XTRM/AMA Supermoto Nationals RD 1 Fontana, CA

Race Report by Tyler O'Hara
Photo by Mike Doran

Hey everyone,

The first round of AMA supermoto nationals had its ups and downs. With only a week before the first race, still not knowing if I was going to make it, my sponsors, friends and family came though for me and helped scrape together a bike.  After showing up to Fontana with an unfamiliar Honda CRF 450, and riding the new track, I knew I had a my work cut out for me.

After our rainy morning practice I was fourth fastest on the charts. As the morning progressed the weather changed.  With only one qualifying opportunity and the track drying up I was ready to throw down some fast laps. As the qualifying practice unfolded I started out around the top five, riding with the bike set for rain, my tires quickly went away. After stopping in the pits several times trying to cool my tires down, I qualified 11th.



With the weather holding off and some changes to the bike it was time to race.

Starting mid-pack to a full grid of riders, I wasn't going to waist any time.

As the race progressed I worked my way up to fourth place and was closing the gap on Micky Dymond in 3rd. Everything was feeling good and I was charging. Just after the half way point Derek Costella was on me and we started to battle it out. We swapped positions back and fourth for about five laps. In the heat of the moment and the racing coming to an end, I caught my front tire on the edge of a rumble strip and went down. I quickly remounted and began desperately trying to start the bike. With the bad luck of the racer gremlins around me I was quickly four laps down and still couldn't get the bike started. On that note the race was over.

It was vary disappointing to have the race end the way it did. However, with the gremlins out of my system and a few weeks before the next national, I have confidence I will be ready to race.

Thanks to Mike D and the Casey Family, my sponsors, friends, and family for all the support to help me keep racing.

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

More info Visit www.xtrm.com/ohara129 and stay tuned to www.2wheeltimes.com

Tyler O'Hara  #9  "Livin’ The Life