I raced my first ever BMX race in 1997 at the Detwieler track in Peoria, IL.  On Saturday morning I woke up and decided to keep the bike shop closed and head over to the track to try my luck at my first State Qualifier.  

I showed up with about 15 minutes left in practice, wrestled with some issues on my back wheel for about 10 minutes and somehow pulled it together to make a few laps around the track before my first moto.  The Detweiler track rules!!  The fast downhill first straight is pretty awesome and the track had some really fun sections.  

When it was time for my first moto I lined up in the fullest gate I have raced yet, with 7 riders total in the first moto.  As always, I was the slowest person out of the gate because I have no idea what the hell I am doing....  But, with the help of a stronger gearing and the downhill start, I managed to beat everyone to the first berm.  I won the first moto and transfered directly to the main.  Thanks to everyone for explaining to me how the transfers work, because I would have lined up for my second moto if I hand't have some of the local East Mo Speedway crew on hand to tell me what was up.  

I think I was even slower out of the gate in the main and worked as hard as I could to get to the bottom of the first straight ahead of the pack.  Thankfully, I had gate 2 and was neck and neck with a few other riders going into the first berm, but since I had the inside line I pulled out ahead.  The main was a lot closer racing than my first moto as I felt a few guys right behind me.  I also decided to try and jump the two jumps in the 3rd straight during the main, sort of spur of the moment.  I hadn't tried to jump anything during my race but I just couldn't help sending it and getting a little air born.  

I can't wait to go back to Peoria and race at Detweiler again!  What a really fun track and a great day or racing!