Welcome to Taz Racing

Birch Creek Race 11/16/97
The weather threatened us but we had a bright blue sky for race day. The wind kept it chilly, in the 40’s, but this didn’t keep these kid’s from racing their little hearts out.
Practice went well, and when it was time to race Ryan had to keep ahead of DJ Ellis,as they were close in points. The first moto ended with Ryan first and DJ second. Kyle Fitzwater came in a surprising 3^rd, with Bobby Buhr 4^th and Kyle Breen 5^th.The boys spent the afternoon trying to keep warm while they waited their turn for the next moto. Ryan and Bobby went off the line together; DJ Ellis took a tumble and the riders were into the first turn before he remounted. Ryan and Bobby were taking turns in the lead, back and forth for two laps. Then along came DJ Ellis, he was on a mission to pass both of them. The TAZ and Bobby didn’t notice DJ coming up on them because they were too busy battling towards the checkered flag. The TAZ got Bobby going into the first turn and kept it with a two bike advantage as they went down Mount Decon. Bobby closed in on the tailpipe of Ryan’s bike causing them to bobble around the last turn and giving Bobby the first place finish. With Ryan finishing second this gave him a 2^nd for the day and 2^nd in the Fall Series.
Now its time to get ready for the Mini O’s in Gainesville and the Winter Ams in Florida. These will take place during December and January. We will see you track side.
We want to thank all of Ryan’s sponsors…………………..for being there in 1997. And thank you in advance to the sponsors who will continue with us into the 1998 season.

Let the Mud Fly! Actiontown 11/2/97
The Taz Race Team traveled to Dillwyn. Virginia for the 7^th round of the U.S. Eastern Pro-Am Fall Series. Fall it is, the rain fell from the time we left home until the time we arrived at the track. Mom stayed dry as she hid out in the concession stand and Melissa (tired from her soccer game) caught up on her rest in the truck. When the rain did stop, we were left with a muddy track. Carl Reynolds and Dad used the tractors to remove as much of the mud as they possibly could from the track. It took about 3 ½ hours before we could begin to practice.
Practice began with the big bikes. Even after the big bikes were on the track it was not ready for the 50’s – 60’s. When it was time for them to practice only 3 went out on the track. Ryan liked this idea; as he told Dad "I know this track and I know where to go." Dad liked this idea too.
It was time to race. The gate was way too muddy so it would be a drop of the flag start. The flag dropped and they were off. Hole-shot number two for Ryan as he bolted to the lead, followed by DJ Ellis and Bobby Buhr. While heading for their first turn disaster struck as Ryan took a swim in the deep, muddy, water. The other riders saw Ryan go down and they chose the grass off the track as their way around. "No Fear Ryan" was up and going even though he was a little wet and muddy. As the laps went by Ryan picked it up and also chose the grass to move up to the third position. DJ took the win, Bobby was 2^nd and Ryan finished in 3^rd.
As the day went on the track improved, but when it came time for the second moto it would be a flag drop again. Ryan got a great start going into the first turn second to the leader. Ryan rode a great race and followed close to the leader, giving him a 2^nd place finish. This gave him a second place overall for the day and he held on to his 3^rd place position for the series.
These kids deserve a lot of praise for their riding in very adverse conditions. Good job guys! Ryan would again like to thank his sponsors, Mom, Dad, Papa, Uncle Gary Bailey, Ceet, Twin Air. Thanks to Rick for the graphics.

TAZ Travels to Elizabeth City:10/12/97…
The TAZ race team traveled to Elizabeth City, North Carolina for the 5th round of the US Eastern Pro Am Fall Series. We had left the trailer at the track Saturday night. It was Ryan, Dad, and Papa this trip; mom had to stay home with Melissa for her soccer game.
There was quite a surprise waiting for us when we arrived at our trailer Sunday morning. Some of Ryan’s friends had played a little joke and had TP’d our trailer. Thanks to Josh Woods, Lane and Mr. Travis West...funny guys.

When it was time for practice, Ryan was feeling a little sleepy and he practiced that way. When it came time for Ryan’s first moto he was awake. He charged into the first turn arriving at the same time as Bobby Buhr; down they both went. After both of them remounted their bikes they had some track to make up. As they worked their way through, they passed the slower riders and moved towards the front. Bobby Buhr moved into 2nd and Ryan into 4th. On the final lap, Ryan tried very hard to catch the third place rider but had to settle for 4th. You could really see that Ryan was gaining confidence in his own riding.
It came time for the next moto and Ryan was ready! As the gate dropped, Ryan was gone, getting his first hole-shot of his career. This would be a new experience for Ryan, instead of chasing Devon Pilkington, it would be the other way around and Devon was chasing Ryan. On the second lap, Devon got around Ryan, but Ryan would not allow Devon to pull away as Ryan stayed right behind him.

When they entered the long table-top, Ryan had a big hand of throttle and over-jumped the table-top and went down very hard. After checking all of his body parts Ryan rebounded and was back to chasing down the leaders. He was able to pass a few other riders and finish this moto in 4th too. With the moto-scoring system it would equal a third for Ryan for the day. Devon finished in 1st, Bobby was 2nd, and Ryan 3rd.
We are very proud of Ryan for getting his first hole-shot and for getting up and finishing his last moto after that hard fall. Thanks to all of Ryan’s sponsors,who make the racing life so much easier, (not to mention cheaper), for all their support.

The TAZ Returns To Action Town ...10/5/97
The TAZ race team traveled to Action Town USA for another round of the US Eastern Pro-Am Fall Series. The track, in Dillwyn, Virginia, was in great condition for race day.
Practice began, and Ryan headed into the back section; but he did not come out. Dad had been waiting for him to come out, but he did not. Bike problems had struck. It appeared that the chain roller on the KTM had broken so we headed back to the pits. By the time repairs were completed practice was over and it was time to get ready for the first moto.
As the gate dropped for the first moto, Ryan, Devon and D.J. were off and gone. All three of them entered the back section, but only one emerged; it was D.J. Bike problems had stricken both Ryan and Devon. Ryan’s chain had broken and we headed to the pits again for repairs. This was the first time the KTM had problems during a race. Bad luck for the TAZ
It was time for the second moto and Ryan seemed to be ready. As the race got underway, Ryan, D.J., and Devon were off again. The three of them entered the back section together, but this time only 2 came out. Ryan and D.J. came out, Devon had bike problems again! Now D.J. and Ryan were left to race; and race they did. It was tire to tire for 5 laps. On the final lap Ryan looked to the inside for a pass, but D.J. saw him there and shut the door on him. D.J. finished first and the TAZ was second. What a great race for both Ryan and D.J.

TAZ RETURNS TO ELIZABETH CITY... 9/14/97
The TAZ Race Team traveled to Elizabeth City for the second round of the Fall Series. On arrival, Ryan noticed the track had been changed. It was now much wider and longer than before. Elizabeth City is very unique in that the 50’s have their own track; allowing them to ride all day.When it was time for the first moto of the day there were 8 riders in the 4-6 year old, 50’s ready to go. As the gate dropped they charged into the first turn and Ryan got pinched to the inside. Taz came out of the turn 4th, with Devon Pilkington (#12N), Bobby Buhr (#911) and Andrew Wilson (#89) in front. As the race went on each 50 in the "4 pack" had their problems, except for Devon, he was gone! Ryan, Bobby and Andrew all had their problems in the "studder whoops" with Ryan eating sand twice. Ryan finished the first moto in 4th, with Devon (#12N), Andrew (#89) and Bobby (#911) rounding out the top four.After the moto, Ryan wanted to work on the "studder whoop" section. He felt this would help him out in the second moto. Taz made about 20 passes through the whoops and felt better about it.As the second moto got under way Ryan again got pushed to the inside. This time he fought back and broke through with Devon in front, Bobby in second and Ryan chasing them. With Devon (#12N) in a different zip code, Ryan chased Bobby bar to bar. All the way to the end, it was Devon (#12N), Bobby (#911) and Ryan for the top three. The score keeper showed Ryan finishing in 4th. We did not agree with this, but accepted it. Ryan finished the day in 4th.Ryan, not done for the day, wanted to practice some more. This practice session, with 4-6 year olds and 7-8 year olds, got pretty racy. As several riders chased Ryan he turned it way up and started to jump double after double, lap after lap. It really got intense between a few of the riders. It was a very good practice session, probably better than the race itself.
Ryan again would like to thank all of his sponsors, without them, this just would'nt be possible.

Back to Action Town, USA 9-7-97:
The TAZ Race Team traveled to Dillwyn early Sunday morning . This was the opening round of the US Eastern Fall Series. Mom was going to help in the concession stand and dad was going to be a referee. It looked like it was going to be a good day, the track was in perfect condition and the temperature soared into the 90’s. During practice it was a little muddy, but really not bad.

Ryan’s first moto of the day came up 6th on the schedule. The gate dropped and they were off; well, three of them were. It was a three man break away as Ryan, Devon and D.J. all reached the first turn and were gone. Devon pulled away and Ryan and D.J. were left to do battle. Battle they did, for 5 laps of wheel to wheel racing. As they entered the final lap, Ryan waited for the final turn in the whoop section for his chance to pass. The TAZ dove down to the inside, racing side by side with D.J. D.J. said "no way" and closed the door on Ryan in the turn. Devon finished first, D.J. took second and Ryan third. The rest of the racers were far behind Ryan as he passed the finish line.

When the time came for moto #2 it was very hot and a little dusty, but the kids were ready. They were off and it started just like the first race; except this time there were four racers up front. Bobby Buhr had joined the others in the break away. As they encountered the first set of whoops disaster struck . Ryan's bike stalled. As we were attempting to start the bike we noticed that the choke was on. Being that we have never used the choke on his KTM we figured that his leg had hit the choke when he and #911 brushed together. Ryan was going again and he really had his work cut out for him as he had fallen to 10th. No Fear! Ryan was on the gas working his way through the field one by one. Ryan ran out of time and finished in 6th place. This gave Taz an overall 5th place for the day.

TAZ WINS GREENSBORO...FRIDAY AUGUST 29, 1997....
The Taz racing team traveled to Greensboro, N.C. for the last weekend of the Stadium Motocross Series Schedule. Ryan and Dad arrived early for the practice session to allow Ryan extra practice time. It appeared to have paid off as Ryan smoked the track to win his qualifier. Ryan’s confidence level rose as the main event neared. The TAZ even went so far as to say to his dad "I can win tonight". The main event was going to be a long 8 laps and the start would be important.The band snapped and they were off. Ryan got a poor start, coming out in 4th. The TAZ quickly moved into second place and the chase was on. TAZ chased Ian Trettel #19, for 3 laps as Ryan waited for his chance to pass. Ryan chose the sand to pass in, diving inside to complete the pass on Ian. Now Ian was doing the chasing; with 4 laps to go they raced tire to tire. Ryan and Ian even banged bars on the last lap. The TAZ held him off to win his second 1st place of the Greensboro Stadium Motocross series. Good job Ryan. Thank you to mom, dad and all of my sponsors...............
Greensboro Coliseum Motocross 8/15 &16 1997
Friday night, and time for Ryan’s first event of the evening. The "Taz" was off to a great start as the whole gang went into the turns together. "Taz" came out of the turn in second, staying with Charles Holland (#7). Together they were holding off McKinnon Wellborn (#31) and Brad Haar (#2). When the heat race was over, Taz took the checkered flag finishing in second place. This seemed to have been the crowds favorite event of the evening.There was a short intermission with some of the Pro riders showing their stuff to the audience. Afterwards, Ryan had a chance to talk "racing" with the Pro’s and try to get some tips from them

It was time for the main event. This time "Taz" didn’t get such a great start; he was in the middle of the pack. There was a lot of dicing back and forth between the 4-6 year olds and the 7-8 year olds. It was great watching "Taz" being able to keep up with the older riders. Ryan and McKinnon were racing each other during this entire event. McKinnon (#31) and Charles (#7) went off the track in the second to last lap. We had to make sure that Ryan stayed on the track; stay he did, and he won!! This was his first main event win of the season. When we got back to the motel that night, Ryan told his Dad, and everyone who would listen, that he had won.
On Saturday the Taz Racing Team, minus Dad, plus a friend of Ryan’s sister, headed back to the Coliseum foranother day of racing.

"Taz" and McKinnon were racing neck to neck all during the heat race. McKinnon (#31) edged out Ryan to win. This was a good warm up for the main event. "Taz" was looking forward to this race and he has a great time with the crowd cheering him on.
This was truly one of those stories of getting caught with your pants down. After the heat race, Ryan had grabbed a Hot Dog and as the main event started, he was sick and in the restroom, "caught with his pants down." By the time Ryan was able to get to the starting line, the main had started and he was already down one lap. Refusing to give up, he started after the pack, caught up with the field and started to pick them off one at a time. The parents and spectators were cheering on "Taz" because he was on the move. He never let up for the entire 8 lap race, but finished the evening with a 5th place overall. Considering his starting position, a lap down, Ryan really showed his stuff with a fifth place finish.
We are proud to be a part of this great group of parents who show all our boys and girls good sportsmanship. We would like to thank the track help at the Greensboro facility, as well as our sponsors, KTM, Gary Bailey Motocross School, Ceet, Boyesen, and of course, Mom, Dad and Papa.

8-10-97 Round 5 of the Ballzee Grand Championship Series
The Taz race team traveled to East Bend, North Carolina to the East Bend Motocross track for last weekends race. The entire family came to cheer Ryan on. We even brought a fellow driver along with us to see the "TAZ" in action.

This was Ryan’s first time at this track. When it was time for practice he rode with caution, wanting to see and feel the track. There was an additional 2 laps of practice given to all of the riders. this time around Ryan showed more confidence and came off the track ready for his first moto.

Ryan’s race was 7th up today. Off they went and into the sharp left turn, over the tabletop jump to the whoops and across to the start-finish line. The layout of this track is different from most tracks. Ryan was jumping Supercross style and catching great air until the last lap. The ground came a little sooner than he’d expected. Mom was there to get him back up on the bike and going again. The leaders caught him but no places were lost. Ryan finished 7th, in the middle of the pack, for the first moto.
Dad gave Ryan a briefing on the difference between jumping and racing. Now Ryan was ready to race! The time came for the second moto and the "TAZ" was raring to go. The gate dropped and he was off to 4th. There was a battle on between "TAZ" and the #3 and the #238. They were swapping positions back and forth all the way to the finish line. It ended with the #3 in 5th, #238 in 6th and Ryan (#931) in seventh place. It was so close they had to ask the parents and the fans in the stands. I really have to give these little guys credit. On the track they show no mercy; off the track they are just kids playing games and such. Put a bike under them and off they go.
Thank you again to my sponsors; Gary Bailey MX School, Ceet, Boyesen, KTM, and Papa for my great new bike.

August 1 and 2, 1997: Rounds 5 and 6 of the Stadium Motocross at Greensboro:Friday night would be the first night of back to back race evenings. Ryan was getting ready with the early practice. He really loves to take advantage of the early practice time to get the feel of the track.
The first race was both the heat and the main event Ryan battled tire to tire with the #16 bike. This gave the advantage to the leader who gained ground while they were racing each other. Ryan and a couple of the other riders headed for the white flag. On the last bowl turn Ryan and the #16 bike were bar to bar. Ryan did a little slide but was able to regain control and took a 3rd place. The crowd of over two thousand roared as the kids left the track.
Saturday’s schedule included an early bird practice. This gave Ryan a chance to work on the slow places. Practice went well and we got ready for the heat race. The gate dropped and Ryan had an excellent start. The "Taz" and the #31 bike raced wheel to wheel for all 5 laps. The #31 had a little edge and he won, with Ryan taking 2nd.
The evening programs were moving along rather quickly and before we knew it was time for Ryan’s main event. As the Peewee’s left the gate, the crowd of over thirty-five hundred was on their feet and roaring. Taz started in the middle of this 8 lap main event, and when the "Taz" came out of the first turn he was in 5th place. By the 4th lap he had cleared himself of the other riders and was chasing hard for the number one position. He was in the air on his favorite table top and went to the side. Ryan went down the hill on his side, but this didn’t stop his momentum as he re-boarded his KTM and charged on. There were three riders ahead of him and 2 laps to go. By the 6th turn of the last lap Ryan had passed two riders and now was headed for the leader again. Ryan placed a well earned 2nd for the night.
Photo courtesy of Robert Gava

7-27-97 Birch Creek Motorsports Park. The TAZ Race Team traveled to Birch Creek Motorsport Park for the 4th and 5th rounds of the Ballzee Grand Championship Series. Ryan, Dad, and Papa left early Saturday morning for the short ride to Danville, VA. The weather was hot and the track conditions were perfect for racing.

As Ryan headed off into the first turn of his first moto he passed several riders. Ryan held his own and finished with a strong 4th place. You could really see an improvement in Ryan after having attended the "Gary Bailey School of Motocross". The 102 degree heat was rough for all the riders. Ryan got an excellent start on his second moto and stayed in 3rd all the way to the 2nd to the last lap where he started jumping everything there was to jump. Going into the first turn of the final lap Ryan was 2nd and raced to the checkered flag, coming in second. That was by far Ryan’s best moto ever! Ryan took a 4-2 moto which gave him 3rd for the day.

On Sunday the heat was not going away. Ryan’s first moto got off with a bad start. Ryan really had to pick it up which he does very well. Ryan picked off 4 riders to finish in 6th place. The second moto was scheduled for very late in the afternoon on Sunday. The gate drops and they are off. As they leave the gate Ryan and another rider get together and both go down. Ryan remounts, knowing his work is cut out for him. As the laps go by, so does Ryan; he is passing other riders and really pressing it. After entering the first turn dead last Ryan takes a very respectable and well earned 5th. This finish gave him a 6th place finish over all.

Ryan really showed improvement this weekend. We would like to thank Ryan’s sponsors for their support and help; Gary Bailey, Bob Bailey, Mom, Twin-Air, Ceet and KTM. Thank you all.

After racing both Friday and Saturday evenings at Greensboro Coliseum, the team headed for Rolling Hills MX track in North Carolina on Sunday morning. It was HOT and the track had been soaked very early in the morning. But by the time the 50’s ran their first moto, conditions were fine. This was Ryan’s second trip to Rolling Hills and it was hard, because of the length of the track, to get into any kind of rhythm. After a fall toward the end of the race, the Taz finished 9^th in the first moto. The track was drying out quickly now and during lunch the track crew re-soaked the ground. The next race was the 2^nd moto for the 50’s. Conditions were terrible for the less experienced, young riders. From my vantage point, no rider completed the first lap without falling. At this point, Ryan was running ahead of most of the pack, but the mud finally took it’s toll. As he entered one very muddy area, Ryan eased off the throttle and with that the bike stopped in its tracks and Ryan sailed head first into the mud. By the time he was going again, some riders had passed, giving him a 7^th place finish.

7-18 & 7-19-97 Greensboro Coliseum,NC The TAZ Race Team headed to Greensboro, North Carolina for the 3rd round of the Star-cross Moto Cross Series.This weekend was a two night series of races. Ryan was on hand to take advantage of the Early Bird Practice which helped him learn the track.

The first race Friday night was a qualifier for the main event. Ryan battled tire to tire with another rider for second place. This helped the leader pull away from them. As Ryan headed for the white flag and the last lap it was down to himself and one other rider. The two of them went in the turns bar to bar; but on the Lost Bowl turn Ryan went in a little hot and slid out. He quickly remounted and took third for the night. What a race...the crowd of 2,000 people roared as the kids left the track.

Saturday night was the eight lap main event. Ryan was charging hard for the number one position. The Cobra had the point and a 3 second lead on Ryan. As Ryan pushed hard he had a problem at the Large Table Top Spectator section. He jumped off the side of it and into the gully. When Ryan re-boarded he had to really get going with only 2 laps left. Two riders had passed Ryan, but now Ryan had caught them on the white flag lap. Ryan finished in 2nd place for the night.

This weekend was different than most for the Taz race team. Dad had other obligations so he didn’t spend much time with the team. Instead, Jim Standley, our web master, came out with the gang. Mom worked in the concession stand making those great hot dogs and hamburgers we all love as well as Icee’s.The "Taz" took what he had been learning in motocross school to the track. His riding was showing improvement thanks to his training. He was set up on the line for his first moto and Taz took off with the pack into the first turn. Now he moved into second position, around the turns, up the jumps and hard charging to the front. Ryan was battling with the #238 rider and #911 rider, as he crossed the finish line in fourth.After a wait, it was time for Ryan to go back out on the track. The "Taz" was ready to get those guys this time. Once again, Taz took off and was in second, on the move and roaring through the whoops and turns. There was one burm that hung him up; Ryan came out of it a little loose and lost a couple of positions. Ryan ended the day in fourth place overall.Ryan’s determination was evident all day long. After this weekend he knows what he needs to practice on with the Professor Gary Bailey. Thank you to all my sponsors for believing in me and for allowing me to get out and enjoy myself. It is great fun.

6-25 through 6-27 and 7-1 through 7-3-97 Gary Bailey MX School, Axton VA.
Ryan was able to attend the Gary Bailey MX School across from Lake Sugar Tree this week.


	Gary helping Ryan improve in the whoops

Gary going over the "fast" way with the class	Everyone in the class works each part of the track

We learn by watching and then taking our turn on the track	Back in the class room, Gary reviews the fundamentals of rider position

Back to the track to practice what we just talked about	Each step is talked about and then practiced again until everyone in the class gets it right

The class photo	The Green Flash is the "Professor". When you do it right, it's very fast.

6-1-97 TAZ goes to the finals-

Answer/MSR U.S. Eastern Pro-AmSeries, Dillwyn VA. Well, we have arrived at the last race of this series. Papa and Ryan wanted to get a head start on the Taz Race team and left on Saturday. They packed Ryan’s new KTM in Papa’s trailer and headed for the race.

The rest of the team got up early Sunday morning and headed for Dillwyn. It rained all the way there and we feared the race would be a muddy one. As it turned out, the track was perfect, hardly any rain had fallen in Dillwyn. Mom went to the concession stand and Dad began his duties as a referee.

Ryan and Papa arrived and set up their pit. Now it was time to practice. Ryan went out and had a good practice session. Papa rode around on his pit-bike taking pictures for the Taz Inter-net Web Pages.

Racing got underway; Ryan’s first moto was number 11. Sure enough, as Ryan went to the starting line on his Gary Bailey,Twin Air, KTM it began to rain. It was a light rain so the race got underway. Ryan had a rough start and got out about ninth. As the race went on, he picked up the pace and started to pass riders. Ryan had moved up to 4th when the track became very slick for these 50 cc riders. The rain began to fall and Ryan was still up in 4th. As the last lap got underway it was Ryan’s turn on a big downhill. He made a mistake and hit his rear brake and down he went. He got up quickly, but now 2 riders had the opportunity to pass him at the checkered flag. Ryan finished 6th.

Ryan’s second moto was on the line and as the gate dropped the track looked great. Ryan was 3rd going into the first turn and stayed there until misfortune hit. The bike stalled. As Dad rushed to get it started several riders passed and Ryan would have to settle for 8th place. All in all, it was a good race day for Ryan as he finished 8th in the series.

5-24-97 Gary Bailey MX School, Axton VA.

After last weekend at Birch Creek and the front forks of my KTM still twisted out of shape we decided to spend the weekend attending one of my Uncle’s (Gary Bailey) MX training school. There was a surprise waiting for me when I arrived for class early Saturday morning...a brand new motorcycle! Up on one of the stands in front of the class was one of my Uncle Gary’s Kawasaki 250’s and a brand new KTM SXR Jr. (with my #931 on it). The class already knew it was a birthday present from my grandfather. I had a great weekend in class getting use to my new KTM. Next weekend we are off to Action Town.

5-18-97 Birch Creek, Danville, VA.
Round 6 of the US Eastern Pro-Am Moto Cross Series.

As if last weekend wasn’t bad enough, this weekend was worse. Practice the morning of the race went great. The moto started and Ryan was 3rd going into the first turn. With only one lap to go, Ryan was knocked to the ground, bending his front forks to where they locked up. The wreck was caused by a parent trying to start another racers bike. The day ended with a 10th place finish.

Another race weekend as the Taz Racing Team traveled to Reidsville, North Caroline for Round 5 of the series.

It really wasn’t a good weekend for Ryan. Early in practice, while going over a jump, Ryan was hit by a beginning rider. It damaged Ryan’s motorcycle sponsored by KTM., Ceet, Gary Bailey and Twin Air. The incident tore off the front brake cable, damaged the kill switch, cracked the side case and tore off the air boot.

The entire team went to work on the bike. People volunteered to help and they all quickly worked together to get Ryan out on the track. Time was of the essence as Ryan’s moto was on the line. Everyone’s efforts were greatly appreciated but Ryan was left in the first turn and had to take his very first D.N.F.

We all went back to the pits where Mom and Dad worked to get the bike together. After 2 hours of working on it, the bike was as ready as it could be. It was not 100 % but it was ready. Ryan gave it his best try and finished 11th. It was a really tough day for Ryan as prior to this he had just moved into 5th place in the series.

Ryan and his parents would like to thank all the other Pee-Wee parents who helped to try to put this day together. Special thanks to the Fitzwaters and Mom. We hope to get the new parts and be ready for Round 6 at Birch Creek on Sunday, May 18, 1997.

4/27/97 - Devils Ridge, NC.
Another day of racing began Sunday at 5:30 AM when Ryan, Dad and Papa left for Devils Ridge MX in Sanford, NC. It rained all the way there. Practice had already begun when we arrived.

Ryan unloaded his bike and it was off to practice. Practice went well for Ryan as his K.T.M. was running well. This was Ryan’s first time at this track and it appeared to be to his liking. Practice ended and the rain continued.

After a small church service and the riders meeting we were ready to race. The rain was still coming down and the track looked pretty slick. The 50 class was scheduled to race first. When the gate dropped there were eight, 7-8 year olds and fourteen 4-6 year olds, and they went down all over the track. It was going to be very tough for these guys to get around this track.

Ryan appeared to be doing well as he led his class after the first lap. Then Ryan started to have his problems. While Papa and Dad were chasing Ryan around the track, the scoring became a mess; going back and forth as to which rider was in what place. Ryan refused to give up and got up after many falls. As the race neared the end Ryan moved up quickly as he found better lines to run.

After all was said and done Ryan had 6th place (of 14) and beat several kids that he had raced before but had never beaten. This helped Ryan to move up in the standings. After the race, parents and officials decided that this race would be the overall for the day and canceled the 2nd moto.

Ryan will head for Round 5 at Rolling Hills Cycle Park in Reidsville, NC on May 4, 1997.

4/13/97 - Elizabeth City, NC.
We are on Round 3 and back to racing after a few weeks off. It didn't start off well for Ryan as he had been sick. He rested at home on Saturday until 2:00PM when we left for Elizabeth City, NC. It rained all the way there and into the night. Ryan did not feel any better by the time we got there.

The rain had stopped by Sunday morning, but the track was still very wet. The sand on the track was drying quickly and practice went well. When race time came, we were the first moto to be run.

There were 13 riders in the 4-6 year old class. I insisted that we run the 4-6 year olds separately as this track is only 15 feet wide at the widest point. The gate dropped and they were gone, down and out in the first turn. There were bikes all over the ground. Ryan got the worst of it and came out last. This incident happened so early in the race it gave Ryan time to slowly work his way back up through the pack to finish 7th. Ryan rode well and stayed off the ground.

As the day went on the weather warmed up to the low 70's When it came time for Ryan's second moto he was feeling even worse. Ryan headed to the start line and the gate dropped and he was off. A pack of four broke away, Ryan was forth, staying right on the tail on the other 3 riders. This was by far Ryan's best moto ever. With only 2 laps to go, Ryan moved in on the third place rider. Ryan got a little to close and he went down in a very easy turn, which allowed four riders to pass him. With only one lap left, Ryan could only pass one rider and finished seventh.

Seventh was Ryan finishing position of the day. With the wet track and Ryan being so sick it was still his best race yet.

2/22/97 Georgia Dome, Ga. Ryan and riding friends, Paul Currie and Mitchell Hodges, made the trip to Georgia to the Supercross event. Mitchell Hodges unfortunately did not qualify to race in the big event. However, Ryan was very focused on the race. He did not want to miss a single moment of the action. He could not wait until he was able to meet his favorite riders Jeremy McGarth, Damon Huffman, Doug Henry, and Jeff Emig. Ryan did actually meet and talk to some of the riders. They were all very supportive and impressed with Ryan's knowledge of their racing. Jeremy McGarth autographed a T-shirt for Ryan, and Doug Henry gave him an autographed poster. Jeremy asked Ryan, "Did you fall asleep during the races." Ryan replied, "I have to watch every race so I can ride like you all." When Ryan was asked about his ambitions, he replied, "I want to win races and have a big truck like theirs." The Supercross series continues in Gainesville, Florida and then on to Daytona, Florida. Ryan's uncle, Gary Bailey, has been preparing the track at Daytona, Florida for the coming event. Gary Bailey has been active in this event for over 20 years, which also provides Ryan with additional incentive in his racing.

Ryan leads another rider though a turn
at his first Arenacross this last weekend
at the PJ1 race in Winston-Salem.

Still leading as the racers enter a set
of jumps before the last turn before the
start/finish line.

2/1/97 Winston-Salem, NC Ryan qualified for his first Arenacross this weekend, round 10 of the PJ1, in Winston-Salem, NC. This was quite a learning experience for Ryan. 24 riders qualified in the 50cc class with ages ranging form 5 to 8 years old. Yes, Ryan was the youngest in the field and made it to the semi-finals, were he placed 5th. Missing the main event by only one position. The track was a very technical ride and tested Ryan's skills. Both Mom and Dad were very proud of his performance.

1/31/97 Winston-Salem, NC This week-end Ryan travels to the Lawrence Joel Memorial Coliseum in an effort to qualify for the event. This would be Ryan's first involvement in Arenacross. After last week-ends 11 hour drive to try to run in the MUD, Arenacross sounds like a great idea.

1/26/97 - Gainesville, Florida This weekends racing was literally a wash out. After the 11 hour drive, Ryan arrived to pouring rain and up to 2 feet of water on some parts of the race track. But Ryan was determined to start the race, along with 20 other PeeWee riders. But this was not to be his day, as the race started, so did the lightning, and after one lap, Ryan father pulled him from the race for his own safety. 16 of the 21 riders "Did Not Finish" because of the weather.

1/23/97 - Axton, VA., Ryan will be traveling Friday, January 24th, to race in the AMA "World Sports Winter Series" in Gainesville, Florida. This will be the largest race Ryan has completed in to date. We'll update you on the results as soon as the races are completed.