9/24/2009

KEVIN SCHWANTZ SUZUKI SCHOOL

I arrived in Birmingham, Alabama with a frown on my face. After looking over and over the radar all weekend, it looked as if this weekend would be more wet than I’d expected. I’ve wanted to attend the KSS ever since my oldest brother Kyle took part at Road Atlanta. It was finally my first time at the school and also my first time aboard a 600cc motorcycle. I was nervous because it was much bigger than a 125, also because it was in the pouring rain. After a classroom session we all went out to ride! I talked with a few instructors over the day and started to get a better feel for the bike.            

During lunch the rain came to a halt and I was glad that I could get some dry track. I ended up doing some one on one time with Blake Young, a current factory pro superbike racer. After evaluation from him I talked with Ted Cobb, and then with Michael Martin. These guys were the most fun group of people and the most professional all at the same time. After that I exchanged some tips between other riders and continued on with the classroom lessons.            

Kevin helped me out the whole way, from beginning to end. But in the last session I followed him learning lines and body position, and then he followed me to assess my riding. All together it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my racing career. I just need to say thanks to all the guys! Kevin, Blake, Ted, Mike, Harry, Lee in the classroom, and everyone else. Thanks a lot I had the time of my life!   

CODY CONCLUDES HIS SEASON ABOARD HIS 125 IN GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

In Lexington, Ohio I raced in the AMA Sports Road Racing Grand Championships. It’s a 4-day racing weekend that will decide the national champions at the Expert ranked level. USGPRU also had a sanctioned race that they held at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. After cold morning practice sessions, I qualified 8th. From the second row I battled as high as 5th, and had very close racing up until the checkers. My least favorite corner became my favorite by the end of the weekend, especially because I had dropped a second and a half racing for positions. I ended up with a respectable 9th place after heated battles during the end-stage of the race. I was pleased to have finished top ten in my first USGPRU race, but I had to keep my momentum up from Saturday. .  READ MORE