Deano @ VMCC Rd 6

**Deano** · 14th October 2007, 22:09

It's been a long, tiring weekend but also a hell of a lot of fun.

LBTW and I left Welly about 12.45pm on Friday and began the trek north. Surprisingly, the Mair brothers Drew and Luke were organised and had left about 20 minutes ahead of us. We also got a little held up leaving Foxton where a number of horses had escaped onto SH1 and run amock. We caught up at Bulls for a coffee, then carried on in convoy. The rest of the trip was fairly sedate and uneventful

The first stop at Taupo was the bottlestore for some refreshments, then on to the motor camp.

We continued into the night as we had started and a few of the group got a little more inebriated than they had planned, resulting in some pretty funny shit. Such as calling to Poos on the phone and not being able to remember any of it. And no Drew, it's not the hotel staff that can't make a bed well.

Anyway, Saturday morning came and I felt surprisingly good, well no headache anyway.

We got to the track where the dynamic ducatista duo Drew and Vicki, were already setting up. It has been a great old time pitting with Drew, Vicki, Luke and Simon over the last couple of rounds. The KTL Motorcyles/Motohaus Tyres/Anglo-American MC 749R's look a treat and draw a lot of attention from spectators and racers.

With the bike all prepped it was just a matter of waiting for the call up for qualifying. After a disappointing Round 5 at Manfeild, I was dearly hoping to improve and at least maintain my 2nd place in the series.

Qualifying.

It was the first time for me on this track configuration, although I had raced at Taupo twice before.

The bike was running well, I felt pretty good and was pleased at the end of the session when no one in my class had come past me.

I was blown away with the result though - 4th on the grid overall and 1st in post classic junior.

Race 1

I knew I would not get to turn 1 before a few of the senior bikes so just concentrated on getting a good start and decent line through T1 without tangling with anyone else.

Chris Sales and Braden Tate were both ahead exiting T1 but I managed to get Braden back at T5 on lap 2 (I think). One or two of the senior bikes were slowing me through the first section of track and then blasting away down the back straight. I was generally able to keep up with Chris but couldn't get into a position to pass.

Chequered flag and 2nd place - I was rapt and it seemed that my mojo had returned.

Race 2

I got a better start and led PC Jnr for a while before Chris Sales came past fairly early on. Then Braden Tate overtook me and I thought I had better pull finger. I was chasing Braden and a GSX1100 into T2 and carried more speed through T3 going outside Braden and slotting in behind the GSX through T4.
I couldn't catch Chris though but was very happy again with 2nd.

I finished 2nd overall in the series (my first full series) and to quote the GOAT -"I am very very happy".

I have had so much fun racing - the people are fantastic and I have received so much support and made many new friends.

I plan on selling the CBR400RR now - it has been a real blast but I have got the bug and would like to get something to compete in F3, Pro Twins or perhaps even F2.

I really have to thank a lot of people for their help, in no particular order.

My wife for suggesting that I buy a race bike and give it a go. Her alterior motive was that I would ride more sedately on the road, and it has worked...........to a degree

I certainly don't get out on the road as much anymore. Also for all her help with preparing the food and refreshments, and help in the pits.

Drew for all his efforts in working on the little CBR. Drew is a clever bastard with mechanical stuff and has really got the wee beastie humming.

Stew at TSS Motorcycles. Thank you for your assistance.

Jimbo the ace photgrapher.

All the Welly (and Wairarapa) Crew and KBers who have helped out in some way in the pits, encouraged me, or cheered me on from the stands. Too many to name individually but you all know who you are.

A huge thanks to VMCC and all the marshals and assistants. Some much work goes on behind the scenes that we don't see on race day - big ups to you all.

p.s. THANK YOU SKELSTAR BUDDY FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT YOU LEGEND

**Leong** · 14th October 2007, 22:19

Congrats on all the 2nds (like me!! LOL) especially 2nd for the series. Well done!!

Originally Posted by Deano

My wife for suggesting that I buy a race bike and give it a go. Her alterior motive was that I would ride more sedately on the road, and it has worked...........to a degree

I certainly don't get out on the road as much anymore. Also for all her help with preparing the food and refreshments, and help in the pits.

Has worked for me too ( trackdays not racing so far ).... hardly ride on the road anymore and don't miss it!!

**Stickchick** · 15th October 2007, 08:02

Congrats Deano!!!! Its a been a great year for you this year hasn;t it?

**skelstar** · 15th October 2007, 08:11

LOL ...you know we were joking about the notable omission in your speech at prize-giving eh dude

Reckon you guys are awesome. The racers that stump up lots of cash every four weeks to give us poor spectators a bloody good show, and provide us with a bit of race-glam for 'free'... and yer not slow on that bike either bud.

Congrats on your second in PCJnr dude.

**Riff Raff** · 15th October 2007, 08:35

Bloody good stuff Dean. What a fantastic year for you. Very proud of you hun and look forward to seeing what you're going to race next.

**HDTboy** · 15th October 2007, 09:13

Fuckin good going mate. You've done well in your first full season.

**flame** · 15th October 2007, 09:36

Deano.....what can I say hun! you was AWESOME! your the 400cc legend

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Fantastic year for you and I can't wait to see what you can do on a modern faster bike.

Thanks for organizing the Pit garage, we have a fantastic group of friends and it's truely a huge part of the weekend for Drew and I being able to share it with you guys.

**roadracingoldfart** · 15th October 2007, 13:19

Awesome season Deano , stand proud and accept the clapping.
Whatever you decide on for next year i bet its going to be fast , fancy , and spray can coloured lol.
Its been great racing with you during the year and your results dont surprise me, Well done.
All the best mate.
Paul & Dianne.

**White trash** · 15th October 2007, 16:37

I for one fully appreciated the effort that went into that attempted wheelie accross the line in race two. Shame no one else saw it.....

Good on ya Deano, you're a fricken legend brother, I was praying that dirty chook chaser wouldn't have the pace to hunt ya down. Damn it!!!!

**ajturbo** · 15th October 2007, 17:43

Originally Posted by White trash

I for one fully appreciated the effort that went into that attempted wheelie accross the line in race two. Shame no one else saw it.....

Good on ya Deano, you're a fricken legend brother, I was praying that dirty chook chaser wouldn't have the pace to hunt ya down. Damn it!!!!

No.. i saw the wheelie....... atempt.... had me in aww!!!.. i just could not believ the effort that went into it.... gave me hope....