Finally, I get to write my first race report after making a lot of noise on this forum about my racing ambitions.
I decided to get signed up in VMCC Clubmans being a first time racer. A huge thanks to Motomart for helping me get the bike ready for the first round. I only picked up the bike two weeks ago, deciding to move from my 996 to a 998, not for more power, but to get a more reliable track engine, the Testastretta. I got the forks serviced and a leaking shock fixed, geared the bike for the Taupo track and also fitted a new front break master cylinder.
A big thank to Frosty for letting me store the bike at his place for the transport company to pick up!
Arriving the track Sunday morning, I was shocked to see how packed it was. We managed to find the garage we were sharing with Nicksta, TonyOK and all the other very nice people. Phil Snowdon and the good people from Tyrewarmers.co.nz helped me out with my new warmers, showed me how to use them and what to think about. Nicksta was very kind to show me how and where I could attach the transponder to the bike.
I missed out on the scrub in session, they had closed the session by the time I got the bike ready to go out on the track. Gutted, I had to ride back to the pit, I now had to do the qualifying on brand new slippery tires (but warm).
I spend four laps of the qualifying getting used to the bike, never ridden it on the track before, and decided to open up the throttle on the last fifth lap to try to get at least one decent lap. I qualified 2nd at 1:46.3.
Lining up at the front of the grid for race 1 made me quite nervous, knowing all the bikes would be lined up behind be, and sure enough, I got confused by the lights, let the clutch go when all lights came on, immediately realized my mistake before I got moving, and then manage to get rolling really slowly and late, almost waiting to be run over from behind. I'm sure I held up the guys behind me, sorry! Anyhow, off we went, a lot of bikes passed me before the first corner. After that, I tried to figure out how and when to overtake and a the end of the race I managed to be the fourth bike to pass the finish line, best lap 1:44.7.
Second race, I wasn't sure if there was going to be another qualifying for the next race, but Nicksta explained I got to keep my grid position from the first race which I was pleased with. She also shared some techniques on how to take off from the grid which I'm sure was a big part of the successful next start. The lights came off, I had a small wheelie which I managed to modulate with the clutch and then took off and I think I was the first bike up to turn one, just to be overtaken from the outside by Luke Mair, impressive! After a few corners I was down to third place, right after Gary Johnston on the mighty 999, I then continued trying to keep up with the two bikes in front of me. Not too much action during the rest of the race from my point of view, until we were about to lap two bikes. The 999 almost hit one of the bikes we were lapping on the inside of a corner, I backed off a bit to make sure everything sorted it self. No more dramas and I finished third bouncing the rev limiter just as I passed the checker flag in second gear, two seconds behind, best lap 1:43.8
It was great to experience the thrill of lining up at the start grid, which was one of my first goals. The next goal is to build up some race experience and hopefully see some improved lap times over the year.
I had a blast, thanks everyone for help and support, especially my girl.
I hope to be back at Manfield for round two!
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reminds me why I love racing soo much! thank you 
Originally Posted by johan
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