Red Bull Rookies Cup US Selection Sept 27-Oct 1,2007,Barber Motor sports Raceway, Birmingham, Alabama

Our adventure begins quite calmly with no expectations at first and then we see it.  WOW!   The track at Barber blows us away, with the most beautiful landscape and a track as smooth as anything we had ever seen.   Red Bull greeted us with great big smiles and handshakes of congratulations all around.  Our journey with Red Bull and the Barber track had begun, and what a ride it was going to be!  The boys (and three girls!!)  Were given a box with their names and their number written on it.  Inside each rider is given a pass with their name on it, and a hat, t-shirt and numbered bib.  These were quickly removed from the box and proudly displayed on each rider.  Red Bull left no stone unturned; at the bottom of the box given to each rider was a sticker with the flag of their country.  I don’t know why it gave me goose bumps but to see the Canadian flag at the bottom of that box made me proud, it was one of many moments I was going to have over the next few days. I am sure all the kids and there parents are feeling the same way, some of them coming from as far away as Brazil, Columbia, Bermuda, Canada and all over the USA. In the parking lot we are to make our first friends, Carlos and Otavio from Brazil.

( we found out today Otavio made the team!)

Our first day at the track was purely for observation. Emerson was scheduled to ride on the second day along with his good friend and riding buddy Royce McLean. They both were very excited to be riding on the second day so that they could scope out the track ahead of time.  George, Emerson and I, along with Royce and his dad Todd shared the excitement together and it was one of the best experiences ever.  We spent the day observing the routine and watching the first fifty riders.  The excitement was building for the boys and they couldn’t wait to get out on the perfectly manicured track.  It had more elevation changes and twists and turns than they could ever imagine.  They wouldn’t fully realize this until the end of day two when they were given the opportunity to walk the track.  I can only imagine what they were thinking as they hiked the steepest point of the track!

   Day two brings sunshine and serious faces with the odd nervous smile and playful moment.  After the riders meeting Emerson zoned, in preparation for the ride of a lifetime.  Each bike had a mechanic and only the judge’s mechanics and riders were allowed close enough to touch them.  Emerson mounted his bike and actually looked right at home.  The start went smoothly and the boys were ordered to take it easy, this was warm up, time to get used to both the track and the bike.  Take it easy, as if that was going to happen! My heart was pounding and I had to remind myself to breath.  He was out there doing his thing!  It was awesome and every moment passed in slow motion.  The view from the stands was not great with only a couple of corners available to view.  Every time I lost sight of Emerson my heart pounded even harder until I could once again see him.  By the time the fifteen minutes is up, Emerson looks like he is ready to keep going.  There will be more time slotted for the afternoon. Transponders would be mounted on the bikes for an afternoon of lap timing.

    Lunch was served in a room overlooking the track.  Red Bull makes sure everybody is well fed and that the kids have video games and foosball to play with while they wait for their next ride.

The kids play games and horse around like every other kid; the difference with these kids is that they are FAST!

   Emerson rides faster in the afternoon with the sun warming the track bringing confidence with it. We aren’t sure if it is enough to make the cut.  Only 40 riders would make it to the next level and we all congragulate and wait for the judges to make their decision.  Every corner had a judge and we can only hope every corner went fast and smooth for him.

   As the judges arrive and give the kids a speech telling them how awesome they have done, we wait and hope as well as wonder what the decision will bring us.  When the names are being called and Emerson realizes that he might not get chosen, he looks at me and says its ok mom its ok.  My heart breaks when the last name is called and we are sitting in puddles of disappointment. 

  This was a huge learning curve for all of us.  Emerson’s mood drops for a bit and I can see how this has affected him.  I think to myself why did we do this?  Was it worth a broken heart?  My questions are answered shortly when Emerson says to me “Mom I really want a 125 so I can practice and come back next year and do this.”   

And that is what it is all about. I understand and will support his passion for riding as long as he wants to keep at it.

   My heart went out to him in so many ways that weekend.  I was extremely proud of all that he had accomplished in such a short period.  I believe he can and will reach his goal and am going to continue to support him in everyway possible.

   We had the time of our lives and part of that was due to the company we had.  Royce and Todd made this trip even more fun.  Their kind words and smiling faces were a joy to be around.  Royce has worked very hard and made it to the final round.  He rode magnificently and rumor has it he will be riding for the Red bull team for the 2008 season.  He will be a tremendous ambassador for Canada and we wish him all the best!  

  The people at Barber and in Birmingham were wonderful and we won’t forget them.  George had a blast, meeting two of his riding heroes in one day!  Kevin Schwantz and Jeff Ward were both gracious enough to let me take pictures of them with George. 

     Thanks for all the support guys!  

Michelle Lefurgey

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