Jackie wins second stop of Nor-Am tour!

Jackie Hernandez  showed up to the first two stops of the FIS SBX Nor-am tour with one goal in mind.  I tried to persuade her that top four was a good goal in either of the first two stops, she was confident and serious in her response. " I want to win" " Fair enough." i said, "lets get to it."  With back to back days competing on the same course it gave us ample time to prepare and develop a solid plan.

Day one on the fast 55 second course at Copper Mtn. Colorado and it quickly became clear that Jackie meant business.  After a second fastest first run, she stepped it up on her second run and narrowly won the time trial by .14.  This gave her the ever important first lane choice throughout the day and into the heats she breezed through the first two rounds winning each by several board lengths.  In the Final it was the number three qualifier Chloe Banning from Steamboat who got the hole shot and was able to hold Jackie off all the way to the bottom.

Day two began with weather moving in and we quickly realized that the course was going to slow as the snow fell.  Jackie made sure there was nothing left to chance and laid down the fastest first run by .43.  Even after some course maintenance between runs the new snow proved to be too much for the field for the second run as times slowed it became apparent that her first run time would stand.

Similar to the day before Jackie eased through her first three rounds winning each heat. After a quick board change to better handle the new snow in the finals she again faced Chloe Banning from Steamboat.  Jackie won the start, gave up the lead once on a tricky inside move in turn three, but recollected herself and passed Chloe on turn four and was able to hold her off for the win.

It was an exciting day of racing and i am looking forward to the next stop of the tour in Big White, CAN next week.  The overall tour winner of the five stop series will earn a personal spot for their nation for the 2010-11 World Cup season.  Jackie is currently tied for first.

Thanks,
Mike