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It was a short race "weekend" for me because of work, so I only managed to get time off for 2 Sunday races, Unlimited Supersport and Superbike. I was very excited to get back to the track, even though it would be my first time racing with the Amateurs and sharing the track with the experts.
I didn't roll into NHMS until about 7 on Saturday night so tires, registration and tech would have to wait until Sunday morning. It was a scramble....no scratch that, it was a clusterf@ck. I missed first practice since I couldn't get my tires put on until about 7:30. I tried as hard as I could to get the bike together and through tech in order to turn at least a few laps before group 2 went out. It didn't happen. I was pissed and that pretty much set the mood for the rest of the morning. I hadn't been on the bike since June, so I knew I'd be rusty, and missing track time was a going to be a huge disadvantage. Oh well. I made it out to 2nd practice, only to lay it down gently going into T3 (AGAIN). This time due to cold tires and just not feeling comfortable. Yay, I completed 5 laps, that should help me get back into the rhythm
At this point I almost wanted to pack up and leave. It was one of "those" days. My buddy Chris (also pitting in T11) was having an AWESOME rookie weekend, so it helped lighten the mood and took my mind off the negatives. Congrats to you Chris, BTW!!!
Race 5: Unlimited Supersport
I gridded in 6C...which is pretty much at the very back of the grid. I honestly didn't even care. I was ready to write off the race and treat this as my practice in preparation for my second race. The flag drops for our third wave and we're off! I get out pretty good and manage to pick my way throught the field to finish 6th, and post a new race PB of 1:19.3! I'm tickled. I'll take that any day!
Race 10: Unlimited Superbike
After my first race I'm feeling loose and in the right mindset. I'm gridded dead last in 3A, but at least that puts me towards the inside line going into 1. I get a decent start and it's game on! This race has probably been the most fun I've ever had on track. I made my way through the field to finish 5th, but it was the journey there that made it so much fun! I sparred with Brad Erling and Kevin Patterson for almost the entire race until the last couple laps, where novice traffic got in the way and opened up passing opportunities for me to get closer to the front.
Summary
1)There is absolutely NO substitute for track time, whether it be practice, race, or track days. I don't know about you all, but this guy gets rusty quick!
2)Yellow plate racing is a whole different ballgame!! Damn near everybody gets off the line well, and it's near impossible to get away from the pack (unless you're like Eric Wood and then you belong with the phenoms with white plates). The competition is tight and not very many opportunities to get by other riders.
3)Since I mentioned Eric Wood, I'll say he is so friggin smooth and fast, it makes me sick. He passed by me and another rider in front of me on the outside of 1A like we were on a parade lap. He was past me before I could register the Penguin on his leathers. Hopefully someone got a picture of the exact moment he was behind me so I could tell everyone that was "the time I got past Eric in the chicane"!!!!!
Overall, I had a great time with everyone on and off the track. Thanks to everyone invloved!
Enjoy the vid before the copyright nazis put the hammer down for the music!
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I'm not sure if I let off going into 3 or if you were just stronger but you certainly had me up the hill as I got into a little fight with Jim.
Originally Posted by WinVT
