discodan
30th December 2009, 09:23
I have tried to keep this brief but there is heaps of action to cover so here goes.
Manfeild
I was lucky to even get out on the track for this one as I had real trouble getting some brake seals from a local dealer. They finally arrived the day before but I had already put my old ones back in so that the bike would be ready. Typically, the brakes were found to be leaking when I arrived at the track so by the time the new ones went in I was putting the cap back on the brake fluid reservoir just as F3 qualifying went out... phew!
My goal for this weekend was to finish as first ProTwin and set a 1:15 lap time so I was stoked to have done a 1:15 already, which put me 3rd on the grid and lining up next to the F3 top dogs on the front row. I got a pretty good start and slotted into 3rd after turn one. Terry must have got a good start as he flew past on the back straight to put me back to 4th. I kept pushing to keep up and it almost seemed like I was keeping the gap to Terry constant, that’s when I lost the rear coming out of the hairpin. Fortunately it was only a lowside due to a wider line to get the power down early; unfortunately it was the final straw for my rearsets and meant that I would call it a day early.
Later I found out that I had done a 1:14.6 the lap before the crash thanks to a fresh set of Pirellis so no points but still pretty happy. Also, thanks to Steve at F1 for getting me some new rearsets and handle bars to me at such a busy time of year – http://rapidartnz.com/
Wanganui
It was my first time doing a street race so I was pumped for this one. Got there on Xmas day and set up the pits without too many dramas so all set for the next day. I got my virgin sticker and went out for a few sighting laps. Instantly I found myself keeping to the left of the centre line and it hit home that this was a totally different ball game to the circuits I normally race at. The track seemed like a mine field with painted lines, man hole covers and even some damp parts - where did that water come from?!
I came back in still trying to get my head around the situation and the fact that I would be riding at full speed in a few hours. The first practice session was like what I imagine riding a litre bike around Taupo must feel like, as soon as you get on the gas you have to get on the brakes again. Other riders such as Deano and Ashley were clearly faster, pulling out meters at every corner so I was not surprised to be off the pace with a 1:00 lap time and 15th quickest.
The sun started putting heat into the road / track for the next session and I felt much more comfortable, braking harder and leaning over further. A lap time of 1:56 put me 10th on the grid, which I was ok with as I had the inside line for turn one.
Race 1
Just before the race Mr Buckley assured me that no one makes it through the first corner without swapping paint... he was right. I got a good launch, making the most of the v-twin power delivery and thought I had about 4th into turn one, not so, a bike came flying across to cut my nose off and we made contact taking my foot off the foot rest, before I could gain control again I felt another bump from behind. Bikes had gone down (due to a chain reaction I’m guessing) and the race was red flagged by smashing a flag across Bill van den Hovens chest as we rode through the esses shattering the flag pole into splinters - this shit is hardcore!
The second start was much cleaner but I got boxed in a little more and enjoyed the race, eventually ending in a photo finish with Trevor Delany but with him getting it by 0.012 seconds! This meant that I finished up where I started in 10th but learning where I was slower to improve for the next race.
Race 2
For the second and final race I got away cleanly and started setting a pace quicker than the first race. I had some good battles with Chappy and Deano and really wanted to catch Ash but ran out of laps, which meant I finished in 6th place. As soon as I came into the pits I wanted to go out for another race but will have to wait for Paeroa maybe. I have to say though; can Wanganui be outsourced to be run by the Vic Club next year? Nuff said.
TRRS
I got up early the next day to drive to Taupo in time for the second F3 practice session before the endurance race, which I had elected not to do due to $$$ etc. It was all over after four laps but I noticed that the track had gained some new bumps since I was there a couple of months ago.
I awoke the next day feeling a bit under the weather but pleased to see blue sky. Qualifying went well and the track was dry, I put my head down and the lap timer indicated a 1:41 about 3 laps into the session. Someone had dragged dirt onto the race line in turn one so I opted to finish early, this is where the day went downhill.
On the way back into the pits I was stopped and informed that my numbers were hard to read from the timing box. No transponders means semi-manual timing, which is fine as it worked fine for the post classic GP last time I was there. Unfortunately the time keeper must have forgotten their glasses that day as a significant number of riders including me failed to post a qualifying time due to their numbers not being visible enough. I can fully understand that this could be a problem but seen as my numbers have been fine in the past and the fact that this meant that I had to start from the back of the grid I couldn’t help but be a bit pissed off.
I spoke to Scrivy who was good about it but understandably couldn’t do much at that point. I did notice at least one other higher profile rider managed to get moved up the grid after suffering the same problem however.
I lined up for race one knowing that I had lost my chance to get a good finish at what I had predicted to be my strongest circuit in the Tri Series whaa whaa.
Race 1
Anyway, the weather was changing by the minute and we hadn’t even completed a lap before the rain came down a lot heavier and we all pulled into the pits to change over to wets (for those who had them). Thanks to loads of help I made it out onto the grid in time for the restart. The flag dropped and I weaved my way through the pack into turn one. A couple of corners later and I didn’t have much confidence in the tyres so I decided to start slow and build up speed gradually. I had a few good little battles but never really felt comfortable with the tyres, I didn’t have time to warm them or set the pressures so not too surprising. I finished 8th and not overly happy but glad that I didn’t wreck the bike at least.
Race 2
I lined up for race two under sunny skies and a dry track. I got a good start but again got held up through the infield so it was quite a tricky race but plenty of fun. Passing became much harder as I got to faster riders but eventually caught up to Neil and Ashley and knew I had a battle on my hands. I got by Ash in my usual passing spot and put my head down to catch Neil. I had a great race with Neil as we traded places a few times. I got a better drive onto the back straight and I reeled him in to put an end to it just before the checkered flag. I braked a bit later than normal but it wasn’t late enough apparently as a he crept around the outside of me as we entered the final chicane with Ash looking to pick up the pieces right on our tails. I wondered if he would get it stopped in time so I got ready to dart up the inside of the last corner but he made it stick and bet me to the line, nice one bro. I finished 8th.
So I was a bit disappointed with the results and regretted not pushing a bit harder but on the bright side I don’t have to do any fibre glass repairs for a while and I learnt a thing or two about setup thanks to Robert.
Overall, I had a good series even if the results didn’t live up to expectations. At least I don’t have long before I can get back on the bike for my first stab at the Nationals at Ruapuna – can’t wait!
Manfeild
I was lucky to even get out on the track for this one as I had real trouble getting some brake seals from a local dealer. They finally arrived the day before but I had already put my old ones back in so that the bike would be ready. Typically, the brakes were found to be leaking when I arrived at the track so by the time the new ones went in I was putting the cap back on the brake fluid reservoir just as F3 qualifying went out... phew!
My goal for this weekend was to finish as first ProTwin and set a 1:15 lap time so I was stoked to have done a 1:15 already, which put me 3rd on the grid and lining up next to the F3 top dogs on the front row. I got a pretty good start and slotted into 3rd after turn one. Terry must have got a good start as he flew past on the back straight to put me back to 4th. I kept pushing to keep up and it almost seemed like I was keeping the gap to Terry constant, that’s when I lost the rear coming out of the hairpin. Fortunately it was only a lowside due to a wider line to get the power down early; unfortunately it was the final straw for my rearsets and meant that I would call it a day early.
Later I found out that I had done a 1:14.6 the lap before the crash thanks to a fresh set of Pirellis so no points but still pretty happy. Also, thanks to Steve at F1 for getting me some new rearsets and handle bars to me at such a busy time of year – http://rapidartnz.com/
Wanganui
It was my first time doing a street race so I was pumped for this one. Got there on Xmas day and set up the pits without too many dramas so all set for the next day. I got my virgin sticker and went out for a few sighting laps. Instantly I found myself keeping to the left of the centre line and it hit home that this was a totally different ball game to the circuits I normally race at. The track seemed like a mine field with painted lines, man hole covers and even some damp parts - where did that water come from?!
I came back in still trying to get my head around the situation and the fact that I would be riding at full speed in a few hours. The first practice session was like what I imagine riding a litre bike around Taupo must feel like, as soon as you get on the gas you have to get on the brakes again. Other riders such as Deano and Ashley were clearly faster, pulling out meters at every corner so I was not surprised to be off the pace with a 1:00 lap time and 15th quickest.
The sun started putting heat into the road / track for the next session and I felt much more comfortable, braking harder and leaning over further. A lap time of 1:56 put me 10th on the grid, which I was ok with as I had the inside line for turn one.
Race 1
Just before the race Mr Buckley assured me that no one makes it through the first corner without swapping paint... he was right. I got a good launch, making the most of the v-twin power delivery and thought I had about 4th into turn one, not so, a bike came flying across to cut my nose off and we made contact taking my foot off the foot rest, before I could gain control again I felt another bump from behind. Bikes had gone down (due to a chain reaction I’m guessing) and the race was red flagged by smashing a flag across Bill van den Hovens chest as we rode through the esses shattering the flag pole into splinters - this shit is hardcore!
The second start was much cleaner but I got boxed in a little more and enjoyed the race, eventually ending in a photo finish with Trevor Delany but with him getting it by 0.012 seconds! This meant that I finished up where I started in 10th but learning where I was slower to improve for the next race.
Race 2
For the second and final race I got away cleanly and started setting a pace quicker than the first race. I had some good battles with Chappy and Deano and really wanted to catch Ash but ran out of laps, which meant I finished in 6th place. As soon as I came into the pits I wanted to go out for another race but will have to wait for Paeroa maybe. I have to say though; can Wanganui be outsourced to be run by the Vic Club next year? Nuff said.
TRRS
I got up early the next day to drive to Taupo in time for the second F3 practice session before the endurance race, which I had elected not to do due to $$$ etc. It was all over after four laps but I noticed that the track had gained some new bumps since I was there a couple of months ago.
I awoke the next day feeling a bit under the weather but pleased to see blue sky. Qualifying went well and the track was dry, I put my head down and the lap timer indicated a 1:41 about 3 laps into the session. Someone had dragged dirt onto the race line in turn one so I opted to finish early, this is where the day went downhill.
On the way back into the pits I was stopped and informed that my numbers were hard to read from the timing box. No transponders means semi-manual timing, which is fine as it worked fine for the post classic GP last time I was there. Unfortunately the time keeper must have forgotten their glasses that day as a significant number of riders including me failed to post a qualifying time due to their numbers not being visible enough. I can fully understand that this could be a problem but seen as my numbers have been fine in the past and the fact that this meant that I had to start from the back of the grid I couldn’t help but be a bit pissed off.
I spoke to Scrivy who was good about it but understandably couldn’t do much at that point. I did notice at least one other higher profile rider managed to get moved up the grid after suffering the same problem however.
I lined up for race one knowing that I had lost my chance to get a good finish at what I had predicted to be my strongest circuit in the Tri Series whaa whaa.
Race 1
Anyway, the weather was changing by the minute and we hadn’t even completed a lap before the rain came down a lot heavier and we all pulled into the pits to change over to wets (for those who had them). Thanks to loads of help I made it out onto the grid in time for the restart. The flag dropped and I weaved my way through the pack into turn one. A couple of corners later and I didn’t have much confidence in the tyres so I decided to start slow and build up speed gradually. I had a few good little battles but never really felt comfortable with the tyres, I didn’t have time to warm them or set the pressures so not too surprising. I finished 8th and not overly happy but glad that I didn’t wreck the bike at least.
Race 2
I lined up for race two under sunny skies and a dry track. I got a good start but again got held up through the infield so it was quite a tricky race but plenty of fun. Passing became much harder as I got to faster riders but eventually caught up to Neil and Ashley and knew I had a battle on my hands. I got by Ash in my usual passing spot and put my head down to catch Neil. I had a great race with Neil as we traded places a few times. I got a better drive onto the back straight and I reeled him in to put an end to it just before the checkered flag. I braked a bit later than normal but it wasn’t late enough apparently as a he crept around the outside of me as we entered the final chicane with Ash looking to pick up the pieces right on our tails. I wondered if he would get it stopped in time so I got ready to dart up the inside of the last corner but he made it stick and bet me to the line, nice one bro. I finished 8th.
So I was a bit disappointed with the results and regretted not pushing a bit harder but on the bright side I don’t have to do any fibre glass repairs for a while and I learnt a thing or two about setup thanks to Robert.
Overall, I had a good series even if the results didn’t live up to expectations. At least I don’t have long before I can get back on the bike for my first stab at the Nationals at Ruapuna – can’t wait!