city trials

First loop is done. Moret - 52 Challoner - 53 Ferrer - 55 Smage - 56 I'll have a few more photos in a couple of minutes.

After 10 sections. Moret - 36 Challoner - 37 Ferrer - 37 Smage - 38 Whitaker - 42

Section 1 - from the Grandstand. After eight sections. Pat (3rd) on a 28. Jack's got 29 (4th). Alex Ferrer has 22 for the lead. Moret is in second with 26.

Gratuitous photo of the Honda flag girl.

For the GB readers, Jack Challoner just took a five on section one. Patrick just fived section 2.

Section 1. One of two stadium sections. I believe Pat just got away with one. They gave him a clean on this section. You make the call.

How many of you ever seen Pat smile before an event? Here's Patrick and David in the paddock. We'll be starting shortly. Enjoy the show.

20 minutes later. Now, that's a little better. Notice in the righthand side of the photo - there's a few sections up there.

Clouds. Check. Fog. Check. Rain. Check. This is what the complex looks from the hotel window like this morning. You're suppose to see mountains in the background. You're suppose to see a large grandstand in front of the mountains. Pat said to me last night, "I thought this country was going to be sunny"? As for who's minding Pat? That chore is in the hands of David Chaves. For all of you David fans in the States, I'll make sure to snap a few photos of him in action today. Looks like he'll be real busy.

Hey all. Pat just finished his practice session and is inspecting the sections now. He seems upbeat today despite his lingering sore back. This Twin Ring motor-sport venue is massive. There's two stadium sections and the rest of the course is located around the complex. Patrick goes out at 9:54 AM JST. As usual, I'll keep you all updated as the weekend goes along. We thank everyone for their support.

Pat and I just arrived in the land of the rising sun a few minutes ago. We're waiting for our hired car to take us out to Twin Ring. Stay tuned, we'll keep you all updated as the weekend goes along.

Good guess, Mark. Noel has all his boys with him this Memorial Day Weekend. I'm behind in Chicago earning the Yen to cover the Japan trip next week. (Gawd, is that county pricey) Pat and I leave on Wednesday. FYI: Phillips' riding my new Sherco I just got a few weeks ago. Judging from his massive score, I hope it comes back in one piece. Thanks for the photos, V-Mar.

"Let it Be"

Spark arrestors are mandatory in Colorado, Sam.

Okay, either Jake Miller's cheating - or someones riding under his number.

Big off by Jake Whitaker (New Zealand) on the Future Honda 125 four stroke.

Colton Haaker in the same section.

Ronald Commo in section 12. Ron earned 10 championship points and sits in 12th place in the season standings. There's over 30 riders that's tried to earn points.

Here's the foul lever catcher.

You beat me to the punch-line. The only one's that use these things are the riders and minders I can't understand a thing they say anyhow. Plus, they yell so loud in the mic's, the riders ears must be numb at the end of the day. If I we're one of the kid's using this devise, I'd shut the bugger off. As for personal punch line two, I knew you'd make a big deal of me not adding the "U" in humo(u)r.

Now that's FUNNY! I didn't think you had a sense of humor.

Hey Tom, I was going to use my cell phone camera, but those are banned by the FIM if you want a press bib. Hey, I saw your post on the communication devises, not sure what brand they are - but Ace team trials guys are using them, maybe they'll help you out. I'd love to have one of those to use with Pat. The check can be sent to the farm @ Patrick Smage: Rt 3669 - Bray Rd. Elkhorn, Wisc. 53121 Oh, and a big thanks to ALL of Nitro, even Tim D. for all of the support you've given to Pat, past and present. And for the time your club put in observing this weekend in Tennessee. NITRO ROCKS!

Well done by Jack. I'm becoming a fan of his too. Mr. Challoner, don't forget to PM me with your email so I can send you those podium photos you requested. We'll see you all in Japan.

First Loop. Jack Challoner - 11 Adrian Pastorizi - 16 Patrick Smage - 19

Hi Steve, I've relayed you message to Pat and he said thanks for the encouragement and support.