MotorcycleUSA’s friends at Shift Racing sent us this latest report from Alex Fores, who gives the inside scoop on his winning run at  the XDL Sportbike Freestyle Championship in Phoenix, AZ.

Round 5 of the XDL series was the next step on the agenda. After a grueling crash in Indy in front of an ecstatic MotoGP crowd, I knew something had to be done about it.

All of my hair had grown back in after pulling it out trying to get the new bike ready for Round 5 in Phoenix. Let’s just say having a 400 lb street bike go tumbling…well, I didn't have the confidence I once had riding that machine. Luckily I had the chance to pick up a fresh ‘06 Kawi 636 and had armed it for battle just in the nick of time.

With a fresh wrap from 100proofink custom bike wraps, I must admit, it’s the sickest looking bike I have ever owned. We rolled in Thursday to get a quick practice session in at an abandoned airport in the middle of nowhere; not even a lizard was to be found in the 95 degree weather. It was my first time riding the new bike and I adapted well. One small problem did prevail with the idle at high rpm’s but I couldn't let that phase me.

With a tight battle ensuing for the championship I had to pull a win out of the hat to have any chance at regaining my title. A strong field showed up on game day in front of an anxious Hot Import Nights crowd. Qualifying was an intense battle; all competitors threw down great runs and I ended up qualifying second next to Bill D.

My final run was immaculate; I threw it down, killing the no-hander circles and this was by far the best run I’ve had all year. I knew I had a great run and felt it was worthy enough for first which ended up being true. With only nine points separating the top three, I know I have to throw the nastiest run down for the Final round in Long beach. So stay tuned for the final results…better yet see it for yourself on November 8th in Long Beach, CA.