NZSBK Round 4 Hampton Downs 17, 18, 19 March 2012
Competing at my first Nationals at Hampton Downs in the Pro Twin class, I was looking forward to riding with the best in the country and hopefully learning a thing or two.
Friday practice:
Clear weather and warm track temperature, I was really happy with the setup of the Kawasaki. I worked on my confidence in Turn 4, which was an easy place to lose or gain seconds. I noted the depression in Turn 3 had increased and caused a few crashes on the test day.
Saturday Practice 1:
I had a wake up call on the 2nd lap seeing Deano go down in turn 2. The track was a little cold and I was working hard to get heat in the tyres. I managed a 1:23.4 and was happy with how I was feeling on the track. Comfortable.
Practice 2:
The track had warmed up and it was time to set a good qualifying time. The main difference qualifying here I noticed was how spread out the field was on the track. You didn’t come up on many riders (although a few passed me). I settled into a rhythm and focussed on smooth lines. I qualified with a 1:21.71, which placed me 16th on the grid, next to the Firn brothers on their Hyosung 650’s.
Race 1: 9 Laps
Briefing had stated we were using flags to start, thanks to the dodgy PA, I had apparently missed the instruction that we were now using lights. Sitting on the grid, I was watching the starting box when I saw the lights coming on! Next thing I know, they are all on full and I’m anticipating them going out, a little too early I jump the start by a bike length and immediately curse the 20 second penalty I knew was coming. I pinned my ears and went for it, knowing I had to do my best. I tried to settle into a rhythm, which was a little hard with a few of the faster boys coming past me. Few laps in Ryan Firn takes me in the Dipper. I chase him down the straight and manage to slip past coming up over the hill. I brake late into T1 and try to keep it clean through the tight corners. I saw the debris flag all the way along the straight; I slowed slightly but saw nothing until round Turn1, conscious of Ryan I try to push through the tight corners each lap but struggled with the dipper. Another crash in T4 had more yellow’s getting waved. I cross the start/finish to see the flag marshal with the white poised to wave and knew I was about to get lapped. Glen passes me and I concentrate on holding my line in case of others. I’m 12th across the line, 5th Pro Twin. I’m happy to be in front of Ryan but my penalty puts me behind him so I place 6th.
Sunday Race 1: 10 Laps
Time for a good start. I watched the lights all afternoon on Saturday to learn that they really do hesitate for a while so I was to be patient. There were no calls and the announcer called chequered flag; I made the call to go to the dummy grid. It was a good decision as it turns out the whole row in front of me were too late to grid and started from pit lane. I launch well but so does the rest of my row, to my shock as we round T1, the other bikes are racing down the slip road beside us. I push for the first few laps as I’m conscious of Ryan behind me. I find myself tense under braking and my right tricep is aching. I work on relaxing on the straight and braking softer, I cant see anyone in front or behind. This is the toughest part of racing, staying consistent and fast when you don’t have other riders pushing you along or to compare yourself to. I don’t see a white flag, but cross the chequered 11th which put me as the 4th Pro Twin and a new PB 1:18.8
Race 2: 15 Laps
I knew I had to pace myself for 15 laps so I didn’t get tired. Just before the lights go out, Ryan jump-starts next to me, lights go out and I launch, I get a good start and am in front of both boys. Tyler gets me going in to Turn 2 and I push to keep up with the leading pack into the dipper. I tell myself to pace myself as I cross the start line. 4th lap and Steve on the #30 Superlite bike passes me. I push and keep up with him. As the laps churn by, I worry how far behind Ryan is and am happy I’m keeping Steve in my sights. Lap 10 and I’m slowly reeling him in, my fitness training is paying off. I concentrate on staying smooth while watching for the inevitable blue flags. I get passed by the race leader, then a few battling behind him. I loose touch with Steve and focus on holding my line and staying fast to the finish while concentrating on those around me. I’m the 10th across the line, 4th Pro Twin. I’m proud of my consistent 1:19’s throughout the longer race.
So my first round of nationals is over, I’m happy with my result; 4th Pro Twin. Now that I know what I’m up against, I’m excited for the last round at Taupo.
I would like to say a big thank you to those that make it possible for me to race; Kiwibike Insurance, Pirelli Tyres, EBC Brakes, RST, Future Grafix, Autolink, Tsubaki Chains and New Plymouth Motorcycles. Also a huge thank you to AMCC and the team of volunteers that put on a great event for us, thanks to everyone that came to watch and cheer us on, Its fantastic meeting the crowds and hearing of your support. Last but not least, my partner Frenchy for all your time and support, I really couldn’t do it without you!
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