This past weekend we went to Stockton, CA to a track that no one has ever been to before. I was really excited to start the season. The day before the race I went to the track to check it out and when we got there I was surprised how small the track was. I walked around it and it was really smooth and looked awesome.

On Saturday we got to the track and were ready to go, I felt good and the bikes looked great with the new 110 anniversary colors on them. First practice we were way off on setup so it was waist. The second was better but still off and I just couldn’t get the flow. After practice we changed the bike a lot. We knew we had to do something to make it better because we were way off. In my heat race I got off 2nd and was charging but still just couldn’t get the bike to work. I ended up 6th and was really frustrated. In the semi I got off the line 2nd again and was struggling and got passed so that put me in the last transfer spot with guys right on my butt. I ended up 3rd barely and was in the main.

Main event I was on the 3rd row, last pick and knew I needed to get a good start. I think I was about 11th or so off the line and started to work my way up one by one. The bike was better but not great so I moved around the track to see if something was better. I started riding a little higher on the track and was moving forward. By the white flag I was in 7th, right on 6th but ran out of time.

You can say it was a good night after all we went through but I was really mad and just wanted to go home and think about what I did wrong or what we should have done to make the bike better.

I want to thank Craig and Mike for not giving up and working hard all day. We will be in front in Springfield, I guarantee it.

Thanks!!

KC2

First Day

            Well I headed into Daytona with high hopes but it didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to. The track was typical Daytona – hard, dry, little groove. In practice I felt good but my times were off, so we made some changes to the bike to make me a little more comfortable. I ended up qualifying 7th and it was the best I ever did there in qualifying, so I felt good. Come heat races the track was way different as they ripped it up and put some water in it. In my heat race I felt ok but not great. The track was really getting rough as the race went on and I knew by the main it was going to be really bad. I ended up finishing 3rd in the heat and was bummed I missed the dash. Main event I was inside 2nd row and got an ok start. By lap 10 I was in survival mode, just trying to get around the track. I ended up 12th and was really mad and frustrated. I was now thinking I had another shot at it the next day.

Second Day

            Track was about the same. Today in practice I felt really good the first time out. The 2nd & 3rd practice wasn’t so good and I was really struggling and riding really tight. I ended up qualifying 24th which was my worst qualifying time at Daytona. I was in the 3rd heat race on the 2nd row and now I had to make it happen. I got a good start and got into second and was right on Brandon Robinson. I was riding a bit higher then him and was trying everything to get around him but came up short. I came in 2nd in the heat and went to the dash. The dash came and was 4th going into turn 1. The last lap I went on the outside of Henry Wiles and came in 3rd. The main event I was ready and now I needed a good start. I got the holeshot and put my head down but Robinson got to the inside of me and past me. The track was changing a lot as the race went on and I just couldn’t adapt to the track. I ended up working my way back to 6th and that’s were I finished. I guess it was an ok night considering I qualified 24th and ended up 6th in the main. I want to thank Mike Hacker for all the hard work he puts into our program. I also wasn’t to thank all my sponsors for there support. I am looking forward to the season to start up full time in May.

Thanks

KC2

They call him the "King of Cool" and he certainly doesn't let you down on the race track.  Kenny Coolbeth from Morris, CT is the one to beat on the track.  Whether it is on the Grand National scene or at a local track, ice, snow or dirt; this fearless Champ rides in full talent mode.

From his early days, Kenny came through the ranks solid.  Pushing with everything he had to get into the zone and win races.  He started his professional career with the Corbin race team then went on with Jones Powersports and KTM.

After several hard attempts to win gold, Coolbeth signed with Harley-Davidson Motor Company and raked in three back to back titles in 2006,07 and 08.

In 2009 his effort was smooth; his wins measurable and Kenny battled week after week with the smell of another championship well into his reach.  One week prior to Springfield, Coolbeth was out training when an injury would prevent him from racing the prestigious mile and a track where Kenny was confident for a win.  A tough decision by Kenny would leave the door wide open for Jared Mees to capitalize.  He did just that and Coolbeth finished the season in the #2 position.

The 2010 race season remained consistant but just shy of my mark for the number one as he finished 2nd to Jake Johnson. 

In 2011, the battle with a high talented field week after week was fierce and tough.  The twins races were decent bringing home a win under the Harley-Davidson backed program.  "Cool" had 4 podium finishes and his worse finish was a 9th. Overall he finished 4th.  Under the singles championship and aboard a Kawasaki, Coolbeth faired well.  He took a win in Duquoin and overall finished fifth. "Cool" is ready for 2012 and get back to win a championship or two.  Between training days, ice racing, and now a principal instructor at RIDE Academy, Coolbeth with have thousands upon thousands laps in before the season starts.  His aggressive approach to the seasons have demonstrated his passion for the sport and his ability to be Champion once again. And yes, Kenny will be running with Harley-Davidson again for the twins and his second year for Chaplin Kawasaki for the singles. " I am super pumped and ready to roll."

Photo Credit to Matt Petty