Manfield, where it all started last October. My first trackday on the Monster and I got hooked. This time, back, returning on a Ducati 998, racing!
I decided to take Friday off from work to go to the test day. Being used to Taupo where I felt very confident, Manfield was very different. This track is scary, with pot holes, bumpy midcorner sections and fast sweepers. It takes a lot more precision to go around fast, I reckon.
Coming out to the van, 6am in the morning on the race day, I slide the van's side door open, and there is a strong smell of petrol!My track tank is leaking from the drain plug. I throw my road tank into the van and set off for Manfield, hoping I will have time to swap tank. I meet up with the guy I'm sharing garage with, Peter and his kid, and we manage to swap tank, fuel pump, fuel cap and get the bike started before qualifying. Phew! Thanks for the help guys!
Qualifying, still not comfortable on the track, I go out for four or five laps and manage a 6th position on the grid. So second row, not too bad. Right behind a TZ250, R1, KTM and a Bandit, I think. Cool mix of bikes!
Race one, having done two race starts at Taupo, where one was successful, I was more prepared this time. With my new start tactics, I waited, revved the bike to the magic sweet spot, the lights went out, I see three front wheels on the front row rise in the air like three scared horses and I shoot out from the middle of this keeping the front down and short shift through the first three gears, coming first out of turn one. My corner speed was still quite low trying to find good lines, and I get passed by two or three bikes early in the race. I manged to keep up with a wicked fast Bandit by using the Ducati's awesome drive out of the corners. At the end of the race, accelerating onto the back straight, I see the Bandit in front of me starting to wobble, more looking like a snake crawling from side to side. The rider hangs by the bike with one hand and a knee, OMG!
Race two, I decided to amp up the start a little bit, since the previous start went very smooth with the front still on the ground. Revs up 1000rpms more, lights out, front comes up, use the clutch to bring it down, every thing settles, and I unleash the v-twin through the first three gears with the front skimming over the ground, Awesome feeling!First out of turn one, I this time tried to keep good corner speed through the first half section of the track, kissing my imaginary mirror, and braking later. Trying my new found lines from last race at higher speed, I'm pulling away from the others and was having fun. But I found it hard to relax and after four or so laps my wrist was pumped and cramped and I lost all brake power from my right fingers and almost run out of turn one. I manage to stop in time with the rear break and some front, I missed gears at the same time too. By this time I was passed by the very fast R1, so I set after him but not too keen to engaged in battle with him after seen his 'wooden' forks, and with a sore wrist, I cruise along and also get passed by the Bandit again. Stayed at his tail and passed third over finish line. Best lap time 1.17.
I'm slowly learning this track and I'm looking forward to the rest of rounds. I'm also getting more racing experience and really enjoy the starts and battling around the track with the other riders. If I only can relax a bit more I think I can keep up the good speed during a full race, not only the first laps.
There are still many things to learn. How long can I keep using the same tires? I'm still on the same tires from Taupo. The grip still felt good, no sliding/pushing and such. I'm probably quite far from what the whole bike/tyre package can handle, which is good, that gives me more confidence. I changed the compression damping of the forks four clicks softer for race two, thinking it would give me more "feel" of the front. To be honest, I couldn't tell the difference. Suspension is still black art to me, but the setup seems fine for my pace. No slide out of the corners and the bike goes where I look. I love the new gearing. Instead of sticking to the 2nd-4th gear mostly, I'm now using the closer ratio'ed 3rd-6th gears throughout the track, occasionally going down to 2nd at the hairpin. I'm still on a 180/55 tire rear, thinking it would give quicker handling at Taupo. Manfield seems to be more about accelerating early to make most out of the three straights, so I'm thinking maybe try a 190 tire next time I change tire, for even more grip out of the corners.
Great event VMCC! Thank you! It all went very smooth from my point of view. It's also a great social event, it was good to catch up with you all again!
Thanks for reading
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Her_B4
Bookmarks