Couldn't have asked for better weather yesterday for the Vernon Hills Grand Prix. Sunny, warm, and a light westerly breeze for the race. There was a very strong xXx showing for the 5's field. I think 13 out of the full field of 50 were teammates, which was pretty impressive. I heard they even had to turn a few riders away at registration. Rode the course for my warm up and was feeling pretty good. Checked distances coming down the stretch to know were to expect the final sprint to start and the legs were feeling ok. Turn 3 looked like it would be the one to string out the pack some as it was narrow on the exit with the curb/median on the outside and a slight rise coming out. The race got off without a hitch. Started up front and the first couple of laps I stayed up there with several other xXx riders. Holy brakes. Very brake happy every lap going in to turns 2 and 3. For a few laps I drifted back to about mid pack, and sat in watching throughout each lap where the pace quickened and slowed. With 3 to go as we crossed the start/finish I worked my way to the outside of the pack, though in doing so slipped towards the back. My plan was to breeze up along the outside of the pack back up front coming up the slight incline out of turn 3, where there was protection from the wind and it would take minimal effort to do so. Going in to turn 3 there was a crash, with 3 riders going down. Unfortunately it was right in front of me, almost forcing me to stop. I made it through ok, but the pace up front quickened leaving a gap that would be the end of my riding with the pack for the day. For the final 2 laps, I dug in and gave it everything to try to catch back on, passing other riders who were popped off as the pack had picked up speed as well for those laps, but I wouldn't catch them and I crossed the finish line about 30 seconds back with no one around me. It was a little disappointing to be gapped for the crash since I was sitting in comfortably for a change. Unlucky, but I'd put myself in a bad spot to start with. I finished the race safely, so no complaints. With a teammate winning and 3 others in the top 10, it was a strong showing for xXx. It was still a very fun race, and lessons learned for next time.