| Nationals were held at Northstar at Tahoe again this | | | | semifinal heat Kolka got the hole shot and lead |
| year, both racers and course officials had to battle | | | | through the first five turns to the middle of the |
| the weather. The last snow that fell on the course | | | | course when making a toeside turn at the gates the |
| came on March 26th and the temps had been in the | | | | second place rider tried to make an unmanageable |
| 60's for weeks. Racers were not allowed their | | | | pass. Both racers locked bindings and were ejected |
| practice days and officials had to remove a table | | | | off the course. Kolka hobbled back to the gate and |
| near the finish because parts of the course began to | | | | rode to a 4th place finish before getting an |
| show dirt. Reports from pharmphresh's own Darrin | | | | ambulance ride to the ER. |
| Kolka, a Midwestern hopeful and good friend from | | | | After racing open class for a number of years |
| Sun Prairie, WI, say that the course was more | | | | seeking the better competition in the Midwest, Kolka |
| technical than last year. "It was very turny and big | | | | competed this year in the masters division with his |
| this year with a lot of rollers." | | | | eyes on a national title. Even though his season |
| In the time trial Kolka qualified in 5th, one second | | | | ended in an unfortunate crash, Kolka was happy |
| behind the leader. The quarter finals held four heats | | | | overall with his season and had this to say, "I couldn't |
| of five with Kolka finishing 2nd. With six racers in his | | | | have done anything different. |