On The Pegs March 2019 - Volume 4 - Issue 3 | Page 131

On The Pegs
Vol. 4 Issue 3 - March 2019
P 131
The 2018 season was rough. To answer your question, yes, I am fully recov-
ered, and believe it or not I feel stronger than before the accident. I’ve got more
strength and better cardio.
What did you learn from the 2018 season?
If there is one thing I can take away from 2018, it’s that it’s not over till it’s over. I
missed two days of points in the middle of the season, was not sure that I was go-
ing to make it to California, and kept telling myself I can make it. I learned to trust
myself, my program, and most importantly, the people around me that work with
me all the time to achieve my goals. My family, girlfriend and minder dropped
everything for me and I learned to trust in their judgment and also motivation.
So in California I relied on them more than I ever had and came out on top with a
second and third place which put me on the box in third for the season.
Have you changed your strategy for 2019 from previous years?
Not really my strategy, more my expectations. Going into 2018 the goal was to
be on the podium every round, now I am expecting it from myself to be on the
podium and to fight for the top step.
Do you have any competition plans in addition to the NATC nationals?
We start our STRA season in March here in Florida, that will be the first focus.
I’ve been talking to our team manager, Geoff Aaron, about doing the El Trial de
Espana again in April. Then the first weekend in May we are up to Tennessee for
another STRA event and then to the Texas Pro-Am the weekend before the NATC
Nationals.
What are your thoughts on the series and do you think any changes need
to be made?
I am excited about the areas we are going to, Nebraska has a good club and an
awesome location. I heard Minnesota is going to be in a very rocky location that
should be fun. Colorado is always a good time, tough sections and long days.
Excited to go back to Tillamook for the last round, hopefully it’s dryer this time
than it was in 2016 though. I think the series as a whole is very good, from a pro-
motional stand point it would be nice to see the series spread out a little more
throughout the year and add an event or even two. It’s all about exposure, and
the more events we have throughout the year the more exposure we get. n