Season Finale at NJMP: Rain, Battles, and a Strong Finish
The 2025 season wrapped up this past weekend at New Jersey Motorsports Park, and what a finale it was. From high-stakes qualifying to rain-soaked racing and one of the most exciting final laps of the season, Carson and the team gave it everything they had—finishing on a high note and showing just how far we've come.
Friday: Quick Pace and a Missed Opportunity
Carson came out swinging in Practice 1, putting in a strong time and finishing P2—setting a pace that would hold up all weekend. The setup carried over from CotA with only a gearing change, and the bike felt dialed in from the start.
Heading into Qualifying 1, we left the bike alone and Carson got right to work. He sat in P2 for most of the session, trading fast laps with Nathan Bettencourt as the two pushed each other to go faster and faster.
With around 7 minutes to go, Carson pitted for a quick drink and bike feedback. Unfortunately, when he returned to track, he got stuck in traffic and couldn’t get a clean lap. Others improved late in the session, but Carson’s earlier pace held him back to P6—back of the second row.
Saturday: Redemption in Qualifying and a Rainy Race 1
Carson came out in Qualifying 2 with something to prove. After a warm-up lap, he immediately dropped into the low 1:30s. He was consistently under his Q1 time, but traffic again became an issue. A few slower riders latched onto Carson’s wheel, hoping to follow him to a fast lap.
So, Carson backed off.
Letting them think they had a tow, he slowed dramatically—then dropped the hammer. First a 1:34.5, then a 1:29.9—becoming the only rider besides Hank to dip into the 29s all weekend. He secured P2 on the grid, his best starting position of the year, and not a moment too soon.
Rain Arrives Just in Time
By the time Race 1 rolled around, the skies had started to darken. We all became amateur meteorologists, glued to weather apps, doing our best anti-rain dances (Travis' is something to behold).
Slicks were mounted, wets were ready. Carson reported good track feel after the sighting lap—but then the rain started. First a drop. Then another. Then MotoAmerica declared a wet race, giving riders a 7-lap acclimatization session before the quick-start procedure.
We swapped tires in grid position and sent Carson out. He rode cautiously during the session, getting a feel for the conditions without taking risks—some riders didn’t make it back to the grid at all.
No setup changes were needed, and he lined up for the start on full wets in full rain.
Carson rode a smart, calculated race. He stayed with the lead pack for the first few laps before settling into P5 and running alone for most of the race. Others pushed too hard, flew past him, and paid for it—he'd repass them a corner later while they picked grass out of their helmet vents.
He brought it home in fifth, avoiding trouble, preserving the bike, and setting the stage for a dry showdown on Sunday.
Sunday: Going Out Swinging
With dry skies forecasted, we skipped the wet morning warmup. The Race 2 grid was the same: Carson starting from P2. This time, the drama came from the racing—not the weather.
He got a clean launch and tipped into Turn 1 in 3rd, locked in a tight battle with Sam and Hank during the early laps. But then, chaos.
A rider in their first event of the season nearly took Carson out, forcing him wide and making him lose contact with the lead pack. That left him and Nathan in a four-rider group fighting for P3, with Jake Paige constantly interfering—powered by motor, not momentum.
Jake would blast by on the straight, then hold everyone up into Turn 1, preventing Carson and Nathan from finding a rhythm. Every lap was a game of chess and horsepower.
A Final Lap to Remember
On the final lap, Carson and Nathan finally had a gap to Jake and made the most of it—both laying down their best laps of the race. Carson threw everything at it, the whole kitchen sink, trying to make the pass on Nathan.
Coming out of Turn 10, he nearly highsided but somehow held onto it. That moment sealed it—Carson finished P4, just three-tenths behind Nathan at the line.
An absolutely incredible way to finish both the weekend and the season.
Reflections on 2025: Growth, Grit, and Gratitude
This season pushed everyone—riders, mechanics, family, and crew. It tested our patience, challenged our knowledge, and forced us all to grow in ways we never expected.
There were highs, lows, and some ridiculous RV repairs. But through it all, we built something better. We built a team.
And while the season felt long, we’re already missing the track. There’s no “next race” on the calendar—for now. But we’re already looking ahead.
See you in 2026.