6/13/2009-6/14/2009
WMRRA Race Report round 4
Friday –
As usual. I perform a pre race check on the bike by verifying the torque seal, oil and water levels, tire condition, wash the bike (again). Nothing worse than a dirty bike.
I ended up buying an Ogio gear bag a few weeks prior from a local TT participant Steve John. Funny thing is, when I went to his house to pick up the bag, we sat and chatted for quite a while about the TT and The Isle Of Man. This guy had more trophies than anyone I have ever seen. Obviously a very accomplished road racer with a TT under his belt. That said, now I have a gear bag with TT credits! Sweet!.
This weekend will also be the real test of my new Bell Star helmet under racing conditions.
Trailer loaded with bike, 5000watt generator, air compressor, tools, fire extinguishers. Gotta love the Baxley Sport Chalk!
Saturday –
The morning started off as I wake up before the crack of dawn and make my delish coffee for the road trip. Pack my cooler and hit the road for my 45 mile drive.
The weather forcast for the day was great!. Can you believe it? Four race weekends with no rain! Must be a wmrra record.
0715 –
Tech (scrutineering to my Team mates in the UK)
I check in my gear. Gear check I get commented on “How organized I was” which is funny because I think I’m scatter brained sometimes. Must be caused by the job…
Bike goes thru tech and I get complimented on the safety wire of my bike. Safety wire was always one of my pet peeves when I was in the USMC. A number one safety wire G.I! haha.
At 0830 we get called to the mandatory riders meeting. Seemed slightly somber as the race director spoke of one of our club members that was recently brutally murdered in an armored car heist.
The usual deal on flags and procedures. I actually pay attention to this stuff.
0900 Practice 1 –
Missed
1040 Practice 2 –
Got the horn for newbie’s to the track. First practice was uneventful. Did five whole laps. Found out that my AMB battery was dead. No biggie.
1410 Heat 1 –
To tell you the truth, I really don’t remember where I was gridded. I think it was 5-2, but who cares…this is novice..
We do our warm up recon lap and grid . Board up, sideways, light out. Off we go. As usual, I get passed on start. I think I'm to cautious with a bunch of us flying towards turn one not really knowing what we are doing…bikes are expensive. Anyways, first two laps I’m in 22nd position..
Lap 3 21
Laps 4-8 I finish in 19th position.
I did drop my lap times down by 4 seconds though with a best lap time of 1:41.183
I’m telling you , there are some really fast novices out there. I’m guessing they have 10k laps at Pacific Raceways. I just need more seat time at the track.
Sunday –
0830 Riders Meeting
Again we go over the flags which I think is very important, regardless how many times you have heard it.
After the flags, we have a moment of silence for our fallen racer. There will be a three lap slow parade of all the racers during lunch.
1040 Practice –
Five laps. Was fun
1410 Heat 2 – Weather was much cooler than it was yesterday as we head out for our warmup/recon lap.
I grid in 4-1. Board up, sideways, light out. We are off, I mean they are off…im guessing that most of the field has passed me. Oh well.
The first lap is always a charlie foxtrot of bikes.
Laps 1-2 27th position..
Lap 3 25th
Lap 4 24th
Lap 5 22nd
On lap 5, I over shoot the bus stop but managed to keep in on two wheels
Lap 6 23rd
Lap 7 22nd
Lap 8 21st
Best lap time 1;41.100
So, here is what I really think. The only thing I need to work on is the start. Regardless of my finishes, this has been the best race for me to date. Here is why I say that.
Besides the start, I no longer have that “freaked out Chihuahua” feeling. I will definitely give my friend Mike Mclane the credit for this. Previously, I was taking a more defensive line throughout the track, which slowed me down and made it much more difficult. Mike showed me new lines and now I m 100% confident except the start.
In this race, I was passing in the death chute, passing in turn 2, turn three and prior to 5. Also passing out of 7 and thru 8, 9 and exiting 9. hell, I’m now dragging knee thru most of the turns, (2,4,6,7,8,9 )
My main focus for the next race will be the start.. maybe a little more self hypnosis.
Helmet review –
Bell Star. All I have to say is that my Arai is no comparison. I will consider the Arai a piece of junk. The Bell Star is the best helmet ever. At 160+ mph, there is no buffeting, lift or fogging on the grid. I can’t even tell I’m wearing it. Seriously. It is that good.
The helmet is noisy, but I always wear ear plugs. The chin strap seems to be a little more difficult to release than other helmets, but I think I can handle taking a helmet off.
Smokin deal at www.motorcyclecloseouts.com
I would like to thank:
Heidi for unconditional support & helping live part of my dream http://www.facebook.com/people/Heidi-Wh ... 1346124021
My Team Mates at Team Kaka Racing for their racing wisdom www.kakaracing.co.uk
Mike McLane at FLB Racing www.flb-racing.com
WMRRA Staff. Getting it rolling even in a pinch. Liz rocks!
Troy- Bridgestone guru at Pennell Power sports
Sponsors/Plugs –
AMC Pankration School of Hard Knocks, Submission & Training. www.pankration.com
www.Irishroadracers.com
Lombardo’s Pizzeria www.lombardospizzeria.net
The Tacoma Rocket www.tacomarocket.com
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