boostin
26th June 2008, 19:08
Well it was an early Thursday morning that I left Auckland to start the trip to Manfield. After stopping into Hamilton to pick up some new Quasi gloves I arrived at Scracha's place to collect him. An overpriced cheese on toast lunch later we made it to Feilding and checked into the campsite. It turns out a little experience goes a long way as Scracha breaks out the fan heater to heat the freezing cold cabin.
Test Day
This was a good day as I managed to find my way around Manfield. It was my first time there so I was lucky to have Scracha follow me for a few laps, and then let me follow him around for a bit. Then a quick debrief he let me know on some areas that I can improve on. Thanks mate.
The worlds shortest pub crawl through Fielding found some interesting places to drink after a days riding. A little bit of warning, only head to the 'Kiwi' if you have the hardest bikers backing you up. I had a Scotsman that no one could understand, so I was right.
Race Day
Got to the track early to get a stall as I was not sure how much spare room Nicki had in her shed. Turns out there was more than enough but as I was already setup I just stayed put. Managed to sign on before a queue had formed so that was nice.
Qualifying
Both of my Qualifying efforts were average. I just wanted to get a spot of the grid without throwing the bike away in the cold. I managed to do that ending up the back somewhere on both grids.
Post Classic Race 1
Don't really remember much about this one, got an ok start and went round and round for 6 laps. Managed a 1:24 that was nice, thought that was going to be about as fast as it would get.
F3 Race 1 (restart)
By this time I was a little more serious. Got an ok start and passed some people, was also passed by some. Was following Scracha when he went down in turn 1, had to stand the bike up and then go back inside him as he tumbled along the track. Tough way to learn that Drew was right, you can spin up the rear of a 400. I finished 8th with a best time of 1:22.7.
F3 Race 2
I had handed the bike over to Scracha to use for the second post classic race because I didn’t fell up to two long races. Having not really had any lunch I wanted to take it easy and not make any stupid mistakes. Got an ok start and got passed by about 4 bikes a couple of laps in. Couldn't keep up with them as they started to get away form me. Then a silver? sv? got passed me and started to pull a gap. I put my head down to catch them, and I managed to be within striking distance when I saw the white flag. I thought that it has to be this lap. Getting to Higgins I was right on his rear wheel, in hindsight I should have tried to go up the inside here. Going into the last turn and he went in deep/out wide and I tried to sneak through the inside. Only took a moment until I was sliding along on my back hearing that funny fiberglass/metal v track noise. Glad to find I didn't have any neck injury. DNF with a best time of 1:22.7 again.
Packed up and headed to the pub for some warmer accommodation and a few drinks. A few tales were told. Turns out you can spin up the rear on a 400 and only girls don't crash??
Thanks to tall the volunteers that give up thier time and ran the day!
Good weekend all round.
Test Day
This was a good day as I managed to find my way around Manfield. It was my first time there so I was lucky to have Scracha follow me for a few laps, and then let me follow him around for a bit. Then a quick debrief he let me know on some areas that I can improve on. Thanks mate.
The worlds shortest pub crawl through Fielding found some interesting places to drink after a days riding. A little bit of warning, only head to the 'Kiwi' if you have the hardest bikers backing you up. I had a Scotsman that no one could understand, so I was right.
Race Day
Got to the track early to get a stall as I was not sure how much spare room Nicki had in her shed. Turns out there was more than enough but as I was already setup I just stayed put. Managed to sign on before a queue had formed so that was nice.
Qualifying
Both of my Qualifying efforts were average. I just wanted to get a spot of the grid without throwing the bike away in the cold. I managed to do that ending up the back somewhere on both grids.
Post Classic Race 1
Don't really remember much about this one, got an ok start and went round and round for 6 laps. Managed a 1:24 that was nice, thought that was going to be about as fast as it would get.
F3 Race 1 (restart)
By this time I was a little more serious. Got an ok start and passed some people, was also passed by some. Was following Scracha when he went down in turn 1, had to stand the bike up and then go back inside him as he tumbled along the track. Tough way to learn that Drew was right, you can spin up the rear of a 400. I finished 8th with a best time of 1:22.7.
F3 Race 2
I had handed the bike over to Scracha to use for the second post classic race because I didn’t fell up to two long races. Having not really had any lunch I wanted to take it easy and not make any stupid mistakes. Got an ok start and got passed by about 4 bikes a couple of laps in. Couldn't keep up with them as they started to get away form me. Then a silver? sv? got passed me and started to pull a gap. I put my head down to catch them, and I managed to be within striking distance when I saw the white flag. I thought that it has to be this lap. Getting to Higgins I was right on his rear wheel, in hindsight I should have tried to go up the inside here. Going into the last turn and he went in deep/out wide and I tried to sneak through the inside. Only took a moment until I was sliding along on my back hearing that funny fiberglass/metal v track noise. Glad to find I didn't have any neck injury. DNF with a best time of 1:22.7 again.
Packed up and headed to the pub for some warmer accommodation and a few drinks. A few tales were told. Turns out you can spin up the rear on a 400 and only girls don't crash??
Thanks to tall the volunteers that give up thier time and ran the day!
Good weekend all round.