Shorty and Hewitt Face Adversity at Washougal!

The 2011 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship made its way to the scenic hillsides of Washington State for the Washougal National. Coach Seiji personal training client #29 Andrew Short looked forward to this venue as it has consistently produced good results for the Red Bull/KTM Factory Racing pilot. Coach Seiji personal training client #65 Hunter Hewitt was excited for his return to outdoor series and his first visit to the Northwest region.

Practice went well as Andrew knows the track and its tricky surface well. He qualified 8th overall out of the two practice sessions which earned him a good gate pick for moto 1.

The veteran rider got a great jump on the moto 1 start and doggedly held his position to come around in 5th on lap 1. Shorty had some battles with Metcalfe, Brayton and Hahn and his steadfast determination landed him a 5th place at the finish of moto 1.

 

Moto 2 started well enough but bad luck soon ensued. Shorty’s goggle lens loosened, allowing rocks and dirt to enter behind his lens and obstructing his vision badly. He decided not to risk the dangerous roost this track throws up so he continued with goggles on, vision fading. Late in the moto Andrew uncharacteristically stalled his motor, which had sprung an oil leak from a hole in the motor case. The motor was running very hot due to the rapidly decreasing oil stores and was difficult to start. With all the unplanned drama, Shorty still fought on and the KTM 350 still finished the moto for a hard earned 10th place.

Shorty’s combined moto scores of 5 – 10 earned him an 8th overall; things could definitely turned out worse so all involved feel fortunate to escape Washougal with a fair result, healthy body and the accompanying points.

Rockstar Energy Suzuki rider #65 Hunter Hewitt made his return to the outdoor series at Washougal after a long layoff due to a concussion suffered in the first round at Hangtown. The Coach Seiji longtime client was hoping to continue the success he found during the East Coast Lites SX championship where he finished 10th overall in points in a privateer effort.

Unfortunately Hunter had a huge get off during the second practice session; he misjudged a jump and flat landed, sending him off the track in a huge bounce and endo. Hunter came down straight on his head but was lucky enough to only suffer a possible compressed thoracic vertebral disc and deep muscle contusions. The third year rider commented that he has never been as sore as he was from this crash. Hopefully with some rest and therapy the determined rider will return to racing soon.

Coach Seiji is proud of both riders in their efforts at Washougal. Adversity only makes one stronger!