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Hey Guys, well, this weekend was my first roadracing in 5 years. I've been riding and instructing a lot with Tony, so I'm not out of touch with the track, but racing is always a different level altogether. Here's how it happened.
I was invited to ride for a few teams in the Endurance race, and the draw of the 125GP bike won out. I joined up with Roland (Rolker), Jake Vader, and Shawn Spears for the endurance race. A handful of strong LRRS teams formed up and it promised to be a full on brawler. The race did not disappoint.
USCRA also runs a 125 modern class, and Jeff Vader generously offered me his bike for that race.
I didn't get practice time to dial in the suspension, so I just winged it. I bogged once off the line, but then found the sweet spot and wheelied that bike halfway to turn one! I slotted in behind Jake and Shawn. I decided to make a quick push for the front on lap 2. I passed Shawn on the brakes into T3 rear wheel up and wagging, but then nearly highsided when I got on the gas. The changes I make to the suspension weren't quite dialed and I really couldn't push. Jake was running strong and smooth out front, so I just followed as long as I could and came home second. Props to Jake. He's on the verge of breaking through the next plateau.
The Endurance race was EPIC this year. 19 teams total, and 5 modern teams from LRRS gridded up. The 125 was the creme of the class, and we knew if we ran a smooth race, we had a shot.
Roland started us, and bogged it off the line BAD! He ran an aggressive couple of laps to get us back into 5th, But the other teams had their big guns out first, and they were gone at the front. We we in fourth and a lap down when Roland came in.
We refueled the thirsty 125 and sent Jake out next. He hauled us back onto the lead lap with some consistent quick laps. Next Shawn went out and did the same. My first stint came up and I was able to get in a better rhythm on Roland's bike. Despite being down on power and revs (more on this later) I was clicking consistent 20s with an occasional 19 in there. We were holding down the lead by now, and I put us up by a lap and a half or so.
The second rotation came around, and trouble struck. As we were pushing Shawn out of the hot pit, the bike wouldn't fire! Oh no. We pushed him as far as we could, then Gino took over, and he got the thing running just at the exit onto the track. We lost a lot of time here and our lead was gone. The bike didn't sound right, but he seemed to get going. When he came in, he said the bike was just dying as soon as it hit 12K rpms. Hmmm... not too good.
I was up last and the race was incredibly close. BJ Worsham had put together a strong team on an EX500, and they were having a dream run with 3 of their four riders lapping fast and consistent. The bike fires for me easy and as I'm pittiing out onto the track, BJ comes by me around T2. IT'S ON!!! I can only assume that I am racing him for the lead head to head for the last 25 minutes. As I get up to speed, though, I notice that Roland's bike sounds like shit. Aaagh! Patience. I settle in about 20-30 bike lengths behind BJ and check his pace. He's going good. Really good. I'm going to have to push hard to win this thing.
I put my head down and start clicking the laps, 20, 19, 20, 20 etc. He's mine. I pass him, give a friendly wave and look back and start working to build a nice gap. He's falling back quickly, and then he's gone. Phew. Rolands bike is sounding worse. It's now basically seizing about 4 times a lap and I'm getting nervous that it is going to spit me on my head in the bowl or something. I look back, nobody in sight. I give my crew cheif the signal that the engine is dying.
It's up to ten hiccups a lap and I'm just nursing it now, wondering if I should come in. I don't think it's going to make the checkered flag. Jeff is smart and gives me a 5 minute board and tells me I have a big gap. I'm gonna cruise it home. Then I look back and there's BJ! Shit where did he come from? I'm gonna either end on my head, or take the win. I start pushing again and manage the gap taking the checkers in first, seriously relieved.
Turned out BJ had lost his shifter and had to pit, falling 2 laps behind, but it was an incredible race and they got a well deserved second.
Cliffs: USCRA were gracious hosts, and fun to ride and hang with. Johnny B is awesome. Kerry Smith and her mom are fantastic and really make it happen.
Huge thanks to Roland for pulling this amazing team together. Jeff Vader, I can't thank enough for all the track time on the 125, smart crew cheifing, and the best steaks I've had in a looong time! Jake and Shawn rode fantastic. Kurlon scored and kept us informed of our progress throughout the race. Great effort from everyone, and it made my summer. THANKS GUYS!!!
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musta felt great to be back out there on the 125!
Originally Posted by nt650hawk
