Tyler O'Hara "Livin' The Life" Race Reports: Flat Track, Road Racing, and Supermoto
Hey Everyone,
In the weeks leading up to Round 2 of the AMA Supermoto series I was riding and racing a little of everything. My cross training started with flat track at the fastest track in the west, Willow Springs. The track was a 1/2mile; it was banked with wide turns, and a deep cushion. With all the heavy-hitters who flew in from back east it was definitely a dogfight. After earning a main event win in the Pro Am race, I had my work cut out for me in the Open Pro money race. With a third place finish in my heat race, I landed a spot in the main event on a grid full of GNC national riders. I have to admit I was pumped up about making it into the main event on a DTX450. Out of the twenty riders who made the main, two were on DTX motocross framed 450s, the rest were racing Harley 750s. After twenty laps of bouncing off the rev-limiter I finished the race 11th.
Now, with Flat track sliding through my head, and one week until Round 2 of AMA Supermoto, I drove back to So Cal for some Road racing. The race was held at Button Willow, a bumpy track for Round 4 of the WERA West series. Round 4 of the series was my fourth time ever racing a Sport bike. My goal for the weekend was to ride consistently, accumulate seat-time, and keep the pressure on, for a shot at a championship. My day of racing started with two holeshots, one in the 600cc Superstock class and another in the 750cc Superstock class. After leading most of the first laps in each class I began to race the track at my own slightly slower pace. My times weren’t far off of the leaders, but I was still in my comfort zone. I finished 8th in the 600cc Superstock race, and while running a close 4th in the 750 Superstock race my shifter bolt come loose, forcing me to pull out of the race. I finished the day out 5th Overall in points in the 600cc class, and 3rd Overall in points in the 750cc class. Now, only at the halfway point of the WERA West season, I am anticipating the second half.
Following the long day of Road Racing on Sunday I drove all night to make it to Monday’s Supermoto Test Day at Infineon. Overall Monday’s test went well, I was a little tired but we made some important changes and major improvements. Now, headed into the weekend with all of my training and hard work out of the way, I was ready to have some fun. Round 2 of the AMA Supermoto season was held at my home track, Infineon Raceway, in conjunction with the AMA Super Bikes. There was a good crowd turn out, including all of my family and friends, and the temperature was well into the 100s. I was prepared to leave it all out on the track.
My race day began with a battle from start to finish in my heat race. I got a good start, rode hard, and held on for a close fourth place finish. After my best heat race result in the premier class, I was gridded on the second row outside. As the light turned green we were off to the races, my start was ok, and I was feeling good. Early in the race with the field still close, I had my first opportunity to make a pass. I had to take advantage of the extra foot and a half that the rider in front had left me. The pass probably looked like something one would see at an Indoor flat track race with a big purse. With that said, I made the pass, which put me into fifth place. As the laps began to dwindle I had my hands full the entire time. I didn’t know who it was, but I kept seeing a front wheel beside me. Still pushing as hard as I could, we began passing lappers. Now, late in the race with three laps to go, the front wheel that I was seeing earlier was now a big blue bike. As we raced down the straightaway going into turn one, I began to set up for the corner only to get passed only for a minute by former 2-time AMA National Lites Champion, Brandon Curie. The combination of my outside line and my angle allowed me to get on the throttle sooner and harder, I passed him back going into the dirt, regaining fifth place. I was able to hold him off until the last lap, when he passed me again in the same spot. He made it stick until the dirt; we went into the dirt side by side and jumped the first jump simultaneously. We both landed on the gas and headed for the triple jump. Holding nothing back and determined to leave it on the track, I pinned it in hopes of out-jumping him to regain fifth place. My gamble did not payoff, I out-jumped him, but upon my arrival back to planet earth I collided with an unfortunate quickly approaching lapper. After quickly recovering and restarting the bike I ended up in tenth place overall.
Thanks to my sponsors- Mach 1 Motorsports, Jay and Bills Tire service, Camel Bak, Arlen Ness, Sheehan Construction, SupermotoUSA, E$Engines, SPS, LTD racing, Supermoto Engineering, Dirt Digits, Arai Helmets, D&W Images, Vizzo Racing, Moto201's Channel, Will Penington, bpracing, Jet Tunning, Browns cycles, Mr. Pickles.
Tyler O'Hara #9 "Livin' The Life"
Tyler O'Hara #9 SuperMoto
Tyler O’Hara, his family and friends are asking for our communities help in sponsoring him for the upcoming SUPERMOTO season. Tyler just finished racing the 2008 Professional SuperMoto series at the state and national levels. He is currently holding the Number 1 plate in CA and finished 8th at the national level. Not too bad for his rookie year. He was even featured in CycleNews after winning all his races at Laguna Seca as one of the fastest racers in the season to watch.
Due to struggles in our economy, his previous sponsors are unable to continue their support for the upcoming race season, which leaves Tyler’s future in this sport up in the air for the 2009 series. What a shame for the Number 1 plate for the state. His friends and family feel this is a shame and a waste of natural talent and have gotten together and built him a bike to race and now we are seeking help in getting Tyler to the AMA SuperMoto Nationals.
Tyler O’Hara Racing is in the process of starting a clothing and accessories line that we are sure will sell out both at the races and online. You can check up on his progress at www.xtrm.com/ohara129.
Tyler O’Hara is a hard-working, talented, focused young man dedicated to “living the life’ of a professional motorcyclist. His friends and family think no one is better deserving than Tyler, so that is why we are seeking your help, as we want to try to give him the start that is needed in this profession.
When your business shows your support by either donating money or donating materials, we will show our gratitude by advertising your business with us at each race.
If interested in donating, please email hebajay@aol.com
Thank you for your support!!!
