Chico, CA

Danny Ashbrook earns the #1 plate in 36-40 Intermediate and 31+ mixed open class at Silver Dollar BMX in Chico, CA. Oct 17th-19th 2014

I almost didn't even go to Gold Cup. It was a last minute decision on Friday afternoon. I was able to ride up with a fellow racer Jacob Shearer and his wife, and son. I brought along my daughter Jayd as she was qualified to race the finals as well. We didn't get much sleep Friday night but that didn't slow my excitement for Saturdays race. I made the choice to bump up to intermediate because I was over riding on flats, but that bumped me down to 5th place in points going into the finals. (-4 from the guy in first) So I raced mixed open as well thinking that I had a better chance at getting a jacket and #1 plate by doing so. That plan worked out perfect and I did just that.

Saturday - I was shocked when I won my first moto and qualified straight to the main in 36-40 Inter because that was the first time I raced that class. I was so nervous. In the main, I got the holeshot and never looked back. The guy in the points lead ended up 3rd on Sat so I chopped 2 points off the leader sitting in first. I thought to myself, man if the same thing could just happen on Sunday, I could actually get the #1 plate in my class too.

Sunday - Moto 1 was a repeat of Saturday and so far everything was going according to plan. Now even more nervous because I had to win the main and the guy in the points lead had to get 3rd or worse. OK riders, Random Start. Riders Ready, Watch the Gate (beep, beep, beep, beep) the gate drops and I was able to grab the holeshot again. I heard the announcer say the name of the guy right behind me. (it was the name I didn't want to hear) If he finished 2nd, I would end up 2nd in points and don't get the championship jacket or #1 plate. I couldn't focus on that right now, I had to do my part and just hope for the best. I rode a smooth race and I came across the finish line 1st... I looked back to see who got 2nd. It was so close that neither rider knew who got it. We all ran over to the finish line camera to watch them review the finish in slow motion. Sweating bullets, I see the guy in 3rd pass the guy in 2nd right at the line (by inches) and that tied me for 1st place. The tie breaker goes to whoever finishes best on Sunday. I was so stoked!!! 48 hours earlier I wasn't even planning on going to Gold Cup and now I had two #1 plates and two jackets.

USA BMX let me get a smaller size jacket for my 2nd one and I was able to give it to Jayd (she got the #3 plate in 12 Girls) God allowed everything to work out perfect. Now I get to run that #1 plate for a full year. What a great weekend of racing!!!