1st. Rear shocks came off and went to GP Suspension for rebuild. Dave Hodges is the undisputed master at suspensions. Immediately on walking in we discovered 3 problems with the 2 shocks I have. The SV650 (aka SV Medium) shock was the wrong one (too long) and was sprung too stiff. The SV500 (aka SV Small) was sprung too soft. So those problems have been addressed. I had a chance to run the SV650 at the PSSR Track day yesterday...and it felt totally different. No more unstable rear end under braking. The bike is super stable and confident in the corner. I found I could actually make the bike the turn with slight inputs on the bar. Also I could actually feel the front end when i was trail braking into the turns. I think it will require some adjustment in my riding...but overall times should improve.

2nd. SV500 (Small) was in bad need of a fuel injection map. Brian Pinkstaff took the bike up to Zlock racing and mapped it for me. A minor issue popped up with the bike that Dan is working on....but hopefully barring any more unsuspected surprises should be back up and running by the 8/2 race.

As far as results.

OMRRA...1st in 450 Clubman and 2nd in Lightweight Superbike on the SV 500. 8th on the SV650 in 450 Superbike. Fastest times this year is 1:19.5 on the SV650 and 1:21.6 on the SV500. Overall I'm comfortable with the results and progress. Matt Gougler has been kind enough to share some of his race video which shows me some of what I need to work on. Kevin, Brian, and Mike G. as always are providing some good suggestions. I just need to implement them and results should start to come.

WMRRA...I'm disappointed in what I have or really haven't done there this year. My plan was to run the entire season except the conflict weekend. But unfortunately I was hoping for a top 5 in 650SS twins...but I crashed out of the first race...and was sick the 2nd weekend. So I've basically missed half the season. I'll attend the last half because its good racing and I like riding the more challenging track. As far as times....I think my times will improve. My target was to break 1:40...after the Sullivan school I think I can.

So overall a pretty good year. Also figure that myself and none of my friends have been hurt..knock on wood!

Thanks to Amy for pit and mechanic help. She is fast becoming a well respected crew chief in the pits. The June race without her was definitely harder.

Thanks to Mike Gray as always for helping out when possible and for constant guidance...perspective during the pursuit of racing.

Thanks to Oliver, Dan, Dale, Brian, Kevin, Dustin, Matt, Mark, Jeff, Cameron, and the rest of the Pinkstaff's for making the first half of 2008 a fun race season. Time in the pits, dinners afterwards, bicycle rides off track...etc. Makes for a fun time.

Thanks to sponsors. Lockhart Phillips, Cyclegear, Michelin, MotoBitz, Zlock Racing, Acme Moto Wear, SB Motorsports, and Competition Motors.

On to the 2nd half of the season!