After all my luck this season, I was happy to hear that I had to go to Italy for a test with the RedBull Rookies Cup program. Mostly so we all had the chance to sign the 5 year contract for them and to get and meet the other "Rookies". I had a real good time over there. Me and my dad showed up a day before any of the other riders or parents, which made a good time to get to know some the workers. We ended up eating with Josh, who does most of the talking in the meetings, a lady that does the press media for KTM, and another lady that works for WWP, which was who all the mechanics are from. The next day people started coming in. We ate dinner with Dean Mitchell and Stewart Mitchell and Stewarts granddad who vaguely reminds me of Bert Munroe from "The Worlds Fastest Indian"! After meeting the English participant, we head back to the motel thinking we would go to the room to settle down and go to sleep. As the elevator barely big enough for two people doors open, we see JD, Cameron, and Norm trying to sqeeze out I began to realize that this night was going to be longer then I thought.We ended up going to eat with them coincidently at the same restaurant. We finally get back and get to bed which was good because I thought I was about to pass out anyways. The next morning I ate breakfast at the complimentary breakfast thing and waited for the group to make their way down so we could take off to the track for the first day of the official test. Luckily we ended up doing exactly what I wanted them to do. They lined us up and let us go, of course after a practice and qualifying practice. I grided 2nd row disappointingly. I got a bad start and started trying to make it all up. I passed an English kid and lead him about a lap before he tried his first out of positioned pass. Running his bike up the inside of me on entrance of the hairpin ran both of us off the track. I finished 8th after this little incident. Cameron lost his chance to ride both days after a high-side his second practice. He fractured his arm a few weeks ago and was healing from it. He did not re-fracture it but made a good attempt at it, leaving him soar in the hip area and arm. The next day was horrible with fog in the morning. We all had to wait for the fog to settle and clear up before we could ride. So we all made our way to the cafeteria/restaurant for some food. After lunch we headed down to get ready. In qualifying I met with the English rider that ran me off of the track the first day. After passing him down the back stretch, he makes another very out of place pass. He ran up the inside as I crossed the track for the chicane and tried to pass me back. He hit me almost in a T-bone position. His elbow hit my front brake which I was already on. This sent my bike fish-tailing! I barely was able to save it. I qualified 7th again on the 2nd row. With my ex motocross background, I knew exactly how to start (the bikes we rode had Husky 125 motocross motors in them.) I had a good start until the first turn came. A failing attempt on an inside passed left me a little behind than I would like but I made a good effort to make it up. About lap 14, I caught JD who was riding with the leading pack till he made a mistake into one. I followed him for a few laps and made a pass on him into one on the brakes. As soon as I passed him and the bike settled in the turn, I crack the throttle and head down the back stretch. As I reach about half way down the back straight I see an amazing crash. I saw bikes going into three which was a sweeper left following a flick right where it all took place. All of a sudden A bike flips and a rider gets body-slammed hard. As soon as I saw the red flag I throw my hand up realizing that I would be scored 5th instead of the third I was in when it came out. That's where I was going across the line last time. So a disappointment I didnt try the pass on JD sooner that way I could atleast say that I beat him. After all this, I didn't realize that it wouldn't turn out as bad as it seemed at the moment. The night before our plane left I got to see Vinnince which was something amazing. The water canals as roads the lessened noise from no cars and the peaceful environment was just awesome. I cant wait till I get the chance to go back. Well my year is officially done. Time to hit the motocross tracks for winter training!!