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I'm suffering from a serious track hangover today, but I wouldn't do a thing differently. 6 days at the track simply flew by, and I already miss it!
Boston Moto 9/29:
Met the guy bringing my new trailer as I pulled into the track, thank god I got something in time to avoid the rain and sleep in over the weekend as it was pouring. The next morning I got my new rubber mounted, and headed out on track. My goal for the day was to get used to my new Dunlops, test out the Kates suspension tweaks, and regain confidence in my transmission. I knew it was a lot of different stuff to get used to, but holy crap it was like being on a totally different bike. The difference going from a street/track tire to a completely different profile was astounding. Totally different tip in, mid corner stability, and a whole lot more. I had to change everything from entry speed, braking, and tip in point but absolutely love them. I was still being a big weenie about driving out of T3 and T12,after all the 2nd gear slippage I had previously but felt relaxed and comfortable by the end of the day. I wasn't pushing the speed at all, and finished day #1 on track shiny side up, and warmed up. Now for the real riding...
Thanks a ton Roland, Shawn, Mo, and Frenchy for helping me with my wheels and being awesome garage mates. Its always nice to pit with a different crew and hang out
Sorry Roland for the shopping spree at Walmart...
Thursday/Friday Practice:
Didn't happen because it was pouringand instead I visited the wonderful world of Harbor Freight. Awesome!
I ended up pitting with the EX Mafia because Dan and Roland were over there, and there were races on TV
I also fed Roland too much vodka, discussed politics and saw the NESR aftermath the next morning.And BTW, we all know you're not a dick.
Saturday:
Brrrrr... Chilly in the morning, but took it easy the first practice, woke up my body and got the tires up to temp. 2nd practice I pushed a little harder and was ready to go.
Race #3 - MW GP
I'm not going to lie, I was scared shitless to do this race. I love my 600, but it was not the bike I wanted to start racing on, primarily because of all the tall tales about "The Meatgrinder." My first race weekend I stayed in HW races for the smaller field size but can't hide with the big bikes forever. My personal goal was to survive the race, lol. When we gridded up I almost threw up I was so nervous there were so many bikes out there. I had a half assed launch mostly because I wanted to hang back tipping into T1. I had even contemplated just waving everyone by at the start
I passed one bike, and held him off until the very last lap.
As the bikes funneled through T1, and 1a I cruised in back waiting to see what would happen, and sure enough crash in T3. Then in the bowl, then somewhere else. Whew, so far so good. I avoided the bikes and bodies on track, stuck to my lines, tried to remember to breathe, and tried like hell not to look at the ambulance parked on the side of the bowl for several laps of the race. Finished the race with a sense of relief, and happy that I got the mental practice of being aware in my peripheral view of stuff going on, but not getting distracted by it and being able to focus on the race. It was a good learning experience. My times didn't drop as much as I had hoped, but I did have a new PB.
Race # 12 HW Superbike
I wasn't too stressed about this one, everything seemed like a piece of cake after the anxiety I had over the prior MW race. I had a so-so launch, chased a couple riders, but most importantly was relaxed and actually had FUN for the first time. I was in the zone, and grinning ear to ear when I came off track. Nope, I wasn't any faster, but damn, that was a blast!
Sunday:
I was cold and tired in the morning, so only did the 2nd practice which was cut short when Mo decided to slide across the start/finish after dancing with the flag guy. Lots of sparks. Glad you're ok buddy.
Race #1 NV GTO
The worst launch of my life... I ended up doing like 4 or 5 baby wheelies off the start, felt like I was riding a fresh colt and made me giggle but a bit dissappointing. The guy I had passed the day before took off and I chased him for a couple laps. I was getting into my stride when the race was red flagged behind me. (So glad Mike and Stu are ok!)
We came in, sat on pre grid for a while then everyone left. I was a 'lil confused and had to ask what we were doing, then went back to the garage and threw the warmers back on. When the race re-started I was really distracted and had completely lost my focus. It took me 2 full laps to get my bearings but never got back with it. I ended up 3rd out of 5 due to crashes...but wanted some more track time to re-focus.
I had planned on signing up for race #8, and had permission from registration to add it after I finished race #1 but when I went back in to registration they changed their minds
I was completely depressed to be leaving the track, especially because I am moving in a week or two so begged Tony (at Dan K's encouragement) to let us ride on Monday.One more day at the track!
Thanks everyone in the EX garage for being so cool, helping me with stands, lending a warmer when mine crapped out, a heater so I didn't freeze, Dan for not crashing my bikeand being an amazing group of people. I would have loved to pit with you next year but will be pitting 3,000 miles West.
TTD Monday 10/4
I woke up to a drizzle, and even colder temps. Limping around the garages I wonder what the hell I'm doing still at the track. I ran 2 sessions in intermediate, warmed up, then decided to bump so I could build some more fast. I especially wanted to work on my line and entry speed into the bowl, and picked up some more corner speed along the way as the fast guys went past. I ended up only doing 5 sessions total because my legs were so tired, but am a fan of quality over quantity. I was great to have another day at NHMS, and a great way to finish the season.
On a sad note...
If there was a single reason why I would stay on the East Coast, it would be because of the amazing community of riders, and supporters at the track, and on this board. You have all been truly amazing, and I will miss every one of you. I know there are good people everywhere, but you guys have been the best.I am excited but sad to be heading to CA, and will keep you all updated on my progress. You will be the first to get pics of me dragging elbows on the left coast
Originally Posted by Pittenger5
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