September's ESP Race Report

[Monsterdood]

I figured I would just do my race report before the race weekend since I'm sure I know what will happen....

So I need to get to the USC - Nebraska game Saturday night so I minimize, borrow a Tacoma, take the EX500 only on Saturday morning, and take minimal supplies. Thanks to whoever is going to let me pit with them and grab some shade (I'm guessing Mitch or Kurt or Michael).

So I get there early to get the tires flipped, have a few issues, but make it out for at least one practice session. A mild practice session and get ready for 500SS and 500MP. I have okay races, and have some good dicing with Jane. I bet she gets me for 4th in one leaving me in 5th and I'll get her in the other race for 4th. I find a little chatter in the left turns from flipping the heavily used right side to the left. I have to slow a bit in turns 3 and 5 due to it.

The last race will be the big one, BOTT LW. I get a good start, fall in behind Larry through turn 1 and pass him for the lead into turn 2. I try to build up a gap but Michael is right there. He gets by me in lap 2 (or will it be 3) and I follow him for a while. On the 6th lap, I make my move coming out of turn 2 and i nto turn 3 and get in front. My tires are feeling a little suirly after 6 or 7 races on them. He passes me back at the white flag, but I get him again on the last lap. Coming out of turn 9. we're neck and neck and he starts to draft me towards the finish......

What a race! I'm side by side with Michael at the finish and it's too close to call right now, we'll have to wait for the finsh line photo to know for sure.

The weather was okay, the racing was good, and I made it to the USC game in time to down a few good luck shots and watch SC whoop the Cornhuskers..... Good Weekend...

[morbidelli17]

That's funny, we were planning to have you pit with us. We're gonna leave about 5:15 on Saturday morning; wanna caravan up?

And an excellent prediction. Except I think Zoran's going to be there ...

[Kurt'sSV]

Hahaha. Chris, you dork.

[steveb]

Things were filling up fast last night, I'm on my way to the track now to survey the damage. Turn nine, behind T-9, that area was 3/4 filled. T-1 was much open but folks were coming in steadily.

I'll be just West of Charmin West, and anyone can crowd in with me, will have tools, etc in my trailer, and only one bike so I'll have room.

Don't forget your T 200 tickets, $30 is cheaper than gas to go home, but still would put a dent in your pocket.

Shandra was there last night saying hello to everyone, but I didn't see her pit, maybe Hartman or S/W corner of 2-stroke alley.

Later, Steve

[Kurt'sSV]

Yeah, Shandra said it's going to be full in the paddock. Guess someone punched Jeff Stern over pit space. haha. I'll be wherever I can find enough space for my truck and canopy. Probably along the chain link fence behind the T-9 area, near the office building.

[morbidelli17]

Originally posted by steveb
Things were filling up fast last night, I'm on my way to the track now to survey the damage. Turn nine, behind T-9, that area was 3/4 filled. T-1 was much open but folks were coming in steadily.

I'll be just West of Charmin West, and anyone can crowd in with me, will have tools, etc in my trailer, and only one bike so I'll have room.

Don't forget your T 200 tickets, $30 is cheaper than gas to go home, but still would put a dent in your pocket.

Shandra was there last night saying hello to everyone, but I didn't see her pit, maybe Hartman or S/W corner of 2-stroke alley.

Later, Steve

We may take you up on that. Do you bring a dog to the track with you? If not, we may have a spare one. Cheap ...

[Monsterdood]

Originally posted by morbidelli17
That's funny, we were planning to have you pit with us. We're gonna leave about 5:15 on Saturday morning; wanna caravan up?

And an excellent prediction. Except I think Zoran's going to be there ...

Yeah, I planned on leaving right about then so that I can flip the tires. I'll call you...

And as for Zoran, he didn't get a mention because his SV500 is going to be far far behind me (maybe so far it is actually in front of me! :D )

[Monsterdood]

Well my ESP report was more right than wrong I would say....

Jane's motor blew on Friday so my predicted 4th and 5th turned into 3rd and 4th.

I got the tires flipped, made two practice sessions and did have some traction problems in all the corners due to having 6 races plus about 4 or 5 practice sessions on them. I was having a hard time getting into 39's Zoran and Jim Rau were there, and Michael was into the 38's in practice so I knew I had a tough race to go.

I got a good jump on the start but was swallowed up by 4 or 5 riders. I was in the middle going into turn 1 and found a little gap to get into 4th or so. Passed someone through turn 2 and then passed Jim and Michael on the brakes going into 3 for the lead.

The lead was short lived as Zoran sqeezed by on the inside going into 5. I adjusted my line a little but held the throttle wide open and was staying close at the start of the back stretch and then he just pulled away through 7 and 8. Jim Rau came flying by with some power from his MZ and I'm back to 3rd, but still ahead of Morbidelli....

I keep my head down and want to stay in front of him as long as I can and work on going deeper into turn 1 since I figure he is likely to pass me on the front straight with his SV500 power.

At the start of the 4th lap, he shows me a wheel going into 1 but I brake later and hold onto 3rd. I keep my head down and at the start of the 5th lap, he shows me 2 wheels on the inside going into 1. I go as deep as I can and am able to get back in front before the apex. The braking and jockeying apparently ruins his drive and I gap him a bit.

I take the white flag and am catching Jim Rau for 2nd, which probably helps a lot since it's easier to go fast with a carrot dangling out in front. I reel him in bit by bit and think I might actually pass him. He comes up on some lappers in 9 and I see a possible pass on the inside of him and the lappers, but I see a lapper hug the inside a bit and decide that an outside pass on the lappers is safer and maybe I can get a drive on him anyway.

Well, I am completely focused on racing for 2nd and am not even sure where Michael is, but am right behind Jim coming out of 9 but once in his draft, my little ninja 500 can't pull any more and the gap is steady to the finish... 0.14 seconds. Michael finishes another .3 or .4 seconds behind me for a very close 2-3-4. one more lap and Michael might have had 2nd instead of 4th... Another day another race perhaps.

Awesome race for sure, I'm sure the rest will be as exciting. If you want to see some good club racing, come on out and watch us battle for the class championship over the next 3 months.. it promises to be good racing or your money back.....

On a final and sad note, Jesus Amezcua passed away at the track while racing in the 250/50 and it is truly sad for friends, family, racers, and others. I didn't know Jesus, but I hear he was a great guy and I know he will be sorely missed by all. RIP.

[morbidelli17]

Rau is quick, and that bike of his is no slouch ...