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So my first official race report! I have to share because I am sure many of you can relate to my up and down race day.
It was bittersweet as this was my last race day of the year. I am not going to make it to Barber in October so I was both excited and bummed. The day started off chilly, but good. The first practice out felt slow. The track was bumpy although it could be because I ran Mosport 3 weeks earlier. I was running about 3 seconds off my normal lap times so I wasn't as slow as I thought. Then I jumped on a sidecar for practice. I had been the monkey on this rig at Mosport, but not at Loudon which is much more technical. The first lap was a mess. I was not in the right place at the right time. My foot kept getting caught, and I felt like I was working 10 times harder then I should have been. I tried another lap and was still out of sorts so I thought I would give it one more lap. I didn't even technically finish the 2nd lap as I missed the transition in 12, got thrown backwards and quickly realized I was not going to be able to get back up while accelerating. As he started going through the gears, I realized, he is only going to go faster so I let go at probably 40 versus 80. I rolled down the pavement a bit and got off the track. Leathers ripped a bit (new ones were on order already anyway). It was as easy a get off as them come. No helmet damage and I walked away. Too bad my driver did not realize until 1a that I was not on the rig
So after passing off the sidecar gig to someone else, I focused on my CB. The second practice went much better and I was ready for the race. Middleweight Production has a lot of those pesky 2 stroke RDs so I knew I needed to get a good jump. I went into turn 1 third with one RD and Rabbie ahead of me. Rabbie is always ahead as he is super fast. The only time I beat him was 4th of July in the rain and he crashed. One of the RDs that I was dicing with in practice also got ahead of me. I stalked him for about 2 laps and latered him in turn 7. I then apparently pulled away and kept 2nd place. Pretty happy although once you taste victory, there is nothing else really like it. Also I think that means I got second in the championship!
Next up was the Lightweight Supervintage race. This is a very competitive class with the 3 of the top people running engines built by the same guy. Rabbie walked away again, but I got a good start and went into turn 1 third from the second row. Dick was ahead of me. Rabbie, Dick and I all have the same engine builder. Out of all of them, I have the least horsepower (hoping that will change over the Winter), but I do weigh the least so that is my advantage. Dick also had a new set of tires which helped him pull away from me the first 4 lap, but by 5, I could tell he was tired and I was on the move. I caught up to him on the final lap (6) and showed him a wheel in 6, 9, 10 and then finally the entry to 12. He shut the door on me so I was hard on the brakes, but still determined. I came out of 12 knowing I needed the a good drive. I gave it a whole lotta throttle, started to really move and then saw the ground. The rear end came around on me and I was on my ass. Knowing everyone behind me was looking for the checkered, I quickly got out of the way. It happened quickly, but I know exactly what I did wrong. Thank you to a13x and jro for corner working. Alex, I positioned my bike so that the gas would leak down the crevice to make your job easier
So a 2nd place, a personal best, and 2 crashes to end my racing season. I have a swollen, bruised elbow and a few other bruises to show for myself. I am going to try sidecar racing again next year and the solo bike will be good as new or as new as a vintage bike can be by Feb as Roebling and Daytona might be an option in 2010.
Thanks for the support that some of you give our little club. Also I want to thank a certain someone for all his support and for helping me get faster this year! You rock
Until next year....
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Originally Posted by jerseygirl
