My mind is Friese-ing

Yep. It was before my time but I read about how they said they had a break in and someone smashed all their blocks but didn't take them....sounds like a big ol cover up to me

I can sympathize with Friese a bit, I was very much similar at times during my pro career. I was an absolute beast starter. Didn't matter where, or who else was on the gate, I "knew" I was going to pull a holeshot. It is absolutely 99% mental when it comes to starts. Knowing you will get a holeshot is hard to explain to people that get 1 or 2 in a season. I occasionally got a bad start or what I considered to be a bad start and would have to battle but it was definitely not the norm.
The part I can feel for him is I was my own worst enemy in many ways, I knew I would get the start, I knew I was faster than just about anyone for 4 to 7 laps, I also knew that I would pull away from most people. Then it was a matter of holding on when the pack started reeling me in from getting tired/arm pump towards the end of the moto. I've been there, it sucks, but it is what it is. I can also say, I did way gnarlier shit than Friese does...But I was also way tougher than he is too so guys would have to decide if it was worth it after the moto. I trained, I rode 3 days a week, I ran etc.. but I never was able to fully stop getting arm pump. It was my downfall my entire career. But it was the 80's and 90's and well, that was a long time ago. Just a bit of perspective from someone who has a similar tale...sort-of.

Same, 2009 could have been his year without that knee injury. I hope he can win a Canadian championship before he retires.

Must be frustrating to get good starts knowing you are going to get shuffled back constantly over each lap by faster guys. Probably messes with your head in some way or another. same with m. alessi. Most racers try and move forward. Alessi and Friese try not to move back too quickly; different mind set.