"It's spring in Wisconsin, what do you expect?"
CCS Midwest racing kicked off at the ever-popular 4 miles of Road America this late April. Despite pushing the first midwest weekend out nearly one month, tradition held true in that it was a cold and sometimes wet one. I swear, we could start the Midwest round in July and it would drop to 40 degrees and rain just for the occasion!
Weeks preceding:
Much to do with getting bodywork done and prepping the bike as well as cleaning
and packing the trailer. With the incredible support of my wife, we managed
to get everything done and packed by Wed night so we could leave immediately
after work on Thurs. We got into the track and finished getting set up around
10:00pm, and called it quits for the night. Retiring to the cozy heat of the
trailer.
Friday 4/23:
The only race I intended to run today was the 160mi team challenge event with
Anthony Connor and Matt Drucker, on Anthony's new 2004 Lake Country Powersports
sponsored GSXR-1000. I've never raced a liter bike, and Road America is one
of the country's fastest tracks, so this had my nerves a bit on end.
Out into practice, I quickly got the hang of things (although I didn't care for the bike that much). The bike was great, and the power was incredible, but that's precisely what I didn't really like. See, going from a 110hp 600 to a 170hp 1000 is quite a jump. Every little hill brought on a monster wheelie. The exit of every corner had smoke rolling off the rear tire along with yet another wheelie. It took a long time for me to get the EXTREMELY gentle touch required of this monster.
Team Challenge:
The plan was to each run 13 laps with Anthony launching the bike, Matt running
in the middle and me bringing up the end. The launch was uneventful, with Anthony
quickly getting down into the 2:34 range. This was a good pace for an endurance
event. There was an incident at lap 7 which red-flagged the race. Our awesome
pit crew of Phil Lambos and Chuck Shur popped the warmers back on and topped
off the gas.
A few minutes later and Anto was back out again. He finished off his 13 and MD Racing's Matt Drucker headed out for his stint. An uneventful 10 laps later he roars down hotpit lane for the final rider change to me. As I jump on, Matt hollers out the words I was dreading. "The rear tire is shot!".
10 laps to go and I look back to see the tire peeling away. Oh well, I've got to finish the race! I roared through the gears, and began clicking off the laps at an ever faster pace. I managed to drop down into the 2:36 range, and was feeling very good until I managed a good solid 200 yard wheel slide while dragging a knee in the carousel. It was bad enough that I was countersteering it and continuing to feed throttle just hoping I didn't run out. At the exit of the carousel I lined it up, stood the bike up and wheelied out into the next turn. Quite the harrowing moment, but all that ice riding over the winter paid off!!!
Backing off a bit, I finished the race out. Out of all the high dollar pro AMA teams who graced us with their presence this weekend, we managed a 5th in class and 8th overall, which is great considering the turnout.
I was just happy to be alive!
Saturday 4/24:
Back on the 600RR for the first time in 04, a shot right fork seal posed no
problem to my suspension tuner, "Suspension-Ed Kwaterski" from Trackside
Engineering. Ed swung by and replaced the seal in my pit as soon as he came
through the gate. He completed everything in time for me to get out for practice.
Boy did it feel good to get back on the 600 from that 1000!!! Just a little
less drama on the 600.
A quick gearing change down to 16:46 and I was ready to race. As I pre-entered a little late, my grid spots for the entire weekend were in the 5-9 row range. I won't go into every race, but rather share a few highlights.
My lap times all weekend were not where they needed to
be. I blame it on a combination of poor temperature, first weekend nerves and
poor frame of mind. All things which can and will be overcome in the upcoming
weeks.
In my second race on Saturday, my goal was to chase down team-mate Anthony Connor on his GSXR-600. Anto was gridded on the 2nd row and I was on the 9th. I got a pretty good launch and ran hot into turn 1 which served me well. Coming through the track, by turn 6 I looked up and could see Anthony. I was running a GREAT lap and intended to continue, with the "YOU'RE MINE!" grin and grit. I typically run very well through the 6-7 combo down into 8, and managed to pass 2 other riders down into 8 which put me on Anthony's tail. I was pretty hot into 8, so I trail-braked my way in as usual. Mid-way into the corner, the front tire gave way. I hammered the gas, but it was too little too late, and I washed the front, sending me into the kitty litter.
A quick tumble and I was back on my feet throwing the bike back upright and slowly walking my way out of the pea-gravel which holds you like velcro. They let me back out after all the amateurs had passed, but I figured it would be fine and I would get some passing practice.
I made it around one more lap before the race was red-flagged for an incident. Looking down, I saw that I had crushed a coolant line and was dribbling onto my motor. I didn't leak enough to lay any down on the track, but it was enough to take me out of the race at the red-flag.
I replaced the line and ran a final race on Saturday which was rather uneventful.
Sunday 4/25:
Rain set in on Saturday night, and left us with a dense fog and cold drizzle
on Sunday morning.
Sunday was already over-booked with 19 races including numerous FUSA races (which take longer than CCS races), and was now pushed behind due to lack of visibility. Everything stood still until around Noon when the fog lifted enough to let us race. Races were shortened from 5 laps, to 4 laps, and finally to 3 laps.
The weather was completely unpredictable. Too dry for rain tires, but moist enough to not allow real good traction throughout the track. It was pretty frustrating all the way around. I opted to run the day on DOTs, but just couldn't push it as hard as I wanted to.
My places for the weekend were not that good. I didn't come in last in any race, but no top 10's were to be had. In all, it wasn't a total loss. The weekend was fun and it was a good start to the season. I have much to do to get back to my expected level of riding, but it will all come soon enough.
I'd like to thank everyone for coming out and those who couldn't, but offer their support just the same. Your encouragement is absolutely appreciated.
Weekend Transportation provided by Lake
Country Powersports
This weekend's "Thanks" list:
I'm sure this list isn't complete. If I've missed you, I apologize and want you all to know that I appreciate your assistance!
JeF4y Racing is proudly sponsored by:
Lake
Country Powersports - For all your Honda/Suzuki/Ducati needs!
Hi-Side Racing - Race
products, for racers by a racer!
Scotts Performance
- Steering stabilizers & reusable Stainless Steel oil filters
MD Racing - Kyle Gordis
measuring/alignment system, Race bodywork & engine building
Moto Liberty - All
of your gear needs, street and race!
Sliderwoman - The place
for Pucks
Silkolenestore -
Only the best lubricants for my CBR600RR
Trackside Engineering
- Suspension first, everything else is secondary.
Sliderphoto - Making
riders look like professionals!
PDI Tirewarmers - Better
& Cheaper than the rest!
Moto-Heaven - Thrust
Gearing, XES custom leathers, Wintex gear
So? What do you think?
Am I great? Do I suck? Let's hear it... Post
your comments in the Forum