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With the final round ending at Pikes Peek International raceway; and already having 2nd place overall locked down in Novice GTU, I didn’t feel as pressured as I normally am for the weekend. Going out on Saturday and winning both races (Novice GTU & GTO) and setting a class record in Novice GTO (59.231), I ending my season as well as I could have expected with such a mechanically challenged year. From blowing my transmission early in the season; to blowing my motor mid to late season. This year has definitely had its difficulties each round, but to overcome them each weekend is an accomplishment in itself to me. Now that the season has come to an end the off-season will begin. The team plans to travel out of state to race with other clubs in warmer climates. Already setting my goals for next year with top 5 finishes in both Middleweight and Heavyweight superbike. Off-season racing will keep me mentally and physically ready for the 09 season. I would like to thank everyone that made this such a successful Year!! To My Team Young Blood Racing and 187 Hand I couldn’t have had any success without the support of our team and the constant attention to my motorcycle from Ricky with 187 Hand, Rocky Mountain Kawasaki, Brothers BBQ and, www.UrWeekendToy.com, for the continued support throughout the season, it truly is priceless, Vanmar/Michelin Racing all year long you guys have been there for me; I hope you know I couldn’t have done anything without your help this season Mark, Faster Motorsports Bart, Brian, and Mike you guys have helped me continuously at and away from the race track; thank you for all the support this year, X-bam - Bree, all year starting with preseason you have been there for me; I know I couldn’t move as well as I do without your magic hands thanks for everything!!! Fellow racers Rick Grosse and Justin Meyer for some late night motor rebuilds!! The Sports Authority, Motorex Oil, Power Stands Racing, Vortex Racing, Motonation (Sidi Boots), Regina, Fuel clothing, Hot Bodies Racing, VP Fuel, and 12 VOLT Tavern – thank you for all the racing sponsorship and support through out the year. Thank you Ara Maranian | MRA #469 www.YoungBloodRacing.com
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Headed out of town early for Friday practice to make sure everything was working right; a couple long nights during the week figuring out my situation out from last rounds blown motor. I can’t thank fellow Kawasaki racer Rick Groose who went above and beyond any friend would to help me out and not to mention his wife’s Jen’s Great cooking!! Having a small problem in the morning and needing a special machined tool that was back in Denver, I had to head out of the track in order to fix the problem. Not able to ride on Friday but able to figure out the problem, I truly accomplished what I wanted out of my day.
Day 1
Focusing morning practice around my mid corner speed and reference points preparing mentally for any situation that may come about. Starting Novice GTU 3rd overall on the front row, having a fairly good launch going into turn 1 in 2nd position. Flowing Rocky Mountain Kawasaki teammate Gerri for majority of the race; unfortunately he made a mistake passing lap traffic and I was able to capitalize and win the race. Novice GTO holding 6th overall starting on the 2nd row, having one of my best launches of the year I was able to take the hole shot into turn 1 and never look back. Having signals given to me I realized I have pulled away from the pack and slowed it down for the final two laps, wining the 2nd race of the day.
Day 2
After a great first day feeling extremely confident about 03 Kawasaki ZX-6R and not to mention the mental confidence I had coming off back to back wins the prior day. I use morning practice the same way by focusing on reference points; key places my eyes need to be looking. Amateur GTU starting 7th over all form the 3rd row, I had another great launch moving up 3 positions going into turn 1 in 4th position. Right behind teammate Casey Dragos; Casey being a little latter on the brakes then most riders I had to play it smart and following him the first half of the race able to make a clean pass and hold him off finishing the race in 3rd. Armature GTO Holding 3rd overall starting on the front row, with the worst launch ever to this point in racing, going from the front row all the way back to 3rd from last. Obviously I knew something was up with the bike by the time I made it to my first turn; not able to get over 6000 RPM I immediately thought to myself I am having the same problem as fellow teammate Casey has been having for the passed 2 race weekends. This being my most important race of the weekend I didn’t want to give up even if I was in dead last I still was hoping others would fall off and I would gain the ever so valuable 1 point. Unfortunately the problem became so bad my bike turned itself off by the 2nd lap.
I would like to thank everyone that helped make this a successful weekend. Rick and Jen Groose for lending me a motor I can’t thank you enough and I don’t think I could have made it through some of the long nights without Jens great home cooking!! HUGE thanks to Brothers BBQ for all their support this season. Always Thank you Ricky with 187HAND for making sure our bikes are ready to race. Rocky Mountain Kawasaki for the great support this year. Vanmar/Michelin Racing!! Not only for the best tires on the paddock every weekend, but also for the continued support you have shown the team throughout the year we all THANK YOU www.urweekendtoy.com ,The Sports Authority – for all the sponsorship support to help make all this happen!! Faster, Motorex Oil, Power Stands Racing, Vortex Racing, Motonation (Sidi Boots), Regina, Fuel clothing, Hot Bodies Racing, VP Fuel, and 12 VOLT Tavern – thank you for all the racing sponsorship and support through out the year.
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Headed out of town early getting an early start to the weekend, things went well Friday after working with Mark Schellinger the prior weekend in a one on one session. Working with Mark had given me the extra confidence in corners I was having troubles in really maximizing the “fast corners and making them fast.” With the couple of hours of practice I felt great for the start of the weekend.
Day 1
Morning practice went great, taking it easy working on my race lines and entrance speed before putting my fresh new Michelins on!! Starting Novice GTU 3rd overall on the front row, I had an average launch as usual going into turn 1 in second position. With Rocky Mountain Kawasaki teammate Gerry directly in front of me running unbelievably fast I had to run my own race. Sometime in the past I would push it too early and make a mental mistake; I feel like I have improved my riding skills to recognize that and was content with a second place finish. Starting the second race Novice GTO 4th overall on the second row, I knew I had my work cut out for me. Going into turn 1 in 4th and not getting into 2nd till the end of the 1st lap, Rocky Mountain Kawasaki teammate Gerry had already had a full front strait lead on me and was slowly becoming smaller and smaller in my sights. Knowing that I can catch him, I put my head down for the next 5 laps and broke a lap record for this class and a personal best time running a134.4 and giving me the opportunity to pass Gerry on the 2nd to last turn before the checkered flag. Unfortunately I was not able to hold my line and settling for another 2nd place, but highly encouraged with the result and consistent lap times. After a long day of riding and feeling a little tight from the day; I headed down to Xbam Bree and she once again worked her magic on me in only 20 minutes stopping my headache instantly.
Day 2
After a great day of riding on Saturday ready to capitalize on my consistency for Sunday I ran into a huge problem; unfortunately sometime in this sport things don’t go the way they should, I’ve become quite accustom to this. Blowing my motor on the second lap in practice I was a little irate to say the least. Fellow racer Dale Eaton knew I was in the hunt for a podium finish at the end of the year and offered me his 07 Yamaha R6. Realizing I was already out of top 5 contentions in Amateur GTU I took full advantage of the 1st race of the day as a fast practice session. Starting the race 7th over all in the 3rd row, I bogged the start with everyone flying by me going into turn 1 in 15th position. Just trying to get use to the handling and power of the R6, I slowly started to drop my lap times and pick a couple guys off, by the end of the race I ended in 9th. Not nearly as bad as I had expected for only a 7 lap race and only dropping 2 spots on a bike I’ve never ridden; knowing that Dale has been working with Dave at Single Track Mind I knew this was a huge reason for this. Ready for the next race Amateur GTO starting 3rd overall in the front row, I knew I had to get the launch down. After talking with Dale and understanding the clutch a little better I ended up having a good launch and going into turn 1 in 4th position. Making a small mental mistake on the 3rd lap allowing 6 riders to get by I had to fight hard to pull back and end the race in 6th position, fortunately holding my 3rd overall position in this class.
Overall a difficult weekend of racing, trying not to focus on my bike that had a motor issue while trying to learn a new bike in 14laps. First off I have to Thank Dale Eaton for keeping me in the hunt with only 2 races left in the season, Dave with Single Tack Mind for the great work his done on Dale’s motorcycles making me feel confident on the machines to be within a half a second of my own lap time, Mark Schellinger with Vanmar Racing and Michelin tires who is a huge part of my racing career; the knowledge I learned from him this past week is invaluable and obviously shows in braking a class record by over a full second, Bree with Xbam being trackside with her ability to heal me within no time Thanks Bree!!, Brothers BBQ and www.UrWeekendToy.com the constant season support helped out every race weekend is extremely valuable, Rocky Mountain Kawasaki and Faster Motorsports for all the season support, Ricky with 187 Hand for all the constant attention to our motorcycles and helping with any problem trackside allowing me to focus on the task at hand racing. Motorex Oil, Power Stands Racing, Vortex Racing, Motonation (Sidi Boots), Regina, Fuel clothing, Hot Bodies Racing, VP Fuel, and 12 VOLT Tavern – thank you for all the racing sponsorship and support through out the year.
Next round September 20th
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With a rough week due to a crash at Monday’s practice while I was getting things ready for the weekend I really wasn’t ready for the weekend; thanks to Chris and the guys up at Woody’s Wheel Works I was able to get my rear rim bent back just in time to head out of Denver Friday. Trying not to stress myself out I remember a quote my mother sent me earlier in the week "Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can by increasing your knowledge and adding to your experience, so that you can make the most of opportunity when it occurs.'" Mario Andretti.
Day 1
After working with Dave from Single Track Mind I headed out for second practice taking it easy in the morning to insure everything was working correct on the bike; I felt confident in the bike and was ready to race. Starting my first race Novice GTU 2nd overall in the front row I had a great launch taking the whole shoot. Rocky Mountain Kawasaki teammate Gerry and I swapped positions over 8 times in the first 6 laps. Unfortunately, on the last lap I made a mental mistake while passing lap traffic and had to straighten the bike up and run off the track not able to hold the bike up in the dirt I ended the race in 16th. As I arrived back into the pits Jason Leleck, Dave VanDeWeert, and my mechanic Ricky were there to help get the bike back and ready to race for my final race of the day. Thanks guys!!! I couldn’t have made it happen without your help. Starting the next race Novice GTO 5th overall on the 2nd row; I had a good launch ending up in second position right behind Rocky Mountain Kawasaki teammate Gerry again. Following him for the first couple laps I decided to take it easy and bring home a second place finish for the day. Later that night I went over the bike with mechanic Ricky making sure the small things were ready for the races the next day.
Day 2
With only 2 practices in the morning I wanted to make sure I got every minute I could on the track before my first race of the day came in the afternoon. Starting Amateur GTU 9th overall in the 3rd row, I had an average launch as normal and I came into the first turn in 7th position. Working extremely hard during the first couple laps I quickly moved into 3rd position only to give one position back on the final lap. At that point I realized that I’m currently not in the top 5 overall I was content in 4th position. (It’s better to finish then not) The Final races of the weekend were my most important in my eyes. Armature GTO I started 3rd overall in the front row I had a terrible launch dropping back 4 positions. Once again battling my way up the field throughout the race I finally ended the race in 4th, again earning very valuable points in the goal to end the year on top of the box (being in the top 3).
I would like to personally thank Casey and Ricky for all of their help during the week getting the bike back together for the weekend. HUGE thanks to Brothers BBQ for all their support this season. Thanks to Ricky at 187HAND for making sure our bikes are ready to race after every race. Thanks to Faster Motosports for always helping out even checking on me when times were tough. Bart always there to give me valuable advice and a BIG thanks to Vanmar/Michelin Racing!! Mark time and time again I think to myself how glad I am to have Michelin as a sponsor. Rocky Mountain Kawasaki for the great support this year. www.urweekendtoy.com ,The Sports Authority – for all the sponsorship support to help make all this happen!! Motorex Oil, Power Stands Racing, Vortex Racing, Motonation (Sidi Boots), Regina, Fuel clothing, Hot Bodies Racing, VP Fuel, and 12 VOLT Tavern – thank you for all the racing sponsorship and support through out the year.
Ara Maranian | MRA 469
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Unfortunately things didn’t go as expected, but overcoming problems is more gratifying in the end. Getting ready for the race weekend I noticed that my rim had a crack and was leaking air; not having enough time for repairs we had to change back to the original stock rim. Heading out Friday for practice, but not arriving in time to get out for test and tune there would only be Saturday morning to get the bike dialed in. Moving from a 16.5 inch rim to a 17 inch rim requires some small changes that need to be done with the suspension
Day 1
Morning practice didn’t go as well as expected; with bad weather coming in and closing the track and only one round of practice prior to the Novice GTU (600cc) race. Starting 3rd over all in the front row; having a good launch diving into turn 1 in 2nd position, still trying to get comfortable with the new front tire and the change I didn’t want to over push myself and crash. I finished the race in 2nd place. Coming off the track noticing that I hadn’t used the edge of the tire I immediately headed over to talk to Mark with Vanmar/Michelin Racing. After talking with Mark and making NO changes to my bike except for mechanic Ricky noticing my bike had a hose clamp that had snapped and was leaking water wetter (thanks Ricky!). I headed out for my 2nd race of the day Novice GTO (1000cc) starting in 7th over all in the 3rd row; I had a great launch diving into turn 1 in 3rd position. Realizing that the leader Gerry also Rocky Mountain Kawasaki teammate was starting to get away I immediately took 2nd position by the 4th turn and put my head down and started riding hard. By the 2nd lap I had made up ground and had Gerry directly in front of me. Following him for the next couple of laps strategizing my pass to see where I am faster than him and vise versa. With 2 laps to go I made my move and took the lead putting the fastest lap time down in the following 2 laps and adding a 2 second lead by the end of the race. Arriving back in the pits; after my cool down lap I met my team and the team Michelin first. THANKS MARK for the advice, confidence is a big part of this game.
Day 2
Once again morning practice didn’t go as well as expected; with making a small mistake looking so far out of a turn and running off the inside of the track. (It would be nice to have some inside outside curbing). The first race of the day Amateur GTU (600cc) I started in 10th overall in the 4th row. Not having the greatest launch I went into turn one in 10th position slowly moving up in the race to end in 7th right behind teammate Casey Dragos. Following the race mechanic Ricky and I checked out my Rocky Mountain Kawasaki to insure that everything was working and we had no more leaks. The last race of the day came at the end of the day Amateur GTO. Holding 5th overall starting in the 2nd row I had a good launch diving into turn one in 5th position. Working extremely hard during the race I moved up 2 positions ending in 3rd; after a long weekend I was very happy with this ending results.
I’d like to thank everyone that made this weekend a success: first off to Team Young Blood Racing and mechanic Ricky with 187 Hand makes it easier for me to focus on the race track because I know he has looked over my bike insuring that everything is in riding condition THANKS RICKY you’re a huge part of this seasons success!! Vanmar/Michelin Racing Mark not only are the tires the best on the grid but in a stressful moment for me you helped me realize that the tires are big but I should ride like I ride and I overcome this obstacles, X-Bam – Bree your AMAZING, have only been working with you for the past year and have I been able to have more range of motion in my neck then ever before thanks again Bree! Faster MotorSports Bart, Brian, Mike and Clint thanks for all the ongoing support on and off the race track. Form the motor teardown to just plain good advice whenever I need it. Rocky Mountain Kawasaki – allowing me to ride on a great team and show what I can do with a great green machine Brother BBQ, www.urweekendtoy.com ,The Sports Authority – for all the sponsorship support to help make all this happen!! Monster Energy – thanks for coming down and supporting the entire team through the past year. Motorex Oil, Power Stands Racing, Vortex Racing, Motonation (Sidi Boots), Regina, Fuel clothing, Hot Bodies Racing, VP Fuel, and 12 VOLT Tavern – thank you for all the racing sponsorship and support through out the year.
Next Round August 9 Pueblo, CO
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Round 4 Pueblo, Colorado
With everything coming together last minute after a transmission rebuild and motor refresh, teammate Casey and I headed out to pueblo a day early to make sure everything was running right before the race weekend ahead. I immediately had overheating issues due to the radiator; I sat the rest of the day in hopes that Machining Ricky would be able to find one locally in Denver. Sure enough Ricky came through and we changed out the radiator that night when he got into town.
Day 1
With a couple of practices in the morning I was feeling confident that the new radiator solved the problem. My first race of the day came Novice GTU (600cc) 2nd after lunch. Holding 4th overall I started in the second row and I had a great launch (thanks Bart for the tip!) diving into turn 1 in 2nd position. On the 3rd lap a bolt came loose from my foot peg thus not allowing me to down shift with my foot; not realizing exactly what was going on until 2 laps later I went around the track in 5th gear finally using my hand to down shift coming off the front strait, blocking the inside line until the end of the race. This race was a huge success for me finishing in 2nd, gaining very valuable points towards a championship.
Race 2 that day, Novice GTO (1000cc) starting 10th position 4th row in I had another great launch diving into turn 1 in 3rd poison Rocky Mountain Kawasaki Teammate Gerry Signorelli had taken the hole shot and took advantage. By the 4th turn I was in second position, but Gerry had a very large lead. Putting my head down for the next 4 laps I ran the fastest times of the race and I beat my own track best getting down to 1 minute 36 seconds. At this point I was right where I wanted to be and thought to myself he has no clue I’m even here I will pick him off on the last lap. Hard lesson to learn, the next lap we started to hit lappers and he had the advantage leading. Although I thought I might still be able to get by him on the last turn I was just a bike length to short. Still very pleased with a 2nd place finish and very confident after reeling him in running the fastest I’d run in a race.
Day 2
With only 2 practices in the morning and my first race being the 2nd after lunch again; there was a little down time. After going over my Rocky Mountain Kawasaki ZX-6R to make sure we didn’t have any random loose bolts, I watch a couple races one being LOR (Ladies Of the Rockies), a new class for female riders featuring teammate Jennifer Hom races in. Amateur GTU (600cc) being the first race of my day, starting the race in 9th position n 3 row I had another unbelievable launch diving into turn 1 in 2nd position. Once again Rocky Mountain Teammate Gerry Signorelli was right in front of me, on the third lap Jason Madama(Hammer) came on the inside of me in turn 4, then he passed Gerry on the next corner. As I was planning my pass on Gerry coming into turn 1 I missed a shift hitting a false neutral; having to stand the bike up to get back into gear I road around turn 1 in 5th gear and took a very aggressive line in turn 2 so no one would pass me. As the white flag came out indicating the last lap I looked behind me on the front strain seeing Jason Leleck only a bike length behind me. Running my fastest lap for that race I managed to pull a full corner lead on him by the checkered flag, taking a third place finish my lap time was the second fastest overall behind Hammer..
Race 2 that day, Amateur GTO (1000cc) starting in 10th position 4th row I didn’t have the best launch diving into turn 1 in 10th position with Teammate Casey Dragos directly in front of me. Following Casey around who has very similar lines around the track made it hard for me to pass him and I knew I could only try and pass him on the brakes in turn 1. With lap traffic coming into play I managed to pull a couple of more guy in and pass them sitting in 4th with Jason Leleck in front of me again and only 4 turns left to try and pass I ended up having a better drive out of turn 7 and was late on the brakes in 8 passing him for 3rd position ending the weekend with all Podium finishes.
Once again I’d like to thank everyone that helped me to have a successful weekend. First off thanks to my team Young Blood Racing for all the support, and Ricky with 187 Hand for always helping out not only in the pits but also with the takedown and rebuild of my bike. The Guys at Faster MotorSports I can’t thank you enough Brian, Mike, Clint, Nick, and Bart I can’t thank you enough for all the help these last couple of weeks you came through big for me, thanks for all the help and advice. Also Justin with Justin Myer Racing thanks for all the help with the teardown and rebuild, there would have been no way I could have done it without your help and knowledge!!! Vanmar/Michelin Racing – Mark and Tammy what unbelievably sticky tires NOT ONCE did I ever feel my tires slide around unless I made them. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t go with the best tires on the paddock. Thanks again for all the HELP! Rocky Mountain Kawasaki – for the unbelievable support and acquiring me on the team this year. Brother BBQ, www.urweekendtoy.com ,The Sports Authority – for all the sponsorship support to help make all this happen!! . X-BAM (Xtreme Bike Action Massage) – Bree once again you came through, not only track side massages but when I was bitten unexpectedly by a dog as well. THANKS!!! Monster Energy – thanks for coming down and supporting the entire team through the past year. Motorex Oil, Power Stands Racing, Vortex Racing, Motonation (Sidi Boots), Regina, Fuel clothing, Hot Bodies Racing, VP Fuel, and 12 VOLT Tavern – thank you for all the racing sponsorship and support through out the year.
Ara Maranian
MRA #469
*Rocky Mountain Kawasaki*Brothers BBQ*WWW.urweekendtoy.com * The Sports Authority *Monster Energy*Faster Motosports*Powerstands Racing*HotBodies Racing* Vanmar/MICHELIN* Motorex* Vortex*X-BAM*Regina*Sidi*Fuel*187 HAND
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A small article done in the beginning of 08 has now been published online. take a look if your interested at Super Street Bike
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Round 2 & 3 Hastings, Nebraska
With a double point’s weekend in mind Ricky, Casey and I headed out early Friday morning with the intentions of open practice; as we arrived into Hastings there was too much lightning and the track was closed for safety reasons.
Day 1
Waking up Saturday morning with the ground wet and the weather in the 50’s I decided to sit the first practice out in order for the track to dry a little. Morning practice went well, getting familiarized with the track and working on my lines. Going out for my first race, Novice GTU I felt confident. Leading the race with a lap left I was a little too hard on my brakes coming into turn 5 I lost my front. Later realizing that I had made the biggest mistake since I have started racing; (a hard lesson to learn) not checking my tire presser. With one race left that day mechanic Ricky and I were attempting to get the bike fixed and ready to ride; unfortunately I had snapped my faring stay that holds my body work on. Dave Van De Weert once again offered me his bike in order to get very valuable championship points, unfortunately with a Red flag (riders ok) on the first lap we lined up on pregrid again. With the warm temperature, and the hot bike the radiator overflow cap popped off; with water spraying on my leg I had to pull off. As I was walking Davis bike back into the pits Jason Leleck ran up to me and yelled “get out on my bike, just complete one lap GET SOME POINTS!” I couldn’t thank him enough; it held me in 3rd place over all for my race the next day.
Day 2
After walking around the pits looking for a faring bracket and not having any luck, Bart from Faster came through. As I’m asking him if I have any options he picked up his phone and called the shop Faster Motorsports, and had his personal faring bracket taken off his own bike and brought out to Nebraska in order for me to complete my weekend. Bart thank you that was beyond anything I had ever expected, you SAVED my ass. With 4 races in the day and having crashed in one of the classes the day before I had my work cut out for me. Starting in the 2nd row for Novice GTU, I had a good launch going into turn 1 in 4th position. Picking away turn by turn I ended up behind Rocky Mountain Kawasaki teammate Gary Signorelli with 5 laps left. Having some troubles with the bike dropping out of 5th gear into 3rd gear every time on the back strait; and realizing something was starting to go wrong, I was content with holding 2nd position and blocking my lines. After discussing the problem with some mechanics in the pits it was sounding like my transmission was going out. With 5 races left in the weekend I was hoping it would make it the rest of the way. Going out in Amateur GTU the problem only happened twice on the back strait but I did hit a false neutral coming into turn 11, a sharp right, (thinking in my head I just missed a shift) I ended the race 7th. The 3rd race of the day, Amateur GTO, a very competitive class teammate Casey and I started on the front row next to each other for the first time. Having a terrible launch fighting my way up into 4th position on the 4th lap; I left a little room on the inside of turn 4 allowing another rider to get by. Looking directly at the bike on the inside of me slowly sliding towards me, I lost focus of my line for a second and ended up off the track. Quickly getting back on and finishing the race somewhere in the top 15 I believe. With the last race of the day being Novice GTO and only able to do 1 lap the day before, I was pleased to only be pushed back to 8th over all position lined up on the 3rd row. Off the launch I hit another false neutral going from 2nd gear into 3rd; coming into turn 1 in 15th position I knew I had a lot of ground to make up. Putting my head down and running the fastest lap time of the weekend I managed to get into 2nd position on the 4th lap. With the leader in my sight, I planned my pass; but I hit another false neutral on the bike only this time I was grabbing a gear down from 4th to 3rd. Engine braking being a big part of slowing the bike down in order for it to turn correctly, I knew the chances that I was going to crash were big and it was going to be at very high speed. Fortunately crashing before helped me in this situation! With the day coming to an end and my bike done for the weekend I was pretty disappointed; working with Bree at Xbam helping my mobility after my crash Charles Greenwood had hared over the intercom about my crash. Not exactly knowing what happened he offered me to use his bike in one of my races the next day to salvage some valuable points.
Day 3
Two races left for the weekend and only being able to race one of the two due to my transmission issue and not having a bike to race. As well as Amateur GTO being the last race of the day and the weekend; I hung around the pits helping out the team and watched races all day. Going out for the last race my mind set was to just go out and get points, after a long weekend of disappointing results, points is all I need; ending around 20th position.
Once again I’d like to thank everyone that help me make this weekend possible Thanks to my team Young Blood Racing – without you guys there would be no drive to succeed Thanks Casey Ricky, David, and Jen Vanmar/Michelin Racing – Mark and Tammy you guys are unbelievable. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t go with the best tires on the paddock. Thanks again for all the HELP! Rocky Mountain Kawasaki – for the unbelievable support and acquiring me on the team this year (BEST MOVE OF THE OFF SEASON WAS TO SIGN WITH THEM and move to a KAWASAKI). Brother BBQ, www.urweekendtoy.com ,The Sports Authority – for all the sponsorship support to help make all this happen!! Faster Motorsports – Bart, well what can I say you cover my ass every time something goes wrong; Jason, Mike, Brian you guys have not only been a support to my racing but the trackside assistance is priceless and I can’t thank you guys enough for all you have done for me over the past year. Jason thanks for letting my use your bike in Novice GTO. X-BAM (Xtreme Bike Action Massage) – Bree not sure where to start… You have been such a BIG help every time I work with you, THANK YOU!!!! Performance Imagery – Keith for all the photos that make me realized what I’ve been doing wrong, and how to prefect my riding. Monster Energy – thanks for coming down and supporting the entire team through the past year. Motorex Oil, Power Stands Racing, Vortex Racing, Motonation (Sidi Boots), Regina, Fuel clothing, Hot Bodies Racing, VP Fuel, and 12 VOLT Tavern – thank you for all the racing sponsorship and support through out the year.
Next round back to Pueblo June 28th
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4/25 Friday – Open Practice:
Starting the weekend off early, Friday morning heading out of Denver around 6am, with low 30 degree weather, teammate Casey and I were on our way to Pueblo. As we arrived in Pueblo the weather had picked up a bit moving into the mid 40’s. Being the first one out on the track in the morning with no rubber laid down made for slick conditions. As the day progressed track times decreased and ended very well.
4/26 Saturday – MRA Round 1:
After a great night of sleep, waking up at 5am and starting the day off with a healthy meal at the Wingate, we headed out arriving at the track around 6am to tech and get ready for morning practice. With the weather not being as warm as the previous day I decided I would sit out 1st practice, and capitalize on my other two practices. With the extra hour of time, I made sure my Rocky Mountain Kawasaki ZX-636 was checked out from top to bottom and then headed out to practice felling very confident.
After a break in the day for lunch the races began. Being one of the first races, Novice GTU in the afternoon I was preparing in my pits as I normally do, listening to my music going over the track lines, breaking points, shift points, and different gears I’m in at each section on the track in my head. My first race being one of my most important races, I was focused and ready to ride. Recovering from an ankle injury from January my only concern was to go out ride smart and get points for the weekend…. “This is a long season, THINK” As I’m sitting on the Grid ready to race, Dave Van De Weert gave me a few words of advice through my helmet. Lights were off and we started racing with a satisfactory launch off the line, I dove in to turn 1 in 3rd position. I immediately made my move in to 2nd in turn 1 and followed fellow Rocky Mountain Kawasaki teammate Gerry Signor for the next two laps. With the unbelievable grip from my Michelin tires, I knew in my head I could out break and hold more corner speed as I did in my 3rd lap off the front strait. Knowing Gerry is equally as fast, I had to capitalize, so I put my head down and started riding hard. The white flag was out (last lap), leading a race knowing Gerry was trying to make a pass, I road defensive lines the rest of the way. As I was right, I left a little gap open on the 3rd to last turn and he tried to come in a little too hot. Holding my line I was able to re-pass him in the same corner and finish the race in 1st to win my first race ever. After arriving back in the pits the first group of people to congratulate me was Vanmar/Michelin Racing. I can’t thank them enough.(What a feeling!)
One more race left in the day, Novice GTO. Now with the first race of the year out of the way I was a little more relaxed. Heading out in the open class competing with 1000cc bikes, I went in with the intention of ending the race in the top 5. Once again, not the best launch to start the race but I ended up in 2nd and by the end of the first lap I had taken the lead and never looked back. Using lap traffic to my advantage the 2nd place finisher was roughly 1.5 seconds behind me at the end of the race. Once again I couldn’t be more pleased with how my Rocky Mountain Kawasaki Machine worked and how UNBELIEVABLEY sticky my MICHELIN tires were on such a cold day of riding; I couldn’t be more impressed.
4/27 Sunday-
With the weather warming up, I went ahead and went out for 1st practice. With only two practices Sunday morning and my first race not being till after lunch, I went out and watched a couple ofSuperBike races to start the day off. With my goals being set within both races to end up in the top 5, I knew my work was cut out for me. With a terrible launch I ended up in 15th by the first turn. Little by little picking away at the guys in front of me, I had moved up to 9th by the last turn of the last lap. Making the wrong decision trying to pass lap traffic safely leaving the outside line wide open Jason Leleck took advantage and got a better drive out and crossed the finish line less then a bike length between us to finish in 9th place.
With my last race being the last race of the day I was ready to race and have FUN. Having the best launch of the weekend I dove from the 4th row 13th position right into 3rd as we came into turn 1. Ironically Dave Van De Weert “Hoopty” was directly in front of me and we both passed the 1000CC that was holding us up by the 4th turn. Knowing that “Hoopty” and I have raced on the track together before, I didn’t want to pass him early in the race to let him know it was me. On the very fast lap I lined him up and out broke him into turn 1 and held him off for the next 9 turns. This being the biggest WIN of the weekend, it closed round 1 in a great way. Once again arriving at my pits, Mark and Tammy (Vanmar/Michelin) were waiting. What great support from The MichelinTeam!
I’d like to thank everyone that was a part of my successful weekend, WITHOUT YOU I COULDN’T HAVE DONE ITXtreme Bike Action Massage) – Bree not sure where to start… You have been such a BIG help with me getting back on the bike after breaking my neck in the winter of 06. THANK YOU!!!! Performance Imagery – Keith for all the photos that make me realized what I’ve been doing wrong, and how to prefect my riding. Monster Energy – thanks for coming down and supporting the entire team through the past year. Motorex Oil, Power Stands Racing, Vortex Racing, Motonation (Sidi Boots), Regina, Fuel clothing, Hot Bodies Racing, VP Fuel, and 12 VOLT Tavern – thank you for all the racing sponsorship and support through out the year. . Thanks to my team Young Blood Racing – without you guys there would be no drive to succeed Thanks Casey Ricky and David`, Vanmar/Michelin Racing – Mark and Tammy you guys are unbelievable. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t go with the best tires on the paddock. Thanks again for all the HELP! Rocky Mountain Kawasaki – for the unbelievable support and acquiring me on the team this year (BEST MOVE OF THE OFF SEASON WAS TO SIGN WITH THEM and move to a KAWASAKI). Brother BBQ, www.urweekendtoy.com ,The Sports Authority – for all the sponsorship support to help make all this happen!! Faster Motorsports – Bart, Jason, Mike, Brian you guys have not only been a support to my racing but the trackside assistance is priceless and I can’t thank you guys enough for all you have done for me over the past year. Jason thanks for all the help when I first started racing. X-BAM (
I’d also like to personally thank Jeff Brown and Dave Van De Weert who have helped me from the first day on the track. Jeff thanks for everything you’ve shown me from inside passing in turn 8 to a one on one day at the track. Dave for showing me how to be later on the brakes and always helping me out in the pits. You are the reason I got into racing the F3!!… Among the small things they have shown me in the past year, these guys really made me feel welcome to the club as a rider and as a friend
Next round is May 24/25/26 In Hastings Nebraska.
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MAKE IT A MOTORCYCLE EVENT FILLED WEEKEND!!!
Come join Young Blood Racing and Brothers BBQ for a fun filled weekend.
Saturday the 12th the Team will be set up at Fay Myers Motorcycle world for there OPEN HOUSE, “Witness the fury of JASON BRITTON” There will be Stunt shows every hour and prizes given away all day. Stop by our tent for some FREE Brothers BBQ….
Located off I-25 and Arapahoe
Open House Hrs: 10-4
Continue the weekend at Brothers BBQ on Sunday April 13th and watch MotoGP racing with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts. In addition to the race broadcast, there will be a SHOW-BIKE COMPETION, TONS of raffle prizes and give-aways and some pocket bike racing action!!!
Sunday Schedule:
11:30 – 1:00 – Voting for show-bike completion
12:00 – 1:00 – MotoGP 250 race Broadcast
1:00 – 2:00 – MotoGP Main Event Broadcast
2:00 – 2:30 – Raffle and prize give-aways (including show-bike award)
2:30 - 3:30 - Pocket bike races!!!
Thanks
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