Torque's Nationals' race report update F3

[Torque]

Back from 3 weeks racing in the south island and it seems like i have been away for the year.
The Nationals really is full on and brings riding up a few levels. I have learnt so much over the past weeks, being immersed with so many top riders in the country with such a wealth of knowlege and enthusiasm for the sport was just an amazing experience. I loved the way you would move onto the next venue and the friends you had made are there with their family. It's like a travelling circus!
All 3 venues, Teretonga, Levels, Ruapuna are fantastic tracks but i would say my favourite would have to be Ruapuna- maybe 15/16 corners and 3.44 kms long and very fast.
I had some great battles with riders like Garry Pendleton on an SV650, Oren Mizrahi on a ZXR400, and Richard Newberry on a FZR400. Just before the Nationals i was starting to get my knee down and now Fairings,boots,pegs and knee sliders are getting to touch the black stuff, what a blast!!
Every race i would seem to improve and even got to lap a few guys.
Having the chance to take part in the Nationals has really hit home how much i like the sport. Twice i fell off , Teretonga, Ruapuna and both times i had help from riders i had only just met and from riders i was competing against! So a very big thank you to you all.
One of the special things about the last 3 weeks was i have had a friend Shaun Harris riding and competing alongside me and with his amazing wealth of Knowledge and enthusiasum for the sport, i have been helped a great deal. Thank you Shaun. This man gave up racing for the whole event at Levels to help his friend Andrew Stroud, a big sacrifice and just shows how much he loves the sport.
Chris-Two smoker and Cloe also did a great job driving the bikes to each venue and Chris himself got some good times on his 600, just a shame he had a fall at the start of the Nationals but is back on track now. A big thanks to Chris and Cloe.
On the subject of falling off, i was wearing Quasimoto leathers and gloves and they did a great job. Cheers Quasi www.quasimoto.co.nz
Thanks also to Phil Snowden www.tyrewarmers.co.nz
So as you can see i have made more friends and have come home buzzing and roll on Manfield and Pukekohe!!!!!

[motobob]

Good on you Rob. So you'll be flashing round at Taupo and Puke on your return aye.

[Sensei]

Good reading Rob & even better to see the results on " My-Lap "

[svs]

I've been following the results on mylaps. I'll give you a run for your money next year.... i was doing similar times at ruapuna a year ago and I hope I've got faster since then

well done on doing the whole lot, just 2 rounds up north to go

[babyB]

good read. well done awsom effort

[kickingzebra]

Good stuff Robbo, Great to see you go back out and put in a damn fine performance after the crash!! Looking forward to the next few rounds with you!!

[Cleve]

Well done Rob. Good read and GREAT attitude.
Plans are afoot for a full Nationals bash next year. In the meantime see ya at Minefield (if you are not doing Rd 3 PMCC...)

[Torque]

Thanks guy's and the next time i race will be Manfield as i have a few things to repair before i get back on the track. Cheers rob