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NV# 142 - Rookie Race Report
What an amazing weekend! I have never met a more friendly and helpful group of people before.
I showed up Friday morning to attend Penguin. The attendance was pretty light about five folks. I was the only one planning to stay and race Saturday. Steve was the instructor and I had the opportunity to follow him one on one for most of the day. Great guy, funny and really helpful.
Unlike all the other race reports I cannot remember hardly any details about the races. Part of it was I was a bit overwhelmed trying to remember how to ride, the track, the rules and attempting to do well.
Saturday
Rookie Race 12 entries showed up. Most of the folks must have taken the class previous weeks. It seemed to be a single file three lap parade. The focus for me was not to crash. Mission accomplished.
Race 3 Supertwins. I dont remember much other than I amazed myself that I could actually perform a decent standing start. I passed a few folks, got lapped by a few from the earlier wave. I finished 5th with unimpressive lap times.
Sunday
Race 1 GTL. This was a ton of fun. A good start (relative for a rookie). I made a pass in 1, 3 and 9 on different laps. The race was red flagged about 13 minutes in. I put a string of 1.25 laps together and was really happy - I even took third place!
Race 11 LWSS. Horrible start wheelies and the clutch modulation of a gorilla. It felt like I was learning to ride the bike and the track all over again. My times were off from earlier. To cap it off I lowsided in 2 causing a red flag and ending the race sorry guys. I wish I knew what I did to cause it so I can correct it but I have no idea. I just remember sliding into the air fence, laying on my back for a few seconds and watching another bike follow me in. Thankfully he landed a few feet back toward 2.
Overall the little SV650 did great and I have a bit of repair work to do for October. I was pretty pleased with my first time out. Taking home a trophy made the crash a bit more tolerable. I cannot thank everyone enough. There were so many people who offered advice, guidance, help and support. That is what really made it a great weekend.
I look forward to meeting some more people next weekend.
Matt