RK Excel America

Nathan Woods Benefit Ride Day
Glen Helen Raceway – February 23, 2011

The off-road motorcycle community was deeply saddened when the news arrived that 2-time WORCS Champion Nathan Woods had passed away in a motorcycle accident last Friday during a practice session for the opening round of the WORCS.

Woods is survived by his wife Amanda and their two sons Nathan Jr and Braxton. Woods long-time friends FMF/KTM rider Kurt Caselli and his former mechanic Charles Jirsa have gathered some of Woods’ closest friends to organize a ride day with all proceeds going directly to the Woods family.

The ride day will be held at Glen Helen Raceway on February 23, 2011. A $20.00 admission fee will be charged to all riders with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Woods family. Gates will open at 9:00am on the morning of the ride day and an open practice session will be held from 10:00am to 4:00pm. A silent auction will also be held until 4:00pm with all proceeds going to the Woods family. If you have any items you would like to donate to the silent auction please bring them to the track on the day of the ride.

Please help us spread the word by encouraging your whole family and friends to come out and ride to raise money for the family of an off-road icon that will never be forgotten.

After winning the 6 hour race earlier in the year, we made plans to race the 12 hour and continue testing our set ups. Team riders Robby Bell and Jamie Lanza were joined by Ryan Abbatoye and Ty Renshaw. Third team rider, Taylor Robert, was at the Colorado MX National. With temperatures expected over 100 degrees, it was going to be a real test of both the riders and bike. You are allowed a second bike in impound for use in case the first bike has problems, or just to run a fresh bike later in the race. Our goal was to run only one bike to challenge our pit times for service or repair if needed.

Robby started the race with a 4th place start. He immediately shot to the lead and began pulling a lead. At the end of the first hour, he handed the bike to Jamie with over 2′30″ lead. Jamie continued the charge for the next hour and increased the gap to over four minutes. One lap later, we were in the pit for our first pit work. A rock must have kicked up into fork leg and nicked it. Instant blown seal, covering the brake caliper and pads. 1′16″ is what it took to change the left fork, complete brake system and front wheel.

Ryan and Ty were up next putting in good rides and continued to maintain the overall lead. The bike was running great, and everyone seemed to adapt to the suspension which was a compromise between 5′4″ 130 lbs, and 6′1″ 180 lbs.

A little over the half way point, the lead was up to seven minutes. Third place was now more than one lap down. It was time to do an air filter and rear wheel. Once again the pit went smoothly and we continued with a comfortable lead.

With about two hours to go, the lead was up to eleven minutes. We decided to change the rear brake pads and check over the bike one last time. Everything was good, but with the heat taking its toll on some riders, we backed it down to just to maintain an easy pace and save the bike. The last two laps were cruising with a little goon riding thrown in just to keep things fun.

At the finish, we had over seven minutes on second place, and over an hour on third. All the riders were solid and did exactly what was needed. Robby and Jamie both had the fastest laps of the race. The bike held up phenomenally well. Our mechanic, Phil Valdez, did a great job building the bike, which was the same bike that won the six hour.

Once again, thanks to all of our sponsors. Events like these are impossible without your support. We are looking to get good press from this.

Bob

Team Coordinator