Talladega 8/22/09
This weekend started out pretty rough. Friday night the gates were supposed to close at 10:00pm sharp and we arrived at 10:10pm. We caught the guy that runs the gate/sign-in as he was leaving, and he was kind enough to let us in. Saturday morning started out well getting registered, tech'd in, and fresh tires. As soon as I got on the track for 1st practice, I realized that my shifter was WAY too low from when I took it off to inspect the front sprocket. I still managed some good lap times despite being uncomfortable on the bike (due to the shifter). About half way through the 2nd practice, my quickshifter quit working, but once again, I still managed to turn some good lap times. I found that the wire that goes to the quickshifter had broke. No big deal. The MW Solo 20 (20 laps) was another story. I started 14th on the grid with 17 in the class. I got a decent start and in the first 5-6 laps managed to work my way up to 5th. My brakes were beginning to fade, so I reached up to adjust the brake lever and accidentally hit the killswitch. I restarted the bike (took a minute to realize it was started since we wear ear plugs) only to find out at the end of the straightaway, I had NO front brakes now. The rear brake (as little as it does) and downshifting saved me. I immediately pulled into the pits thinking that I had broken a brake pad. Everything appeared to be ok, so I went back out on the track. Knowing I had lost too much time to catch back up, I used the remaining 10-12 laps as practice, so obviously my finish was no good.
Sunday turned out much better for me. I only ran 1 practice in the morning since the tires weren't in the best of shape anymore. In my first race the C-Superstock class, I usually don't do very good in due to bad luck or minor problems, but today was different. I started 12th on the grid with 21 in the class. I got another decent start, and managed to work my way up to 3rd place including a good 2 lap battle with one rider. My best finish in that class so far!!
In C-Superbike, I got a front row grid with 16 in the class. I managed to pull the holeshot and lead the first 6 or 8 laps before my brakes began to fade. I had 2 riders pass me at this point, but I sure didn't give the positions away. They had to work for it!!! I stayed right with 1st and 2nd place for the last 2 laps ready to capitalize on any small mistake, but they rode really good so the opportunity didn't come about. Once again, I finished in 3rd, my best finish in this class so far with over 11 second lead over 4th place!!! Oh, and that puts me to 2nd in the points championship!!
Overall, I call it a good weekend. Saturday was rough, but sunday more than made up for it. I'm stoked to get not one but TWO 3rd place finishes. Now I've got my sights set a little higher.
I would like to give a special thanks to Inner Cooler Performance Wraps. They make a great product that absolutely exceeded my expectations!! Even wearing full leathers (and racing at the front of the pack), I still hardly broke a sweat!! I usually carry a towel around after each race to wipe my face and neck, but this weekend, I never even took it out of the trailer!! If you don't already have one, then GET ONE!!! They are worth every penny!! Thanks Inner Cooler!!