Slo-Moe Racing: News

WMRRA - Final Round race report

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:12:26 -0500

The pressure was on for this weekend as I received a phone call stating..."Since blood was spilt putting that motor together you have to race." Since you can't really tell the Zlock's no I didn't have much of a choice but to be sure I show up. The stakes went up as I found out that the Pinkstaff brother's wouldnt' be attending...which leaves Zlock racing to be represented by the 'factory' rider, Oliver Jervis, and the 'satellite' rider...myself.

At any rate the weekend started out with me thoroughly disappointing Dan as through the first two practice sessions there are several issues discovered with the installation of the motor. Thankfully Dale took pity on me and helped me solve those issues so at least the bike was ready to race. As for me...I wasn't so sure. I started out the day tentative in the two practice sessions. I still can't get the right line into/out of the bus stop to get a good drive down the front straight. I still was having issues with the entrance of turn 5. I seem to be able to find the 'Sullivan' line into T6 at a much reduced pace. And lucky for me what Oliver showed me a few years ago in T2~4 seems to still stick in my head so I'm not just tip-toeing through there. In addition to the mental issues I was in some pain as I jammed my left big toe a few weeks back and it still was sore. I came to find out after the race weekend it was broken.

650SS Twins (8th Fastest lap 1:41.4)
I didn't get a very good start to this race. But I slotted in behind Brian Schilt. Just put my head down to stick with him. Size him up and see where I was stronger and where I was weaker. He would get in and out of the bus stop smoothly, but while I was focused on trying to keep in his draft Devon McDonough stuck a wheel up on me going into the chute. Great pressure from behind. We kept position for a few laps. I tried to pass into 3 but felt I was forcing it so didn't push my way through. I got a good drive up the hill and passed him just as we crested the hill. Apparently Devon came with me because a few laps later he got by me. On the last lap I was closing the gap on Devon into 3 when I got my last down shift and the tach went dead...I pulled up thinking there might be something wrong with the motor. By the time I realized everything was fine he was long gone...so I just finished the lap making sure that I didn't get passed at the end there.

Lightweight Superbike (4th Fastest lap 1:41.3)
I got a slightly better start to this race. It felt weird going sans tach...so I had to listen in several key areas to make sure when to shift. As I missed shifts going down the front straight I could only imagine Dan shaking his head. Brian Schilt found a few seconds from Saturday and we ended up having a really enjoyable race going back in forth. He passed me into the bus stop...I got him back in T3. It came down to a drag race to the flag that I got by less than a tenth of a second.

Middleweight GP Twins (9th Fastest lap 1:40.2 PERSONAL BEST)
I got what felt like a really good start in this race. Finally was getting used to the light system I guess. I tried to stick with Brent and was somewhat able to do so until T5 where he pulled away. I put my head down....and was expecting a pass attempt from either Devon or Brian at some point. As I was doing so I started to see the line into T5 that I was told about and started to work on going a little deeper in that section. I still have a lot of work to do, but I think the light bulb went off and at least I can see what to do now. Sure enough Devon made a pass on me and then pulled away. I started to try to reel him in. He was definitely stronger into and out of the bus stop and it paid off on the front straight as he seemed 'way' out there. I was able to catch up to him a few laps later into T2 and make the pass in T3. I basically started running for my life as I knew he would counter attack. I was lucky in that it sounded like after the race when we talked there might've been an exhaust problem which caused him to slow down a bit. Which enabled me to hang on for 9th. Somehow I don't think me finishing in front of Devon is going to last too long so I'm going to enjoy this.

So what started out as an apprehensive weekend turned out to be one of the funnest. In addition to fun on the track. There was a fantastic dinner put on by Rocky Zlock and Francie Lemarche that took place under an absolutely beautiful sunset. Four kinds of dessert!!! I was able to visit with friends Kecia and Rick (thanks Rick for letting me stake out floor space at your house!). Lisa came up on Sunday and she is always good for belly laughs as she gave Oliver and I "Spotted Dick".

Thanks to the Zlocks (Dan and Dale) for helping me out in the pits despite myself. Thanks to Oliver for showing me how a pro goes about racing and helping me with my bum foot. Thanks to James Cyr (Oliver's pit crew from Canada) for stepping away from the demanding Oliver to help me out and for making me crack up in general.

Thanks to Jeff and Francie for the pictures and help in the pits. Thanks Brent and Vick for the ice packs and helping me adjust the rear sets to help alleviate the pressure on my foot.

After a trying season at OMRRA plagued with too much responsibility...it was fun to 'just race' and hang out with such incredible people. Now I just want April to get here sooner.

July 2009 Race Report

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:55:56 -0500

The forecast was for 100 degree temperatures as we approached July 25 and 26th. I was not looking forward to being in that weather. But that's racing.

Special thanks to Jeff and Francie Lemarche for help in the pits and spoiling us with dinner, breakfast, snacks, and those oh so wonderful things soaked in ice water that you wear around your neck! Thanks to sponsors like CycleGear, Lockhart Phillips and Rivals Fantasy Games. Very special thanks to Zlock Racing and Competition Motors for the support this weekend in the heat. And finally Thanks to Geoff Ford again who generously is insisting I race his motor until mine is rebuilt.

I set up Saturday morning. I was somewhat concerned because the track day earlier in the week I was showing a strange tire wear. I resolved to start with the basics and re-aligning the axle and this seemed to make a difference. With the tire not getting any worse I put on a new set of tires and the wear pattern was back to normal. I probably should've practiced more, but the heat was starting to ramp up so I decided to park it and try to stay cool. Was mostly successful between standing in front of fans and misters that other people had and drinking plenty of fluids. The evening was capped off by an excellent meal hosted by Jeff and Francie Lemarche. The spoiling for the weekend began. Chips, salsa, and home made guac. Grilled artichoke hearts, salad, and pork chops with a fantastic red onion peach salsa(?). Was absolutely delicious. After an evening of good conversation with the usual suspects I headed home to try and sleep through the heat.

Sunday I head out in the morning warm up session. Things are feeling fairly decent. Turn 7 is starting to come around where I can feel comfortable enough to work on things again. It was an overall good warm up. I'm unconcerned with times and happy with just feeling comfortable on the bike again for the first time in awhile.

Middleweight Supersport (9th, fastest lap 1:20.148)
I got a really good start. I 'm slotted in 5th or 6ht going into T1. I find myself getting passed on the second lap and unable to keep the pace so I move backwards. Essentially with no one to race I'm not really pushing and I luckily end up holding off a late race charge from David Lane to retain 9th. Again with a lot of my results this year my times are off (this is 2 seconds off fastest laps last year) I know why and obviously something I'll continue to work on.

450 Superbike (8th 1:19.305 fastest lap)
Again. I get an excellent start and I'm 7th going into T1. Sam Bogess comes around me and again I just can't keep his pace. I put my head down and turn a string of 19's. The good news is that feeling more comfortable on the bike I can not only see where I'm giving up time, but now I can formulate in my head how to attack those areas which is a good sign.

Overall progress on recovery being made. Which is good. Also this weekend maybe due to the heat, there seemed to be less 'drama' associated with the Referee duties. Which is a load off my mind for the day. I'm encouraged heading into the last race of the year that maybe I can at least get back to some consistent 18's. But we'll play it by ear. There will be less time for practice as August is a double header weekend with racing on both Saturday and Sunday.

May/June Race reports

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:27:33 -0500

This race season has been hectic to say the least. The race weekend has been generally filled with a lot of work as I volunteered to be referee. It has been enjoyable....or maybe entertaining is a better word, but it does take up a lot of my race day. This race report is going to be LONG since I missed the last race report from May. There was a lot of things going on towards the end of May both race and personally...so my mind was on other things. Another week before I hear back on one thing....the other thing will take me awhile to get over.

To add to the craziness this year I've had a run of bad luck with mechanicals. The first race weekend the SV500 failed. Dan and I agreed that due to time and budget it would be better to target next year for bringing that bike back. That is now in the works as Dan showed me the connecting rods...or more accurately what's left of them. Followed by my favorite phrase of his "Surprisingly.....". Keep in mind the Zlock's have been in the business for like 30 years including winning national championships. You should get nervous when they say things like "Surprisingly..." or my other favorite "I've never seen anything like that before...."

Anyways....on Monday 6/15 at a track day the SV650 developed a problem. Having Mike Gray and Brian Pinkstaff's help at the trackday to diagnose the problem we are thinking it's a bearing, but the motor will have to come apart to check it. That left me without a ride for this weekend....something originally I was comfortable with. After Brian helped me remove the motor on Tuesday night...the realization of how addicted to this sport I am set in and with Brian encouraging me to ride, I concluded to try and figure out a way to race this weekend. So I placed a phone call, text, and email to one of the guys it has been my pleasure to get to know to hopefully 'borrow' a motor since he has offered it before. Geoff was just getting back from China on Wednesday when he called me back and he only had two questions....(1) Which motor did I want (a bone stock one or one that was built) and (2) when was a good time for ME so he could bring it over. I've said this before....the people you meet doing this are some of the best people around. I could not have raced this weekend without Geoff and Brian's help and encouragement. Thanks guys.

So Thursday night Geoff and Brian come over to help me install the motor. There are a few complications since we are fitting a first generation motor into a second generation bike... but between their technical knowledge and me not breaking anything too badly....the job gets done.

I spend Friday night buttoning up the motor. I try starting it expecting some sort of problem... and it lights off on the first turn. I pack everything up and head to the track on Saturday to finish things off. Body work, safety wire, etc. No time to practice since its Vintage Day so I'll just race not having really ridden for about a month.

Sunday rolls around and the prospect for rain is high. I hate racing in the rain, but with the added incentive of not being able to face Brian and Geoff after all the work they did to help me if I didn't race I tried to get my mind ready to get out there. Getting my mind right has been tough as the referee duties include bike inspections in the morning and handling the various 'issues' that tend to pop up. While I note that some of the people you meet doing this are the greatest (luckily my circle of friends are great) the other group of people you meet are a whole host of other descriptive terms towards the other end of the spectrum from greatest and as referee I get to deal with them. But as my college professor said "Such is life...and bitching doesn't get the job done." Besides I volunteered.

Fortunately for me the weather worked out and I had good conditions for both races. As far as solid race report I can say the 2nd race of the day felt good. I ran some consistent lap times and my weak areas were the same as last year. Into 7 and out of 9 I give a lot of time up to my competitors. This year I've tried changing my line into and out of 4 with varying success. So I'll have to continue working on these areas hopefully with some more track time. Additionally my fitness has been lacking. I'll be the first to admit I did not prepare myself in the off season as hard as I should have and I'm definitely paying for it with the results.

May Results:
MP (12th place; 1:20.2 fastest lap)
4S (12th place: 1:19.6 fastest lap)

June Results
MP (9th place; 1:18.7 fastest lap)
I started this race slotted in 3rd row outside. I get an OK launch but not great as Kevin (who is gridded next to me) shows me how's its supposed to be done. I get in behind Sam Boggess. Mike gets around me on the back stretch and i start to give up some ground. I'm not really riding really smooth...I can feel the lower and exhaust start to drag and that makes me pick the bike up and make adjustments. So I go through T1~3 making little adjustments which makes me lose a lot of ground. Mentally I have to try to start to lean off more to stand the bike up...but making this adjustment during the race proves a bit difficult. On about lap 4 or 5 unfortunately i come around T2 to see Mike's bike off in the grass to the left. He's not around and there is no red flag so he must be OK...so I press on. I end up racing with Jeff Lavalee a little and David James Moore who gets me at the end. I'll have to ask him if he has some film as it looked like he had a camera on the back of the bike.

4S (11th place, 1:19.1 fastest lap)
I get a better start in this race. Going into T3 I see Dave Salmi who seems to have gotten a horrible start...so I try to show him a wheel into T4. He ends up passing me around the outside but it was a moment that made me laugh. I was happy as I was able to put in a consistent set of 1:19's on this race and keep some of the front group guys in sight a bit longer. I've still got some places where I can make up time and hopefully get back to 1:18's. I could swear I think I was almost there...but I'm blaming the head wind on this one. Unfortunately the race was cut short by Red Flag incidents...it does not sound like anyone is hurt too badly which is fortunate.

Next race is July 25/26th so hope to see some of you out there. Additionally the last race of the year will be August 22/23 and this will be a double header meaning races on BOTH days.

2009 OMRRA Round 1 - How NOT to start a race season

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:08:48 -0500

As usual let me get my Thank you's out of the way.

Mike Gray...thanks for your help in the pits Friday and Saturday. Of all the weekends I don't think I would've gotten through this one without you.

Amy...thanks for help on Saturday. Packing up everything single handed while I was off dealing with Referee duties was above and beyond.

Thanks to Pinkstaff's, Zlock Racing, Oliver Jervis awesome to see everyone doing well out of the box.

Thanks to Mark, Elaine, Dave & Laurie, Dustin, Jeff Brooks, Amber, Jed, Do, Maurice, Amy...and eventually Tom Young...others in the pits for stopping by and seeing if I was OK. (Everyone else keep reading).

Geoff Ford...Thank you for being an unbelievable sportsman and friend. Every incident and issue I've ever been involved with or seen...you are generally one of the first in pit to see if the rider was OK...and then offer whatever help you can (including a replacement engine) to get someone back on track. Thank you.

Well...onto the story. I'm promised pictures from Amber so stay tuned for those.

This season start 'snuck' up on me in a way. Without a preceding track day...'all of a sudden' it was practice day. I was expecting to be rusty so I did not have any expectations for practice other than ensuring bikes worked. First session on the SV500 was 'OK'. The brakes were a little squishy so I didn't push hard at all. During lunch Mike Gray and I changed pads, new set of tires, and we bled the brakes. They felt rock solid as I headed out to the first session after lunch.

At this point its important to note that the morning included a conversation where Dan Zlock and I were discussing how reliable and great the SV500 was. And how we were both really happy with what a great bike it turned out to be. OK...back to the story.

So first session after lunch...I head out with the intent of putting down some decent laps. Checking lap time I did...first session I turned 1:30. This session I was turning a 1:24...which was practice time on this bike last year. On lap 9 or 10 as I was going into 7 (fastest turn on the track) I was just releasing the clutch on my 2nd downshift and the rear end locked up. The rear end of the bike came around on my right...caught...then I went over the bike on high side. It is interesting what runs through you mind at these moments.."Oh Shit"..."This could be bad"...as I was tumbling alongside the concrete wall...I distinctly remember as my helmet hit the wall the first time..."Ooooh..this is going to be bad." I felt my pressure on my left knee and I remember reaching up with my hand to stabilize it (I've dislocated it before). I continue tumbling and the helmet scrapes again "Yah...not good". Eventually I come to a rest facing the sky.

The corner worker is there and asks if I'm OK...I say yes...he asks if I want help up. I say..give me a minute. They decide to roll the ambulance. I get up under my own power but obviously a shaken. I get my gloves and helmet off. I lean against the wall and look back at what is an impressive black mark on the track and my trashed bike.

The ambulance team gets there...gives me an initial check out. I get the short ride to 'point' where they continue to check me out. Nothing is broken...but my shoulder, legs, neck and inner thigh are sore. ASIT gets there and gets me back to my pit. (Tom Young...NOTE I'm not publishing your part of this story)

I get back to the pit...drink water..and eventually my bike comes back. The right side is trashed...the left side looks almost like nothing happened. We set about trying to figure out what happened...eventually pulling the side cover off we figure out the motor seized and some fashion...at which point it decided violently that it didn't like me on it anymore. We pull the motor so Dan Zlock can take it back for further analysis and possible repair...but due to finances I am undecided on if it will be repaired this season...if ever.

Initially after the incident...I wasn't going to race the rest of the weekend. But after sleeping on it...I decided that it would probably be best for my psyche to get back out there...which I do. My times, my confidence, and assertiveness were definitely off...I haven't really checked how I finished. Frankly I don't really care at this point...it was about survival and getting back out there.

In conclusion...I'll be racing different classes this year on the SV650 only. For now I have a lot of work to come back from this incident in my head...which I'll do. Quite honestly after scraping the wall with my head I'm glad I can remember my name much less be able to ride a bike again. So thanks to Arai for that.

OMRRA Round 6 - Final round End of year report

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:24:29 -0500

Wow!!! What a final weekend!!! Old friends back on the track. Great races. It was a fantastic time.

Thank you sponsors for the great support all year. Zlock Racing, Lockhart Phillips, Cyclegear, SB Motorsports, Michelin, Competition Motors, Acme MotoWear, and Zupa Travel. Thank you friends. Connie and Matt Gougler(#35), Dustin Ranck (#77), Elaine and Mark Bothe (#43), Dave Salmi (#40), Brian Pinkstaff (#121), Oliver Jervis (#125), Kevin Pinkstaff (#21), Dan and Dale ZLock, and the Pinkstaff Family. Special thanks to Mike Gray #49...it was good to see you back riding a bike in 'anger'. Hopefully this means you're back out there next year. This weekend we were without Oliver Jervis and Dan Zlock...they were able to finalize the WMRRA #1 plate a few weeks ago and with that they called it a season. Congrats...although they missed one helluva race weekend full of some of the most exciting racing I've seen in person.

Thanks to Alan Schmidt (OMRRA #1 x 5) and Mike Sullivan (#74) for putting on a show in 600 Supersport. What an awesome race that was! Then not to be outdone Alan Schmidt, Kevin Pinkstaff, and Brian Pinkstaff put on the best race of the season in my opinion in Middle Superbike. Alan proved why he's OMRRA #1 plate holder by putting down a blistering 1:13.7 on a supersport SV that he's never ridden before. But I'm proud to say that Kevin Pinkstaff held him off for the win and Brian Pinkstaff kept him honest at a close third. Awesome job!!!

Finally before I get to results. Congrats to all the TomaterHaters for a great season. So much hardware I can't keep count. Mark, Dustin, Kevin, Brian, Dave S., and Oli...great results I count myself lucky to be able to draw upon your experience.

Results:

450 Clubman 1st place - CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP

This was a sleeper class for me all year, but early on Travis Ohge's (#440) (Lightweight Superbike nemesis) mom said that Travis was going to run this class today. I knew he'd give me a handful so I started to get my mind ready to race. The green flag dropped and I got a really good launch even with a nice power wheelie...Travis pulled ahead of me in the chicane area...but I made up my mind early that I was going to be assertive. As we went into Turn 1 I took the inside line and went WAY DEEP for me to take the hole shot. I held him off until the back stretch where he pulled ahead of me going into 7 when a red flag came out due to someone crashing. So we re-gridded for a re-start. The 2nd start was similar to the 1st...he got a little ahead of me...but I kept on the gas going into turn 1 and took him inside again. I led until the back side where he passed me and took the lead onto the front straight. He pulled me down the front straight and made some time on me...but I tried to go really deep into Turn 1 and so I took him again there. The next lap he came around me again down into 7 and lead me onto the front. This time I followed him into the corners into Turn 3 where I passed him inside. I got a really good drive into and out of 4 and was holding him off. From there I put down some solid laps never looking behind me. I made my fastest time on this bike of 1:20.1 So great progress for me. I came to find out later that on about lap 6 Travis' bike was having some sort of fuel problem. But I was absolutely pumped with those first few laps. I knew all year I could give him a race if I could just put my head down and stick with him.

450 Superbike - 8th (7th for the season)

I was not super motivated to race the 650 today. What can I say I just wanted to really hold position. Get a little faster if I could, but my head wasn't really around riding this bike today. I had some fun dicing with Matt Gougler and Maurice...but in the end my times were not down where I know I can get them to be. In my heart I think I was already thinking about next year on this bike.

Vicious Cycle Lightweight Superbike - 3rd (2nd Class overall)

Encouraged by my earlier race with Travis I was excited to show that it wasn't a fluke. We both got about even starts when out of now where Dave Heinricks on some 250 that Cedric Smith built him took off. He built a fast lead from the start and left Travis and I to start dicing it up. The pattern was I'd get him either in T3 or T4...he'd pass me on the back stretch. We'd go back and forth like that for a few laps...I was able to get a lead and I was holding him off for awhile. He came back the last few laps and we were dicing again. I'd brake deep into 1 to make up the gap he gained on the straight. It was a BLAST!!! In the end he held me off. But it felt good when afterwards we talked about where we were both strong and weak. The fact that I gave him a race made me happy. Afterwards looking at times we were gaining on Dave Heinricks too. So I'm looking forward to next year in the class if more bikes come out to race. I truly think breaking into the 19's on this bike a real goal for me.

In the end. The season wasn't perfect. But I'm happy with the progress I made on the SV500 and with the progress I made on my racecraft. Definitely some things to work on for next year.

I really want to put out a special thanks to Mike Gray who has helped me all year with advice on race craft along with Kevin Pinkstaff. I also have to especially thank Dave Salmi and Brian Pinkstaff for helping me a ton during the last track day. I think my line in 7-8-9 still needs work...but at least I feel like I have a good base to improve on.

OMRRA Round 5

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:47:10 -0500

The penultimate round of OMRRA...for those of us who aren't schooled well...that means next to last.

Was watching the weather all week and it looked to be kind of miserable. We lucked out and had most of our races in the dry with only my last rain being full wet.

Before I get going on the report. Wanted to share a very cool thing that Kevin P did. He set up a booth to help a friend from school's nephew, Jake Kennedy Derring. Jake was born with an extraordinarily rare syndrome called Otopalatodigial Syndrome Type II. Please read more and if you can contribute here http://www.jakesake.com/ The response from OMRRA was great and reminds me of special people that I get to race with.

Onto the report. Thanks Mike Gray, John Kim, and Amy for help in the pits this weekend. Special thanks to Mike Gray, Brian Pinkstaff, and Dave Salmi for helping me at the last track day. I think it definitely helped towards some progress on track.

Thanks to sponsors Acme Motowear, Zlock Racing, Zupa Travel, Lockhart Phillips, Cycle gear, and Competition motors. Thanks to friends Dustin, Mark & Elaine, Jeff Brooks, The Pinkstaff's, Oliver Jervis, and Dale Zlock. We were without the presence of Dan Zlock as after so many years racing...he wanted to take a weekend off. You missed an especially entertaining dinner with Oli.

450 Clubman - 1st place

Wanted to take note that this is going to Jeffery Thomson's last race. It was/has been a pleasure getting to know and race with him the past two years...he'll be missed on and off the track.

He got the jump on me at the start...but I kept on the gas as I couldn't afford to give him the lead into 1. We were joined this time on the grid by motard riders Tyson Silva and Justin Watkins. I knew they were going to be added competition as they are both fast riders. Unfortunately we caught the wave ahead of us very quickly...like Turn 3 of lap 1 and I was immediately being held up by slower Middle weight riders. Was able to pick my way through some...but I lacked some confidence to pass in 7-8-9...which was something that Justin and Tyson took advantage of. We diced it up a bit throughout the race...at times I think their passes might have been a little risky for a Clubman class...but I put it out of my mind and focused on getting ahead of them. I wasn't turning any real fast laps on the SV500...but I was able to hold them off for the win, but they didn't make it easy.

450 Superbike - 6th place

This is my best finish in this class. Unfortunately it was really due to Dustin crashing...I'm glad he's OK and was able to get the bike back together to go racing again later in the day for what would be his first win. Congrats! I got a slow start...as we headed into one Dave Wallway was just ahead but so was David Lane. I took a very fast outside line into 1 and went around Dave L. to ensure I could stick with Dave Wallway. It worked and I was able to race with Dave W. He was stronger than me in 7-8-9...but I'd pull right up on him in T1. Within lap 1 Mike McDonough came from the back of the pack and was able to get into the 2nd group of bikes to start battling. About mid way through the race I was able to get by Dave and was holding him off. Greg Levin was just ahead and I was trying to put sometime down to catch him. Although I was very strong this weekend into 1 and 2. My turn 3 speed and exit out of turn 9 seems to have regressed. I need to make sure to work on that this next trackday. If I sort that out I think that will at least get me right behind the 2nd lead group. Which I hope will help bring my times down further. I'm also very happy that this time I set consistent times down from the beginning. Normally I'm off pace the first 3 laps. But this race I was able to consistently put down 18's and 19's right from the beginning. Which is encouraging for me.

Lightweight Superbike sponsored by Vicious Cycle - 2nd place

Thankfully this was going to be a full wet race. We didn't have the stress of tire choice and last minute changes. We put on a new set of wets and headed out. About 3 laps in it started to rain. From the beginning I wasn't fully comfortable in the rain. So Travis was able to slip away quickly. I was left fending off Tyson. He was able to pass me once but I passed him back and then got a little more comfortable and was able to put some faster times down. I think fast lap in the rain is 1:33...which for me I think is a personal best in the wet. Considering I stayed up...I'm not complaining at all with finishing 2nd.

WMRRA Round 4

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:55:31 -0500

I had not raced in WMRRA as much as I had planned this year. Crashing out the first race and getting sick on the 2nd weekend hasn't really motivated me to make the trips up North that I was planning. As a result my progress hasn't been what I wanted it to be either and I can only blame myself for that.

It was...as is always FUN. This time we elected to stay with Kecia A. who opened up her house to wayward Zlock racers. So thank you Kecia (and friends) for the hospitality!

Thanks to the ever fun pit presence of the Pinkstaff's, the Zlock's, Oliver Jervis, Mark & Elaine, and Brent Prindle. We were also joined from recently graduated Novice Cameron T. for his first race weekend in Seattle. Unfortunately he had discovered a tranny problem and made the trip only to get 4 laps in.

Thanks to Amy for making the trip to pit crew for me. Her level of organization and skill is being noticed as Oliver is threatening to hire her for any future national races he attends.

Thanks to sponsors LP, SB motorsports, Competition motors, Zlock racing, and Acme Motowear for the support all season.

Results:

650SS twins - 7th place (1:40.3)

Formula Thunder - 8th (1:40.9)

MW GP Twins - 11th (1:41.4)

The good....I did get a good start in 650SS. Was right behind the lead bunch going into 5 where I gave up a bunch of ground. I was able to apply the line in 2 that I learned in the Sullivan school...and the result is that I reel in the folks I race with in 3 and 4. I'm catching an extra gear coming down the hill into 3 which means I'm getting lined up for a good drive down the hill at the top. Oliver gave me another good tip here and it helped. I think i understand the line going into 6...but am having trouble executing because of my line in 5. It is just really hard for me to catch a downshift and brake up the slight rise. Challenging to say the least. Additionally Kevin helped me make a geometry change where we increased the ride height and I think it helps. The bike didn't have the tendency to run wide exiting 3.

The bad. Not the results I was hoping for. If you remember my goal was to try and break 1:40 this year. I'm really having trouble in T5 and the "bus stop". Oliver and Kevin talked me through some of it, but I think lack of track time this year is definitely hurting me. This weekend was marred by foul weather (it really felt more like October) and some bad crashes which cut practice down to basically 1.5 sessions. I most likely will not be able to come back up to Seattle due to some scheduling so will have to be content for this year and attack 1:40 next year.

The ugly. Two very scary moments. The first was in 650SS when Danl Knowles crashed coming out of T2. He high sided in what looked like a very ugly crash. Thankfully he's OK and thankfully I was able to miss him as this happened literally right in front of me. The 2nd was the last lap of the last race I thought I could really give Scott Mcnees, Todd Sparrow, and Crystal Platt a race. I went in to T2 right on their tails....but mid corner T2 I got a slide front and rear. Was able to recover and decided to just finish.

So again small progress made in a number of areas. I just need to put it together and become consistent both here and in Portland.

OMRRA Round 4

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:53:17 -0500

Today was a day of mixed results for sure.

The good is that I won a race, I turned some of my fastest laps, and after my incident was OK. The bad is that I ended up crashing in one race and ruining my chances at challenging for the class championship.

Thanks to Amy for taking time off of pottery to help me during the 1 day Saturday race. Thanks to all the usual suspects for their help. Zlock's, Oliver Jervis, the Pinkstaff's, Mark/Elaine, Matt/Connie, Dustin/Miriam, Jeff Brooks....again always making it a fun weekend. Mike Gray unfortunately had business trip so his company was missed this weekend.

Very special thanks to Dan, Dale, Brian, and Kevin in helping me get the SV500 back together and re-tuned. We had a little motor maintenance during the break.

Thanks to sponsors..Zlock Racing, Competition motors, Acme Motorwear, Lockhart Phillips, Cyclegear, and Zupa Travel.

Results

450 Clubman - 1st Place

I got a pretty good start, but I knew Jeffery T was right there with me. We immediately got into some traffic from the previous wave. I could tell at times it held Jeffery up thankfully to me. I almost got boxed in at turn 3. But luckily was able to make it through and keep my position. After a few laps I got lucky with the traffic and ran into them where I could pass easily which enabled me to put some time Jeffery. I ended up setting a new class lap record at 1:21.4.

450 Superbike - 7th place

I was very encouraged with my riding in this class today. Although the results don't show it I did some small things that indicate some progress for me. First my start wasn't horrible and even going into one I was aggressive in getting in front of Dave W. and Geoff F. I was able to hold Geoff off...but Dave came back around me into 4. Matt G and I were able to stick with Greg L, Dave W., and Mark for a little while. I passed Matt on the draft and was trying to stay with that group in 4~6th position. Again traffic started to play a big role as we started to catch the wave ahead of us early...and I lost some time in places trying to keep up. Soon the distance was too great and I started to go 'backwards' a bit. On lap 10 Matt G. came around me...so I knew we had a race to end. I was able to put my fastest lap on 650 yet at 1:18.043 to get around him and then hold him off to finish 7th. Again I'm feeling good that if I can just latch onto that group ahead of me and force myself to be consistent I can stick with them.

Vicious Cycle Lightweight Superbike - DNF

This was the race that hurt my pride! I was feeling very good and went into the start of the race with a strong mind set. I got the jump on Travis at the start...looks like he might have had a problem. He was still able to lead going into T1. I was encouraged as I was gaining on him in certain sections and thought I could give him a race. 2nd lap he pulled me down the straight...but again i was able to make some time up in certain sections and get back on his tail again. He'd then gap me down the straight again. On the third lap I got a little too greedy trying to make up distance in T9 and through what is most likely a trail braking mistake on my part I lost the front end. The bike and I slid into the air fence. I was physically OK...but I was really mad at myself for doing something so stupid early in the race. I still had 10 laps to make up that distance. Again looking on the positive side...I turned my fastest lap of 1:20.8, I'm unhurt...and the bike isn't horrible damaged. I should be back ready to ride by the next race.

Mid Season report

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:05:42 -0500

There is an unusual break in racing this summer for July. No races at all. I decided to do some much needed maintenance on the bike.

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!

OMRRA Round 3 Report

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:17:56 -0500

I am T-I-R-E-D!!! Luckily we had good weather but there is something about the heat that takes it out of you. So I'm beat. I'll keep this short for now.

Thanks to Mike Gray for help in the pits on Sunday during races. Thanks to Amy for help in the pits on Saturday during practice. Thanks to her parents for coming out and seeing what I do.

Thanks to sponsors...Competition Motors, Michelin, Acme Motowear, Zlock Racing, Lockhart Phillips, Cycle gear, SB motorsports, and Moto bits.

With this being a conflict weekend with WMRRA we were without the presence of Dan, Dale, and Oliver. Your company was definitely missed this weekend. Hope all went well in Seattle.

Now onto to results.

450 Clubman 1st Place

First race of the day...and it was a fun race for about 4 laps. Jeffrey Thompson was super motivated to give a race (a) he was feeling really good from Saturday practice and (b) Phil Holden was down from Canada. Phil is the former LS Champion who hasn't raced here in like 4 years and his bike is very similar to Jeffrey's. So he got the jump on me at the start. Like I've stated before when he's motivated he can definitely put some good lap times down. I was able to pass him when he went a little wide out of 4...but back he came on the front straight. We diced liked that for about 4 laps and it was just flat FUN...when in T4 when I was right on him trying to get a good drive down the back...he lost the rear. He spun out of the way but his bike was RIGHT in front of me...I put on the binders. Realistically I was thinking I was going to jump his bike...but at the last second it spun out of the way. Thankfully he was unhurt and the bike suffered little damage. I went hard for a few more laps until I could see no one was really behind me so I stepped it back and brought it home upright.

450 Superibike 7th

Got a decent start and was with Matt Gougler and Geoff Ford for the first few laps. Mark and David were just ahead of us...and I was thinking we could possibly catch up with them. But they broke contact as they started to dice with Greg Levin. It was a fun race going back and forth with Matt and I was able to hold him off at the end.

Lightweight Superbike 2nd

My goal this race was to try and keep contact with Travis...but he dusted us first lap out. I ended up dicing with Matt Taylor from the Smallbore classic grid. There were a few moments there when I wasn't too sure this was the smartest thing since we both are racing from different grids...but it was fun so we kept going at each other. I'd pass here...he'd pass me back there. His bike had a little motor on me...but I'd gain through 2 and 3. It came down to the last lap and I was able to put a pass on him into 1 and make it stick. It wasn't for position...but it was definitely fun to run with someone. This is the fastest time on the SV500 of 1:21.806. Unfortunately the rest of the lap times were in the 1:23 range...so I have a lot to do to catch up with Travis. But a few track days and hopefully I can maybe give him a race next time around.