Hey everyone,
Well Gav and I did some late nights the week before Round 6 getting the new race bike looking good and set up for racing (see here for that http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=58912.)
Gav and I set off to Taupo very early on Friday morning to meet Noel (The Stanger, my new Pit Bitch) and Robert Taylor to set up the ZX-6R. We arrived slightly late due to our mode of transportation. I spent the first session getting used to the bike, its incredible with the chassis mated with Ohlins suspension. Where I want it to go it goes to the precise point. After alot of work with Robert and Kerry from Ohlins (Cheers for the time, help and laughs) we had a general set up ready to go for Saturdays racing.
Race Day:
Qual Supersport: Alot less grip than the test day, felt really good and smooth out there. Didnt know what to expect, but was suprised to have gotten Pole Position with a time of 1:36.613. 1.2s in front of Jay Lawrence, 2s infront of Nick Cole and 2.5s infront of Kyle Key.
Qual Superbike: Had a new set of cold tyres to scrub in, couldnt get a clear lap in so only qualified 6th with a time of 1.37.3.
Race 1 SS: I had never launched the ZX6R at race pace, so held it at 10000rpm with the green flag twitching, the flag dropped, I bogged and a million people went flying past me. I went deep under brakes and moved upto 6th within 2 corners. I was quickly sitting in 4th just behind Kyle and Nick, I out braked them into the final esses and locked onto Jay. Going into turn 1 I braked deep and was right on Jays tail. Jay backed of the throttle a touch and I had to aswell, this over loaded the front and I was quickly in a lowside. New bike, first race, championship at stake. Not how its supposed to happen. I quickly ran over to the bike, and picked it up. The steering was locked and I couldn't get it unlocked, once that was done, I set into chasing the pack to at least gain some points. I did a lap, and was insight of the first back marker, then midway through A1GP turn, I hit the mid corner bump a bit too hot... I was quickly in a lowside at 160kmh. I was furious with myself!!! I slid for ages, as did the bike. I ran over to the bike, picking it up for a second time. Virtually no damage, but the bike wouldnt start. After about a minute or two it finally started. I rejoined the race, but it was a DNF for me as I had been lapped twice. Noel and I quickly fixed the bike and it was all sorted, though the bike looked a little "used" considering its brand new hehehe...
Race 1 SB: Got another shocking start, and quickly latched onto Nick Cole. I went too deep into the final sweeper before the back straight and ran off the track, got back on but had let Jimmy Mair and Neil Martin through. Finished 7th with a best time of 1:36.414.
Race 2 SS: The points were tight for the championship. Jay was 4 points behind me and Kyle was 7 points behind me. Jay was on form, I either had to finish first infront of him or second just behind him. I got a good launch but let the clutch out a fraction too much and bogged it. I was in 6th for turn one, and quickly slotted inbehind Nick Cole, and Kyle was just in front of him. I sat behind Nick for a full lap, and then saw a chance to pass. Nick took a tight line into the final sweeper, there was about metre of gap between him and the grass, I took it and bumped his elbow on the way past, I had my knee on the deck whilst hard on the brakes knowing Kyle would be very close. He sure was, he was right next to me and we banged fairings (sorry for that mate) all was good and we stayed upright. I got a good exit onto the back straight. Time to chase Jay. I would close the gap under brakes into the final esses and catch him through the infield, but get left behind on the back section. The gap was too big, and staying the same. I finished the race in 2nd place!!!! My best time was a 1:35.658. I had won the 600 Supersport Championship over Jay by 1 point!!! It was such a huge relief after the massive stress I was under prior to the race.
Race 2 SB: I got another average start (the ZX6R is like launching a 125 GP bike) and slotted into 6th place behind Neil and Jimmy. Neil was holding me up though the infield. I would make a pass and gain on Jimmy, just to have Neil blast past me on the back straight like I was standing still. This happened lap after lap until I crossed the line, 0.7s behind Neil. I need to work on my starts to be able to tag onto the fast guys straight away.
So to end the VMCC Championship I won the 600 Supersport and aceived Second in the Superbike championship, just behind Neil and just infront of Jimmy.
A few people to thank for making this possible. Chloe for the support. Gav for the endless work on the bike. Robert and Kerry for their help throughout the weekend and huge amount of experience and expertise. Trev for supplying the bike. Noel for helping out in the Pits. Continental Tyres. Mt Eden Motorcycles and Kawasaki New Zealand for their support.
I have heaps to work on, and im going to work hard at it. I will be doing trackdays and club events in preparation for the nationals as well as some drag meets to work on starts. Cant forget the long hours of work to try and pay for it all too!!!
Cheers, Chris
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Originally Posted by Leong
, I too kinda have a curvy figure which makes it worse beacuse im a guy. Well the waist kinda goes in and the bum pushes out. When I was in college the girls in my year would slap me on the arse and squeeze because apparently it is firm, tight...
I wear jeans
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