I arrived at Manfield on Saturday a.m. feeling nervous about the mule's new heart. Purchased sight unseen out of a wreck and transplanted during the week before, given new oil and tested up and down my cul-de-sac. Having it run without problem would surely be too much to ask?
I was as nervous as a teenager trying to undo his first bra during Post Classic and F3 qualifying sessions, but managed to put my head down and stick to the basics. I found that I had to work hard to shut out thoughts about whether the new engine was making the right noises. In the end I qualified 13th in Post Classics and 20th in F3/Pro twins. My best time was in F3, 1:22s. Just beating my previous PB. I guess the new engine was looking good. As usual I was working on shifting my reference points and improving technique in the bloody sweeper.
Post Classic Race 1
I got my usual bloody awful start. Getting monstered in turn one by bastards like Scracha. Watching him and others of similar speed to me, get away while I'm fighting to get by slightly slower riders was going to become my theme for the day. Still I managed to finish 11th in Class with a new PB of 1:21.5
F3 Race 1
Screw these bloody starts. I'm off to race-start school over summer. Slowly improving trough Dunlop and can feel the corners getting quicker. Some great dicing occurs and the bike moving around while my knee is slapped on the tarmac giving me lots of lovely, confidence-bringing feedback. The highlight for me was catching Eamon Timms I think, on the last corner and making it stick to the start finish. Passing Scracha when he botched a gear change was prettygood too. I'm noticing that I'm totally bottling out passing riders who are lapping at similar times but slower in different places. More stuff to work on. This must be what they call race-craft. I have a new PB, 1:21.4 and have most of my laps in 1:21 and 1:22. Mental shit and I'm loving it.
Post Classics Race 2
I'm paying for the mistake of not bringing any fruit or snacks to the track for the morning. I'm feeling tired and sluggish after bingeing on lunch. Wont do that again. I feel like I'm making up the numbers and Russell Forest sticks a great pass on the last corner to beat me to the checkered.
F3 Race 2
Determined to hold a better postion into turn one, I murder the start and leave the body on the FBI's doorstep. For the life of me I can't find 2nd gear until everyone passes me like a norovirus stew. I give myself a couple of laps to settle into a rhythm then really get my head down. Something clicks and I start working my way through the field slowly reeling in Scracha (cos his flouro strips are easy to see) and the bunch dicing with Nicksta. Pretty soon I'm in amongst it with them. Pulling a place back I think and having a great dance with Nicksta until she gets me on that bloody last corner and deservedly wins the drag to the finish.
I feel like I've had the race of my life and eventually see another new PB of 1:20.8 and a finish of 13th in this race. Maybe the mule wont be off to the knackers yard just yet?
I've learned so much this year and really enjoyed the buzz at the track. Thanks to all those who have helped me out at various points.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks