and can arguably be one of the best BMX facilities in the country. Unfortunately, this year the weather did not exactly cooperate and the changes they made to the track left it with soft spots beyond reason. They were so bad, that they were forced to cancel Friday nights Pre-race and work on the track to get it ready for the National. After hours of working on the track the track officials fixed the track and called it a night, only to find out the next morning there was a break in a sprinkler line that had been running all night. Therefore turning one of the jumps into complete mud. The only option the NBL had to hold the race, was to line that jump with plywood as only Ty Pennington would on Extreme Home Makeover.
Even with all that adversity, nothing could prevent our Shoreham riders from dominating once again!!! With over a dozen riders, representing our track there was plenty of excitement for the entire weekend. It also marked the long awaited comeback, from everyone's favorite rider, Ronnie Gaska....Ron has had a long 9 month recovery after a season ending injury last year. Everyone anticipated his return, and he didn't let us down one bit. Picking up where he left off in the Masters class, he was one of the guys that everyone had to watch out for, in fact his first race back he scored a 2nd place finish. After having some strong motos he was able to make both pro mains and ended up with a 6th on Saturday and a 7th on Sunday.
Last weekends standout rider was Austin Modell, but this weekend belonged to Kristen Klein with no question. During her moto's she would battle for 1st and 2nd place finishes. Almost everyone of her races were decided in the last straight, right before the finish line. On Saturday Kristen ended with a huge 2nd place finish and had the entire Shoreham cheering section screaming. And if that isn't good enough, she came back on Sunday with a vengeance and decided to show the rest of her class that she can completely dominate. Sunday's main she just blew right by them all and finished with a huge 1st place win.
Daniel Kelley literally came out of no where and with fire in his eyes blasted out of the gate on Saturday and powered his way into 2nd where he would finish the main. On Sunday he meant business as well, when he worked his way to the main event and maneuvered his way into the 2nd spot, but after a photo finish he ended up with a 3rd.
Again, Pat Nugent was making TLI proud by working his way into the mains and then completely turning on the jets in the mains. Once again, calling out his moves he would make way before the races even started. The second turn happened to be where he made moves all weekend and on Saturday swooped in for the victory. Sunday was more of the same, when Pat just out skilled his class weaving around the kids with inferior capability. Ending the weekend with bang and a 2nd place finish.
Other Riders results were, Nigel Cummings with a 7th on Saturday, and a 5th on Sunday, Al Cayne scored a 6th on Sunday. Tom Bivona scored a 4th on Sunday, Ben Klein rode his way to a 5th on Saturday, and 7th on Sunday. Erik Klein was riding real well in his motos all weekend and is shooting for the mains at the next race. Billy Serviss also looked awesome with 4th on Saturday and finished 2nd on Sunday. Austin Modell claimed the 3rd and 4th spots on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Lastly Nikki Kelley rolled her way to a 4th place finish against the boys on both days.
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Freedom National Photos
Ronnie Gaska had the best weekend out of everyone hands down. Finishing 1,2,1 in his motos and then leading the main until being pushed up past the white line on the top of turn two which ultimately ended the race for him. He was not going to let that happen again on Day 2, where he again had an awesome race and worked his way to a podium finish taking 3rd place. Ronnie even had time to lay down this tabletop during one of his races, it was referred to as being "flatter than water downed pepsi"
Kristen Klein making a huge showing once again finishing with another win on Saturday, and a 3rd on Sunday. She is just shy of being capped out going into the grands and is definitely in contention for being National #1. Without a doubt someone to watch going into the final stretch of the season.
Cheyenne Noud is pretty much in the same boat, just shy of being capped out she is also in the running for a National #1. Cheyenne was very consistent with second place finishes all weekend.
This jump helped Tom Bivona with 3rd place finishes in both Mains.
