Mt Wellington 17/18 October

[Buckets4Me]

I belive that Garys excuse is that you draged your knee threw a puddle of water spraying at him and sending him down (thats his story anyway)

you where going well and I think Tim has another person to look out for

[Damien_Toman]

Well that was an interesting day.
The weather couldn't make up it's mind for most of the morning, but by the time the prelims were up it seemed like it would be fine... for the first race...
Then right before the B grade race as they were heading out on the warm-up laps, the heavens opened and the track was drowned. Most of the guys were out on slicks so it made it a little interesting, a few had close encounters with the black stuff but most kept it shiny side up.
The firs F4 prelim saw a greatly reduced field, only 3 of us were hard enough to go out on a wet but quickly drying track
The second round of prelims was a bit more normal with a couple of light sprinkles of rain to keep punters on their toes. I had my tinted visor on and could not tell whether the track was dry wet or damp at all. So lesson learned, on mixed weather days, stick to the clear visor...
There was a long break between the prelims and points racing, and a heavy group of clouds rolled over and proceeded to lighten themselves all over the track. It was soaked and the horizon was not looking too promising either.
So, convinced that was it for the rest of the day, off came the slicks and on go the wets. Then I stood up, and looked over to the Mount (where the weather comes from) and bugger me blue skys... So I took the gamble and changed back to slicks again. I must kave swapped wheel sets about 4-5 times, and only ever went out on slicks.... At least I'm good at it now
The racing proper was fantastic, the weather was kind and everyone was trying hard. F5 had a couple of bikes I had not seen before, one was really quick (#88). B grade was entertaining as always with close battles all through the field. I think Keiran might have had the word to come and play in the F4 ranks, he's going really well, and I think might surprise a few people there with his ....unconventional lines.
I didn't see much of the F4 racing... I had a really good day and managed to get in front of Garry and have a bit of a turn leading. The first race Garry was on wets as the track was 'drying' but by the time we were out there it was really slicks territory. I was convinced though that Karl would be hunting me down and any minute I'd see a red wheel poked up the inside somewhere. Unfortunately the bottom end in #89 had cried enough and that was him out for the day.
Race 2 and Garry took the lead into turn 1 (man that thing is fast off the line...) and as he was now on slicks I didn't fancy my chances. After a couple of laps I thought I'd have a go at the end of the straight under brakes...and I squeeked through. I could hear him right behind me so I was riding pretty hard, then all of a sudden it went quiet on the sweeper on to the straight. The next lap there's Garry picking up the bike... Apparently he had a spectacular highside crash, full MotoGP starfish style, luckily he was O.K. and I could breath easy and took the win.
So, I'd like to thank Tim, for being in Aussie, Garry for having the wrong tyres on and for crashing, and Karl for blowing up the bike... I'll take em when I can get 'em.
Later guys.

Well, you were all going great. Robert, you found another gear! In the wet you let others go past and then they crashed. You were very sensible, eased off, and stayed on. I need to learn from that . But, later you hit the revs and went ballistic! Serious angles. The championship leaders better watch out!

[Damien_Toman]

Bugger Damian. Mt Welly is a bitch as far as grip goes and I am guessing with the rain I have had here at home today the track would have been drying for most of the day (heavy down pour followed by an hour or so of drying, then repeat) and there is actually less grip than when the track is flooded (or maybe you just ride to the conditions better)

Hope you and the bike arnt to hurt.

My right shoulder is still quite sore from crashing hard on Saturday. I'll have real tyres for next time .

Damien