Morgan more confident as Formula Xtreme season progresses
Mike Morgan - Aug 8, 2007

The grids are getting much bigger and the competition more fierce.  There were 47 entries in the FX race at Mid Ohio, August 3^rd through 5^th, with 45 making the cut and starting the race,   According to Mike Morgan; “half of the battle of racing is just getting everything ready and making it to the track.  When leaving town, the brake caliper on our transport vehicle froze and we had to stop and fix it before we could continue.  Once on the track during Thursday’s promoter practice, the bike started shutting off after it would get warm.  I was able to barrow a part from team Hooters Suzuki to get the bike running for the rest of the weekend so I owe some thanks to them!” 

 

“Leading up to the race, preparation and practice was going well.  I went faster in every session than I did in last year’s race when I finished 18^th.” 

 

“Practice on Saturday morning almost ended badly.  Coming onto the front straight the rear end stepped out big time.  I ran off the track, through the gravel trap and down the front straight in the grass.  It was so violent that I broke the windscreen with my helmet, knocked the wind out of myself, and hit my leg against the bike so hard that I got a huge knot on my shin.  Some how with a little luck, someone watching over me, and hopefully some skill somewhere in there, I managed to keep everything up right.”

 

Now for the race…

 

“I finally got a good start in the race.  The opening laps were good and I ran as high as 23^rd but a couple riders got by me and I could not match their pace.  Then one of the Hooters Suzuki riders got by me and I stuck right on him.  We got about 3 laps of TV coverage with our little battle.  I was not aware but there were 5 bikes behind me.  I was just focused on him and knew I could pass him back.  He started looking over his shoulder when we would come onto the back straight.  He did this for several laps in a row and I knew I had him.  He started to make mistakes and I just waited until I could slip by.  After I got by I just kept the pace and it was good enough to keep my position.  The hardest part of the race was with my bruised and weakened left leg.  It started to get tired about half way through the race and I was having a hard time down shifting and transferring my weight.  But we made it!”

 

“On paper the weekend went well.  Faster lap times, better start, and a good race. I finished 26^th in a field of 45.  I just wish the results showed it.  I would have been in the top 15 last year with this performance.”

 

“We had fun and look forward to Virginia International Raceway next week!”

 

Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Racer number 811, Morgan, rides a stock 2006 Suzuki, GSXR 600, modified for racing.  Check back here for his personal account of progress throughout the season. Mike supports his racing passion by working full time for Kenwood.

 

Mike’s remaining 2007 races are as follows: