| Author | Message | ||
     Diablomichael |
Ok we are in on the MAM Race 2-3 in IOWA. I am not sure about the track day before . I need to see how long I can make the slick stretch. Its a back bend for me to do two races two weeks apart. Topeka We got to Topeka Saturday at 130 in the morning needless to say I was tired. I have not been there since 1994 or so, I had to take 8 years off from racing. The track was really rough and super green in the morning. Speaking of tired prior to the race we spent every last hour painting and prepping the bike. Every time its seems like we are in front of the ball only to do a last minute shuffle. Both my race bike and my xb9R are now painted like the VR1000 with the full body kit. Saturday am Practice The first time out was just learning the direction of the track and learning the bike . We raced the bike for the first time at Blackhawk Farms 3 week prior for the first time. We had much trouble with tires , rain , brakes, etc. I did not learn the bike at all but came away with a 3rd in Thunder Bike. By the lunch brake I had picked up the pace and was running with or faster than many 600cc machines. Saturday pm practice Things are clicking along . I see many Buell riders and fear the straights and Shazam. I continue to get faster and focus on tire slides. I was able to save the front with my Knee at one point . I have only heard of the before this and seen it on moto gp. The last practice of the day the bike start cutting out now and then . It did it at Black Hawk too so I was not that worried. Saturday Night Topeka Steak House is a must! Irish Pub down town with live music is a must! Baby Dolls strip club - not what it used to be Sunday Am The bike starts and I go through tech again with flying colors. Time for my practice and the bike wont start. Turn out I did not ground the new race sub frame from raceingmotorcycles.com right. I miss practice and am way freaked out as it was the only one of the day. Race 1. GTL ( 25 min race ) I opened a 7 second gap on the first lap . I just put my head down and felt like the bike was a part of me. We had made a connection. I wanted to run hard the first 10 minutes and break away from the pack from the start. I have had someone knock me down last race and I wanted to get clear. The bike is running at about 75% power. It takes much attention to ride. I have more than the front straight away by the third lap and decide to relax. I win by 30 seconds or more. Race 2 LW Super Bike ( 8 lap sprint ) I was not as nervous but I almost puked on myself as I went out. It was more of the same as the first race. I stuck with the plan to break away. I looked for all my reference points ( braking ,throttle, etc) and concentrating on being super smooth. I break way on the first lap and play it safe the second part of the race. Race 3 Thunder Bike ( 8 laps sprint) I am grided behind the experts and get to take off on the same wave. I take off confident I can run with them and maybe beat some. With the bike running so bad I could not make up the 100 yard gap that remained for the whole race. The last 2 laps I took it easy but I charged for 6 to make a good go at it. I won by like 40 plus seconds taking 3 out of 3 wins for the weekend. Many thanks to all the friendly buell riders that stopped by and said hi! My brother diablobrian and my uncle Larry for endless support. The only talent I have is riding they have a majority of the other endless burdens of racing. Mid America Harley Davidson / Buell is a great shop , Stop by if you are ever traveling down I-70 via Missouri. They provide the XB12R. If you have any desire to promote your company or help support or race program , please contact me at snelvis@socket.net. I just ordered pics and will post them soon. Thanks Michael Snell | ||
| Anonymous |
Way to go, Michael! Get that motor running right and start chasing down those Experts! |
