Athlete Blog: Jacob Argubright

Jacob Argubright Race Report NHHA Round 6

This weekend was the second and final round up in Utah, and after the way that my first round went, I wish that we had a few more!  Its just different up here, but not a bad different, and very very good different.  First off we actually get to see some water throughout the course.  I mean like real water crossings where you have to be careful not to kill your bike. Secondly there isn’t too much deviation here. In lucerne you can always get off the trail and sort of make a sketchy pass in the rocks, not up here in Utah.  Your on the trail and that is where you can be, no where else!  Needless, we loaded up the motorhome and truck and headed out Thursday morning.

If you saw my Instagram post, you would see that the truck actually broke down on the way up! I was a little nervous that it would be a little more difficult to get to the race, but Ed had it up and running before we could even blink.

Friday
It was definitely a nice change of pace being able to ride the day before and walk the start. We got there around noon and I didn’t make too many changes to my set up, I just enjoyed riding around in the Utah desert. I went over to walk the start and it was the same start from years before so I just lined up straight in the middle where the most prominent line was.

Saturday
I really like being able to sleep in and go race in the afternoon, mainly because I’m a little less cranky at that time! I went over the start about 45 minutes before race time to find David Kamo starting next to me which meant I had to out start the electric start Honda or I wouldn’t be where I wanted to be.

When the banner went up I was extremely nervous because I couldn’t help but feel a little bit of pressure from the results of the last national. I’ve been getting decent starts this year but this one was my best yet, I was off in one kick and moving. I don’t think I ever let off, my butt was on the rear fender trying to look for more speed, but that was all she had. It worked out ok because I was able to hole shot and it was such a cool feeling! I was leading for the first mile or so pumped with adrenaline and I looked over and David Pearson was over to my left and on a way smoother trail then I was and was getting ready to pass me. He got around me, and the trails narrowed down into the trees. I was following closely in his dust and just hoping that I could keep the bike on two wheels. I couldn’t see anything at all. The Sugarloafers put on an awesome course that was different than normal where we actually went into the trees the first loop and the fast stuff the second loop. I hadn’t been feeling the best because of the stomach flu I had the week before so I wasn’t getting to aggressive to quick.

I followed David for the whole first loop and when I got gas to go out onto the second loop I decided I wanted to make the push to pass him because I knew I wouldn’t have too much energy left to try on the third loop. It was super dusty and fast on the second loop and it was making me sick. I think I followed to close and I ate too much dust because half way through I had to pull over for a minute and relax because I was becoming dizzy.  I took my goggles off, and just tried to get some fresh air. TJ Hannifin got by me and by that point I just didn’t have any energy to push so I cruised into the finish. Luckily Dave and I had been pushing each other, so I didn’t have to work too hard to maintain third overall.  I finished out the rest of the loop and gassed a final time.

On the third loop I just tried not to slow down. There was enough gap between me and the guys up front that I was able to stay out of the dust. I finished the race at third overall, but more importantly finished without any other troubles. When I stopped to try and recollect myself, I really thought for a minute that I might not make it to the end.

Having the flu was a major bummer. I didn’t spend any time training this week, and I think that even more day on the bike would have been enough to keep me out front. Since breaking my collarbone the game has seriously changed for me. Kurt has helped me a bit, and my confidence level is at an all time high.  I know what it is going to take to win, and I am confident that I can get another one before the year is out.

I’d like to thank all my sponsors Monster Energy Kawasaki, Purvines Racing, Kawasaki of Simi Valley, Off-Road Support, Moose Racing, Fasst Co. Flexx Handlebars, Jett Boots, Oakley, Braking, Matrix Concepts, Maxima Oil, Mechanix Wear, Traxxas, Motion Pro, Uni Filters, Dunlop, Trick Racing, Rekluse, Dirt Digits, Omega, BRP, TBT Racing, Pro Moto Billet, Fastway Performance, IMS, and Photos by Grumpy.

My next race will be back east in Alabama where I am teaming up with Destry Abbott and Gary Sutherlin for the Perry Mountain 24-hour event. I’ve never really ridden out in the south, so this should be an awesome experience. I am looking forward to a change of pace, and I feel like we have a good shot at taking a win out there!

Results:
    •    David Pearson (Kaw)
    •    TJ Hannifin (Kaw)
    •    Jacob Argubright (Monster Energy/Purvines Kawasaki)
    •    Nick Thompson (KTM)
    •    Nick Burson (Purvines Kawasaki)

See you in the desert!
-Jake
jacob911.com