7/20/05
From a press release:

Ford Quality Checked-backed Chris Carr Breaks Out The Red Pen And Grades He And His Team's Efforts On The AMA/Ford QC Flat Track Championship Series Thus Far

Overall AMA/Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Series points leader's give high marks in most areas

FLEETWOOD, Pa., (July 20, 2005) -Current AMA/Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-owned Flat Track Championship series points leader Chris Carr of the Ford Quality Checked Team has had a much-deserved couple weeks off before getting back to racing again this weekend in Greenville, Ohio. So, given that his mom's an English teacher and Chris is no stranger to a grade book, the AMA's all time winningest active flat track racer decided to put the grades to the Ford Quality Checked team thus far.

Bike set up with chief mechanic Kenny Tolbert

"Overall, beginning with our maiden voyage on a concept bike in March at Daytona, I'd have to say we did real well - racing around a football field we came away with points, so we were pleased there," said Carr. "Kenny's been doing a great job, as he always has. Worked with him last 18 years, and we're both continually trying to learn and improve. So when Kenny's preparing the bikes, if there's something he doesn't know, he'll always find out how to master it. This makes him the top mechanic on the circuit, that and his dedication and the way he's always trying to improve his toolbox continues to amaze me every year." Overall grade: A-plus

Tracks

Mile: "At Springfield we were second, but in contention for the win - just got out-foxed at the end," said Carr. "Syracuse we won, leading 14 of the 25 laps." Overall grade: A-minus

Half Mile: "While we were dominant at Joliet (Ill.), we struggled a bit at Lima (Ohio) for fourth overall," said Carr. "At Lake Odessa (Mich.) we were in the hunt, raced consistently (3rd)." Overall grade: B-plus

TT/Short Track: "Terrible at Springfield, but with only two short track races on the schedule, we could get it up to a 'B' with a good race at Peoria (Ill.) in August," said Carr. "We've got some good ideas and can improve our grade real easily." Overall grade: D

Starts

"Mine have been good and bad," said Carr. "In the races I've won, the start wasn't all that important. At Springfield I won $500 for the holeshot, so that was cool. Starts haven't been as good as they should be - only one holeshot all year. In the rest I've got off the line in third, fourth and fifth. It's an area that definitely needs work. Overall grade: B-minus

Race Strategy

"My race craft has been pretty good, one worked and one didn't with the miles," said Carr. "The half mile races take more riding skill, less strategy. I feel my riding has been good so far, but there are still areas I need to work on. Bikes have been real good, I just haven't been riding them to their full potential yet." Overall grade: B

Points Standings

"That's our real report card in a sense," noted Carr. "I appear to be doing better than every body else, up to this last race. But by all means, if I can improve on the areas which aren't wins, and continue to get those results up, we'll be good. Lot of work to do yet, it's by no means locked up." Overall grade: Inc.

Overall Competition

"This year's is pretty stiff," says Carr. "The past couple years we've had a handful of guys you had to keep an eye on, some new guys this year that have been up in the top five. We've got seven races in the books with six winners, so you won't find any other AMA series with that much parity. I truly believe this is one of the hardest championships to win - and I'm proud of the AMA/Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship for that." Overall grade: A-plus. "These guys are keeping me hoppin' every week!"


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