CycleCraft Southeast Scores Big in Dixieland

Angelo Ligotino

CycleCraft Southeast made the trek north to Powder Springs for the Dixieland Nationals. For some it was like coming home, for one it was home and for others it was a new adventure all due to the recent rebuild. For a few riders arriving early Friday morning the track was open and available for practice. This was a welcome site and full advantage was taken of it. Friday was a beautiful day for riding and seeing the familiar faces that frequent the national races. Some stayed to race on Friday night, but most loaded up and returned to the hotels for a much needed nights sleep in preparation for the next morning.

As Saturday arrived so did the ever present case of the nerves for some but they were happy to be here. That's the racing attitude of the kids on the team. Everyone looked great in practice and very prepared for what promised to be an exciting day of racing.

Ty "Speedy Smurf" Henry

We’ll start with the girls riding for CCSE this weekend - Alexis Willis (GA) and Cristen Palugi (TN). The powder springs track is like a second home to Alexis and she came in hoping to have some home field advantage. She made it to her semis but missed the transfer by one spot. While Cristen riding the 15 girl class traveled in from Tennessee made her main finishing 6th.

Next up was the A,T&T show in the 8 Intermediate class. Alston Palugi (TN), Tristan Winfrey (FL) and Ty” speedy smurf” Henry (FL). Each of these young riders battled their way into the semis. Alston and Ty transferred out to the main, but Tristan ran into some trouble in turn two which resulted in a pretty nasty wreck and no transfer (he later recovered and was ready for the next day). In the 8I main Alston finished a strong 5th while Ty "Speedy Smurf” Henry was involved in a wreck on the first straight, he finished 8th. 

Daniel Deertz

One of CCSE’s newest riders Daniel Deertz (FL) continues to show why he is number one in the district and hungry to move up. He took the 12 Intermediate class by storm winning his first moto to transfer to the main and winning his main as well. 

Angelo Ligotino (FL) 15 expert found a stacked class. This was Angelo’s first race at a national as an expert. He found his way to his quarters but missed transferring to the semi by one. 

Another new rider to CCSE is Donny Nerone (FL) who rode two classes, the 31-35 cruiser and 28-38 Intermediate. Donny performed at the top of his game on Saturday finishing 8th in cruiser and 1st on the 20. 

Donald Nerone

Also racing for the weekend was team manager Bill Henry (FL) 36-40 cruiser, Zachary Simson (FL) 10 expert and Anthony Breeden (FL) 28-35 intermediate, all gave it their best effort but missed the transfers. All in all it was a good showing for the CycleCraft Southeast Team. We are proud of all our riders for the sportsmanship and efforts they all showed, Congratulations to our winners.

As always thanks to Factory CycleCraft for their support and to all our sponsors. Next stop Nashville.

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