#565 Round #7 - No snowman in Thunderbike

[The Snowman]

Not much time to write this up. I'm heading back to the not so great white north today.

Just a quick report:

Saturday:
Race 2: LWSB
Gave away a win with 2 false neutrals into T1 seeing both Brian Cooner (501) and Brett Larson (226) slide by me in the shoot on the drive out of T2. I had the lead for 4 of 8 laps in this race. Best lap time of 1:22.196 and a 3rd place finish.

Race 6: LWGP
Again, I gave away the win, having grabbed the lead into T3 from Dave Pang (910) on lap 2. I lead for 5 of 8 laps and Cooner got me on the brakes into T1 and I just couldn't find a good spot to pass him. I ended up 2nd with a best lap time of 1:22.013.

Sunday:
Race 2: GTL
A long and tiring race. I took 3rd into T1 and got by Dave Pang into T1 on lap 2 and that's where I stayed. Matt Gendron checked out, running close to 2 seconds faster each lap the entire race. I finished 2nd, close to 4 seconds ahead of Brett Larson.

Race 10: Thunderbike
I really had a shot at winning this one, but it was not to be. My SV developed an electrical gremlin, which turned out to be a blown resistor in the ignition switch, go figure. This one ended in a DNS for me.

Overall for the season, I did pretty well, as I didn't bump until round 2. I started the season with average lap times in the mid 26's with a PB of 1:26.0 and ended the season with average lap times in the low 22's with a PB of 1:20.4.

Season results:
LWSB: 6th overall, not bad, considering I had a DNF in the Classic (missed out on double points)
LWGP: 2nd overall
GTL: 8th overall (and 5th overall, if you discount those that bumped to expert)

I'm cautiously optimistic that I could be able to make the bump to expert. I feel I'm ready, since I really ended up 9th in the expert GTL, having caught and passed 4 of the expert racers (and they start 12-13 seconds before the amateurs do).

As for those I wish to thank for the season, the list is long, but I'll try to scale it back. The biggest thanks is to Annalisa, who came out and supported me every race weekend but round 5. Love you honey!

Thanks to my sponsors, Woodcraft, All Balls Racing, and AMSOil for the awesome product that kept me going all season.

Thanks to MTAG Pirelli for the awesome shoes throughout the season. Pirellis rock!

Thanks to Landric's Customs for the purple paint that held up extremely well to 2 crashes. She's still a pretty bike.

Thanks to both the ECK and RSP racing teams, that both made me feel as a part of their teams, even though I technically wasn't.

Thanks to Tony's Track Days for all of the track time and the trust in allowing me to ride for them. Also to Gino Berrio for the Personalized Instruction and showing me some new lines that really picked my time up.

And I'm especially thankful for all of the closer friendships I've made this season. As I told a few people yesterday at the close of the last TTD event, "This is the best season I have EVER had on 2 wheels."

Lastly, I'm not a religious man, but thanks to God that I was able to race and ride and come out of the season with minimal bruising. It really has been fun!

[nt650hawk]

It was great to watch you progress thru the year. This is what I love about racing. Watching the new people come in and progress. Glad I could help jumpstart some things for you.


Great year. Soon to be EX......

[CBR929RE]

I think a few of you SV amateurs are very close to the bump. couple rounds next year and you guys will have it for sure. good job this year.

[mzdagrl]

Good job this year Chuck!

[PainfullySlow]

Next years EX LW grids are going to be awesome =)

Great job Chuckles!

[OreoGaborio]

Thanks to both the ECK and RSP racing teams, that both made me feel as a part of their teams, even though I technically wasn't.

Go RESPCK Racing!!!

Don't let the lack of a pit shirt fool you, Chuck... In my opinion, you're an honorary member of TWO race teams.

Great season, Chuck. You came a long way this year. Well done.

[nt650hawk]

Go RESPCK Racing!!!

Don't let the lack of a pit shirt fool you, Chuck... In my opinion, you're an honorary member of TWO race teams.

[Chippertheripper]

Great year, and good times chuckles. You delivered, bigtime. I'll try not to be too mean on the webz this winter .
Maybe I'll sign up for a gt next season, and we can do bidness.

[The Snowman]

Great year, and good times chuckles. You delivered, bigtime. I'll try not to be too mean on the webz this winter .
Maybe I'll sign up for a gt next season, and we can do bidness.

the ribbing is in good fun. A GT run would be fun.

[darkduc7]

great job this year chuck, i had a blast racing with ya for the last few rounds. i hope for many more next year, if you stay yellow. cheers!

[Rada]

You did well this year Chuck. I'm glad I got to hang with you this year at the TTD events. I look forward to seeing you wearing EX plates next season. Your place is the Towed Inn will be there in the spring.

[doug1611]

Lastly, I ask him before each race and thank him after for all the riders safety. No shame in that Chuck.

[The Snowman]

Lastly, I ask him before each race and thank him after for all the riders safety. No shame in that Chuck.

Never said there was any shame. I have actually gotten into the habit of getting down on a knee and asking for strength before mounting up for a race.

Seems to have worked this past weekend.

I never had the chance to before the Thunderbike race. I wonder if the bike would have started if I did?

[doug1611]

Great to hear Chuck! Hope you have a good winter. Already can't wait for next year!