My first race for the 2011 season was the Jackrabbits Hare & Hound in Red Mountain, California on January 9th. You know how sometimes when you are driving in the car and a song pops up on the radio that brings back a bad memory or a feeling you once had? Well, that is how I feel when I hear, "hey are you racing Jackrabbits?" my joints begin to burn and my left eye begins to sting. Granted I have only raced the national caliber race two times prior to last week's race, so I don't have much experience with  this race, but I swear it is out to get ME!

2007 Jackrabbits Hare & Hound

In 2007 this race was my first race as an Amateur and my first time doing two loops, can I just say BRUTAL! I was on my 2004 KX250f and it took me 7 hours and a contusion on my elbow to finish, talk about a real eye opener! I thought I was doomed, were all two loop races going to be like this? Thankfully everything happens for a reason and that was the turning point for me, that race was the race that got the ball rolling in finding the right ride and set up for ME. Who knew by 2008 I would be happy as a clam with my 2008 KTM XC.

With that said, I didn't race Jackrabbits again until last year 2010. I'm not going to lie, even though I knew I had improved in the past couple of years, I was still a little bit nervous from my last attempt of racing it in 2007. I say attempt, because I technically did finish, but I felt like I crawled across the finish line in pure agony, rather than holding it wide open to the end.

After the banner dropped and I was on my way I could tell my my riding had definitely improved, I was feeling fast and confident, maybe a little too overly confident. With a Hare & Hound you usually do the easy loop first, and then the hard loop second. What makes the Jackrabbits race so special is you race the hard loop first, and the easy one second. I felt so good at the beginning of the first loop, that I began to think that once this loop is under my belt, the rest is all downhill....

Downhill it was, within 6 or 7 miles into the first loop I crashed on a downhill section and gave myself a black eye! Lesson learned, careful what you wish for, you might just get it in a very unexpected way. The remainder of the race I kept a good pace with only one eye and I finished, winning my first race for the 2010 season!

My trophy for 2010 Jackrabbits H&H, a shiner of my very own.

So with all that history behind me, it was time to add to that list and race it again in 2011 as an Expert in the Women's class. We got there Sunday morning just in time to sign up, practice the bomb run (also know as the start), pass sound testing, and say hello to some familiar faces. My bike was running awesome with a new clutch from Barnett and a fresh set of Kenda Parker DTs, both put on the day before by Cameron. I couldn't have asked for a crisper bike!

Saying hello to the folks at sound testing

This year's race was a blast! I got to do a little bit of battling with D37's W1 plate holder, Sarah Kritsch. Kritsch is a good friend of mine and someone who I really look up to, I hope to someday have the same skill she has on a dirt bike, well at least close. What makes this upcoming year so cool and different, is that both Kritsch and I are receiving rider support from Moose Racing, making it feel like we are on the same team! Moose Racing has once again done it right with their 2011 Racewear lineup, so far my favorite has been their XCR line, the feel and wear is superb! Not to mention that they also came out with an M1 Roost Shield that is so light and form fitting, you forget it's there! 

2011 Jackrabbits H&H

I ended up coming in second to Kritsch and 97th O/A at Jackrabbits, and hey better yet, no crashes this time! After racing this race, I think I am ready for this weekend's first round of the AMA/National Hare & Hound Series, my bike setup is right on and I'm feeling good. The competition is going to be fierce this time around, but I am ready for the challenge.

See ya at the races!

Joanna

PRESS RELEASE
Jan 14th, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Ryan Sanders/ Chris Blais
NHHA

2011 AMA/ Kenda National Hare & Hound Championship Series Round 1 is Here!
The NHHA is set to have another record breaking season as Round 1, hosted by Desert MC, is just a week away. Here is the skinny on everything that you need to know about the racers and the series for the year to come.



Numbers -

The press release on numbers has already been sent out, but just in case you weren't sure if you earned yourself an A class number or not, look to www.NationalHareandHound.com for the answer. If you didn't earn your number, or you're in a class that doesn't earn a number, (either the B or C classes) - here's what you need to know.

The numbers have arrived and are boxed and ready to distribute at Round 1 at sign-ups. They are a pre-printed Dirt Digit number, approx the size of your front number plate, and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. The cost for the numbers are $5 each (Cash or Check accepted-NO CREDIT), and will be good for the entire season. Each number will only be issued once, so if you don't return with it you need to purchase a new number. So go get yourself a new front number plate if you're looking to keep it for the whole season on its own clean plate.

Once you have your assigned number, #N??? it can be converted into a pre printed background ( i.e. Dirt Digits, ZLT, RidePG etc...) granted it meets the NHHA numbering guidelines, which will be attached to your original number. Riders who purchase the NHHA number will be eligible for a $5 refund from Dirt Digits if you choose to move forward and have pre-printed backgrounds for your bike.



For more info on the numbering program, contact Ryan Sanders/ Chris Blais or visit www.NationalHareandHound.com

Pick up your Trophies!

Both clubs, SoCal MC and The 100's MC, have trophies ready for pickup. Stop by their pits and pick up your 2010 trophies so that they don't have to lug them around all year. Here is a preview of the So Cal trophy. They turned out awesome. Don't be without yours next weekend!

Round 1 Give-a-Ways!

Round 1 is next weekend, and we have many items to give away. We're starting things off with Holeshot Awards to the B, C, and ATV Class Holeshot winners - each of which will receive a $100 TBT Racing Gift Certificate. Next, we've dug deep into the pockets of our sponsors, and will be awarding one free pair of Alpinestar Tech 8 Boots to the First Overall 2-loop B Class finisher here at Round 1.

The first 2-loop C Class finisher will get a set of Dirt Tricks Iron Man Sprockets, which should be delivered just in time to have a gearing change ready for the El Centro round in March.

Thanks to Fasst Company, the first overall ATV at the finish line will take home a pair of Flexx Handlebars! If this racer is in the A Class, he/she will be the first NHHA Quad Pro Support Class winner!

First Overall 60+ class racer will win a 50% off Single Item Coupon from the guys up in Idaho with Fastway/ Pro Moto BIllet. That means the top kickstand on the market is only going to cost about $70 bucks! . Also in the mix for PMB 50% off Cards are the first overall A/B class 2-loop Woman racer, and first overall 1-loop C- Class Woman Racer. So the girls will also have a chance to spice up the look on their bikes with the New Pro Moto Billet handguards, or pick from a whole slew of available products.

BRP has stepped up for round one as well, and the first overall 250cc bike to finish 3-loops will take home a brand new BRP Triple Clamp Setup. 2 Free BRP Chain Guide certificates will also be handed out to some lucky riders.

If those prizes aren't enough to get you excited about racing, we have one of the most generous contingency programs in the country and each class winner will take home an envelope full of contingency certificates that they can use to prepare for Round 2. (Class winners will be e-mailed their winning certificates for all the contingency sponsors so be sure to write your e-mail address on your entry form.) www.NationalHareandHound.com

Also, each of the major OEM manufacturers are giving contingency cash for wins on their respective machines; Honda, KTM, Kawasaki, & Husqvarna.

Who's Riding What?

Now to the part that you all want to know about - who's riding what color bikes this year. Here is a brief rundown of what bikes you can expect your favorite riders to be running for 2011, and there might be a couple surprises!

Kendall Norman- He's at home on the Honda and will probably spend the rest of his career riding for JCR.

David Kamo- He's made a move and will now be on board a Zip-Ty Husqvarna for 2011 along with teammate, Nick Burson

David Pearson- He's also made the move and will be on a new privateer Purvines Racing Honda team, and he's bringing along teammate Carl Maasberg, both of which are fresh off of their win at the Parker 250.

Destry Abbott- Des is still on the green bike, and will be the stronghold and lone Factory Kawasaki Desert Racer.

Jacob Argubright- With a whole list of new sponsors, Jacob Argubright will be running a WHITE Kawasaki 450 riding for team Off Road Support again in 2011.

Justin Imhof- Although he isn't expected to be riding for a while, Imhof will be somewhere in the pits cheering on JCR teammates Kendall Norman and Quinn Cody.

Quinn Cody- Brother of Anna Cody (below), Quinn will return from the Dakar Rally just in time for the start of the NHHA Season. He will ride with Imhof and Norman at JCR Honda.

Kurt Caselli- That's right, Special K is racing the National Hare and Hound series! And of course he is doing it on his new KTM 450.

Justin Morrow/Ryan Kudla/Brett Saunders- These guys are all staying true to the company that helped them through the amateur ranks and are all returning on Kawasaki's for 2011.

Ryan Smith- He is perhaps one of the new comers to the mix here, but he stepped up to a 250, and already has finished Top 6 once this year, taking the 250 class win in doing so.

Cameron Corfman- Riding for Threat Racing, Cameron will hold down the fort for team Beta.

Paul Krause- Paul will be the stronghold in the Over 30+ Pro Support Class, returning this year on the Malcolm Smith Motorsports/PK Racing KTM.

Joanna Kaczmarek- Joanna returns for her second year as #N1L and looks to defend her title on the Parts Magazine KTM200.

Shayla Fulfer- The Idaho native will be running #N2L and plans to run the whole season on a Blais Racing Services KTM250F along with Kevin DeJongh on his KTM 250XC.

Sarah Kritsch- Last year Sarah made the move to the 250cc bike, and this year after having a taste of NHHA victory in 2010, she makes the move to the NHHA series full-time!

Anna Cody- One of the fastest woman racers in the country, the Baja Champ and past NHHA Champ with several #1's earned, she will be on board a Honda for the 2011 season.

Kyle Penner- The reigning NHHA ATV Champ, Penner returns this year looking to hold on to his National Championship for a third season in a row!

Robert Rubin- Bobby won the District 37 ATV Championship last year, so he's back to defend that, while having a shot at the NHHA Pro Class Championship.

Robin Fawcett- Robin is returning to the AMA Desert Arena for the first time in a couple years. At one point a strong hold in the D37 community, Fawcett is back and wants his piece of the NHHA pot.

Bill Markel- Bill came to an NHHA event on a dare by the wife of series manager Chris Blais, Patty knew that this guy would be hooked after one round and he was! He wants his shot at the #N1Q plate, and a chance at the Pro Class Championship.



Pro Support Class Championship Rules

· Each of the three Support Class Championships will be run in addition to the NHHA and AMA's National Championship classes.

· The support classes shall be: Over 30+ Pro Class, Woman's Pro Class, and Quad Pro Class.

· The top ten finishers who qualify for each of the three support classes will earn points towards the Pro Support Class Championships.

· You do not need to fill out a separate entry form, or pay any additional amount to be eligible for the Pro Support Classes.

· Points will be awarded on the AMA National Point scale positions 1-10 respectively.

· Only A-Class riders are eligible for the Pro Support Classes. (woman's is A/B class)

· The rider must complete the entire A-Class distance to be eligible for points.

· Points will be kept on the National Hare and Hound Website, and trophies will be awarded at year end based on the standings.

· Pro Support Class winners are still eligible for A-Class Contingencies.

· Current top 10 AMA/NHHA Pro riders are not eligible for any of the Pro Support Classes.

NHHA 2011 Calendars

The NHHA 2011 calendars have arrived, and will be for sale at round one for $20 each. These are high gloss style 2011 calendars featuring the stars of the NHHA. All proceeds from the sale of the NHHA 2011 calendars will be divided equally between both the Justin Imhof Recovery fund and Riders Helping Riders, a Southern California Based Non-Profit Organization.

New rider informational meeting on Saturday at 4 pm. with Steve Argubright, and Pro Rider poster signing at Sign-Ups on Saturday evening from 5-6 pm.

Be there Sunday morning as host club, Desert MC, sets the stage for one of the most historic battles in NHHA history. The banner will drop at 9:30am, so be there or miss out on one of the most exciting Off Road Events on the West Coast!

For more information go to www.NationalHareandHound.com

I must say that I'm pretty disappointed in myself for not blogging about my racing for the last half of 2010, it's simply unacceptable! With that said, my New Years Resolution for 2011 is to keep this blog up to date regarding my racing shenanigans. But before I can officially begin the new year, I need to sum up the 2010 season. So here it is in a nutshell...

In October I spent the month wrapping up the 2010 National Hare & Hound Series, consistency and having a "never quit" kind of attitude lead me to my second AMA/National Hare & Hound Championship in the Women's A/B class.

Last Round of the AMA/National H&H Series
Photo by Mark Kariya

I can't wait for the 2011 National H&H season to begin! This year it's going to be pretty exciting to race alongside women like Blais Racing's Shayla Fulfer who will be rocking the N2L on her KTM this year.

Blais Racing's Shayla Fulfer
Photo by Mark Kariya

Not only is Fulfer going to be a hard one to beat, but so is District 37's very own Sarah Kritsch, who has been dominating the Woman's class for the past few years now and is ready to add a National Hare & Hound Championship to her resume.

D37 Women's No. 1 Plate holder Sarah Kritsch
Photo by Mark Kariya

Luckily for us when November rolled around we only had to drive to Las Vegas for the 2010 AMA Racing Championship Awards Banquet, which was held at the Red Rock Resort and Casino. We spent Friday night at the Red Rock paying tribute to the elite few who were inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame. 

Cameron and I at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Photo by Kinney Jones

On Saturday it was a bright and early start with us going to take a sneak peak at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d' Elegance bike show, before we hit the banquet hall for the AMA Racing Awards Ceremony, presented this year by World of Powersports. We were greeted with goodie bags at the door and a buffet style lunch, prior to the actual start of the awards ceremony.

Accepting my No. Plate from AMA President Joe Bromley
Photo by Kinney Jones

Racing and receiving an award for a National Series can still feel like home when you get to celebrate your accomplishments with fellow District 37 racers, Rachel and Andrea Bosemer. Both sisters kill it on four wheels, and Rachel was being awarded the No. Plate in the ATV C Class for the AMA National Hare & Hound Series.

Rachel Bosemer after she received her No. Plate with her sister Andrea

In the past the AMA Awards Banquet has been the closing curtain call for my year's racing season, but that was not the case for 2010. After an agonizing 52 year wait, Catalina finally re-opened their island to us racers, with the comeback of the Catalina Grand Prix, sponsored by Red Bull! Right after the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Cameron prepped the bikes and drove them down to Long Beach, where their shipping containers awaited them for their 22 mile trip across the Pacific Ocean.

Pretty impressive sight, there were bikes EVERYWHERE in the impound yard Friday morning before the start of the weekend's racing events. 

We arrived on the Island a few days after the bikes did, and the vibe on the island was off the hook! Everyone was there to race, but more importantly we were all there to be a part of racing history. Cameron and I both raced on Sunday, so we spent Saturday trekking up and down hills looking for the best spot on the course to watch the race, it felt more like we were at a round of Outdoors, than at a Grand Prix Event, there were people everywhere!

It was nice to watch Cameron race for a change!
Photo by Andrews Powder Coating

The race course was epic! The course took us to the tops of mountains overlooking the harbor and casino all the way down to a motocross section that wouldn't have been complete if it wasn't for the giant mud hole. And just in case you were wondering, yes I did go through the mud hole in attempt to make a pass on someone, that mud was cold!

Making a turn onto the MX section of the course
Photo by Matt McGowen

I guess you could say Grand Prixs are not my forte, but after a crash and playing catch up for most of the race I ended by 6th in the Women's B Class. I enjoy racing the GPs because I might not be the fastest women out there, but they help me learn how to become a better rider. Racing on the Island of Catalina will defiantly be an experience I will never forget!

Well, I think that wraps up 2010.......

I promise to be back soon with a recap about my first race in 2011 as an Expert, in the meantime....

Keep it on two wheels :)

Jojo

I apologize for my lack of writing about my racing and travels in the past couple of months. A lot has happened since then! Sometimes I forget that even though I'm not on my bike I still need to check in now and then!

Getting a last minute ride in

Racing in the high desert has it's advantages; you get to race through amazing terrain that you probably would never get to see any other way, and you get to have a summer break during the race season! With temperatures simmering in the triple digits it makes racing and summertime heat a deadly combination. Mid year I was able to wrap things up before summer with a points lead in the Woman's A/B class in the National Hare & Hound Series, as well as gaining a points lead in the Woman's Expert class in the US Desert Racing Series.

But before summer could officially begin for me I had to race one more race, the kind of race you do just for fun, because you love to ride! Memorial Day weekend I had the opportunity to team up with Sarah Kristch, female off-road racing super star. Sarah is last year's District 37 #1 plate winner in the Woman's class and she is currently defending her #1 plate title this year. With all of her night racing experience from racing down in Baja I had a lot to ride up too.

Riders meeting before the night race

Riding at night is like walking through your house blindfolded, you've walked through the place a million times before, but with the lights out you begin to second guess your every move on how to get to your bedroom through the kitchen. As the sun began to go down Sarah was all geared up and ready to start us off on the first leg of the night race, after the flag came down Sarah was off with a great start! The atmosphere was spectacular, I felt like I was at Disneyland watching the Main Street Electric Parade! There were lights everywhere on bikes, lights hanging on pit trucks, and flashing lights on riders and racers alike.

Ready to race

The entire night racing experience was a great one and it was the perfect way to wrap up the half way point of the season, especially since we got to take home the 1st Woman's Overall Trophy! Special thanks to the guys over at Baja Designs for the free entry and to Cameron Brewer for not only being the best pit support out there, but for also grilling up a mean tri-tip while we were racing!

Sarah Kritsch and I with our trophies

Even though the bikes and gear bags are stowed away in the garage for the hot summer months we have a lot to get done before September. Cameron and I have purchased our very first home in Corona and we are so excited to be starting this next chapter of our lives! This past month has been spent on packing and unpacking hundreds of boxes, traveling back and forth from home improvement stores, and hours of do it yourself home projects, as well as mastering the art of gardening. Time is moving so fast that before we know it we'll be loading up the van with bikes and fuel and heading out to the desert!

Where we now call "home"

See you all in September!

~ Joanna

The month of May is already coming close to an end and so is the AMA/Kenda National Hare & Hound Series, with only two rounds left after last week's round in Jericho, Utah. Not only did the Sugarloafers MC host the 7th round of the H&H series, but they also celebrated their 50th anniversary of running this race. Terry Bland, the first ever to win the Sugarloafers' Cherry Creek National Hare & Hound was present at Friday's autograph signing session. On Saturday Terry would be aboard his BSA 500 Gold Star acting as the "Hare" for this year's National.

The start of the race was super fast! They ran us through an open field and towards the end of the bomb the course went from wide open to riding with extreme caution because of all the ditches and rocks hidden amongst the brush. I was excited for this race because unlike last year, there were a number of women racing, including Idaho racer Shayla Fulfer, who is currently running second overall in the AMA/Kenda National Hare & Hound Series. After this weekend's race, Shayla ended up narrowing the points gap between us by winning the Woman's Class. Awesome job Shayla!

This race was the LONGEST race I have ever done, coming in at 115 miles! After the Viking's National last month I started running and training more and more to gain the endurance it would take for me to finish this race. The first loop was a FAST 30 miles, taking us through some valleys and some rocky hill climbs. I came into the pits feeling pretty good, Cameron fueled me up and swapped out my goggles for a fresh pair and I was ready for loop 2. The 37 mile loop was a little different from the first one, there was a lot of weaving in and out of Cedar trees, as well as different elevation changes. At one point I went from boiling hot to shivering cold, at that point I looked across the mountain and noticed snow! As I went down the mountain the temperature began to rise. At the end of loop 2 I was welcomed by a "LEMONADE" stand, and of course I had to stop, not only was it the best lemonade, but it was the best cherry lemonade I have ever had.

Once I came into the pits I had accomplished my goal of coming through and making it to loop 3 before the race officials had closed it. Normally in a National Hare & Hound event the last loop is the most technical and difficult, but in this case it was by far my favorite! I had a ton of "close calls" with the Cedar trees, believe me when I say I did have some encounters with their branches and am now left with two bruised and battered arms. I guess no tank tops for me, for a while at least =)

If the trees weren't something new for a California desert racer, what about all the water! During the last loop there were two water crossing that could have ruined somebody's day if they weren't made during their first attempt. The first one came up unexpectedly, I followed the black and orange arrows and made a sharp left turn and next thing you know I'm starring at a water crossing that looked more like a swamp pool with two guys and their bikes laying in the middle of the mud bath. I slowed down a bit and assessed the situation, instead of charging straight through the middle of it and possibly getting stuck, I decided to take the route less traveled and veered left and my KTM was able to pull right though it with ease. The second water crossing I was a bit nervous for, because last year I ended up crashing in the middle of it. But not this year, I came in slow and crawled right through it. To be honest I think I psyched myself out a little too much for this crossing, so I literally "crawled" through it.

Coming into the finish after racing 115 miles, I started to think about all the people who have helped me along the way. Desert racing is a funny thing, sometimes it's not about being the fastest one out there, but about overcoming your personal struggles. For some it might be getting up that hill or sticking it through those last 20 miles on a flat tire. This season racing the National Hare & Hound Series has been a real learning experience for me not just in riding, but also in myself. I'm starting to learn that quitting is not an option, for all the troubles I have been faced with this year quitting would have been the easy way out.

You see this year I currently have only one win under my belt, but I have been determined to never throw in the towel. Round 1 my power valve was out of whack giving me no power, I started dead last with my throttle held wide open, it felt like I was going nowhere! Round 2 I thought was the end, my bike on it's side leaking coolant, I was able to borrow my friend's bike and start an hour after everybody else started, but I still was able to finish. Round 3 was the craziest rain storm I had ever seen causing a lot of people to pack up and head home. It's all the little things and decisions that you make along the way that really influence the end result.

Now that I am home, it is time to wash up the bike and get it ready for the first round of District 37's Night Racing Series. This Saturday I will be a Night Owl racing solo at SoCal MC's Team Night race. Then take the red eye and cross the desert to race Round 4 of the U.S. Desert Racing Series Sunday morning. Can't wait for Saturday!

The banner came crashing down at 10:30 Sunday morning for Round 6 of the National Hare & Hound Series in Johnson Valley, Ca. Saying that I was a little nervous for this round would be a complete understatement! This weekend I had the opportunity of racing against KTM backed woman MX star Sarah Whitmore. I was pretty intimidated at the start but once we were off the line all my fears went away and it was time to get down to business.

The Vikings Motorcycle Club did a great job laying out the first 37 mile loop, it had a little bit of everything from long windy sand washes to rocky single track stuff to wide open valley crossings. My only regret during the first loop is that I forgot I was going to have have to race a second 40 mile loop! During the first loop I had the chance to battle with Whitmore for a little bit, I passed her after the bomb, then she passed me, then I passed her in the rocks, and then she caught me in a sand wash and that was the last I saw of her. We came into the pits about 30 seconds apart, but heading out onto loop 2 I could feel my bodying begin to wear down from the heat.

Loop 2 was demanding, but I could tell the Vikings put a lot of thought into this national caliber course. Everything was very doable but it definitely tested your skill as a rider physically, as well as mentally. Half way through the second loop I started to realize that I am part of the "working class," because I was beginning to feel pretty winded, after this weekend I for sure need to "up" my workout regimen. After running out of water and passing several lizards basking in the sun, I made it to the finish.

Not only were my friends waiting for me at the finish, but so was the ice cream truck! Just when you start to think you've seen it all, there's always something right around the corner to throw you for a loop. I didn't get the overall win in the Woman's class, but I feel like I walked away from this round as a better rider. Round 7 is only two weeks away in Jericho, Utah which is good because Round 6 will still be fresh in my mind.

This weekend I'm going to roll the dice in hopes of winning the Woman's Amateur class and receiving my last transfer ride needed to move up to the Expert Class. Primm..... Here I come!

A Weekend for Firsts.....

This weekend I will be racing in Round 6 of the AMA National Hare & Hound Series hosted by the Vikings MC. This race has been known as "The Viking's Virgin Voyage," which definitely speaks true to WMA superstar Sarah Whitmore, who will be racing a National Hare & Hound for the very first time! Good luck to Sarah and all the other ladies who will be out there trying to earn their way up to a 2010 Championship.

Press Release taken from the AMA website: