Nichole Cheza Grand National Flat Track
The Fastest Female From Clio, Michigan

Hey Race Fans,

Things were pretty crazy for the past 2 weeks. It all started when we had a short week a couple of weeks ago. We raced in Norwalk Ohio on Friday and then it was off to Dayton Ohio for Saturday. I am not much of a Peoria fan so I decided to skip Peoria Hot Shoe on Sunday.

We ended up leaving on Friday morning. We arrived right about practice time. I was riding the 450 class and the 750 class. It was not a big race just a local Ohio race that pays well. When practice started I was up first on the 450. I felt all right, but knew I needed to  make some gearing changes. So that's exactly what I did. Next I was up on the 750.. I again felt pretty good and made a few adjustments to the bike to help it turn a bit better. After that there was a short break and we were up again on the 750. Again everything felt pretty good, but I seemed to be struggling a little bit. On the 750 I felt really good and made no new changes.

Next up was the 450 heat race. The top two out of the heat race would also compete in  Dash for Cash. I got a decent start and ran 3rd for most of the race until Brandon Laursen got around me on the last lap. I again came in and made some more changes.

 Next I was up for the 750 heat race. In this class there was also a Dash for Cash and they were taking 3 riders from each heat. I got off the line really well and was running second. I was working on making a pass for the lead when my brakes went out and I almost lost it. I finished the race and ended up second. This gave us just enough time to come in and make the brake change before the dash.

This time I got a horrible start. I was pretty much dead last in the first turn. I worked my way up to 4th out of six and stayed there for the rest of the five lap race. After the dash I made a few minor changes and got ready for the main events. I was up on the 450 first. I got off to a great 3rd place start. After bobbling  with two laps to go I got passed and ended up finishing 4th.

 In the main event on the 750 I got off to another great start. I was running second for two laps when the motor let loose and put me out of the race. I was very disappointed, because I felt really good on the Harley, but that stuff happens in racing. I was pretty happy with my finishes and felt I had a decent day. After loading up we headed for Dayton which takes about 3 hours.  We ended up parking at a truck stop so we could get some sleep and shower.

After arriving at Dayton for another big purse race put up by KK Motorcycle Supply we got unloaded and waited for practice to start. It wasn't the normal Dayton by any means. It was very hard and kind of a skiddery track  I'm used to the normal deep rough cushion. After going out on the 450 for the first time I decided the only change we needed to do was to take a tooth off.

 The bike felt great and my times seemed to be right there. Next I as up on the 750. I felt very good and didn't think we needed to make any changes. I felt I could run it into the corners a little more but that was up to me not anybody else.

Next I was back up on the 450 again. I again felt really good and did not make any changes. Next I was up on the 750 and again it felt really good. I felt like I was running it in better and I was very confident. Next up was the scratch heats.

 I was up on the 450 first. I got off the line in second and ended up 3rd after a small bobble. Next was the 750 scratch heat. Again I got off to a decent start. I started in third and finished in third.. They took the winners of each 750 scratch heat and put them in a dash. So before getting ready for my 450 heat I decided to watch the dash.

Unfortunately it only lasted into the first corner where a bad crash happened. It involved the two Halbert brothers and Nick Cummings . Sammy Halbert who looked like he should have had a broken arm ended up only having to get stitches near his nose.

 Jethro Halbert ended up breaking his wrist and ankle and having to get surgery on his ankle. Nick sustained the worst of injuries and is still in the hospital in Dayton. He has a bruised lung, broken shoulder, broken vertebrae in his back and is still unconscious.

 From what I have heard and seen is that although he has only opened his eyes once he is responding to people talking to him by squeezing there hands. I hope the best for Nick and his family. GET WELL SOON BUDDY!

After hearing the news about Nick I was kind of shaken up for the rest of the night. But after the accident was cleaned up I was up in the first heat for the 450 class. After the crash they for some reason decided to dig the track up very deep.. Being in the first heat race I did not really know what to expect. I got off to a decent start and was running third for about 5 laps when JR Schnabel got around me. I ended up finishing 4th putting me in the main event.

 I was very excited as I did not make the main here last year. With the track changing so much I decided that I was also going to have to make some major changes to the motorcycle. Next I was up on the 750 again they were taking 4 riders. I didn't get the best start and was sitting in 5th until the last lap when the guy in front of me crashed moving me up to 4th. I was so excited because I was going to be in both main events.

Next up was the 450 main event. By this time the track was still deep and getting very rough. After starting on the second row I did not get that great of a start. I made my way up to 8th and bobbled on the last lap. I ended up finishing the race in 9th. Although I was a little disappointed, because I wanted to do better I was still happy about putting it in the main event.

The 750 was next. I was a bit nervous as the track was so rough and deep for the 450. I again did not get the best of hole shots but worked my way up to finish 10th. Again I wished I would have done better, but I am still excited about making the main event.

After a short week of getting ready with so much stuff to do it was next off to a Thursday race in Michigan and then a Grand National in Bulls Gap, TN.. Also throughout the week I helped Nick’s wife's parents with the children.

 On Thursday I went to a race in Midland Michigan. The track was very wet and we did not get on it until 7P.M , but it turned out pretty good. We were only allowed to run 450’s so I brought my framer along.  I seemed to be struggling in the practice session so I made tons of changes. By the end of practice they were running well. Then I watched the first heat race and the track again changed a ton.

 I was up in the second heat so I left the bike the way it was. I got off the line in 3rd and got passed putting me in fourth. I was again struggling with bike set up so I made some more changes. In the main I would have to line up on the second row. I was a little disappointed, but knew I could make up for it.

 I got off the line in about 7th. I worked my way to 5th and made a few mistakes moving me back to 7th. I ended up finishing the race to bring home a 7th. After the race we headed home went to bed and got up early on Friday only too wash bikes and gear and reload to head down to Bulls Gap, TN.

On Friday we left around 1:30 in the afternoon to go to Bulls Gap, TN. Dayton was right on the way so we decided to stop in and see Nick. His condition hasn't really changed, but we are all hoping for the very best. After stopping and seeing him we had to finish the drive up. We arrived about 2 hours away at a hotel and decided to call it a night.

 The next morning we woke up fairly early and headed over to the track as we were supposed to be there at 11 A.M. Once we got there and got all unloaded the track had some issues so they took some extra time to work on it. Once the show got going though things rolled pretty smoothly. In practice I just could not seem to get going. I struggled in the first round so I decided to try my other bike. That one felt a little worst so I went back to the first bike we ran. I qualified in 33rd.

 I was making a lot of changes to the bikes, but just could not figure the track out. I was up in the 3rd heat race. I was starting on the second row and new the way my night was going I was going to have my work cut out for me. I got off to a 9th place and pretty much stayed there the whole race. This would put me in a semi being that they only take 4 from the heat races. Next I was up for my semi. I knew I had to figure something out and it would have to be quick if I wanted to make it into the main event. I got a great launch from the second row when someone in front of me almost crashed and I had to check up.

I went to pretty much last. I made a few passes and worked my way up to 7th. They only took 3 out of the semi to the main so I was cut a little short. After struggling with the track all day I was feeling pretty bad until I got to my semi.

 Although I did not make the main event I had improved so much from the first round of practice. Overall I have felt really good so far this year. I am really looking forward to Lima Ohio next weekend and I hope to see all of you there. Thanks for all your help and support.

 Nichole Cheaza #15


Hey Race Fans,

Things were pretty crazy for the past 2 weeks. It all started when we had a short week a couple of weeks ago. We raced in Norwalk Ohio on Friday and then it was off to Dayton Ohio for Saturday. I am not much of a Peoria fan so I decided to skip Peoria Hot Shoe on Sunday.

We ended up leaving on Friday morning. We arrived right about practice time. I was riding the 450 class and the 750 class. It was not a big race just a local Ohio race that pays well. When practice started I was up first on the 450. I felt all right, but knew I needed to  make some gearing changes. So that's exactly what I did. Next I was up on the 750.. I again felt pretty good and made a few adjustments to the bike to help it turn a bit better. After that there was a short break and we were up again on the 750. Again everything felt pretty good, but I seemed to be struggling a little bit. On the 750 I felt really good and made no new changes.

Next up was the 450 heat race. The top two out of the heat race would also compete in  Dash for Cash. I got a decent start and ran 3rd for most of the race until Brandon Laursen got around me on the last lap. I again came in and made some more changes.

 Next I was up for the 750 heat race. In this class there was also a Dash for Cash and they were taking 3 riders from each heat. I got off the line really well and was running second. I was working on making a pass for the lead when my brakes went out and I almost lost it. I finished the race and ended up second. This gave us just enough time to come in and make the brake change before the dash.

This time I got a horrible start. I was pretty much dead last in the first turn. I worked my way up to 4th out of six and stayed there for the rest of the five lap race. After the dash I made a few minor changes and got ready for the main events. I was up on the 450 first. I got off to a great 3rd place start. After bobbling  with two laps to go I got passed and ended up finishing 4th.

 In the main event on the 750 I got off to another great start. I was running second for two laps when the motor let loose and put me out of the race. I was very disappointed, because I felt really good on the Harley, but that stuff happens in racing. I was pretty happy with my finishes and felt I had a decent day. After loading up we headed for Dayton which takes about 3 hours.  We ended up parking at a truck stop so we could get some sleep and shower.

After arriving at Dayton for another big purse race put up by KK Motorcycle Supply we got unloaded and waited for practice to start. It wasn't the normal Dayton by any means. It was very hard and kind of a skiddery track  I'm used to the normal deep rough cushion. After going out on the 450 for the first time I decided the only change we needed to do was to take a tooth off.

 The bike felt great and my times seemed to be right there. Next I as up on the 750. I felt very good and didn't think we needed to make any changes. I felt I could run it into the corners a little more but that was up to me not anybody else.

Next I was back up on the 450 again. I again felt really good and did not make any changes. Next I was up on the 750 and again it felt really good. I felt like I was running it in better and I was very confident. Next up was the scratch heats.

 I was up on the 450 first. I got off the line in second and ended up 3rd after a small bobble. Next was the 750 scratch heat. Again I got off to a decent start. I started in third and finished in third.. They took the winners of each 750 scratch heat and put them in a dash. So before getting ready for my 450 heat I decided to watch the dash.

Unfortunately it only lasted into the first corner where a bad crash happened. It involved the two Halbert brothers and Nick Cummings . Sammy Halbert who looked like he should have had a broken arm ended up only having to get stitches near his nose.

 Jethro Halbert ended up breaking his wrist and ankle and having to get surgery on his ankle. Nick sustained the worst of injuries and is still in the hospital in Dayton. He has a bruised lung, broken shoulder, broken vertebrae in his back and is still unconscious.

 From what I have heard and seen is that although he has only opened his eyes once he is responding to people talking to him by squeezing there hands. I hope the best for Nick and his family. GET WELL SOON BUDDY!

After hearing the news about Nick I was kind of shaken up for the rest of the night. But after the accident was cleaned up I was up in the first heat for the 450 class. After the crash they for some reason decided to dig the track up very deep.. Being in the first heat race I did not really know what to expect. I got off to a decent start and was running third for about 5 laps when JR Schnabel got around me. I ended up finishing 4th putting me in the main event.

 I was very excited as I did not make the main here last year. With the track changing so much I decided that I was also going to have to make some major changes to the motorcycle. Next I was up on the 750 again they were taking 4 riders. I didn't get the best start and was sitting in 5th until the last lap when the guy in front of me crashed moving me up to 4th. I was so excited because I was going to be in both main events.

Next up was the 450 main event. By this time the track was still deep and getting very rough. After starting on the second row I did not get that great of a start. I made my way up to 8th and bobbled on the last lap. I ended up finishing the race in 9th. Although I was a little disappointed, because I wanted to do better I was still happy about putting it in the main event.

The 750 was next. I was a bit nervous as the track was so rough and deep for the 450. I again did not get the best of hole shots but worked my way up to finish 10th. Again I wished I would have done better, but I am still excited about making the main event.

After a short week of getting ready with so much stuff to do it was next off to a Thursday race in Michigan and then a Grand National in Bulls Gap, TN.. Also throughout the week I helped Nick’s wife's parents with the children.

 On Thursday I went to a race in Midland Michigan. The track was very wet and we did not get on it until 7P.M , but it turned out pretty good. We were only allowed to run 450’s so I brought my framer along.  I seemed to be struggling in the practice session so I made tons of changes. By the end of practice they were running well. Then I watched the first heat race and the track again changed a ton.

 I was up in the second heat so I left the bike the way it was. I got off the line in 3rd and got passed putting me in fourth. I was again struggling with bike set up so I made some more changes. In the main I would have to line up on the second row. I was a little disappointed, but knew I could make up for it.

 I got off the line in about 7th. I worked my way to 5th and made a few mistakes moving me back to 7th. I ended up finishing the race to bring home a 7th. After the race we headed home went to bed and got up early on Friday only too wash bikes and gear and reload to head down to Bulls Gap, TN.

On Friday we left around 1:30 in the afternoon to go to Bulls Gap, TN. Dayton was right on the way so we decided to stop in and see Nick. His condition hasn't really changed, but we are all hoping for the very best. After stopping and seeing him we had to finish the drive up. We arrived about 2 hours away at a hotel and decided to call it a night.

 The next morning we woke up fairly early and headed over to the track as we were supposed to be there at 11 A.M. Once we got there and got all unloaded the track had some issues so they took some extra time to work on it. Once the show got going though things rolled pretty smoothly. In practice I just could not seem to get going. I struggled in the first round so I decided to try my other bike. That one felt a little worst so I went back to the first bike we ran. I qualified in 33rd.

 I was making a lot of changes to the bikes, but just could not figure the track out. I was up in the 3rd heat race. I was starting on the second row and new the way my night was going I was going to have my work cut out for me. I got off to a 9th place and pretty much stayed there the whole race. This would put me in a semi being that they only take 4 from the heat races. Next I was up for my semi. I knew I had to figure something out and it would have to be quick if I wanted to make it into the main event. I got a great launch from the second row when someone in front of me almost crashed and I had to check up.

I went to pretty much last. I made a few passes and worked my way up to 7th. They only took 3 out of the semi to the main so I was cut a little short. After struggling with the track all day I was feeling pretty bad until I got to my semi.

 Although I did not make the main event I had improved so much from the first round of practice. Overall I have felt really good so far this year. I am really looking forward to Lima Ohio next weekend and I hope to see all of you there. Thanks for all your help and support.

 Nichole Cheaza #15
 
Hey Race Fans,
 
 
Well, another Hot Shoe is in the books. This weekend we attended two races. The first one was on Friday it was the Dairyland Classic in Wisconsin.. I did not plan on attending the Dairyland classic until Friday when we were on our way through Chicago and it was still quite early. We got there at about 4:30 and practice was starting at 5:00. So we quickly unloaded and got set up.
 
It was a short track and the only thing we could race was the 450's. They let us go out for 3 rounds of practice and we had transponders on our bikes to line us up for the heat races. There was a total of 32 riders and I qualified in 13th. I felt pretty good and did not make any changes to the motorcycle.
 
The track was smooth and fast, but it was a small groove that was hard to pass on. I knew that tonight starts would be very important. As I lined up on the front row for my heat race I was a bit nervous about the start. The three guys to the left of me were up on the groove while me and two other guys were left on the bottom in the dust.
 
 I came off the line pretty decent for being in the powder and was in fifth. I was all over the 4th place rider the whole race, but just could not get around him. They only took 3 out of the heat races so I was going to be in a semi. I again I was on the front row and in the powder on the start. I again got off to a decent start and was in fourth. I was right on the third place guy the whole race, but could not get around him. I ended up finishing fourth ending my night short.
 
Although I was a little disappointed in my night, because I did not make the main I was happy with how I rode. I felt really good and I didn't make any major mistakes. After that we did not stay and watch the final or the dash for cash we quickly loaded and got on the road as it was a 11 hours over to LaMonte Missouri for the Hot Shoe that was taking place the next day. We drove until about 2:00 A.M. stopped for a few hours and then at about 8:00 A.M. we were back on the road.
 
When we arrived at the track the weather was nice, but very windy. We unloaded the bikes and left the ez up in the truck for the night. I was riding both my GLOBAL PRODUCT, National Cycle, Lancaster XR 750 Harley Davidson and my Honda East Toledo CRF 450 Honda. After getting the bikes unloaded and teched in I went to check out the track. It looked like it was going to be good and fast. After that we had a riders meeting and then it was time for practice.
 
 I went out on the 450 first. It felt really good and I didn't make any changes. Next I went out on the 750. I was trying some new things here such as a two in to one pipe and an upside down front end. After riding the first practice things just didn't feel right so I put the normal front end back on, changed the tire to a good year, and changed the gearing. After making all the changes the second round of practice was starting.
 
Again I was up on the 450 first. This time I went out first and Jared Mees got around me comming out of four. He was kind of pulling away so when I came in I decided to make some changes. I changed the gearing and the tire from a maxxis to a good year. Next I was up on the 750. This time the bike felt much better, but something still did not feel quite right so I came in and made another change. This time I put the normal pipes on and went back to a maxxis.
 
 After practice we had a break for a few minutes and then we went right into scratch heats. On the 450 I was in the second one lining up with Brock Swartzenbacher, Jared Mees, Kenny Coolbeth, Chris Carr, and Kevin Anderson. I got off the line in 4th and stayed there for a while until I slipped up and Chris Carr got by me. After making the changes I made in practice the bike seemed way worse so after the scratch heat I switched the gearing back to what it was and put a maxxis tire on once again. 
 
 Next I was up on the 750. This time I was lined up with Chris Carr, Jethro Halbert, Mick Kirkness, Kevin Vance and Erin Lindsford. I got a good start and was running third until I made a small mistake and Mick got under me in three and four. I ended up finishing 4th. After the scratch heats I knew I was going to have to put my head down and get some good starts.
 
 The 450 heat race was first and I was starting on the back row. I knew it was going to be tough. I got off to a horrible start spinning and was pretty much dead last. I worked my way up to 7th but they were only taking five to the main event there for I would be running a semi.
 
Next I was up on the 750 I got a good start and was running fourth. Coolbeth then tried to go around me and Jon Goodwin the third place rider when we bumped each other. After that I got around Jon and moved into third. I stayed there the whole race. This would give me a front row start so I was excited about that. 
 
Next I was up for my semi on the 450. I got the hole shot and led the whole race. The bike felt really good and I was ready for the main event. Next up was the 450 main event. I got off the line good, but was at the bottom and could not get up to the groove. I drifted back to 12 where I stayed for the 10 lap race.
 
First went to Chris Carr, followed by Jared Mees and Sammy Halbert. Next I was up on the 750. I was on the front row and knew I could do well. I pulled the hole shot and led the race for 2 laps. I couldn't believe it. I was having a hard time getting around corners 3 and 4 when Sammy Halbert and Jared Mees got around me. After a few more laps a couple of more got around me. On the last lap Chris Carr and Kenny Coolbeth got by me and I ended up finishing 9th. The win went to Shaun RusselI, followed by Jared Mees, and JR Schnabel. I was a little disappointed, because I knew I should have been up there a little better after the great start, but I learned from my mistakes that I was having in corner 3 and 4. Overall I had a great weekend and learned a lot.
 
Next weekend we are headed to a local race in Ohio and then off to the big Dayton Ohio race. This is a big race put on by KK motorcycle supply. It pays really well and the track is always a lot of fun. I hope to see everyone there. Thanks again for all the help and support.
 
Nichole Cheza #15
Hey Race Fans,
 
How are things going? Not to bad here. Well race season is in action and we have a few more rounds in the books. Since I have talked to you all last we have had are big race weekend Memorial Day weekend at Springfield Ill. and a hotshoe race in Quincy Ill. Although I am glade the race season has started I would say Springfield didn't go exactly the way I was hoping.
 
 There was around 80 riders and I qualified 62nd. Although I was a little off pace I dropped over a second from the first round of practice. I think I just needed a few more laps (haha). Although I did not qualify for the night program as you have to make a 48 rider cut I personally felt good about the way I rode. After not making the program. I quickly changed before the rush for autographs came. I signed several posters and then loaded up my pit area.
 
 After that the heat races were starting so I went and watched. I would have to say that the Springfield T.T is a pretty exciting race to watch. Heat race winners included Henry Wiles, Jake Johnson, and JR Schnabel. After seeing the heats I knew the dash was going to be exciting.
 
 The main race was between JR  and Henry with JR coming out on top. It was finally time for the main event. After seeing the dash I knew the race was going to be between JR and Henry. They were pretty much untouchable all day. The race was very exciting there was many passes back and forth between the two, but when the checkered was thrown it was Henry WIles on top followed by JR Schnabel and Sammy Halbert..
 
After the T.T. we went back and got to bed. Sunday was going to be a big day and we had to be up early. I was very excited about the mile after my win in the DASH from last year. I felt very confident, but that all ended very suddenly. When we were sent out for practice I got in a bad head shake on the first lap. That didn't bother me to much though and I kept going. After receiving the checkered I was still wide open going down the back stretch in a tuck. I got in another bad tank slapper/high speed wobble and this time I was not so successful in saving it. My hands came off the handle bars, my head was by the front wheel, and my feet were up in the air. I thought I was done for sure until I hit the wall so hard it bounced me right back into my seat and I rode away. I couldn't believe I saved it. All I could think was someone upstairs was defiantly on my side that day.
 
 Anyway just to give you an idea of how hard I hit the wall, it bent the frame of the motorcycle, ripped the carburetors off, smooched the air filters flat, and ripped the right leg of my leathers all the way through to my skin or should I say knee braces. And after all that I was still qualified 14th. But that was only the first round and it didn't count.
 
I still had two more rounds of practice that counted for qualifying. I was pretty scared after that, but knew I needed to get  on my back up bike to prove that it was just a scary mishap. So that is exactly what I did. After the first real round of qualifying I felt all right, but just not my normal self. I was taking my one hand off the bar like I was before and I was just scared of getting in another tank slapper. After the second round of qualifying I felt a little bit more confident, but still did not feel 100%.
 
I ended up qualifying 27th out of 61 riders. I was pretty happy with that after what had happened.. next up was my heat race. I got off to a horrible start as I spun pretty badly, but slowly worked my way up and ended up finishing 7th out of the 16 riders in the field. My heat race was won by Bryan Smith followed by Jake Johnson, Joe Kopp and Kenny Coolbeth.
 
Doing this well in the heat put me on a front row start for the semi. Once again in the semi I got off to a bad start. I worked my way through a couple of riders and ended up finishing 11th out of the 18 rider field. Although I was in high hopes of making the main event I was pretty happy with the way I rode after my incident in practice.
 
 After undressing I had announced the two winners from the raffles I had going on in my pits. One was for a National Cycle windshield and the other was for a GLOBAL PRODUCTS gift basket filled with goodies from Hall's H-D in Springfield Ill. After announcing the winners,
 
 I went up to watch the main event. It was sure to be a good one and it was just that after a couple of red flags. It came down to Bryan Smith, who won, Kenny Coolbeth who came from dead last to get second, and Chris Carr to take third. After a disqualification for rider Bryan Smith, because of illegal fuel the results were Kenny Coolbeth, Chris Carr, and Jared Mees. After talking to Bryan he is very bummed out as he lost out on a lot of championship points and money. Overall the mile went pretty good, but I hope it to be excellent in the fall.
 
After a short week, because of Memorial Day weekend. I was rushing to get things ready for the singles hot shoe event in Quincy Ill. I did not get a chance to write a race report in the short week and I apologize for that. But after getting bikes all washed up, oil changed, tires, and gearing changed, it was time to load up for the weekend at Quincy. I ended up throwing my bike in and riding to the track with Jared Mees as we were just taking our 450's.
 
I always seem to struggle at Quincy, but was hoping my luck would change and well although it wasn't a win like I would have liked I made the main and rode pretty well. Here is how it all went down. In practice I felt pretty good, but needed to make some gearing changes. We also changed my  handlebars because they were a bit high due to custom  bar raisers so my dad and Rich from Lancaster H-D cut them down with a hand saw for me so I have to give a huge thanks to them for there hard work.
 
Anyway back to the racing. After making a few small changes I decided that the bike felt pretty good. In my scratch heat I got not such a good start but was running 4th for a while right on Chris Carr until I made a mistake and Jethro Halbert got by me. It was a short 4 lap race so I ended up finishing 5th. Next up was the heat race.
 
 I got off to a horrible start I spun so bad I should have started backwards. People from the second row passed me. Anyway after running most of the heat race in last I made some great moves on the last 3 laps and worked my way into 5th just putting me high enough to make it in to the main event. I was so excited, because I hadn't made the main event there in quite some time. After making the main I decided to leave the bike the way it was. It was working pretty well, but it had taken me a few laps to figure out a good line.
 
 In the main event I was starting on the third row. All races are tough when you have to start on the third row. After making a few passes I pretty much stayed in my same spot the whole race. I ended up finishing 14 out 18 riders.
 
The winner was Henry Wiles, followed by Jared Mees and JR Schnabel. Overall the race was successful. I made the main and accumulated some hotshoe points. I am very excited about the rest of the season. I feel very strong and confident and think this is going to be a great year. I again want to thank everyone for there support and help. This year and previous years wouldn't be able to happen without all of you. Thanks so much and I hope to see you all at this weekends hotshoe in Quincy Ill.
 
Nichole Cheza #15
 
Hey Race Fans,
 
 
Well, another Hot Shoe is in the books. This weekend we attended two races. The first one was on Friday it was the Dairyland Classic in Wisconsin.. I did not plan on attending the Dairyland classic until Friday when we were on our way through Chicago and it was still quite early. We got there at about 4:30 and practice was starting at 5:00. So we quickly unloaded and got set up.
 
It was a short track and the only thing we could race was the 450's. They let us go out for 3 rounds of practice and we had transponders on our bikes to line us up for the heat races. There was a total of 32 riders and I qualified in 13th. I felt pretty good and did not make any changes to the motorcycle.
 
The track was smooth and fast, but it was a small groove that was hard to pass on. I knew that tonight starts would be very important. As I lined up on the front row for my heat race I was a bit nervous about the start. The three guys to the left of me were up on the groove while me and two other guys were left on the bottom in the dust.
 
 I came off the line pretty decent for being in the powder and was in fifth. I was all over the 4th place rider the whole race, but just could not get around him. They only took 3 out of the heat races so I was going to be in a semi. I again I was on the front row and in the powder on the start. I again got off to a decent start and was in fourth. I was right on the third place guy the whole race, but could not get around him. I ended up finishing fourth ending my night short.
 
Although I was a little disappointed in my night, because I did not make the main I was happy with how I rode. I felt really good and I didn't make any major mistakes. After that we did not stay and watch the final or the dash for cash we quickly loaded and got on the road as it was a 11 hours over to LaMonte Missouri for the Hot Shoe that was taking place the next day. We drove until about 2:00 A.M. stopped for a few hours and then at about 8:00 A.M. we were back on the road.
 
When we arrived at the track the weather was nice, but very windy. We unloaded the bikes and left the ez up in the truck for the night. I was riding both my GLOBAL PRODUCT, National Cycle, Lancaster XR 750 Harley Davidson and my Honda East Toledo CRF 450 Honda. After getting the bikes unloaded and teched in I went to check out the track. It looked like it was going to be good and fast. After that we had a riders meeting and then it was time for practice.
 
 I went out on the 450 first. It felt really good and I didn't make any changes. Next I went out on the 750. I was trying some new things here such as a two in to one pipe and an upside down front end. After riding the first practice things just didn't feel right so I put the normal front end back on, changed the tire to a good year, and changed the gearing. After making all the changes the second round of practice was starting.
 
Again I was up on the 450 first. This time I went out first and Jared Mees got around me comming out of four. He was kind of pulling away so when I came in I decided to make some changes. I changed the gearing and the tire from a maxxis to a good year. Next I was up on the 750. This time the bike felt much better, but something still did not feel quite right so I came in and made another change. This time I put the normal pipes on and went back to a maxxis.
 
 After practice we had a break for a few minutes and then we went right into scratch heats. On the 450 I was in the second one lining up with Brock Swartzenbacher, Jared Mees, Kenny Coolbeth, Chris Carr, and Kevin Anderson. I got off the line in 4th and stayed there for a while until I slipped up and Chris Carr got by me. After making the changes I made in practice the bike seemed way worse so after the scratch heat I switched the gearing back to what it was and put a maxxis tire on once again. 
 
 Next I was up on the 750. This time I was lined up with Chris Carr, Jethro Halbert, Mick Kirkness, Kevin Vance and Erin Lindsford. I got a good start and was running third until I made a small mistake and Mick got under me in three and four. I ended up finishing 4th. After the scratch heats I knew I was going to have to put my head down and get some good starts.
 
 The 450 heat race was first and I was starting on the back row. I knew it was going to be tough. I got off to a horrible start spinning and was pretty much dead last. I worked my way up to 7th but they were only taking five to the main event there for I would be running a semi.
 
Next I was up on the 750 I got a good start and was running fourth. Coolbeth then tried to go around me and Jon Goodwin the third place rider when we bumped each other. After that I got around Jon and moved into third. I stayed there the whole race. This would give me a front row start so I was excited about that. 
 
Next I was up for my semi on the 450. I got the hole shot and led the whole race. The bike felt really good and I was ready for the main event. Next up was the 450 main event. I got off the line good, but was at the bottom and could not get up to the groove. I drifted back to 12 where I stayed for the 10 lap race.
 
First went to Chris Carr, followed by Jared Mees and Sammy Halbert. Next I was up on the 750. I was on the front row and knew I could do well. I pulled the hole shot and led the race for 2 laps. I couldn't believe it. I was having a hard time getting around corners 3 and 4 when Sammy Halbert and Jared Mees got around me. After a few more laps a couple of more got around me. On the last lap Chris Carr and Kenny Coolbeth got by me and I ended up finishing 9th. The win went to Shaun RusselI, followed by Jared Mees, and JR Schnabel. I was a little disappointed, because I knew I should have been up there a little better after the great start, but I learned from my mistakes that I was having in corner 3 and 4. Overall I had a great weekend and learned a lot.
 
Next weekend we are headed to a local race in Ohio and then off to the big Dayton Ohio race. This is a big race put on by KK motorcycle supply. It pays really well and the track is always a lot of fun. I hope to see everyone there. Thanks again for all the help and support.
 
Nichole Cheza #15