A Strong Return For Shorty at A1!

Supercross.com/Honda and Coach Seiji personal training client #29 Andrew Short returned to racing action this past weekend at the 2012 Monster Energy Supercross opening round in Anaheim, CA. This capped off a successful rehabilitation from two broken elbows and a broken wrist suffered in the last outdoor motocross season. Unrlenting hope, determination and hard work produced results that solidified his and his team's efforts to return Andrew to the front end of the stacked Supercross Class field.

Andrew looked comfortable on his Honda right at the start of the first practice. The track conditions varied widely across all the practice sessions but Andrew held it together to post the 9th fastest overall qualifying time. 

Andrew's heat race was a great way to return to the gate as he turned a so-so jump into leading the field by the end of the first lap. Andrew would ride smoothly to hold the lead for a few laps but would end up yielding to a charging Stewart on lap 5. Andrew fought to stay near the front and would battle Dungey on the last lap losing another position with just a few turns to go but was ecstatic to return to racing with a 3rd place effort.

After all the interviews, posturing and tradional A1 chaos, it was finally time to go racing. Andrew had a decent gate pick but found himself buried near the back end of the field after the first few corners of lap one. Andrew made quick work in the first few laps to put himself into 7th place where he would remain for much of the main. Brayton hounded Andrew for a few laps as would Weimer. They would both eventually get around Shorty but not without a fight. Alessi and Tedesco who were ahead of Andrew would fall victim to the race and found themselves on the ground late in the race. Amonst all the drama Andrew would end up with a well deserved 7th place finish to end a strong return to pro racing.

Coach Seiji would like to thank Andrew, Larry Brooks, MC, Valcore, Hoyer, Keith Stone and the entire Supercross.com/Honda squad for all the hospitality and support - it's an honor to be involved with such a high caliber team. Onward to Pheonix!