Here
AC’s first National
The guys always check the weather to see how hot it’s going to be, and Budds Creek is in a little valley so it can feel very still, muddy and hot. There’s not much shade, especially at the start gate. Those were some of the hottest races of my career at Budds Creek.
“The first challenge on this track is the 108-degree left-hand bend at the start. With such a sharp first corner, starting gate selection is more important. This puts more emphasis on qualifying.”
The way they’ve groomed the trails this year allows the natural characteristics of each trail to shine through. They don’t rip it as deep and Budds Creek can go either way. When they rip it really deep it can be bumpy and rough and when they loosen up the preparation like they have all year it can turn into a hard, edgy, sharp bump – a perfect trail for massive arm pumping.
It can be very slippery, leaving many riders looking for traction on the front wheel.
Some of the sections that stand out at Budds Creek are the side-banked corners. TV cameras don’t do them justice. There are always a few lines in the switchbacks after the triple climb and when you come across lapped traffic and have to choose between the inside and the outside, it can make or break your race. It’s really easy to tip over in some of these corners.
RedBud in 2018, then Southwick this year
It was really exciting to join the crew at Southwick. … When I can go to Southwick, I’m no longer just a driver who’s there – a guest –
