BRAINERD, Minn. (Sept. 24,2011) - I was told this track was small. I didn’t know quite what to expect, but when we arrived, I quickly realized how small it was! When I finally got on the track, it seemed even smaller. I have never run on a track this small before racing a Harley-Davidson XR750. Well I thought, hope for the best.

Qualifying went well... It was my first time this year as fastest qualifier. This put me in the 1st Heat Race with Kenny Coolbeth among others. I got a lousy start behind Mick Kirkness, but made my way up to the front after getting past Jake Mataya. From then on I was able to run my own race, but felt someone on my heels the rest of the way. Coolbeth was right behind me as I looked back after crossing the line to win the first heat… I needed just a little more from somewhere.

For the Dash for Cash, we tried a couple of different things. I got off the line well, but halfway through, Bryan Smith went down, bringing out the red flag. On the restart, I got another good start, but Coolbeth and Matt Weidman were getting it done. The end result was a third place finish. I needed a little bit more speed in turns three and four, so we changed a few minor things and my mechanic, Brent Armbruster, pounded a few small things to pick up in my head, and it worked.

In the main event, I nailed the holeshot and was in the lead. Those “few small things” I had picked up from Brent made the difference. Halfway flags and I was still in the lead. Five to go and I still had the lead. I didn’t look back a single time, but heard people behind me. I was able to hold them off and win my fifth race of the season, extending my points lead to 18 ahead of second place Jake Johnson. It felt great to make it happen. After my heat race, and the Dash for Cash, I felt that Kenny Coolbeth was the guy to beat and maybe, had he gotten the holeshot in the main, he may have been the race winner, but we got it done on this night.

We are now on our way out West, with Calistoga CA this weekend. I really like the track a lot, so I'm looking to have some fun and get another good finish, and gain even more points on the Championship run.

Thanks to all my supporters and fans. Until next Saturday, Jammin’ Jared Mees # 9

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