WSMC Race Day

[Kurt'sSV]

The Willow Springs Motorcycle Club is having the second round of their 2003 season this next Sunday, the 16th. The races are held at the Willow Springs Raceway on their Big track. It only costs 10 dollars to get in and it is an all day event. So if you've got nothing else to do on Sunday (which I don't), drive on up to the track for some good racing and cheer on our own resident racer, Squidboy!

[Golden_Eternity]

I'm there. Been meaning to go up and maybe help out in the pits.

[Kurt'sSV]

It was a cold, windy day at Willow Springs, but the racing was hot, hot, hot! Man that was some good shit. I don't think I've ever had more fun not riding my bike. There was some good racing going on today. I was privie to seeing a big, nasty high side happen right in front of me when a rider was coming off of turn 3. Fortunately he was fine, but his bike was thrashed. My friend and I moved down to the bleachers by turn one just in time to see the open class superstock race and the first time those bike came roaring down the straight at full speed I wanted to giggle and do a little happy dance cause it got me so excited. The best race of the day was the 600 superstock race where the number 1,2, & 3 riders were neck and neck the whole race and went three abreast into turn 1 beginning the last lap. And in the 12 lap main event race, which is an open class race, a 600 superbike was in third place for the entire race, and even passed the R1 that was in second for a brief time on the last lap (he got clipped at the finish line by a GSX-R1000 to take 4th), but that goes to show how it's not so much the bike, but the rider.

It was a fun day and we plan on going back in May when the weather should be great (and my arm will be in a sling). I hope others of you will come out, watch the great races, and cheer on Squidboy!

[Golden_Eternity]

I had to werk, so I couldn't make it... I'm a flake, I guess.

Worked out well, though, 'cause I got to hang out with a friend I haven't really seen in a few years...

[coyn586]

Got to experience some great battles in my races.. Sure.. I was racing for 7th-9th in the 750 races...but they were still great battles.
Damn I love racing :D

[Kurt'sSV]

Coyn, what races were you in? Was it a 750 that did that big high side in the morning coming off of turn 3? Did you hear why Vince kablibah-blob (I can't remember his las name) pulled out of the open superstock race when he was in the lead? And what made him crash in 9 during the open superbike race? Oh course you may not know.

[Guzzigirl2000]

DucatiRick took third in the 250 class and seventh in the
heavyweight class.

[Kurt'sSV]

An SV won the 550 superbike class (which isn't much of a surprise), but the same dude (#37) won the middle weight twin class, smoking a Ducati 748 in the process.

Go SV!

[squidboy]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Coyn, what races were you in? Was it a 750 that did that big high side in the morning coming off of turn 3? Did you hear why Vince kablibah-blob (I can't remember his las name) pulled out of the open superstock race when he was in the lead? And what made him crash in 9 during the open superbike race? Oh course you may not know.

I think Dustin was in all 3 750-class races. If you're talking about the bike that crashed during practice, it was Rudy, one of Dustin's main guys from TrackDaz -- glad to hear he was OK!

Don't worry about not remembering Haskovec's last name, some of the announcers for the AMA series can't pronounce it. Funny thing is that he uses Vincent because he figured no one could remember or say his real first name, Vaclev :p

The guy who won the 550 Superbike class is Scott Cleff (# 37), who is about the fastest SV rider at Willow aside from Zoran. But the results said that Pete Ellis won BoTT Middleweight on his 748. It's about time, considering his Duc is putting out at least 110hp :eek:

Unfortunately, I couldn't race this past weekend for financial reasons (read: I am broke). But I did go out to watch and visit with my friends. I hope to be back out next month as the guy I battled nose-to-tail last month got 4th in BoTT M/W and 2nd in 550 S/B and I want to dice with him again! :D

If anyone comes out for future rounds, look for me in the Turn 1 area of the pits (# 58).

enjoy,

[Kurt'sSV]

Where are the results from Sunday's races posted? I can't find them on the race-wsmc site. I really thought Scott Cleff won the BOTT middleweights on Sunday. My mistake. He did win it during the January races, though.

The big high side I was talking about was during the races, one of the early ones. It looked ugly, but the guy was fine.

[squidboy]

Kurt,

The results haven't been posted to the WSMC website yet, but I wrote down the posted result info for BoTT M/W and 550 S/B at the track before I left on Sunday. I like to keep tabs on the classes in which I'm (supposed to be) racing :rolleyes: Yep, Scott won BoTT M/W in Jan. and even I managed to beat one of the 748's last month.

Now I think I know which crash you mean, the one where the guy went off coming into Turn 3 and his bike cartwheeled and sort of flew apart. He was fine, in fact, he was picking up the pieces of his bike before they could even load him in the crash truck. Looked nasty though. Haskovec's bike looked a real mess after his off in Turn 9 -- the whole subframe section was at 90 degrees to the rest of the bike, bodywork trashed and wheels bent. He'll be back for March no doubt.

[Kurt'sSV]

So you were there on Sunday, Steve? Son of a bitch. Well I guess if we knew what each other looked like we might have been able to stop and say hi.

[squidboy]

Originally posted by Guzzigirl2000
DucatiRick took third in the 250 class and seventh in the
heavyweight class.

Congrats to him!

Do you mean Heavyweight Novice? And is the class you're calling '250' the Lightweight (0-500) Novice class??

If he's running one of the Duc 748's he has listed in his profile in H/W Novice, he'll be up against us SV racers in a month or two in BoTT M/W. I hope he stops by and says Hi next month, I'd like to meet him.

enjoy,

[coyn586]

I raced in all 3 750 races on Sunday.. With that gnarly wind, best I could do was a 1:30 flat.. but on Saturday I was able to do a string of :29's and a couple of 28's!!

I got and 8th, a 9th, and would have gotten a 6th or 7th had I not gotten docked a lap for jumping the start bigtime.. IT was funny becuase Craig, the starter came up to me later and informed me that HE was the one that starts the race, and not me :)

Rudy is fine.. In fact.. he didn't break anything.. He crashed his EX500 Superheap in turn 8 in spectacular fashion. Aparently a plug he had where the starter used to be popped out as he crested turn 6... he didn't realize it until turn 8. Curtis Adams #45 said he tried to catch him and tap on his shoulder or something.. actually got within a few feet of him... but the Superheap powered away. Rudy was knocked unconsious, but its fine.. he's got a swollen hand.. but no broken bones! I told him he needs to buy a LOTTO ticket, as thats the second time he's crashed in 8 with NO injuries!

[coyn586]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Coyn, what races were you in? Was it a 750 that did that big high side in the morning coming off of turn 3? Did you hear why Vince kablibah-blob (I can't remember his las name) pulled out of the open superstock race when he was in the lead? And what made him crash in 9 during the open superbike race? Oh course you may not know.

I remember in one of the races my buddy Don crashed his R1 in turn 3.. then there was a 750 dude laying there like the next lap.. Pretty weird.. I almost crashed entering 3 as my fixxer 750 tranny popped outta gear.. I had this thought cross my mind "I'M NOT CRASHING TODAY" as I jambed the thing back into gear, and quickly turned at the last possible moment. I lost a spot to Rocky.. but was able to catch him and repass him. I pretty much battled all day long with Ruben Munoz :D

[Kurt'sSV]

Will and I went up to the races today to watch the action. As usual the opening 600 cc race kicked ass. In fact a lot of the races today were real exciting. With Toye and Haskovek (the WSMC big dogs) in Alabama, the 12 lap main race was a real barn burner with 4 or 5 bikes fighting for the win the whole time. The race ended with a red flag on lap ten due to a big crash between the guys in third and fourth place.

I finally met Squidboy in person. He wasn't racing but was helping a guy from Sport Rider Magazine named Andrew (crap forgot his last name) who was racing a mostly stock '03 SVS. It's so stock that it has the passenger seat on it. He kicked ass out there and took 2nd in 550 superbike. GrlStar (Breanne) raced her first expert class race today on her SVS in the 550 superbike race also. She had an awesome start from the back row and had 4th place locked up, but alas tucked the front going into turn 5 on the last lap. She said the bike hit her in the ass as they were both sliding through the gravel, but besides that she was fine. Her bike didn't look too bad either aside from the broken wind screen. Britt was there as Breanne's crew chief, so we said high to her. Britt said she was thinking about signing up for our track day, but looks like she's shit outta luck now 'cause we're full. Maybe someone will drop out and then she could join us SV riders.:p

It was a fun day like always and I recommend going to watch the races. Next month they are having their 2nd annual Toyota Cup race where there will be some big names racing ('cause the purse is 150,000 dollars!). You cansave ten bucks off the normal priced ticket if you prepurchase by October 10th at www.race-wsmc.com . I'll getting my ticket soon, will you? #-o that was cheesy

[stingray]

maybe i'll come out once the AFM season's over:D

[Kurt'sSV]

Another thing I forgot to mention was that Will and I checked out the new Horse Thief Mile track out there.

As you drive along the back side of the Big track passed the 'Streets, you'll see a sign that says Horse Thief Mile track, so we turned up that road to go take a look. After about 100 feet there was a stop sign that said "WHOA" on it, but the gate was partially opened, so I drove around it in my Civic and proceeded farther up the road. We weren't really paying attention to where we were going because we were looking at the Streets track right next to us and talking about it. Before we knew it I came to a stop and was basically on the track. Oops. I looked over my shoulder and saw a WSMC Official truck coming up the road so we guessed pretty quick that we weren't supposed to be there. I turned the car around, waved to the official, and went back out to the main road.

From the quick look we got at the Mile track it looks fun. The elevation changes are major and constant. There isn't really a flat spot on the track. It's really condensed too. They laid a mile of asphalt in as few as many acres as they possibly could. It's definitely not a track for a big bore bike. Good thing the SV isn't a big bore bike. :groove:

[Burst]

MTC is running a mixed track day on Nov. 19 where you get to ride the streets AND the mile for $99.

I think I may treat myself to that one for my bday. Afterall, gotta get warmed up for the 12th. Can't let any of you slowpokes pass me.

[Golden_Eternity]

Originally posted by Burst
I think I may treat myself to that one for my bday. Afterall, gotta get warmed up for the 12th. Can't let any of you slowpokes pass me.

Ah, a fellow scorpion... Nov 13 here.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by Burst
MTC is running a mixed track day on Nov. 19 where you get to ride the streets AND the mile for $99.

I think I may treat myself to that one for my bday. Afterall, gotta get warmed up for the 12th. Can't let any of you slowpokes pass me.

That's right after my B-day too. Don't know if I'll have the money for that, but I can always try. After all, gotta get warmed up for the 12th so I can STUFF Burst in every and all turns on the Streets.

[Burst]

actually my bday is about week after the track day(27th)... but hey, I can celebrate early.

Kurt, you will never "stuff" me in any corner. I'll be more worried about your father catching me than you.

[Troy]

I'll stuff both of you if I cut thru the infield :o

[zzzwillzzz]

still three months to go before the trackday and already the trashtalk has started...

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by zzzwillzzz
still three months to go before the trackday and already the trashtalk has started...

Yeah, just listen to us crazy kids. We're both 25 going on 16. So are you going to, like, wait until around Thanksgiving to point out that you'll be riding around the outside of both of us?:D

[Guzzigirl2000]

Thanks for the Race report Kurt, one of these days I gotta make it up there to watch some club racing

[zzzwillzzz]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
you'll be riding around the outside of both of us?:D

outside, that's for suckers! that's the long way around:D

[Kurt'sSV]

This Sunday, the 21st, is WSMC's last round for 2003. I'm heading up there to hang out with Slaughter and meet as many of the other SV racers as I can. If you get there by 10 you shouldn't miss any of the races. As always, it's 10 bucks a head to get in the gate, but it's 5+ hours of entertainment.

[Slaughter]

This weekend may be pretty much fun. All I have to do is make the start to get the one point I need to get out of Novice and then just sandbag it and enjoy the scenery.

If I come in DFL in Novice middleweight, I get my promotion to Probational Expert in January - so that is the goal. October all I had to do was finish the race to collect my last Novice points and I decided to crash instead.

The SV's take a bunch of crap in all the race organizations because it seems there's at least one class they clean up in. WSMC it's 550 Superbike (twins are allowed up to 650)

Don't think I'll ever sell the SV - it's always gonna be a fun scooter to race - besides the classes with the inline-fours are just MOB SCENES!

See all yous folks!

[GetnJgyWitit]

Damn I want to go!

[oren]

I'll be there helping out a friend. His bike is 795 in front of a white Ford F-150 near Turn 1. It should be fun and cold.

[Slaughter]

I helped out in Scoring last month because my hand hadn't healed yet and was AMAZED at all the guys crashing on cold tires. Yeah, I know how easy it is to get sucked into riding faster - I mean you're on a RACE Track! I think there were waaay too many crashes.

I'm just gonna be crooozin'

Heck tires are gonna take 2 laps to get mostly warm, 3 really to get ready to race!

Gonna be interesting.

I'll be pitting with Matthias Jezek - 51 - we're behind the tower and green wall - east of Libasci and Redline teams.

[Slaughter]

16, 17 and 18 January are the races at Willow again.

This year is gonna see even more SV's racing (I'll let Kurt speak for himself).

We're gonna have to have our own dang race class (though it's more fun to be in 550 Superbike as long as the rules will allow)

January can be a touch on the cool side but heck for $10 for a weekend pit pass, it's pretty cheap entertainment.

My bike is gonna be all ratty since last month's crash so if you want to see how ugly your SV can look and still race - check it out!

All I can say is that I'm glad Kurt can't kick my butt in Formula 50 (race class for ages 50 and older). He's gonna have to wait more than 20 years to do that but by the time I'm 70, I'll probably be outta racing.

[AdamR]

I think I'm going to come up and spectate on Sunday. Anyone else planning to do the same? I think I'll be taking a car though, since I don't have a front spacer to put my street tires/wheels back on my GS.


Adam

[sandie]

i'll prolly go root charlie on :D (:p kurt), but i too will prolly cage it from long beach

[bwarbiany]

Kurt's actually racing now? This I gotta go see :D

And if this is Kurt's first-ever race, I might even be able to convince the wife to come :)

[Slaughter]

I should let Kurt defend himself. He's doing Race School but probably not racing this month (he will still kick my butt when he's on the track but I'll be able to hide from him in Formula 50)

Sorry about the false alarm - didn't mean to imply Kurt was racing this month.

We'll be out playing Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Keeping it casual on the cold track.

Remember, the racing is ON regardless of weather. Same as track days.

[oren]

You can always have fun with giant pit boards for Kurt during the New Racer's School on Saturday.

[sandie]

so does charlie have to take the school again too?

i guess this means the school thing is on saturday, and they don't get to race in the novice race on sunday?

oh well, i'll prolly still go...it's fun to watch :D

[Slaughter]

You CAN race on Sunday if your wallet and schedule permit. Quite a few folks do school on Sat and first race on Sun.

Some folks don't even do their first race for a year or two - they do the new racers school for the great instruction and then get the Novice License and use their licensed racer discount for the WSMC track day on Friday, and go on the track for race practice on Saturday and just not sign up to race on Sunday. That is an AWESOME way to get great track time - mix it in with world-class racers for about half the cost of most track days.

There's no requirement to race at all once you have your license. I know folks who only race a time or two a year but do a bunch of WSMC track and practice days.

[sandie]

wow! that sounds like a totally cool idea! thanks!

[Slaughter]

They DO want you to be able to turn laps below 2 minutes though. On the big track, that's not terribly difficult but still is about 80 mph average lap speed (but when you consider how much of the track isn't even scary at 100 - that's not a bad pace)

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by Slaughter
They DO want you to be able to turn laps below 2 minutes though. On the big track, that's not terribly difficult but still is about 80 mph average lap speed (but when you consider how much of the track isn't even scary at 100 - that's not a bad pace)

Right that is easy. I was doing something like 1.45's on my old SV at my first track day last year.

At this point I am planning on doing my first race during the February round which would be on the 15th. It would be cool if people came out to watch. The bigger the pit crew the better. :D

[huevos]

its official. huevos (Stevan) is now WSMC #652.

i'll be there on saturday for race school and then will be taking the plunge on sunday in my first race. I'm just a little nervous about the start...how long i should just roll with it before i start to push it is the biggest question. I don't want to crash out on the first few laps because i pushed it too soon but I don't want to be an obstacle that gets hit from behind either (kurt i know this is old news from the PM i sent you). I guess i won't know until i'm there...things will hopefully flow and there will come a point it will just feel right and that's when i'll crack it open. we'll see.

wish me luck everyone.

[Slaughter]

New Racer School finishes the day Saturday with practice starts. You do a start, run a lap, pull to the grid, do that 3 times. That is a really good exercise - kinda gives you the feel of the mad rush into turn one. Not quite as scary as you might think.

Otherwise, don't do what Slaughter does and try to set the world on fire with a bike with half the HP of the field (and crash while passing). The SV in middleweight Novice is mixing it in with all the other inline fours of similar displacement (with twice the HP)

[Guzzigirl2000]

good luck and have fun guys

[Slaughter]

Looks like gorgeous weather this weekend!

We'll see if I can keep the rubber side down this time - I'm running outta spare parts.

[speedkelly]

hi slaughter what races are you running on sunday ?.I take it that bott middlewight and 550 superbike are the one for us?.also in bott are there ducati 748's.
see ya sunday morning steve kelly

[deno]

good luck and best wishes guys!

and my favorite racing motto:

Go like fuck! Don't crash!:D

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by deno

Go like fuck! Don't crash!

Well . . . . I did the go like fuck part. :D

[GetnJgyWitit]

uh ohh.... :confused:

[oren]

I was up cornerworking in Turn 4 at the time and saw you went off in Turn 1. Hope everything is ok.

Won't make you too happy now but you looked good in 4.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by oren
I was up cornerworking in Turn 4 at the time and saw you went off in Turn 1. Hope everything is ok.

Won't make you too happy now but you looked good in 4.

Well thanks. I was having sooooooooooooooo much fun out there and got caught up in the "lets see how many people I can pass" and forgot Slaughter's advice of be smooth and precise, don't worry about going fast. The bike has almost no damage thanks to Nate's Motosliders (everyone who has an SV should get those for their bike, my tank and fairing don't have a scratch on them).

Even though I didn't pass the school, this won't set me back at all time wise. I will just practice next month with the people in the school, and assuming I don't crash again, will get my license at the end of the day and then race the next day (2/15).

At least I have come away from this little spill a wiser rider. I will always be more disciplined to hit my apexes, and if I am running wide I will look to the inside more next time to get the bike turned. When I told Zoran what happened while he was looking over my bike he seemed confused why I didn't just turn the bike more. Well . . . . . new racer mistake I guess. :o (Zoran was real nice by not only looking over my bike to survey the damage, but he offered to let me use his bike to finish the school. I declined because my shoulder was pretty sore from just popping it back into the socket (11th time I've dislocated it))

I've never crashed anything going that fast before. I was surprised how far I rolled down the race track, and even more surprised that my head never hit the ground.

Oh well. Hey, anyone want to help me put in a new shift shaft?

[GetnJgyWitit]

Glad to see you are ok as well and in good spirits! Keep it up!

[Slaughter]

Steve (SpeedKelly),

Didn't realize we were going to be pitting together. Sorry I didn't respond before the weekend but Thursday afternoon, I left early to go finish fixing last month's crash damage before Friday practice.

That was some serious fun! Kinda cool being on two SVs that were close enough in performance to make it a 2-bike race for DFL!! Still smiling thinking about that - great fun - somehow I knew you'd close the door on my coming through 9 on that last lap... still learning.

Amazing that with lap times of 1:37, we'd have easily been in top third of middleweight Novice but were 5-6 seconds behind the pack in Expert - what a DIFFERENCE!

Kurt - sounds like you were doing just fine - crashing sucks but sounds like your bike is OK - that's what counts!! (ok ok ok, just kidding) - At least you've got your cornerwork outta the way and will still be hitting your first race next month like you had planned. Welcome to the craziness! Now you gotta talk your dad into taking the New Racer School and come out to play with us other old farts! Besides as a racer, you get Friday track day for $100 and Saturday practice day for only $70 - about the best deal on track days around! Besides, on Saturday, you can really get to see some good lines (well, not always...)

Sheesh when Steve and I were playing at being racers, he had his speedo uncovered so he peeked at it in Turn 2 and Turn 8. Never knew how quick those turns were (and now I know why they STRONGLY recommend taping over your speedo!) He said turn 2 was 90-ish and turn 8 was 130-ish. No wonder the tires got burned through in 2 days!

Speaking of tires, the Dragon Supercorsa are AWESOME - but they are a soft compound and after 2 days MAYBE could have been raced on Sunday but I didn't want to have to worry so I put on a new rear for the race day (2 practices to scrub them in and get pressures right). I suppose that I'd have to say they are 3 track-day tires or 2 race-days. Something to think about. The Diablo was good for 5-6 weekends! Big difference in wear but BIG difference in traction. I could break the rear out going around 2 - always in the exit of 2, the top of the hill in 4, coming out of 5 - but NOT with the Supercorsa. Now I have to go faster to be worthy of the better tires!

Team Kawasaki was out on Friday and I have never seen fast like seeing Tommy Hayden from the seat of a bike in the same turn. There I am thinking I'm all fast and leaned way over in turn 8 and then BANG - this green flash streaks by probably doing 160 with his knee down heading to turn 9!!! OMIGOD that is F-ing FAST - No, that's more than fast - !!! Back in the pits, some of the other riders who were out there closer to him going into 9 said he'd light the rear up, step it out to point the bike up the front straight every lap!!!

I'm not worthy.

[sunrisesvrider]

Originally posted by EviL4FuN
[B]Kick in the nuts! :p


I was standing at the top of the bleachers at turn 1 and saw Kurt go down. My response was "Oh F----------------------k!" Was relieved to See him get up and walk off the track. I should have kicked him in the nutz, but his mother and I may want to have grandchildren some day.
If I had been the the instructor, Kurt would have had to sit in the corner of the class room the rest of the day with a dunce helmet on.:mad:

PS: Rode Palomar tight side with LD Silver yesterday. Broke in the pucks I got for Christmas. Kurt, even us old Geezers can drag a knee.

[oren]

Originally posted by sunrisesvrider

If I had been the the instructor, Kurt would have had to sit in the corner of the class room the rest of the day with a dunce helmet on.:mad:


I think the cap is reserved for the new racer who crashed going slow in Turn 8 during an orange crush flag. The cornerworkers have seen everything but said the crash in orange crush was a first. He just ran off Turn 8 for no reason.

[Slaughter]

Dave,

Don't be disrespecting us old GEEZERS!

No dunce caps for riders who tip over! We'd all have to wear them... At least he got his out of the way early - now that the mandatory tip-over is done with, he can get on with that racing thing! :D

Amazing how you can tip over on the track and it's only inconvenient - even at his speed at that point.

Hope to see you next month!

[Slaughter]

Originally posted by oren
I think the cap is reserved for the new racer who crashed going slow in Turn 8 during an orange crush flag. The cornerworkers have seen everything but said the crash in orange crush was a first. He just ran off Turn 8 for no reason.
I heard about that... guess it was true - the guy just rode off the track into the dirt in 8. Brain Fart! Y'aint supposed to do that sorta stuff - kinda like crashing heading into the pits.

I thought this was ROAD racing - did I miss something?

[GetnJgyWitit]

Originally posted by sunrisesvrider
I should have kicked him in the nutz, but his mother and I may want to have grandchildren some day.


Kick him, you have another son! :D

[Setter32]

....damn Kurt..............glad everything came out alright for you.....

.....yeah.......isn't it amazing how you can slide for a long ass distance...........and not a scratch on the helmet........

......

........this sounds fun.....damn it!......

......I need to get a trailer........and start racin..............can't let Kurt have all the fun........




:D

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by oren
I think the cap is reserved for the new racer who crashed going slow in Turn 8 during an orange crush flag. The cornerworkers have seen everything but said the crash in orange crush was a first. He just ran off Turn 8 for no reason.

Ha-ha, that was Mike, #602. I will be giving him crap when I see him next month. What's funny for us, but sucky for him, was that it was the end of the day, he'd passed the class and with the exception of the 14 year old on the 125GP bike (who had been racing since he was 9), Mike was the fastest person in the new racers school. He said he had his left arm up to signal that he was going into the the pits as he went around turn 8, and he just fell off the track. Broke the clip-on so he couldn't race the next day. That's really disappointing because he probably would have podiumed.

Slaughter, do you know what happened to the guy who crashed on the front straight during the Sunday morning practice? I was watching you go down the straight from where I was standing in 9 and noticed that you were kind of weaving funny, then I saw this big cloud of dust and the starter run out onto the track with the red flag. What causes a person to crash on a straight? Speed wobbles? Mechanical? Hope he ended up okay.

[coyn586]

Kurt... that front straight crasher said he thought his angle was broken. No steering damper, coming outta 9 he said he started to get the head-shakes.. He said he kept the throttle pinned, hoping that it would straighten itself out, and it pitched him off before he knew what happened.

[GetnJgyWitit]

Originally posted by coyn586
Kurt... that front straight crasher said he thought his angle was broken. No steering damper, coming outta 9 he said he started to get the head-shakes.. He said he kept the throttle pinned, hoping that it would straighten itself out, and it pitched him off before he knew what happened.

what kinda bike was it?

[coyn586]

600rr

[Slaughter]

Dustin/Kurt

I hope you are right, that he only got a broken ankle. It looked a lot worse from where I was sitting. They were on faster bikes and based on my speeds were probably just hitting mid-way through 5th gear - so 120+ - when he got spit-off.

I was coming out of 9, up the front straight when I thought I saw 2 bikes come together ahead of me and what really got my attention was the tank-slapping. It was obvious that he was going to go down on the right side of the front straight so I kept up the speed and went left. Kinda hard to immediately shift your focus up and out ahead and not let your mind follow the action. It's a discipline that is necessary but not easy to come by.

I don't know what set it off but all I know is by the time I saw the wobble start and looked, I could have sworn there were 2 bikes in contact. I really hope you're right and it's just an ankle. As I passed, he was bouncing/rolling and the way his legs were flailing, I figured busted leg (or legs)

I really would like to know if it was a pass attempt on the front straight and one of the riders made an unpredictable change-of-direction - that's a place you just don't expect to see somebody crash.

[GetnJgyWitit]

Dustin, do you remember My friend's get off @ Button on June 27th. He was the guy on the yellow 600rr that had the tankslapper coming down the front straight as well. I wonder if these bikes are prone to this.

[Arnold_R1]

Originally posted by GetnJgyWitit
Dustin, do you remember My friend's get off @ Button on June 27th. He was the guy on the yellow 600rr that had the tankslapper coming down the front straight as well. I wonder if these bikes are prone to this.

Carnage's crash at BW as brutal! I remember that crash! :(

[Guzzigirl2000]

Kurt
ya lunatic
Glad you and the bike are not badly damaged

[Troy]

Kurt-glad you're ok....Better luck next month! Can't wait to see you race, bro.

[coyn586]

Originally posted by GetnJgyWitit
Dustin, do you remember My friend's get off @ Button on June 27th. He was the guy on the yellow 600rr that had the tankslapper coming down the front straight as well. I wonder if these bikes are prone to this.
dude.. I remember that thing.. it seemed like it wanted to keep flipping end-over-end all the way to I-5 :eek:

[Kurt'sSV]

Oh, and here's another story about rider skill being much more important than bike horsepower. In the school with me was this 14 year old who had a 125GP bike. He began racing YSR 80s when he was 9 and just returned from racing in Spain.

I was behind him during our first two warm up laps where we were lead by an instructor. Once we got the green light to take off, he took the F&@# OFF. I never had a chance to even follow him, and neither did anyone else. The little kid was as smooth as silk and as quick as a bottle rocket. Between bike and rider they probably didn't tip 300lbs on the scale.

He raced the next day and was leading when he low sided going into turn 5.

[Slaughter]

Greg just posted on the WSMC board - pics included. He was the guy that got thrown off coming out of 9 up the front straight.

FAWCK! He's OK but the bike went end-over-end about 7 times according to his post!

http://www.ducatitech.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?p=3803#3803

[huevos]

sounds like it was a great day. i never made it past valencia. got into a fucking accident at 5:30 am if you can imagine that, on the 126 no less, some idiot decided to make a u turn across 4 lanes of traffic in front of me. the bike got thrown around in the back of the trailer, snapped some stuff off, luckily didn't fall off. truck and trailer off the side of the road, blown tire, bent rim, and courtesy of my cousin who borrowed the truck a few weeks ago...no spare.
CHP figured i was drunk, did the whole sobriety thing on me. mysterious u-turn vehicle, no where to be found, asshole probably at home by then...sleeping it off.

Called the WSMC office around 2pm, i'm set for feb. Need to fix a few things. The bike seems to be misfiring now, i can hear some type of cyclic air leak/suck, may be simple, i don't know, haven't pulled anything apart yet.

anyway, will try again in 4 weeks. i'm still excited...i guess

p.s. the bike sounds like a volkswagen now, seriously. does that mean anything to anyone out there? Zoran?

[Tillers_Rule]

Sounds like you guys had a great time. That kid also sounds like someone to keep an eye out for. Only 14????

[Slaughter]

Originally posted by Tillers_Rule
Sounds like you guys had a great time. That kid also sounds like someone to keep an eye out for. Only 14????
That's what I heard too. He and young Bradley Adams. Bet they both are destined for greatness.

Bradley has 2 SV's that are coming together this month and he'll be racing in Feb. I think Bradley is 14-15. He's currently racing the Ascot in about 3 classes and his Father and Grandfather have been racing Willow and his Father - Curtis runs the Advanced race school - so Bradley is destined for greatness.

I loaned Bradley my SV one month when I couldn't ride because of my busted hand - gave him a chance to get the feel of the bike before they got theirs.

These young guys are just QUICK

[twf]

p.s. the bike sounds like a volkswagen now, seriously. does that mean anything to anyone out there? Zoran? [/B]

what is wrong with sound of volkswagen?
maybe air box poped of carbs.

[Guzzigirl2000]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Oh, and here's another story about rider skill being much more important than bike horsepower. In the school with me was this 14 year old who had a 125GP bike. He began racing YSR 80s when he was 9 and just returned from racing in Spain.


His name wasn't Josh by any chance was it?
http://www.socalsvriders.com/modules.php?set_albumName=albuo42&id=Me_Josh_the_next_Nicky_Hayden&op=modload&name=Photo_Gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

[coyn586]

Originally posted by Guzzigirl2000
His name wasn't Josh by any chance was it?
http://www.socalsvriders.com/modules.php?set_albumName=albuo42&id=Me_Josh_the_next_Nicky_Hayden&op=modload&name=Photo_Gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php
yup.. Josh Herrin.. I used to race against Phil (his dad) up until a couple of years ago.

[TIE_Pilot]

I'd like to come check these out some time... but it seems so far away. How early in the morning would I need to get up to go there do you think?

[coyn586]

9:30-10-ish

[speedkelly]

Hi all
Not sure if anyone is interested but here is my race race report from willow last week.
1/ take one totally stock 01 sv650s safety wire,silicone bolts,water wetter,fresh brake fluid and engine oil,set rear preload as hard as it can go (not very) white duck tape for number backgrounds and we are ready to go racing. (p.s. obtain license from willow)
2/wake up at 4.45am on sunday morning check the weather @ willow springs and its about 23 degrees brrrrrrrrrr.put on two layer of thermal's and leave the house @ 5.30 am,95 miles later with frostbite in my fingers arrive @ willow, @#$% it's cold,start to remove mirrors,sidestand and license plate,apply race #'s 119 and it's out on the track just in time for 1st practice,wobble around in the 30 degree temp's for the two practice sessions barely able to scrub in my new tires (avon azaro sp pros the cheapest sport tires I could find $227 fitted the pair,worked pretty good).
3/let's race, 1st race is bott middlewieght,get a really bad start and end up trying to fend off slaughter from trying to overtake me in a few place's,finally he slipsteam's me at the finish line and I'm dead last $%^&.
race 2,is 550 superbike,now this is more like it,start 14th out of 18 I think,get a great start (must have jumped it a bit) and end up in 8th or 9th out of turn one,then it's all kinda down hill with faster guys passing me lap after lap (still having a blast though) on the last lap I take a quick glance behind me coming down the omega,and surprise who is there slaughter and some one else so go like crazy not to be pipped on the line again and finish 15th out of 17 finishers.
now this may not sound to great but my bike is 100% stock on street tires and was running 38's maybe 37's and I'm sure with some more time on the track I could have gone faster,this just go's to show what a great little race bike the sv makes,so any one out there who would like to race go do it,it's not that hard and you will have a blast,I guarantee.
the avon azaro tires worked great,the stock suzuki suspension sucks,brakes where fine.
I may even race again next month?.
my goals for the day where to not crash,lap under 1.40,not finish last and have fun. MISSON ACCOMPLISHED.

[Slaughter]

I'll vouch for the FUN!

It's cool to pit with somebody you just raced against and compare notes!

Wish I could say we had identical bikes but I had a gixxer rear and Race Tech front and I'd get scared watching Steve's bike in front of me in turn 8 start to look like it was going to break loose as it's bouncing madly around with the crappy suspension that his stock bike had.

I couldn't believe he actually LOOKED at his speedo in the turns! I'm following him, calling for my mommy, trying not to pee in my leathers and he's checking the speedo!

I have to admit it is more fun than you'd imagine - even racing for DFL!

You guys ought to come out and spectate - for $10 you get a weekend pass and full pit access.

[TIE_Pilot]

So the website only has dates... what time would I have to be there to see the good stuff?

[Kurt'sSV]

Racing usuall starts by 10 and goes until 3:30 or so.

[AdamR]

Speedkelly -

My girlfriend and I saw your bike in the 550 superbike race and were quite surprised to find it latter in the pits in stock form. Did you ride up and back both on Saturday (to take the riders school) and Sunday? If so what did you do about tools and extra gas, did you have a buddy bring that stuff up for you or just wing it?

Adam

[Slaughter]

Adam,

I know you asked Steve about trackside work on the bike but one thing that I recommend is use http://www.larace.com - Matthias Jezek. He has a sweet operation where for only $60 for the race weekend, you get access to all his tools, compressed air, electricity, shade and good pit location - PLUS all the bottled water you can drink. That way, all you have to do is get to the track and race. That's what I do. You ought to own a rear stand - if not, email him to see if there's one you can borrow.

Steve literally came out with a streetbike that was prepped for tech (safety-wired and water in the radiator) - taped up all the lights and just stuck on the numbers. Taking off the kickstand is required and you'll have to short the wires coming off the kickstand switch. You can't run synthetic oil without a full bellypan or there's a $250 fine (takes forever to cleanup)

I wish more people would come out just for the fun of it. Our other pitmate (Michael Doohan) did the same with his R1 - rode it out, taped it up and raced then rode it home. They're both Brits so are much more hard core than us Colonials.

You can use colored duct tape as a background for your numbers (what you see in my avatar) and I think a set of numbers is pretty cheap.

You ought to give it a try. This is Club Racing at its finest. Once you do New Racer School - you get racer discounts on track day Friday for $100 and can use Saturday Practice as a track day for just $70 - there's no requirement to race on Sunday.

Meanwhile, stop by the pits and hang out! It's a fun crowd.

[speedkelly]

Adam
I only went up to willow on sunday race day,I use to race back in 98 and wsmc gave me a license to race without having to do the novice thing,basically you have to do their new racer school on saturday (very good) lap in under 2 minutes (easy).I used the tools in my tool kit (in your tailsection)and just filled up with 91 octane before I got to the track.I would definitely have a friend come out with you (moral support)and the larace thing is totally cool.crashing suck's and it WILL happen,but you can crash on the street also,just take it easy have FUN.
good luck if you decide to come out.
steve kelly (just do it,you know you want too)

[AdamR]

I'm looking at getting a small ulility trailer, probably through Harbor Freight, so that I can take my GS up to Willow. I only saw one GS all day on Sunday, but I know that there are others that race there as well as talk of a GS500 spec series.

Steve - what do you do about tires? Are your Avons considered street/trackday tires? I'm looking at the trailer because a) Harbor Freight has a special on a 4x8 trailer with 12in. wheels for 199.99 right now with I think free shipping and b) I don't think my Supercorsas would last very long if I ran them over 200 miles each way for each weekend.

I do have an extra set of wheels with street tires, but that would be hard to bungee cord to the back of the bike, especially with the one seat race tail in place. :grin:

Adam

[Slaughter]

Adam, what Steve Kelly said!

By the way, the rules require you to have a pitmate. You can both be racing but they want somebody to be responsible for your bike if you can't pick it up. No bikes are allowed to be left at the track after Sunday night.

Another thing you might consider is maybe seeing if you could leave your second set of race wheels at Kelly Baker's place for a minimal storage fee. That way you could have access to them at the track without having to back-pack them back and forth and that'd make it possible for you to ride out on street tires and change wheels in the morning.

http://www.kellybakers.com

Kelly builds a lot of bikes and tries to support the racers - and if you offer him a couple bucks to store some tools and wheels for you, I bet you get it for free (don't tell him I said that)

If you are interested in the GS class - check status at the WSMC board:

http://ducatitech.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=556

They want 15 names before they make it a class. Contact Tony if you're interested - even if you haven't yet taken the class, more names will help. Tony's email: wsmc99@hotmail.com

[speedkelly]

adam
the avons are a street/track tire kinda like a dunlop 207rr, I ride my bike to work each day a trick I have learned if you have sport tires is to ran them hard ie: 40 plus psi in the front and 50 psi in the rear,that way they run cool and last forever as long as you don't go round any corners too fast your be fine.I would not get to rapped up in having the stickest tire thing all of todays sport tires are just fine for racing @ willow unless your running up front.
good luck steve
p.s sport tires I have used on track and would recomend are metz sportec/dunlop 207 rr/pirelli evo corsa and supercorsa/bridgestone bt96's or 90's I think ( for smaller bikes)and 010's (great in the rain) take your pick they all good also the avon's seem good to.

[speedkelly]

adam
of course when you get to the track set your pressures @ 31/30 psi front & rear. steve

[Slaughter]

Okey doke - WSMC Schedule is posted:

http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/clubs/wsmc/Schedules.htm

See you next weekend!

[Slaughter]

Adam (anybody else too),

Don't know if you have been there yet but the unofficial WSMC board has started collecting ideas and putting them into a New Racer FAQ section. Worth taking a look - even if you're not racing just yet - it's a good list of things to keep in mind.

http://www.ducatitech.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=609

Steve

[Kurt'sSV]

Well my bike is finally running again. Man, who knew a low side could cause so much mechanical damage. I'll be sure not to crash this next weekend.

I'm excited to try out the SS lines I put on yesterday, but disappointed that I didn't get my shock lengthened (just stripped a nut instead). It feels like I'm riding a vintage bike with that tail so low.

[Slaughter]

I was going to switch to braided lines because of the spongy feel of the stock garden hoses but with the new front end, that all changes..

My front end won't be here in time but next month I'll be a sheep in wolf's clothing - might have the new bodywork on by then in addition to the new suspension on both ends. Still bone stock motor but as long as my times are still coming down, I don't want to spend the big bucks on the motor just yet. I'll probably burn it out and hand it to Zoran (still looking for a used motor to give him to work on so I don't lose track time)

When the Penske comes in, I'll see whether I wanna sell the Gixxer shock on ebay or sell to some deserving SV-er here.

This weekend's going to be fun. I'll be racing Steve Kelly again for the "DFL Challenge" in 550 Superbike and BOTT Middleweight Twins.

[GetnJgyWitit]

Hey Kurt what exact mechanical damaged happened to your bike? Glad to see you got her up and running! Good luck to you and Slaughter.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by GetnJgyWitit
Hey Kurt what exact mechanical damaged happened to your bike? Glad to see you got her up and running! Good luck to you and Slaughter.

Because my bike fell on the outside edge of the race track, the bottom of the crank case got hit and the part of the crank case cover where the shift shaft comes out got bent a few mm. It had to be carefully bent back so the new shift shaft could turn and move the clutch around. It shifts now, though rather roughly, and the neutral light doesn't like to come on when it's in neutral. But it runs!

[Slaughter]

Yowch!

I am still running with busted sh!t on my right side and the clipons hit the fairing (but they still let me slide through tech) - yeah even a low-side sucks.

So did racing with a sprained ankle and 2 broken toes - but I got outta Nervice!

You just gotta have fun and realize that after you've completed 2 or 3 races, you'll have enough points to give you a better starting grid position and then it'll do your ego good to finish a novice race in the top 10 of a 30 bike field - and KNOW that most of them are inline-fours with twice your HP.

I've seen you ride and I know that's where you'll be in a couple races. Problem is having to start on the back rows until you get a few points.

By the way (just so you can make fun of us old farts some more) - here's a picture of Hurley Wilvert on the Team Hansen/Kawasaki H2R. When I worked in the business, I was foreman at the shop that made all Kawasaki/Team Hansen bodywork - and I likely made the fairing and seat in the pic (tank is aluminum). He was the third Team Kawasaki rider - along with DuHamel and Gary Nixon. Hurley raced for us on a TZ750for a season after Kawasaki stopped racing around 1976. Just bumped into him last weekend and we're gonna do some beers sometime and lie about the old days.

http://www.socalsvriders.org/temp/wilvert.jpg

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by Slaughter


http://www.socalsvriders.org/temp/wilvert.jpg


Yeah, I think the geometry of that old TZ is the same as my bike.

[Slaughter]

See how freaking SKINNY those tires are! These bikes could still top out 175-ish at Daytona.

Those big 2-strokes had a powerband about this |.............| wide - it was ON... and OFF.

I got to run his TZ in our industrial park (couldn't get out of first gear) and to this day, I am convinced those things were unrideable.

Yeah - and note - no knee pucks. Kenny Roberts was just starting to teach the world about hanging off the bike. Also, the leathers had no hard armor - some had padding - often just double leather in impact areas.

Also then in Novice in AFM and AMA you could wear double Levi jeans and be legal to race!

[speedkelly]

Hi steve (slaughter) see ya early sunday morning,can't make practice on saturday,trying to find some warmer gloves for the ride up bbrrrrr cccccooollllllddddd hands.
see ya then steve kelly.

[Slaughter]

Waaay cool!

Sheesh - mornings are freaking c-c-c-c-old!

You and Michael are pretty dedicated to this racing thing!

I gotta go harass Brienne now.

See you at Willow

[Kurt'sSV]

I got the ol' boots out last night and dusted them off, literally. I hadn't cleaned them since my tumble last month. I'll be looking to pit over where you are, again, Slaughter, but I am going to try to stay away from that dyno. Being behind that thing sucks.

[bling_thing]

I didn't know you biffed! No wonder you're hounding me to get sliders...

[Kurt'sSV]

Ugh, I'm getting excited for tomorrow, but at the same time frustrated. My dad just called to remind me again to not try to set the world on fire while I'm out there, but to just finish the school and finish my first race, and keeping the rubber side down being the most important thing I do all weekend. Easy for him to say, his balls aren't bigger than his brains! I don't want to go slow and just "work on my lines". Sure that will make me a better rider in the long run, but I want instant gratification NOW! It's also disappointing that I'll still be on the Pirelli street tires because I can not afford to upgrade to the Michelin slicks Zoran keeps recommending. It's also crappy that the geometry of my bike is worse than what it was last month since I took most of the preload I had out of the shock (I had almost 0 sag before=not good), but the ride won't be as bumpy this time. At least my bike will slow down better with the SS lines, assuming I installed them correctly and they don't break open as I enter turn 1. Ah well, wish me luck.

Oh, and Huevos is supposed to be out there this weekend as well. I'm sure he'll be able to complete the racer's school in one try. Charlie, though, is still MIA.

[bling_thing]

Well, Good luck, and just do your best.

Write what happened when you get back. I have to hang around working this weekend, or I'd love to go watch.

[Slaughter]

See you tomorrow Kurt!

Good day today (Friday) - cold track but everybody was taking it easy and the couple crashes were uneventful.

Yeah, behind the dyno sucks! That is like a megaphone just blasting you with engine noise. Kinda cool once but ALL FREAKING DAY it does get old.

Rubber side down! (I didn't crash even ONCE today!)

[oren]

I don't know how you and Matthias can stand that dyno day after day. :)

Still no income so I'll just be out there watching this weekend.

[Kurt'sSV]

Oh man. Racing is sooooooooooooo much fun. God I wish I didn't have to wait a month to do it again. With the exception of my mouth drying out, the race went great. Charlie, Huevos and I all accomplished our goal of finishing and collecting our two points and none of us came in last! I was disappointed at how fast the i4 600's left us behind, but they do have a 40hp advantage, plus they weigh less too. But that just left the three of us to ride the track together.

I didn't watch that many races, but I did see all 4 of the ones Slaughter was in. That old fart is really picking up his speed. The 550 Superbike race (the race where the SV is the dominant bike) had to have been the best race of the day. GrlStar was leading for the first two laps until she got passed by one of Zoran's racers on a Twins Works Factory bike. Then watching that little kid, Brandon Adams I think is his name, make some insane passing in turn one to take the lead, only to lose it at the finish line to the TWF rider had the people in the stands going nuts. This may sound a little silly, but watching that race got me pretty emotional. I guess it was because Adams'es family was in the bleachers next to us and they were all screaming their heads off for him. And it was amazing to see that kid basically would not brake going into turn one to make up a huge amount of space to make the two passes that he did. That kid's going to be someone to watch for someday.

Charlie let Shandra and I pit with him and use his enclosed trailer to store our stuff. We really appreciated that. It was just kinda of cool to be able to go inside something to change instead of doing it in the front seat of a Jeep. Zoran also helped me out by making some much needed dampening adjustments to my shock (and as always he reminded me how much of a piece of shit the Ohlins is). That instantly made a huge improvement on how the bike handled. Now all I need to do is lengthen the damn thing so the bike will turn.

Shandra took a ton of pictures and we'll put them up tomorrow. Crashgirl was there and took pics too, so look for her's as well.

Man, not crashing makes a race weekend waaaaaaaaaaaay more fun.

[Slaughter]

Goosebumps!

You all make it rubber side down! Waaaay too cool.

Sucks starting on the back row but that changes next month when they stuff a wad of newbies behind you on the grid!

Don't do like the dumbass Old Fart does and think he can set the world on fire and CRASH TWICE in Novice before breaking free of those Novice chains!

Yeah - I am sorry I missed the 550 SBK race because I was so far back in the pack! Bradley and Brienne are both going places FAST!

Saw Bradley and Curtis Adams today out at the Streets (Bradley is practicing his BUTT off!) and Bradley is down in the low 1:31 and down into the 1:30 times on a couple fast laps now. He's gonna be somebody to watch like you said

...but heck Brienne is kicking ASS! Those folks are just GONE!!!

[Slaughter]

It was really cool seeing faces connected to some of the board names, too!

Good to meet everybody and see the folks coming out to spectate.

I was concerned that Huevos' bike had a couple klinkers in Tech but they all got sorted out in time and he raced!!! (I saw his bike down in Kelly's shop where I keep both of mine and a new SV getting ready for the track always catches my eye) All's well that ends well.

Waaaay cool.

If everybody knew how much fun this club racing was, they'd be out to play, too.

If you can ever make it out on Friday when the last couple sessions they let ALL licensed racers out on the track together - you will be STARTLED at how fast guys like Stern can go!! You'll be knee out in 8 doing maybe 130-135 on our "little SV" and BANG - Stern will roar by doing maybe 170 - IMPRESSIVE!

Just wish I had started 30 years ago when I had the reflexes and bones healed quicker!

Yeah, crashing always sucks. Buddy of mine in Heavy Novice came off in 3 - maybe braking too hard/too late ... maybe kept on the front brake too long and the front let go. Mild low-side and the bike should be ready for Fon-Tucky Fastrack track day next weekend but he might still be sore.

Oh yeah, there are 2 expressions that are both pretty descriptive ... you aint racing if you aint crashing... and the one I like better is: DFL always beats a DNF

[TIE_Pilot]

When's the next round? I wanna drive up from San Diego and check it out.

[Rocko]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Yeah, I think the geometry of that old TZ is the same as my bike.

is that your dad?

[Slaughter]

Originally posted by TIE_Pilot
When's the next round? I wanna drive up from San Diego and check it out.

Next weekend is March 19-21

Race weekends are 3rd weekend of every month with rare exceptions.

Schedules are posted on the official website:

http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/clubs/wsmc/Calendar.htm

And yeah, come out and talk to Bradley Adams and Brienne before they get snapped up by big-time race promotors and won't talk to us mortals anymore :D They are unreal-fast!

[oren]

Originally posted by Slaughter

Race weekends are 3rd weekend of every month with rare exceptions.


The third Sunday of every month is race day to be more specific. The two days before are practice.

It was as early in the month as possible.

Ok, Toyota 200 screws that up with third Sunday being the big race with novice races and the day before is the WSMC expert class races.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by Slaughter


Sucks starting on the back row but that changes next month when they stuff a wad of newbies behind you on the grid!



Huevos and I were actually gridded in the middle, and I got a great launch out of the SV. Unfortunately the retard who was in front of me was asleep and I had to check up and swerve to go around him, which caused me to forget to shift and killed my drive off the line.

Having someone in front of you who sucks at starts really screws you up. During our very first practice start on Saturday, the boob in front of me killed his bike when the green flag dropped, but didn't raise his hand signaling that he wasn't moving. With my front end floating in the air I had figure out real quick that I was about a half second from plowing into him. I'm surprised that I didn't hit his handle bars as I went around him.

Front row starts give you a nice advantage.

[sunrisesvrider]

Originally posted by Rocko
is that your dad?

Rocko - I've got your old TZ hangin!! :cool:

[Guzzigirl2000]

Glad it was great weekend of racing
heard from DucatiRick it that it his bike was working like shit and he's still edgy from his accident and not riding
Glad the SVers made a good showing
looking forward to the pics

[bling_thing]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Zoran also helped me out by making some much needed dampening adjustments to my shock (and as always he reminded me how much of a piece of shit the Ohlins is).

Explain why.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by bling_thing
Explain why.

Explain why what? Why Zoran made some adjustments to my shock? To make the bike handle better. Why Zoran thinks the Ohlins is a piece of shit? Because he just doesn't like Ohlins like some people hate Ford but love GMC.

[bling_thing]

Regards Ohlins:

Just wanted a rational on why he thought they weren't as good as Penske.

I'm sure I couldn't feel the difference between the two, so I'm curious if he said anything that made any sense about it. I know he's a wizard, but other wizards disagree. As a mortal I'm just trying to make sense of it.

Next time we meet I'd like you to ride my bike and tell me what you think.

The more you race with the big boyz, the more I respect your opinion.

[twf]

Originally posted by bling_thing
Regards Ohlins:

Just wanted a rational on why he thought they weren't as good as Penske.

I'm sure I couldn't feel the difference between the two, so I'm curious if he said anything that made any sense about it. I know he's a wizard, but other wizards disagree. As a mortal I'm just trying to make sense of it.


because ohlin he has is to short for race bike.

[Slaughter]

Hey Zoran,

Think you could punch that SV400 out to 500? Think it might do OK against EX500?

[bling_thing]

Originally posted by twf
because ohlin he has is to short for race bike.

Mr Wizard!

I'm not racing. Just want a great street bike.

So is this a racing stiffness issue?

Penske can get stiffer?

[twf]

I can punch it to any size but will do 450 to make it legal in AFM.
by the time I am done it should make around 65-70hp.
right now bone stock dynoed at 50.

[twf]

Originally posted by bling_thing
Mr Wizard!

I'm not racing. Just want a great street bike.

So is this a racing stiffness issue?

Penske can get stiffer?

stiffness is always issue ;)
with right spring ohlin will work fine but still to short for racing.
since you not racing my posts should not be taken seriuosly by you.I dont know nothing about street bikes,I dont ride on street.I did not hear one guy complain about ohlin on street bike.

[bling_thing]

Zoran,

I wish you had special thread that was labeled "ASK MR. WIZARD." It'd be great!

So when Crago Racing replaced my shock, they kept the stock spring. For racing, you are suggesting that the spring be replaced. What spring do you recommend, and will it work with either an Ohlins or a Penske?

[twf]

you asking and getting answer,no need for special tread :)
I dont know what Crago did.ohlin comes with stock rate spring unless you ask different.stock spring is soft.you need somewhere in 600-700 pounds range depending on your weight.
penske uses 7 inch long spring,I am not sure about ohlin.ID is same on all of them at 2.25 inch.stock sv,gsxr shocks have 2 inch ID springs.

[bling_thing]

Thanks Zoran!

[Longdong Silver]

Originally posted by Slaughter
If everybody knew how much fun this club racing was, they'd be out to play, too.

as soon as I can afford it i'll be out there!

[Slaughter]

Originally posted by Longdong Silver

as soon as I can afford it i'll be out there!

Even if you don't yet have a bike, you ought to hang out a couple race days to get the feel of the place. It really is a good crowd.

[Kurt'sSV]

Longdong Silver is my brother, so I'm hoping he can come sometime soon to help me in the pits and watch.

If he does start racing you'll see more banging out there than at a demolition derby. We'll be literally going at each other with hammers and tongs on the race track. :grin:

[sunrisesvrider]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Longdong Silver is my brother, so I'm hoping he can come sometime soon to help me in the pits and watch.

If he does start racing you'll see more banging out there than at a demolition derby. We'll be literally going at each other with hammers and tongs on the race track. :grin:

You guys start doing that, your mother will take your bikes away from the both of you and send you to your rooms!

[dabame]

Originally posted by sunrisesvrider
You guys start doing that, your mother will take your bikes away from the both of you and send you to your rooms!
ahahaha . . . . . .i wish my brother and dad would get Sv's :)

[bwarbiany]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
If he does start racing you'll see more banging out there than at a demolition derby. We'll be literally going at each other with hammers and tongs on the race track. :grin:

Maybe I should start racing... I'll mount a video camera on my tank to get some footage of this :D

since you fast kids would be in front of me anyway :D

[Slaughter]

OH NO!!!

Didn't mean to pour salt in Family wounds!

I think that if either of my brothers got back into racing, we'd probably try to eat each others' livers before we ever got out of the pits!

[oren]

Hey Slaughter, what day are you going to be out at Fontana?

[Slaughter]

Gonna be there Saturday - Sunday I have to be back at work. We're leaving Palmdale at some stupidly early time Saturday morning in order to get there at 7-ish.

[huevos]

had a great time this weekend. it's funny how the street doesn't hold as much appeal at this point.

no desire to go as fast up on 33 as before.

my rc51 is gonna get jealous now that i've fallen in love with my sv all over again.

looking forward to getting out of novice as soon as possible though so that i can race with a group more evenly matched in HP.
also lookin forward to shedding some poundage, getting left behind on the straights has given me new motivation to trim down.

by the way kurt, thanks for stuffing it to me on turn 2 of the last lap in front of all my adoring fans...you really know how to hurt a guy. all i could think as i saw you come around was...oh shit, oh my god, oh shit, oh my god...please, please, oh shit, please don't let him bust loose right in front of me....stick, oh shit, stick, oh shit, stick... then the sigh of relief once we were out of 2 heading for 3. after that came the sad realization that my fat ass wasn't gonna be able to get back in front before the checkered flag... i tried in 8 but the ass puckering factor going into 9 was a little too much, so much so that i had a hard time pulling my shorts outta my ass once i got off the bike. (ha, ha...i just made myself laugh...amused so easily i am).

anyway, it was great fun, and i'm looking forward to doing it again next month. see you all there hopefully.

later

stevan

[huevos]

by the way, here's the picture that was taken of me by the track photographer.

i'm showing it to anyone with eyes who isn't blind. I have it pinned up on the wall of my office in front of my desk and whenever i'm gettin into an ill mood i look at it and it's like.....Calgon take me away!

could of sworn i was hangin off more but i guess i'm not...good news in a way i guess...room to grow and carry more speed around them corners...then...look out rossi, here i come! (ha, ha...that was stupid...i just made myself laugh again.)

later

stevan

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by huevos


could of sworn i was hangin off more but i guess i'm not...

stevan

Haha, dude, you don't hang off at all. I was right behind you going through 2 on lap 5. My knee was planted but I noticed that your butt was still in the middle of the seat. But hey, if you don't need to hang off, don't' worry about it. And yeah, you and your naked SV are about as aerodynamic as a brick.:p I made up lots of time on you down the front straight because of the draft.

I obviously couldn't see behind me, but did you make up ground on me down the back straight? That was where I was afraid you would re-pass me because your drive over 6 was much better than mine all race long.

Hope to see you out there next month.

[huevos]

I obviously couldn't see behind me, but did you make up ground on me down the back straight? That was where I was afraid you would re-pass me because your drive over 6 was much better than mine all race long.

ha ha. that's because the drive outta 6 is downhill.

ahh yes grasshoppa...gravity is a trusted old friend to the obese on wheels, skis and snowboards.

ha ha.

[speedkelly]

CHECK OUT THE FOR SALE FORUM,IF ANY ONE IS LOOKING FOR A RACE READY BIKE FOR WILLOW.
STEVE KELLY

[Slaughter]

Originally posted by speedkelly
CHECK OUT THE FOR SALE FORUM,IF ANY ONE IS LOOKING FOR A RACE READY BIKE FOR WILLOW.
STEVE KELLY
:sad:
Will you still associate with us little people when you get your litrebike?

Will the R1 be a track-only bike...? or are you going to use it to commute to the tracl?

[speedkelly]

I will use the bike as my daily rider,I will try and do a race or two thru the season,but I was not really planning on doing to much racing,just came out to hang out with mick for a while,let you know when I do put it on the track.
steve

[Kurt'sSV]

Here is a link to my full race report on Sportbikes.com:
http://more.sportbikes.com/ezine/articles.php?articleId=69

There are a couple of pictures accompanying the article, but nothing that isn't already in our album.

I just noticed a typo #-o

[SuperSpud]

Very nicely written article Kurt. Sounds like a lot of fun!

[Kurt'sSV]

Ugh! I can't believe race day is still 2 weeks away. I got those forks installed on my bike, Slaughter. I can tell those springs are way stiffer than the stock ones. I'll have to set the sag next Saturday during BBQ at Shandra's. Still couldn't adjust the length of my shock because the bolt on the bottom of the shock won't come out. Stupid Ohlins. I did raise the fork tubes a bunch, so that should help get the bike to turn.

I'm also looking forward for it to not be 30 degrees when we get there at 7am like it has been the past 2 months.

[Kurt'sSV]

Well I thought I'd bump my personal thread up by posting about the race day.

None of us SV riders crashed today, we all kept the rubber side down. Slaughter was accidentally given second place in the 550 Superbike race, he squared things away before he was awarded a trophy, though. Zoran's rider on his SV400 did 1'33" second lap times and spanked everyone in the light weight twins class. That bike is only putting out about 52hp right now, but the guy (Jeff Tigert) made up for it by apparently not using the brakes (he also blew everyone away in the two races he did on the SV650).

Me 'n Charlies novice race didn't start off so good. We both got great starts (the SV launches so well) but a bike lowsided during the fray of turn 1 (he might have had his front wheel taken out). I guess this guy was pretty close to Charlie down on the inside, but I saw the bike go sliding off in front of me with the poor rider being drug along with it. Two more bikes road off into the dirt because of this, including the guy who was in front of me. Then as we were coming up to 4a I saw the corner worker waving the yellow flag, but when I came around the corner for 4b I saw that he should have been waving the red flag because the bike was still on the track and spinning on it's side. I guess this happened in front of Charlie too and he actually clipped the bike as he went by it. They stopped the race and sent us back into the pits while they cleaned up the track and after that Charlie had enough. So I went back out there on my own. For the restart the race was shortened to just 4 laps. I got a good start again and passed a lot of people heading into turn 1 (though I think most of them passed me back later). I did pass a guy on a GSX-R under braking going into turn 1 and that was the highlight of my race.

God damn it was fun, but short. Shandra took a couple of pics of the race so I'll post them if they turn out good.

[oren]

Big fields in the novice races. 36 in middleweight and 38 in heavyweight. Crazy. :D

[Slaughter]

Waaay cool to see everybody out playing again!

Yeah - regarding my 15 minutes of fame... originally they said they'd run 550 Superbike and Formula Twins in 2 separate races so I had signed up for both but on race morning, they were still running them in 2 waves of the same race so I signed up for 550 SBK but they gridded me with F-Twins. That meant I had about a 30 second "head start" on the 550 SBK field.

Needless to say, when I was told I had a second place finish in 550 SBK, I was surprised - more than that, I know the podium is about 1:30 laptime and I'm running low 1:35 - so NO WAY.

I did set it straight with scoring because that is no way to get a podium finish!! I know that my lap times will put me in the bottom third of the expert field.

Was pretty funny when Zoran came over laughing while "congratulating" me on my podium finish (he already knew what had happened).

It was fun racing and it's always cool when you have one or two riders pretty close to you in ability that you can dice it out with for a few laps.

Really glad that Kurt, Charlie and Stephan had as much fun as they did and are waiting patiently to do their time in Novice purgatory on half the HP of the rest of the field. (Kinda does make it satisfying to spank the occasional gixxer though - doesn't it?)

I had a fun run in Formula Twins and had the usual problem with faster bikes passing on the straights and slowing in the turns (yes, Kurt and Stephan it will happen to you in Expert too!) but the folks watching actually got entertained by one of the 748's that I was playing with for the first 4 laps - he'd pass me on the back straight out of 6, I'd pass him in 8 and then he'd pass me again on the front straight and I'd pass him in 2 again. Well, he passed me once at the end of the front straight, and I held it on a little longer and passed him half a second later in the apex of 1 and he never got by me again. At least I didn't finish DFL in any of my classes and didn't crash.

I love the GSXR front end and Penske rear. First day on a track was Friday at Fon-Tucky and it took about 3 sessions to get used to it but for the first time, I now am able to have enough confidence in late braking to probably have gained another half second a lap - maybe more.

All in all, this stuff is too much fun!

[charlie]

Steve, sounds like Zoran had a good day, after giving you grief about your podium finish and telling me WSMC is going to open a coffee shop in 8 B just for me since I'm cruising around in the 1:41 range.

Loved the start, passed 6 riders into 1, another 4 who checked up because the crash in 1, green flag in 3, corner worker in 4 reaching down for ????? then F@#$!!!! Rider down in 4 B on the line, bike spinning in the middle of the track, headed for the inside but still hit the tail section with my left rearset/ boot.

Yeah, should have went out for the restart and got 2 points closer to getting out of hell, but after my moment in 4 only place I wanted to go was the Budweiser Balcony.

[Slaughter]

This time of year, I can't believe the crowd in the Novice Middle and Heavy classes!!! It's good that they are starting in 2 waves - othewise they'd NEVER finish! We're talking dang near 40 bikes on the track at one time!!!! :eek:

I am just glad to be out of Nervice Middleweight!! I was so desperate to get out that I did my last race with a bad foot JUST to get my last points.

Now in the probational expert, I know what lap times it will take to move up past the 2-point per race category so until I can consistently turn 33's or better, I'm just hanging back and getting the experience.

Lap times are definitely not coming down as fast now. For a while, it was really satisfying to see a second or better coming off each month. Now I'm tickled to be half a second better than last month.

What the heck, I kept the rubber side down and that is a success for me now!

By the way, the BOTT Middleweight was the first time I have seen a collision before even getting onto the track!!! Couple riders came together leaving pregrid heading through the cones and all I saw was a bouncing cone and pieces of yellow bodywork AT PREGRID FER CRIPESAKES! :eek: :eek: well at least nobody fell before entering the track.

Too bad about Jack Pfeifer in Turn 4 in the Formula One. After Daytona, he is my new hero and it was a shame to see his hi-side but good news to hear that he came out of it without having to be carted off. Looked like he landed pretty well and didn't tumble, sliding on his back (whew!)

[Slaughter]

Originally posted by charlie
Steve, sounds like Zoran had a good day, after giving you grief about your podium finish and telling me WSMC is going to open a coffee shop in 8 B just for me since I'm cruising around in the 1:41 range.

Loved the start, passed 6 riders into 1, another 4 who checked up because the crash in 1, green flag in 3, corner worker in 4 reaching down for ????? then F@#$!!!! Rider down in 4 B on the line, bike spinning in the middle of the track, headed for the inside but still hit the tail section with my left rearset/ boot.

Yeah, should have went out for the restart and got 2 points closer to getting out of hell, but after my moment in 4 only place I wanted to go was the Budweiser Balcony.

Zoran will show NO MERCY it seems when it comes to good-natured teasing!:D

After all the heat, the Budweiser Balcony was looking pretty tempting after my last race (7) just to get outta the heat. Can't say I blame you. My buddy Tim in Novice Heavy was pretty pooped after busting his butt all week (he owns his own business) so he could take Friday off for the Fon-Tucky track day. By the time Sunday races rolled around, he was really ready for a nap, not a race. He said he'd just go out and collect his 2 points even if he came in DFL (just what he did) rather than spend a month more in Novice.

[oren]

A friend of mine was in heavyweight novice at the front(took second but led quite a bit). The two waves and new novices made for an interesting race. The guys at front were doing 28-29s and the guys in back were released much later and doing much slower.

Looked a bit like a solo race out there.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by Slaughter
Zoran will show NO MERCY it seems when it comes to good-natured teasing!:D


Tell me about it. I think he's done giving me a rashion of shit about the Ohlins shock but when I mentioned to him that I was going to have to refuel my bike after one of the practice sessions he goes "Vhat? At yore pace, don' u gat like 50 mills per gallon?":D :D :D

I hope, though I don't know how this will happen, that there will only be like 20 people total in next months middle weight novice race. God damn it was a made house going through 1 after the starts. I almost got taken out in the second one by a guy who wanted to pretend like I wasn't there. I think I would have rather started on the first row of the second wave.

[Slaughter]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
<snipped>
I mentioned to him that I was going to have to refuel my bike after one of the practice sessions he goes "Vhat? At yore pace, don' u gat like 50 mills per gallon?":D :D :D
<snipped>
Good one, I can hear him saying that too!
http://www.ducatitech.com/bbs/images/smiles/anim_lol.gif

[Kurt'sSV]

The bike that took 4th place in the 2004 Daytona 200. Don't know if it'll see the 2005 Daytona 200, though. I think the rear rim is bent.

[Slaughter]

Kurt,

That crash of Pfeiffer's sucked to watch! That whole F-1 race was pretty brutal but it especially hurt to see his bike tumbling so violently - though he high-sided, it did look like he just sorta did a half-roll to his back and fortunately finished doing a back-slide instead of rolling or worse, tumbling.

I still haven't heard whether he got hurt at all. He did stay down a long time but that's maybe because he's smarter than I am and has the good sense to stay down until he's totally sure all his parts and pieces are still functioning and properly attached.

Man, since hearing how he financed his Daytona 4th place finish and hearing him giving his sister credit for helping him get where he was by maxing all her credit cards and contrasting that humility with Yates' performance, he sure hooked me as a fan of his!

Hope he gets some serious sponsorship help in turning his bike back into a racebike again!

[Kurt'sSV]

Dude, Steve, knock it off with the crashing! You didn't race at all today, did you? What was wrong with your bike that you couldn't race it?

That No Squids t-shirt is really nice (art by Crashgirl). Is there a way people who don't go to the races can buy one (ie. the people on this board)?

God damn it was a beautiful day for racing today. Sunny, no wind, not hot. Charlie wasn't racing this weekend, but Stevan and I were out there battling the 600's in novice. We had a lot of fun in the last practice session we ran in on Saturday because we diced back and forth the whole time. I'd pass him down the front straight, but then because my new RJL brake pads work so awesome, I was slowing down too much for turn one and Stevan would pass me back.

For those of you who know IckySticky Melissa, she took the new racer's school on Saturday and is now a racer. Looks like she is going to do well. She passed me on the front straight during practice this morning and I wasn't really running her down in the turns.

The race went well. Like usual I got a great start and cut a guy off in the row ahead of me because I had to swerve to get around the guy 2 rows in front of me. I have learned, though, that when you start your bike fast you are hard on the clutch and fry it. Glad I already know how to change the clutch plates because I need to do that before next month. Set a new PR by 2+ seconds but was really pissed I got out motored by a guy on a 600RR who I spent 3 laps trying to run down. I caught him in 9 (would have caught and passed him in 8 but I got hung up by a lapper), but his 40 horse power advantage allowed him to walk away from me on the turn exit and cross the stripe first. Oh well, it's just for fun anyway.

[coyn586]

I actually got to practice at Willow for a WSMC event for the first time since May of last year. I was having a blast out there... DAMN there's a bunch of riders in middleweight practice ;)

First time on the bike at Willow basically, and best time was a :33.. Got some work to do gearing wise before next month. Should be a good time.
Next month I plan on racing this thing.. I can't wait!

[Slaughter]

Minor low-side in 6 - thought I was good to go but when I got back to tech, found a leak in my right fork so ... thinking I just overstressed a fork seal

But - the bummer was - I bent the lower leg of the fork in the crash.

SUCKS!!

Cold-tire crashing is just plain STOOPID!!!

I was running without tire warmers and didn't notice the difference so much when I started using them but the first day without them, the bike is totally different and loose for the first 2 laps.

Oh well, never stop learning.

[morbidelli17]

Bummer about Jack's crash. Did anyone see the early morning crash in Turn One where a guy managed to plant his bike upside-down, as in balanced on tank and seat, wheels pointing directly into the air? Nine years at Willow, I've never seen that ...

Fifth in 500 SS for me; different tires, different motor, I think the front end's still a bit stiff for Turn Two for me (for whatever reason, it seems a lot bumpier that it did last time I was really racing, in November). I'll try lighter fork oil. Extremely rusty rider, too ;).

But for me, just a hobbyist at this sport, I lucked out and had the one thing I want most from race weekend; that one guy to race with. He pulled about 20 bike-lengths on me in the first lap and a half. I chipped and chipped and drafted past going into Turn One on the last lap and held it to the stripe. The whole race felt like it took a minute. Almost perfect day; only a trophy would have made it better ...

[coyn586]

Morbid.. I crashed in turn 6 in march 03' during saturday practice.. It was raining, and I was doing like 1:38's on old tires.. anyway.. The bike landed Wheels up just as you described. Weird. ;)

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by morbidelli17
Bummer about Jack's crash. Did anyone see the early morning crash in Turn One where a guy managed to plant his bike upside-down, as in balanced on tank and seat, wheels pointing directly into the air? Nine years at Willow, I've never seen that ...



No, didn't see that. I did see a guy on a 250 who ran off in turn one during 550SB and kept the bike up going through the dirt. I stopped looking at him once he got the bike stopped, but when the crash truck arrived the bike was laying on it's side. Did the guy lay it down/throw it down? I would have wheeled my bike away from the impact zone rather than put it on it's side and walk away.

[Tillers_Rule]

Wow, gotten bored so he sets his bike down?? What other pressing activities did he have to attend to anyway:confused:

[Kurt]

so... what were the results in 550sb, bott middle and bott heavy?

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by Kurt
so... what were the results in 550sb, bott middle and bott heavy?

Edit

This link is a write up from RRW.com of some race day highlights and also the top 6 finishers for all classes. http://venus.13x.com/roadracingworld/scripts/NewsInsert.asp?insert=9004

Brienne finished 6th in 550SB because her bike took a crap on the back straight on the last lap. Bad luck because she had second locked up.

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by jstekman

How do Sundays normally run as far as number of laps / time / actual race sessions? Kinda of nervous considering it is my first actual race. Have just been running the turns in my head for the last few weeks and cant wait to run with it. Congrats on your last race day and good luck with the next.
JS

Hey John. Sundays run like this:

Beginning at 8 we have two rotations (0-500, 501-650, 651-Open, Pro Only) of practice. They are real short and probably do not last even 10 minutes each. So don't show up late this time. Shandra and I usually show up at the track around 7:15 so we can get our stuff unloaded, sign in, and get the bike teched so I can hit both practice sessions. After practice we have the riders meeting by the start/finish line where Danny talks about stuff. After that, we go racing. Well, we won't be going racing until like 3:30. So for the rest of the day we just try to keep hydrated and watch a few of the races. I like to watch the 600cc races because they are the most competitive and any race with an SV in it.

Don't worry about being nervous for the race. Once the green flag drops you relax and just ride around for 6 laps. For your first race your only goal will be to finish, even if you DFL in 31st place because you get the same amount of points (2) as the guy who finishes in 11th.

[bwarbiany]

Okay, I've been wondering this for a while... And I still can't figure it out...

What does DFL mean?!?! :sad: :sad: :sad: :sad:

For a while I thought it could be "Didn't finish last" but the context seems to go against this most of the time...

[twf]

dead f*&^%n last :)

[Slaughter]

Originally posted by twf
dead f*&^%n last :)

Zoran is making fun of my race strategy! :sad:

(that's also why they say DFL always beats a DNF!) - I get to hear that every time I crash!

[Kurt'sSV]

Raced hard this weekend and am very sore in the hips from hanging onto the bike in that gale we had to ride through. I was gridded on the front row and was excited about getting a good start. I learned real quick, though, that brand new clutch plates grab much better than worn out ones because when I gunned it at the start like I normally do, the plates grabbed right a away and the bike stood the fuck up. I think I did the biggest god damn wheelie I have ever done, and I wasn't even moving. The bike just sort of rotated backward over the rear axle. So that killed my start.

Due to the race being red flagged I got to start again and did much better this time. I was in first place for the initial 3 seconds of the race! I did have a bit of an incident on the front straight when I guy went around me too close and clipped my front tire. Fighting a tank slapper at 130mph throws off your rhythm. I wanted to honk my horn at the guy, but thought that if an official heard it, I might get in trouble. Oh well, that's racing.

I'll post the unnecessarily long race report later this week.

[zzzwillzzz]

OH that's how much faster a 600 is than an SV!!! is what I thought after seeing Kurt get a great start, but by turn one was passed by the first two rows and about eighth place. Not much you can do about that. HOLY SHIT!!! was my reaction when the guy came across your front wheel approacing turn one.

[coyn586]

I saw smoke come off of Kurt's front tire when that happened!@

[Slaughter]

Kurt - ya done good!

I posted this elsewhere but after they finished the bloodbath and re-started the race, you could see the difference in ability v. brute force on at least one or two occasions when Kurt got passed by a more powerful bike only to re-pass the guy a couple seconds later going into the turn. Yeah, it's happening in 8 and that makes it at maybe 130 but it is sweet to see happening!

Good racing Kurt - glad I stayed to watch but it did suck to see the gravity magnet in 3 suck in 4 riders all on top of each other!!

Yeah, road racing can be a contact sport though when it happens it aint quite as cute as those little NA$CAR wussies with their little enclosed cages and wheels. When Kurt got tagged, we all kinda gasped (we were in the stands on the end closest to turn 1) - ended well for him though.

[RacR4JC]

Who's going, who's racing, what class?

[GetnJgyWitit]

I am pretty sure I am going, but not racing.

[Kurt'sSV]

I'll be there on Friday for practice, then back on Sunday to do my last novice race.

[RacR4JC]

haha, aright kurt, see you on the line! I got knobist :squid: school on saturday..... :rolleyes:

[oren]

I am going but not racing.

Need to do some track days again first.

[huevos]

i'll be practicing on sat. and racing on sunday. I can only wish it was my last race in nervous class. i have three more to go unless of course i come in first or second or something like that.

it could happen...yeah....hhmmmm...sure....yeah...hhmmmm...


stevan

[oren]

Originally posted by huevos
i'll be practicing on sat. and racing on sunday. I can only wish it was my last race in nervous class. i have three more to go unless of course i come in first or second or something like that.

it could happen...yeah....hhmmmm...sure....yeah...hhmmmm...


stevan

Just hope Kurt gets a good start and takes out the rest of the field.

[GetnJgyWitit]

Originally posted by oren
Just hope Kurt gets a good start and takes out the rest of the field.

and keeps goin! He needs to finish this race!

[RacR4JC]

yah, kurt, could you do that for the rest of us? just lead everyone into the dirt and since i'll be starting dead last, i'll just hang back and watch the carnage and finish 2nd....hahaha rrrriiiight :cowboy: yeeehaw!

[GetnJgyWitit]

Originally posted by RacR4JC
yah, kurt, could you do that for the rest of us? just lead everyone into the dirt and since i'll be starting dead last, i'll just hang back and watch the carnage and finish 2nd....hahaha rrrriiiight :cowboy: yeeehaw!

Kurt just set up for a block pass and you should be fine! :D

[RacR4JC]

So...race day is only a Friday, Saturday, and most of Sunday away! See ya on the grid. :D

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by RacR4JC
See ya on the grid. :D

Yeah, look for my yellow helmet. Hopefully I'll be on the front row again. The "breeze" shouldn't be as bad this month.

[GetnJgyWitit]

Originally posted by Kurt'sSV
Yeah, look for my yellow helmet. Hopefully I'll be on the front row again. The "breeze" shouldn't be as bad this month.

And white pimp boots! Come on Kurt you can't forget about the boots!

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by GetnJgyWitit
And white pimp boots! Come on Kurt you can't forget about the boots!
I was think'n he can't see my white pimp boots from the back of the grid. But they do make me stand out very well to the watchers in the grand stands when I'm going down the back straight. :D

[RacR4JC]

I was think'n he can't see my white pimp boots from the back of the grid

Hey Kurt, I got white boots, does that mean I can be as cool as u? :cool:

Yah, this week the plan is survival. Y'all can run around up there @ the front and crash into each other, I'll just sit back and watch u guys for 6 laps. Theres no World Championship on the line this weekend....but if you do wanna watch the World Finals, we'll be in Havasu October 8-10th ;)

[Kurt'sSV]

Originally posted by RacR4JC
Hey Kurt, I got white boots, does that mean I can be as cool as u? :cool:
no

Y'all can run around up there @ the front and crash into each other, I'll just sit back and watch u guys for 6 laps.

Huh, you sound like someone else I know.

But yeah, the most important thing to do in your first race is just finish.

[Slaughter]

I can't believe I turned down a ride this weekend on a Gixxer 750!!! My other bikes are not ready but if I stuff a borrowed bike, I HAVE TO fix it. At least if I bend one of mine (again) - then if I'm short on cash, I can park it a month til the $$$ comes in.

GEEEEZ - I'm going to be a spectator AGAIN (*sniff*)

WAAAAAAhhhhh!:sad:

I'll be out there cheering you all on anyways. I'm being the pit beyotch for my buddy on his Nervice School on that gixxer 750 on Saturday - plus I just can't stay away for a whole weekend.

p.s. - found we had an air leak on the injection system - that was why we couldn't get any maps to run. DANG... I gotta hit some track days this month to get at least a couple days in the seat before July. Double dang - this month is double points too.

...that's racing - :sad:

[huevos]

i'll see you guys this weekend. i'll be pitted in the usual spot. No more ghetto pitting for me, this time i will have a canopy and some chairs, cold water, gatorade, some food even...so i'll be only semi-ghetto now...right in front of the hartman garage. stop by.

later

stevan

[Kurt'sSV]

Cool. I'll be pitted in my usual spot. I pitted in the turn 1 area yesterday for practice and that sucks. Y