Moto-Brian Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 (edited) Back in the race seat…Well, coming back to race an event after years of not doing it and solely working at track days had me a little nervous. I get all mental when racing – always have. The problem is that I can run faster times when there’s no pressure and thought this would be a lot easier. I was wrong…The morning practices were normal as I remember. The first morning practice was a wash. The track was so slippery and cold which are typical Mid-Ohio characteristics. A few notable names were there: Brian Stokes, Sam Gaige and AJ Krauser (sp?). There were other guys in our classes, but these three were the ones I worried about. Only Stokes and I were dumb enough to run the first practice…Second practice I decided to run the race fuel to make sure it was mapped good enough and to learn the differences. The track was much better, but not where it would be come qualifying time. That is where riding it sucks. Morning practice is almost worthless as by the time we race or qualify, the track is warm and totally different. Tough to get a base line and learn…Stokes and Gaige were entered in at least 6 classes each. They had 3-4 qualifying sessions prior to me even turning a wheel. One would think that may allow them to fatigue and leave a better chance for me, but the way I view it is these guys are athletes and have been racing full seasons for a while and don’t get worn out. They get to see the track multiple times and learn things and make changes to get faster each time out. Unfortunately, I was right on the money with that…My first qualifying session was a bit rough. I knew to get behind Sam and Brian for at least a few laps to try and get into a groove and drop times. However, they took off like rabbits from hearing a shot gun blast and I lost them right away. They had scuffed tires on and I had a new rear so, I was left in the dust. AJ was in front as he knew the drill as well and was trying to keep them in sight. I used AJ as a carrot and slowly pulled him back to me, but it wasn’t soon enough. He got me by 1 tenth of a second and I was 1.1 seconds off Stokes’ pole time. I was at least on the front row and where I actually prefer – on the outside…Second qualifying was a bit different. I had the butterflies as before, but I had a scuff on now and was ready for Sam and Brian. We all left together and had a novice that got between us at the start. Not a big deal as he was trying the same thing I suspect where he wanted to grab a tow early. It is the way to do such short qualifying sessions. But, I got held up ever so slightly, but it was good in the end as it allowed me to try hard and get back up behind Sam and Brian. I reeled them in and we were all running pretty close times. I got a pass on Sam and held it, but let him by on the straight under braking for 6 as to not show much before Sunday’s races. So, I stayed behind him and learned what he was doing and taking notes for Sunday. I felt pretty good. Was reeling in Stokes, but he pulled up at about the halfway point and that ruined my chances at a better time. Sam was actually holding me up and I didn’t feel he was running faster during that session so, I pulled off early, as well and hoped I would front row it again.I ended up running in the P2 spot for that session and missed Stokes pole time by 3-4 tenths. They were slightly slower than the previous session, but only by about 3 tenths. I think had I got up with Stokes sooner, we could have pushed into the :30 range easily as we were skirting it at the time with low :31s.So, Sunday is next and I will report as to how that went. I’m a little nervous as it has been a long time since I launched a bike – especially a liter bike, but I’ll give it the college try. Never was a good starter so, I am used to playing catch up… Wish me luck! Edited September 14, 2009 by Desmo-Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted September 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 (edited) Race Day:I decided against better judgment to run the morning practice. The AMA only allowed us ONE practice session. One… Mid-Ohio in the early morning is slick and unpredictable. At all the important turns like the keyhole, 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, carousel drive onto the front straight… But, I changed spacers in the forks at the end of qualifying the day prior and needed to try and get a feel if it was the right move. The practice wasn’t a total wash. Ran a soft rear compound and notched up the fastest practice time of a low :34. Was able to get a close read on how the spacers would work.The unfortunate part was that I can only run three classes. I thought I could only run two as the Brembo M/C I have is illegal in WERA Superstock classes, but apparently, not illegal under CCS rules. Had I known that, I would have run the SS event… But, I didn’t and in doing just the two races, I was down from about 9am and wouldn’t turn a wheel again until about 4 PM or later… That down time really sucks as Sam and Brian had at least 4 races before I did and as qualifying was, they got to learn and make changes along the way…Race one was where I was gridded second. I haven’t launched the liter bike ever before and hadn’t launched a bike in race mode for a few years. To top it off, I was never a strong starter. Add that up and I wasn’t surprised to see I was 3rd going into one with others hot on my tail. I don’t know if the traction control hit weird or what, but it bogged off the line and was slow out of the hole… I got back up towards Sammy, but he was running hard and it was pretty much the same gap through to the end. I bobbled in the carousel trying to make ground and just made it worse. Looked over my shoulder on lap 7 and saw nobody even close and decided to call 2nd place a good first race back… Sam rode great and hit all the spots right. That R1 is a killer out of the corners…Race two was where I was gridded 4th. Just like the first race, I sucked a major monkey ass on the launch. Terrible… Even worse than the first, I think… I was 5th going off the line, but stuffed under AJ to get up to 4th. Was able to drive pass and settle into 3rd behind Stokes who was on the tail of Sammy. I made up some ground on the two off the back straight and came up in behind Stokes. We were all nose to tail for a lap and then Stokes put a beautiful pass on Sam and took the point. We were still running nose to tail.I was stronger than Sam in two through to the entrance to the Keyhole. He drove out better with that R1, but I made ground back as his top end wasn’t as strong as what Stokes and I had. I was able to gather back up under brakes off the back straight (Thanks to James Kerker teaching me some things there!) and even made a side by side attempt on Sam about mid-point. I should have made it stick, but I thought better of it so early and decided to use that as a last lap move.Well, that didn’t pan out. I thought I might actually get Stokes, too had I possibly set up Sam with two to go and get Brian on the final lap. He struggled with chatter on that ZX10 and I knew he was slower through to Thunder. BUT… With about 3 to go, Sammy’s bike was starting to over heat. He and I came onto the front straight and a TON of water came out as we were driving out. His back wheel stepped out HUGE and I had a decent kick in mine. My face shield got hit with the water and all I thought was that his belly pan was full of water and when we were going into turn 1, we were both going down. I throttled way back and tried to choose a different line into one. As we were exiting, he was shooting water out between 1 and 2. I was worried going into the keyhole and Stokes was simply walking away. I thought about Sam’s water issue the whole next lap and finally felt it was blow by. So, I charged towards him and he was on the move as he realized it was going to be ok, too. We were pulling Brian back, but it was too little, too late and we ended up where we started. Stokes, Gaige and then me. We got into low 31s. I showed a 31.0 on my timer, but not sure as the CCS transmitters were slightly slower than what I got on my timer so… But, we were hauling at race pace.I guess since Stokes is a Pro and a previous Horizon Award winner, he was DQ’d from the AMA finish. So, I guess I technically got 2nd. I don’t view it as that, but they do so…Overall, I am happy with the results. The interview guy asked me how I felt about being there in every session and race and yet the win being elusive. I just felt that getting a podium with the likes of Brian Stokes and Sam Gaige and actually being there and not a HUGE distance back was like a win for me after being out of racing for so long. It felt good and makes me want to do more, but alas, I am retired and will only do a couple of races a year.Unless someone needs an endurance rider for their team!! Edited September 14, 2009 by Desmo-Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V4junkie Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Nice read on a crappy Monday morning. I'd call that a triumphant return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted September 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Thanks, man...And, represented the OR!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomcat0403 Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Well done sir! Nice write up too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Punk Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Sounds like you had fun. AJ and his dad are good people I pitted next to them last year. I went off the track twice last year in the first session but rode them both out and couldn't learn a thing because the track is so slick. I ran with CCS last year with a yoyodyne slipper clutch and double bubble windshield in supersport. Almost anything is legal in supersport except slicks and motor work that increases your CCs. Being in the podium ceremonies is kind of a kick, just like the pros do it. Congratulations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Todd#43 Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Nice write up, and congrats on being on the box. No shame in running with the likes of Stokes. He's fast for sure (and I nice guy too).Whats next for ya? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InyaAzz Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Lizard..were you the one with the fading brake issues on the ZX10? Did you get it sorted out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yotaman88210 Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 You were looking great out there man!! Congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted September 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Lizard..were you the one with the fading brake issues on the ZX10? Did you get it sorted out?Nope. I run a GSXR1000...On that note, it was cool that we had three brands represented. Stokes had a '10 ZX10, Sammy had a '10 R1 and me on an old bone 07 GSXR1000. Funny thing was, both guys wished they had GSXRs!!!Stokes hates the ZX10 - you could see him chattering everywhere. Sam simply liked the GSXR better overall, but man, that R1 out of turns was tough to beat. He could get on it so much sooner than Brian and I could. But, it lacked top end power, but seemed to handle well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted September 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Nice write up, and congrats on being on the box. No shame in running with the likes of Stokes. He's fast for sure (and I nice guy too).Whats next for ya?Yeah, Brian is a great guy. We've known each other for a long time and through all his successes, he's never changed. Still a great dude. So is Sam...Next? MAYBE FT at Beaver. That's a BIG maybe... Sam was trying to convince me to do the WERA Nelson or the FT Beaver event... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
APCh8r Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Good job this weekend brian, was fun to come up and watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kosmo Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 woo...hoo....there ya go lizard.....niiiiice write up and results....wtg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Todd#43 Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Yeah, Brian is a great guy. We've known each other for a long time and through all his successes, he's never changed. Still a great dude. So is Sam...Next? MAYBE FT at Beaver. That's a BIG maybe... Sam was trying to convince me to do the WERA Nelson or the FT Beaver event...Keep me posted - maybe I'll drag the kid out to Nelson or Beaver. Let me know if you need any help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exSRAaron Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Congrats Brian! Wish I could have made it up there. bummer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flounder Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Good job.... Too bad youre getting old as fack or maybe you would have been able to keep up. just playing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EagleCock Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Nice write up and nice results! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InyaAzz Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Nope. I run a GSXR1000...On that note, it was cool that we had three brands represented. Stokes had a '10 ZX10, Sammy had a '10 R1 and me on an old bone 07 GSXR1000. Funny thing was, both guys wished they had GSXRs!!! .Maybe an 08 or 08 ZX10. 2010's aren't out yet. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrisoh Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 I am surprised Sam stayed with Yamaha after last his issues with his R6 last year.Good races Liz. Definately some fast company to hang with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gixxie750 Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Lizard was killing it!!!!! Holy freeking crap lol. I got to race on a hot track with him,but i was like 20 bikes back lol. I got 3rd,4th,5th in my races and the AMA/ccs throws one hell of a race weekend! Lizard where do we find out our times? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4DAIVI PAI2K5 Posted September 14, 2009 Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 congrads brian! good job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted September 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Maybe an 08 or 08 ZX10. 2010's aren't out yet. ?Sorry, an 09... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted September 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 Lizard where do we find out our times?Here:http://www.myracingbio.com/?event=lapsByEvent&seriesId=1&facilityId=53&eventId=117I'm still in wonder as to the difference between my beacon lap timer and the transmitters they use. Remember, they use a transmitter and not a transponder... Not sure if there's a difference, but there was about 2-3 tenths a second difference. I had a high :30 on my transponder vs the low :31 they posted... Weird... Maybe lap timers aren't as accurate?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moto-Brian Posted September 14, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2009 I am surprised Sam stayed with Yamaha after last his issues with his R6 last year.Good races Liz. Definately some fast company to hang with. The R6 is the best machine to have. But, the ZX6 pays more so, not sure. But with all the trouble guys have with the ZX10, he might just have stayed with what was a better overall package... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
owndjoo Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 hell yes brian! you should've told me you were gonna be racing.... I sold the gixxer a couple weeks ago. way for you seasoned vets to show the young guys who's boss! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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