| Author | Message | ||
     Rodrob |
If you have a pit pass, look for us in the garages. | ||
| Steeleagle |
Won't see you in Daytona, but good luck to you and Shawn. BTW: You've got mail! | ||
| Firstbuell |
Tuesday 3/13 update: I finally have more confidence in Speed's site info - their latest schedule actually matches AMA Pro's press release & Comcast's look-ahead: DAYTONA - Pacific programming for Sat 3/17: 10:30am SuperBike & SuperSport 11:30am Daytona 200 2pm XR1200s take a break - 3pm-4:30pm 4:30pm Indy SX [live] 7:30pm Daytona dirt short-tracks [2] | ||
| Firemanjim |
Kurt,where are you all watching Daytona at? | ||
| Firstbuell |
beginning 10:30am at Moto Shop in SSF - http://www.bayareamotoshop.com/ | ||
| Rodrob |
Well I'm back home; bruised, battered and exhausted, but still standing. Obviously we are very disappointed with only turning 5 practice laps on the 1190 before breaking a valve.  Looking into the exhaust port, you can see the valve stem is still in place. The valve head is sitting on top of the piston. Everything is chewed up and I can't tell if there is a hole in the piston. I just got a call from Aussie Dave Anthony, who is transporting the bike. His driver had a heart attack, so I don't know when the bike will be back. Sometimes you eat the bear... sometimes the bear eats you. I hope the bear is full soon. I've got a lot of soul searching to do as I am clearly way out of my financial league in AMA. That said, I am very proud to have been part of the team that came together literally overnight, to take this on. We called ourselves "The BadWeb 1190RS Pickup Team". Brice, Ken, Tyler, Tim, Elvis (Philip), Wes, Matt, Jaime, JP and Mitzu all put their lives on hold and selflessly dedicated themselves to this enormous effort.  When we were getting slammed, they never faltered and kept pushing forward without rest or complaint. You guys are truly the heroes of this story. I am honored to know you. As always Shawn rode brilliantly and did better than could be expected given the circumstances in which we found ourselves. The 1125R is really handicapped in the 200 race, by the difficulty in performing front tire changes with the ZTL brake system. This is one situation where a conventional brake setup has a clear advantage. There is a lot more to tell and I will get the story up on CrotchRocket.tv as soon as possible. To all members who generously contributed funds to our effort, I would like to offer a refund. You contributed to see us race the 1190. That did not happen. I'll be in touch. Finally, I cannot express how important the contributions of Shawn's girlfriend Marianne and my girlfriend Stacy are to not just the race team, but our lives in general. Angels do walk the earth. | ||
| Hootowl |
I contributed to the team, not to watch a specific bike. No refunds after 30 days  | ||
| Jdugger |
Rob, You did something few of us ever will: compete in an AMA event. | ||
| Rkc00 |
 | ||
| Bob_thompson |
Rob, your dedication and all those on your team is really something to behold, not the least of which is the money you spent. I hope you are not soured on a great bike in the 1190. That was and is Daytona. A proven engine stresser in most types of racing. It would be great if you could manage to put Shawn back on the 1190 for Infineon or Laguna Seca later in the season. I believe the rest of the races will not be as stressful on the engines as Daytona was. Good luck and Godspeed my friend. | ||
| Rodrob |
Thanks Bob. Much appreciated. I am not soured on the 1190. It is a great platform with winning potential. I do wish however, that I had been aware of the valve issues they had last year at Daytona on the 1125RR with a similar valve setup. I might have made a different choice for our first AMA event. Daytona is unique. On no other track are you wide open at redline for more than 30 seconds, every lap. Brutal. If my logic is correct, all V-Twins are at a stress disadvantage there, as for a given RPM, the valves are opening and closing twice as many times than an in-line 4. Since the IL4s don't redline twice as high, the valves are stressed less. With the bike stuck in Florida perhaps until after Road Atlanta, and Infinion 2 weeks after that, I'm not sure what my options are. I'm exploring solutions. | ||
| Aeholton |
As a spectator and someone who attended Daytona, I have to say you have a great group there. The teamwork and dedication in your pit was inspiring. I was amazed by the upbeat attitude of you and your team, even after the gut punch of losing the 1190R. I'll be watching eagerly for more news on your continuing effort. Good luck! | ||
| Reepicheep |
OK, fair enough. How would like us to mark contributions to "rebuild a bike that was blown up in about coolest way we could possibly imagine". I would like to do that, and make sure that doesn't get accidentally refunded. How about a crotchrocket.tv raffle, and the winners of the drawings get various pieces of 1190 motor that were destroyed at Daytona to put on our desk? I can help you set up a crotchrocket.tv ecommerce site, or you can just track it manually based on paypal contributions. (Message edited by reepicheep on March 19, 2012) | ||
| Hootowl |
In fact...I'm sending you some more money. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I could make a weekend blitz-run from Maryland to Daytona to grab the motorcycle and get it back to MD. At least it would be...in a different place? And a safe place (not sure where its sitting at the moment). Even be happy to start on the autopsy for you if you want... Have 8' pickup truck bed, will travel | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
Rob there are at least 4 more races this year I can and will help you with. Don't have cash to contribute but I can come up with time and tools. | ||
| Court |
I'd buy the valve for $250. But one way or another . . . . I'm sending money. You guys got balls, guts and heart. In my eyes . . . you won a lot ! | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
We all want Shawn Higbee Racing/crotchrocket.tv to take flight | ||
| Dannybuell |
ditto! ~ You guys got balls, guts and heart. | ||
| Kenm123t |
Rob We are willing to do it again! We had a wonderful time working with you and the rest of the team. I feel lucky to have met and worked with this team. We had very talented team with several experienced 1125 racers Its something to build on. We did something few do Race Daytona place well and FINISH Every one will understand more once the video is posted. Court you should send $ 500.00 you were reminded and didnt tell. | ||
| Mhpalin |
I agree no refunds after 30 days you guys rock Rob,put mine towards the rebuild. Mike | ||
| Fast1075 |
I had an unforgettable experience. I am glad to have been allowed to help in the garage the little bit I did. That was an experience I will always remember. Having said that, the most important thing I saw was complete focus and determination from everyone involved. Thank you for the experience. Harry | ||
| Court |
$250 sent | ||
| Finedaddy1 |
This was a very "inspiring" thing for me, I was proud to say that I had a "VERY small" part in the contribution to this cause. The picture of your bike is on my computer's background at work and everyone that sees it asks "wow what is that?" I let them know that I have a little part, maybe the "D" in the Dunlop sticker, in helping get this bike to Daytona. I would be offended to take my small share back, and yes I'd do it again! Most of us understand about the soul searching you're probably doing at this time and only wish the best for you and hope things work out. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
I have no money to contribute but I would like to contribute something. I offer this; In these troubling times, some of us are trying to get by, trying to make sense of it all and right about then something goes wrong. Mom dies. The wife has a very bad diagnosis from the doctor. Worse.... Along about then comes a grass roots race team sporting our favorite mark. Struggling just like we are, but not giving up. Humble but persistent. One step forward and two steps back. It sounds familiar, doesn't it? Right now there are a lot of people in this country that need something to believe in. Some of us choose to believe in you. I am one of them. Look only at where you want to go. Keep your focus on your goal. Never give up hope and may God be with you. Dan. | ||
| Dhays1775 |
I know it's a little late, but I just pitched in for the rebuild. Get back on that monster and show them how much WE want you there!!!  | ||
| Jetbuilder |
I am sending money this week as well hope you get that beast running again for Shawn. Red | ||
| Rodrob |
You guys are all incredible. What can I say. Thank you. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Money sent. Balls, guts, and heart. (To send funds use Paypal.com and send money to sponsor@crotchrocket.tv ) | ||
| Steeleagle |
Well...you started it! We're just "enablers". |
