4
Kurtz once again was torturing me telling me to hurry up to come at the track so once again I left work early and I was @ NHMS friday afternoon.
Unpacked, set in the infamous Garage 22N which was packed this time (mix of Penguin and Racers for the weekend).
Found my boy Keith, talked a little bit had a few beers and we called it a night fairly early since my bike was 100% this time.
Saturday morning I woke up in a fantastic mood. I was feeling healthy and happy.
Decided to do first practice which I never do and I was turning flat 30s and some 31s. I wasnt pushing at all, I wasnt even trying and I was riding much better than the first weekend. Degsy had kept reminding to ride the track, not ride against the other riders. I was still very confused with shifting points. Pulled in talked to Gino for a bit, he gave me two pointers I went out for second practice and turned flat 29s just by shifting where Gino told me to.
Race 6 - Formula 3 (LW)
Grid seemed massive. I think I was at 10B (?). I dont really remember much of this race rather than I rode very comfortable. I believe I finished 3rd but I am not sure. 1:27.9 was my best with all my laps under 1:29. Here we go much closer to my normal pace and feeling 100% again. Now I was excited for my second race.
Race 9 - Formula 4 (UL)
Biggest grid of the weekend for NV. 47 bikes on the track!!!!
I am gridded 11B. Flag drops and I launched that Hawk as good as I possibly can. outlap of 1:29.8 which I think is my best one so far.
I am pulling away from everyone in my class fairly quick. Lap 2 I start braking way to early into one and a HARLEY passes me. we go back and forth for a few laps. he puts some slow MW NV between us very nicely played! for the next 4-5 laps I pass him into 3 and he passes me going up the hil at 4 immediatelly. going into the ball I spot 4 MW NV going very slow ahead of us. Plan is to pass the Harley and all the novice into the ball. I brake late go in Hard, pass 4/5 bikes and right on the apex the last bike goes on the brakes, lifts the bike up. Completely spooked me, I go at the flat part of the track near the bleachers, hit the grass over 7, somehow keep the bike up and jump back in the race. at that point I cant catch the Harley. I finish 2nd, feel very mad only to find out I did 1:27 flat and all my laps were in the 28s. Now I am happy again.
Sunday
I went out in practice just to make sure the bike and I are 100%. I didnt have anything specific to work on. Some tips Gino gave me were applicable only during an actual race.
Race 3 - Starter 4 (UL)
I am gridded right next to the Harley and my goal this time is to win him. Found out Friday night the guy is AMA multi times champion. Got to talk to him at the pits a bit too, he is pretty cool guy.
This time I had a different tactic about it. I didnt want to pass him at 3 and have him re pass me up the hill. I wanted to follow him learn his line and make one pass he cant catch up after (thanks Gino).
Green Flag drops I have a really good start again. Pass a few bikes only to have the harley come from the outside into 1 to pass me. I follow him every single lap. (video unfortunately stops at lap 4). I am keeping him close and I am not letting him put anyone between us. Finally I decide to go a bit suicidal on lap 7. I go very late on the brakes into 3 take a much tighter line than I usually do and get on the throttle very early (all for my standards). He is behind me I cant hear him going up the hill, I go into the bowl very hard as well (still in front of him). keep a very fast line through 9 - 10 and we are out on the straight. I look behind me and I have a decent gap, i just cant fuck up T1 again. I go in solid and keep pushing the whole way left with no looking back. Finish First with a best lap of 1:24.9 and most of my laps 26-27s. I am super happy. Ran over to the center garages to share the news with the RSP and ECK guys who are pretty much just as happy as I am
here is the video that was taken so I can get more feedback about my riding:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5dt2r_OF7k
Race 10 - Rookie 4 (UL)
only two bikes in my race this time. No clue how we go from 20 to 2 but I guess people were tired and crashed?
Gino is at the hot pit for me this time tooFlag drops I have a good start I am ahead. by lap 2/3 Gino is already telling me I have a huge gap so I cool down cause last thing I wanna do is crash. Brought it home very easily and had tons of fun
This was by far the most fun I have ever had on the track. I havent felt more connected with the bike and I was in the zone for myself.
I was able to put in action every piece of advice I got and it paid off
Huge thanks to RSP - ECK - G2 guys who were extremely supportive all weekend.
Degs & BoMo for always helping out with the bike, listen to me bitch and give me advice
Always huge thanks to Corner Workers and Track Staff for keeping us safe and cleaning up the track quick and accurate.
my sponsors:AT&T Mobility, Alexander Academy, Above the Influence, Yoshimura USA, Braking, Niko's Pizza & Restaurant, RCM Services, Gallios, Salus Capital Partners.
shit was REAL this weekend and I cannot wait for the classic. thank you all so much for being part of my life!
^ Mike showing me how to properly relax LOL
T6 after I passed the Harley
T1A dragging shit all over the place
Supporting my boy Keith on the grids
and besides the wins and new PB, this is my highlight of the weekend:
CASE CLOSED
thank you all for reading
Olympus Racing #508 - Sav
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99 + 02 SV650 ex-race - 91 FJ1200 street - 03 KDX220R woods - 12 WR450F motard/ice
Originally Posted by PainfullySlow
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