Cleve
13th March 2006, 14:32
First a big thanks to motobob for the ride in his truck. Cheers.
It has been over 12 years since I last raced in anger, although over the years I have done a few track days (mostly at Puke).
To arrive at Puke soaking wet and still raining was wee bit concerning. My fears were not reduced in anyway by the first practice. One I had never raced or been around Puke in the wet. Two, every one else had wets and I just had my road tyres. Three, I was overtaken by a faster rider on a GSXR 600 who a couple of corners later went down big time in front of me on the fast left hander by pit entry. (Later I heard it was a Kiwi Biker, 2 stroker was that you? Are you ok?)
Thank god it was dry by the first race. I got a great start from the 3rd row and by lap two thought I could go around the outside of a blue R6 (who I think is another KiwiBiker but I didn't get to catch up). However I was a bit ambitious, out braked myself and ended up dirt tracking my way through to the entry of castrol, without hurting myself or anyone else on the way. Calmed down and finished the race with a few other riders behind me.
Race 2 I got another good start and was able to stay ahead of more riders and got past a lovely 250 2 stroker due purely to more top speed down the back straight on my behalf than any extra skill. Couldn't catch that other damn R6 though. What has he done to that engine?
Race 3 I got an awesome start and found myself about 5th around the first corner. I was soon put back into my place by one of the regular front runners who knocked my knee has he cut up my inside in to the first left hander. "Whoa, OK, you are after championship points and I am just here for a bit of fun - off you go sonny..."
Had an awesome day and confirmed to me that the decision to go racing again at 40 was the right one.
Well done to all the other Kiwibikers (especially Frosty for his well deserved victories)
See you in Taupo on the 30th. (The next one I can make)
It has been over 12 years since I last raced in anger, although over the years I have done a few track days (mostly at Puke).
To arrive at Puke soaking wet and still raining was wee bit concerning. My fears were not reduced in anyway by the first practice. One I had never raced or been around Puke in the wet. Two, every one else had wets and I just had my road tyres. Three, I was overtaken by a faster rider on a GSXR 600 who a couple of corners later went down big time in front of me on the fast left hander by pit entry. (Later I heard it was a Kiwi Biker, 2 stroker was that you? Are you ok?)
Thank god it was dry by the first race. I got a great start from the 3rd row and by lap two thought I could go around the outside of a blue R6 (who I think is another KiwiBiker but I didn't get to catch up). However I was a bit ambitious, out braked myself and ended up dirt tracking my way through to the entry of castrol, without hurting myself or anyone else on the way. Calmed down and finished the race with a few other riders behind me.
Race 2 I got another good start and was able to stay ahead of more riders and got past a lovely 250 2 stroker due purely to more top speed down the back straight on my behalf than any extra skill. Couldn't catch that other damn R6 though. What has he done to that engine?
Race 3 I got an awesome start and found myself about 5th around the first corner. I was soon put back into my place by one of the regular front runners who knocked my knee has he cut up my inside in to the first left hander. "Whoa, OK, you are after championship points and I am just here for a bit of fun - off you go sonny..."
Had an awesome day and confirmed to me that the decision to go racing again at 40 was the right one.
Well done to all the other Kiwibikers (especially Frosty for his well deserved victories)
See you in Taupo on the 30th. (The next one I can make)