Riding in the U.S



The team

In 2008 David flew to the U.S with Warren & Ben Strange (Warren's son) for the Florida Winter AM's.  Warren Strange from Globedrill was a huge influence to David during this time and gave him the opportunity to experience what it's like to ride in a place where MX is such a huge fantastic sport like what footy is to Aussies.  He spent his 16th birthday in a 42ft motor home, 350 Chevy truck to pull it, home schooling and daily training, life was busier then he would ever imagine 

 



#405 KTM 250F



Although the Winter Am's is an ametuer series,

it's a close lead up to the AMA and a very competitive sport.  David needed to start out in 250 C class and his results were top 5 with a win in Lake Lands.  Before the last round, David suffered an injury (broken collar bone) and was out for 4 weeks.  During this time Ben Strange then injured himself, so the two wounded riders came home to OZ to heal. 




Training in Atlanta Georgia

 







  

Training in Georgia U.S

David trained hard for racing in the U.S, bike riding, gym work and running with Clint Shealy.  Parts for the bike had to be ordered each week and work was non stop. Dad worked on the bike to ready it for the next race.  It was constant and hard work trying to keep up.  Cost was a big factor to keep going but managed to get to as many races as we could each weekend. 

 In May, David returned with his parents to train and race around the Atlanta Georgia area.  Clint Shealy was hired to trained David on a daily basis and they both raced on the weekends. Warren Strange had generously allowed use of the motorhome and Chevy for another 6 months to try for qualifying at Lorretta Lynns. Tracks such as Lazy River and Muddy Creek. saw him ride with the likes of Justin Barcia.  He was fast. David qualified easily for Loretta Lynns and running top 10 when a crash knocked him out.



Muddy Creek



David returned home with great memories and satisfied with knowing he rode with the best and enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish.