Antioch, TN
With a break in the National Enduro Series, and SERA Enduro Series it is the perfect time to do some fun races. So my brother, Jeremy Ketchum, and I headed 30 minutes from home to do a buddy race. This race was special to me because my girlfriend's dad, Herchel Lovvorn, came to see his first race. He is a huge NASCAR fan so I knew he would love it.
The weather was perfect for a day of racing. Jeremy started for us and when he came around after the first lap, we were in second and had no rear breaks. We were down around 30 seconds. So I took off for my first lap and put my head down and charged. Halfway through the lap I caught the leader and passed him. But after blowing a corner, I moved back behind him. When we made it to the tent, I was right on his rear wheel. We swapped and Jeremy headed out and took care of business putting us back in the lead. I took over and headed out but after hitting the ground in a tunnel found myself having to battle to keep us in the lead. After swapping back and forth, I came into the scoring tent with the lead. Jeremy took that and gave us a little gap and with the other team pitting it gave me some room to breathe. I put in a smooth lap and held a comfortable lead with very few problems.
The weather was perfect for a day of racing. Jeremy started for us and when he came around after the first lap, we were in second and had no rear breaks. We were down around 30 seconds. So I took off for my first lap and put my head down and charged. Halfway through the lap I caught the leader and passed him. But after blowing a corner, I moved back behind him. When we made it to the tent, I was right on his rear wheel. We swapped and Jeremy headed out and took care of business putting us back in the lead. I took over and headed out but after hitting the ground in a tunnel found myself having to battle to keep us in the lead. After swapping back and forth, I came into the scoring tent with the lead. Jeremy took that and gave us a little gap and with the other team pitting it gave me some room to breathe. I put in a smooth lap and held a comfortable lead with very few problems.
When I came in for the swap we pitted and fell back to second. Jeremy pushed and got us within 15 seconds and I took over for my final lap and pushed to try to catch up. I didn't get the whole gap but pulled us within four seconds. Jeremy went out for the last lap. He caught the leader in a bottlenecked area but then got hung up himself and pushed through to the finish and slightly fell short. So after 2 hours we were 2nd Overall and 2nd A just seconds off the leader.
We were very happy with a successful and fun day of close racing. Herchel loved it! He couldn't believe how close and eventful the racing was. He is already planning and anticipating his next race.
I would like to thank everyone for their support: my parents, my brother Jeremy, my girlfriend Jordan, her father Herchel, KTM, KTM Powerwear, KTM Powerparts, Rekluse, Ride PG.COM, Clockwork, Motorex, Trace Bikes, FAHQ/ Black Rainbow. 
