PRACTICE DAY(Saturday)
After two hours sleep a very jaded Flame awakes at 5am (Wanganui) from a self-inflicted coma. Then proceeds to wake up EVERYBODY in the unit. It would have been rude of me to allow them the pleasure of a sleep in anyway
.
Carolyn and I crash our way out to the van and proceed to TAUPO. Tony (Caro's man) slept on and would follow up on his bike later. Highlight of the trip was the squeelies we did cornering up the Paraparas. Oh ….and the suicide bird, did I mention the bird?
4 hours later with the van unloaded I just wanted to return back into my coma. But ‘Vee’ , water and a greasy sausage roll helped revitalize just a tad. I totally blame it on Wanganui sunstroke
Met up with the crew who gave me support through out the day.
Rolling out to practice (hadn’t ridden there for a year) I tried to compose myself, I think I was failing miserablyuntil Sugilite (Anthoney B) saved the day and waited for me so he could show me the way. Then I felt things started to flow
.
After 2nd practice I had qualified 4th on the list, but there were other BEARs riders yet to come.
RACE DAY(Sunday)
Woke up feeling GREAT!
RACE ONE:
BEARs class lined up on the grid amongst Pre 89’s and Clubmans. A pretty large field. I was on grid pos 16 but managed a really good start and somehow 4th into turn one. I knew the faster guys were hard up the back of 99 and while I tried to push on, the rear was starting to slide around A LOT under acceleration, and stepping out, to the point that pit wall got nearly a little too personel!. I figured since I had a new rear shock it could well be needing some adjustment, so I sqidged outand just gave the throttle a little more respect for the rest of the race.
Finished 5th Bears and 10th over the line.
RACE TWO:
Robert Taylor worked his magic again (thanks so much) and adjusted the compression, and we put some more pressure in the rear tyre.
I was moved up to Grid pos 10 as grids were taken from race one results. I managed another really good start 5th or 6th to turn one. I held my place for the first half of the race, by lap 5 we were sure hooked up with the lap traffic and a green man came passed me amongst them on turn 5 (good move dude! Should have taken it myself!!) Totally enjoyed the race, the bike wasn’t sliding anywhere near as violently and I relaxed and just rode. I couldn’t catch the guys in front, but I was so determined not to let another one get by me. I totally enjoyed that race, I think I had a big stupid grin the whole time!
Finished 4th Bears and 7th over the line.
Really happy on completion of that race and feeling total confidence in the set up, I now knew exactly where I could push a little harder, one thing at a time though, I cant multitask like most:slap:.
99 is running so sweet, she has some new goodies, and has had some TLC too. Now I just have to learn to keep up with her
Huge enormous thank you to my Sponsors/ My friends Tony and Carolyn for giving me immense support ALL weekend, Deano for the spare tyre warmers, big thanks to Sugilite for his tips and support
So now I cant wait for the next track day at Manfield to work towards getting my times down to my next goal. And then ……bring on the Paeroa Streets, I’ll be really looking forward to having my team mate Nicko back to show me the way.
Happy New Years everyone. Be safe out there eh.
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Karma ... Justice catches up eventually !! 
Was one of the major highlights of my weekend watching you do the bizo out there!! You are truly inspirational!! When I grow up I wanna be just like you!!!
Originally Posted by dangerous
yank tank at Glenorchy 2006 rally
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