Ducati Monster Forum

We want to share in your triumphs and defeats, hear about what worked and what didn't, what challenges you overcame and what just plain ole kicked your ass.  So post up your race or trackday report and share with the gang. 

TGPR last Saturday....

A very stable bike in a turn, although it does take a firm hand to get it started turning. It was geared way too high for a short twisty track, but should be just right for Road Atlanta in a couple of weeks. It has more than enough power for my sad skills.

I'm not sure about the Pirellis, they are fast to heat up but they are definitely a little squirrely off the race line on cold track. One nice thing though is they spin up in a nice almost casual way-very predictable. I think I prefer the turn in characteristics of Michelins better though.

I'd post a pic, but I can't figure out how yet.

I went to Putnam Park Raceway on 5/12/08 in Mount Meridian, Indiana. It was my first day, so I didn't really know what to expect. Towards the end of the day, I was catching bigger bikes with my M750 in the twisties, and hanging with them. But since the beginner class can only pass on the straight, they'd leave me behind a little bit only for me to catch them back up by turn 1 or 2. All in all, it was a blast and I can't wait to go back and do it again in early June. I managed to almost remove my chicken strips and scrape a footpeg, so I'm totally stoked about it.
(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb20/FreeDuc/24A_00126Medium.jpg)

GRUBBY you need to fix your signature

14 May 2008 - Keigwins - Infineon Raceway - Sonoma, CA

I bought petemg's Keigwin's spot. It had been a while since I did a track day, and over a year since I rode Sears Point on my very first track day. I was excited, since I'd be riding with Michael Moore, Wendy, and Tigre, and BikerGoddess would be along for moral support. Tigre was prepping for his first-ever AMA appearance (http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?topic=748.0). The day was a B-, B+, A format, and there were enough fast guys that I didn't mind being in B-...even though I could have run in B+. It was a chance to ride mellow, get some empty track time, and ride with friends. We got the Supersport working well and bumble-beed-up, and we were ready to go.

The day started early....and I mean very early. The schedule was moved up by an hour because of AMA setup. We also had to pit in the hot pits instead of the paddocks. BikerGoddess and I rolled in at 5:45 and cordoned off enough pit space for our friends. At the riders' meeting, I found out that they'd be reversing the format: B- was going out first....I cellphoned ahead to BG and had her warm up the bike. Out onto the track at 8AM, then I found out the one drawback of riding B-...standing yellow flags through all of session 1. Argh :)

Session 2 was a little better. I went out the head of the pack, got the tires warmed up, and started passing people who got out later than I did. I also managed to pass a 1098 and a litrebike...I know, I know: it doesn't mean anything...but it still feels good  ;D I had a few odd moments with front end chatter on hard braking, so I backed off in some of the turns for the rest of the session. No quirks at all since switching to GP shift, and I was grateful for it when passing in the Carousel. After rolling in, I had Dave Moss from Catalyst Reaction work on my suspension with me. H ementioned that I needed to respring the front, since it was likely bottoming. That got me paranoid. But Tigre told me to try weighting the tank in braking zones instead of weighting the bars, so I made that my goal for the next session.

Session 3 was a blast. Even without a lap timer, I know I got faster. And those pesky faster guys on 600 I4s were struggling more to pass me out of turns  [thumbsup] Weighting the tank worked like a charm, and the front end chatter never returned.

Session 4 (after lunch) was a bit hot. But Tigre graciously volunteered to tow me around and show me some lines. I learned a bit, but had a couple of oh-shit moments passing people in the carousel and in turn 9. I managed to straighten things out, and I had some better lines by the end of the session.

Session 5 was uneventful. Our day was going to end at 3:30, so it was the penultimate chance to get faster or learn things. But the heat was starting to fatigue me, so I took it easy.

Lining up for session 6, we had to wait for a crash to be cleaned up in turn 2. Then I had the most heartbreaking sight of my year: Tigre's 749 GRRR being towed back to the paddock after high-siding on the paint. My concentration was nil at that point...I had to get back to the pits and check on him. So I stayed out for a lap then came in. It was time...I was tired.

Turns out Tigre was fine, and we got the bike back together in time to qualify for and race in AMA FX.

All in all a very good track day!

sorrie,
I moved my post to new topic.

I am campaigning a Monster 620 in the CRA for the '08 season. I've raced part time here and there when funds were available but for this season I decided to go all out and start a team. The plan is to attack the season full time and go for my expert plate.
I have a team website that is up and running now. My race report for the first weekend is posted. Instead of posting it here, I'll just invite you all to go check it out.

Let me know what you guys think!  [beer]

www.teamatomicracing.com

My first race this year. Desfio Twin by Radical Ducati in Almeria, Spain:

As some of you may know I´m racing in a amateur Ducati series in Spain called "Desafio Twin" (Twin Challenge) by Radical Ducati (www.radicalducati.com). The races are endurace and usually 4 hours long. We had our first race on sunday and finished 3rd!!! That´s after being off a race track since august last year (on my 17 y/o gixxer) and only done 15-20 laps with the 749 on the race track on sunday 6th for suspension setup and a general tune up.

It´s been a hectic two weeks prior to the race on sunday 13th April. We had a wonderful weekend with my team mate Ricardo his wife, sister and my sister. The gals were in charge of the box, work area, timing, pit board etc. I started the day off quite slow, 10 seconds off my pace last year on the same track with the Rs, and was quite nervous as I still had the crash from Jarama fresh in my head. I´d never ridden slicks before, never raced this bike before, never tried a 190 rear on this bike before etc. A great combo to give myself a head start with [laugh] I guess.

The race was wicked, I started off on a constant 2´03" but then started working on the times as the laps went past and got down to a 1´56" as my best for the day but it was constant over the 4 hours with Ricardo putting in the same times as me.

I was hoping for a podium finish but the wankers penalized us 3 laps for using 2 bikes so we couldn´t really celebrate the finish but in my mind I´m still 3rd. Organizers, up yours!

The time sheet for the race finish. We are number 69 "Chiki Chiki Traca Traca" - I´m rider 1.

(http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/6566/cronospi3.jpg)


My sis, a friend, her dog and I spent the day previous at the beach to relax a bit. Here are some pics. The guy in yellow-black leathers is me, the guy in the black leathers is Ricardo.

(http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6779/dsc03015pd8.jpg)
(http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/3082/dsc03016tb4.jpg)
(http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/1931/dsc03017nk7.jpg)
(http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/7476/dsc03019nm0.jpg)


(http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3960/dsc03027sr5.jpg)
(http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2891/dsc03028kb7.jpg)
(http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2676/dsc03029ho8.jpg)

(http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/7468/kurtdesafioji7.jpg) (http://img241.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kurtdesafioji7.jpg)
(http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/8560/dscn0462re8.jpg) (http://img186.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0462re8.jpg)
(http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/7140/dscn0463li0.jpg) (http://img185.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0463li0.jpg)
(http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/6687/dscn0464ov0.jpg) (http://img73.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0464ov0.jpg)

Race 2 on June 22nd from Cartagena, Murcia (Spain)

I just compled my second track day ever I love it.  My first one a month ago was OK but this one I was very pleased with myself.
I pushed myself A little too hard at one point and ran off the track on turn 7 at Putnam Park road course 1 hour West of Indianapolis .  I managed not to crash and returned on the track.
The day was very hot 90 + and the track was nice and sticky.  I started running faster and faster. By the end of the last seesion for the day I was the 3rd fastest guy on the track for my novice group.   
Spanking guys with more track experience and bigger bikes than mine was priceless.  I can't wait to go back again  [thumbsup]
After the last lap I was granted a one on one on the track with Matt Carr, he was on a friend's S4Rs. He kicked my ass of course, but not without a good fight on my part.  At the end it was nice hearing from a professional racer that he had hard time trying to pass me for a while, and that I looked real good, in form and corner speed.

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb126/hoosierhooligans/Washington%20DC/Putnam051.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb126/hoosierhooligans/Washington%20DC/Putnam062.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb126/hoosierhooligans/Washington%20DC/Putnam078.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb126/hoosierhooligans/Washington%20DC/Putnam079.jpg)

(http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb126/hoosierhooligans/Washington%20DC/Putnam080.jpg)
         

I did the same day as Grifo, we hung out in the compound together.
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s236/grubbywarrior/hooliganisms/Putnam056.jpg)

This track report provided upon request of Nexus Roy, the replicant sock drawer troll:

Recently had a chance to do a few days at T-Hill in Willows.  Things are changing for me at the track...I’m definitely in a transition point and although I ran lap times just about as fast as my best, I feel overall that my most recent track days have been a humbling and somewhat frustrating experience.
Scenario:

I’ve changed out the front sprocket to one tooth down from stock, and although I came to the track with the intension of focusing on trail braking; unfortunatley, all my energy was focused on getting accustomed to the change I had made to the bike.  A small change, but what a difference!  So much easier to keep the bike in the power band...it’s got a lot more squirt for making passes, driving out of corners, etc. Nevertheless it consumed a large amount of focus to accommodate and find where track/sprocket required changes in my riding.  There were a couple of spots where I just wrung the bike out and had to wait to up shift between corners when I actually wanted just a little more gear to run through.  Opps!...would that make you nervous to hear someone next to you hit the rev limiter through a corner?
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm3/eye9high/Thill6-14T31.jpg)
Anyway...giggles to passing the poor yami guy here.  I am a good little bunny and limit myself to wide outside passing on off camber corners...the patrol rider (in yellow) just shot inside on the race line.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm3/eye9high/Thill6-14T3exit.jpg)


For the first time, I’m looking to tweak things on the bike.  I think I may want to raise my rear sets up.  When I changed to aftermarket rearsets, I left them in the stock position.  But after the last session a patrol rider came up to me.  His eyes were squinted up and he was letting loose with a big belly laugh.  “Girl, you are laying down blackies and rubber all over this track!  Hahahhaha!”  Me: “Wha?  Jeez...”   I guess it’s time to really start weighting the pegs the way I’m supposed to, but the bike’s current configuration doesn’t afford me much opportunity to dig in to the outside peg at the apex.  More like the upper thigh on the outside leg is hooked into the tank and the lower limb flaps free...just another little challenge for the freakishly small rider.  So, I’ll try moving the pegs up a spot or two, and see what that does in terms of helping leverage as I work around the bike.

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm3/eye9high/putheaddown.jpg)

And now has come the onset of the great tire debate.  I’ve been running Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsas (old compound) and for the most part have been satisfied but I’m beginning to wonder if it is time to try another tire and see if it is a better fit for me.  I’ve been getting a lot of squirminess under heavy braking, and I had always just assumed it was due to some deficiency in technique.   I learned this weekend that evidentially a lot of people don’t care for the Pirelli’s because of this type of  “movement”.  I also ran across some folks who confirmed a few things I was feeling under hard acceleration as well...the front end lightens and there is a little wobble/head shake feedback.  And with the new sprocket, the front end can get light a lot.  Time for new tires, so do I venture out and try a tire with a harder carcass or stick to what I know?   Everyone has a strong opinion, and I certainly get a lot of advice I never ask for...that tire stuff is all so black and mysterious if you haven’t found your perfect set-up yet. Input? Advice? Anyone, anyone?



With all this going on the pictures showed some SERIOUS lapses in body position.  A few look like a low side waiting to happen.
Ugggh!  not really proud of these:
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm3/eye9high/futurelowside.jpg)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm3/eye9high/saveme.jpg)

 I feel like there is a lot on my plate right now; my trailbraking exercises seem so far off in the future until I get a few of these issues resolved.  And yet....I MUST RETURN...SOON...
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm3/eye9high/whereamI.jpg)
 

I know with all the excitement of Moto GP that you all have been anxiously awaiting an update. 
So hear it is: an update on those pesky track problems I was having.

First off, raising the pegs really helped get me back on track with body position.  I took it in baby steps. Slowly moving them up on space at a time until I had them in the highest location.  Nothing to do now, but to try to get my shifter in a good location, because now that the peg is so high, the shifter arm is at a very steep angle and that doesn’t afford a lot of leverage for a quick shift – it’s also a bit hard to locate.  I hit a false neutral three times at the entrance to the same corner until I realized I had to make a very “authoritative” shift inputs.  Looks like I will have to fabricate a little something to get things squared away.  But ahhhhhhh....the peg adjustment really helped with getting the weight off the inside peg at apex and powering out without laying down a big trail of rubber.  Two birds, one stone

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm3/eye9high/MF1A3081.jpg)
Now the tires:  I returned to the Pirelli Diablo Corsas, but consulted an AMA technician regarding pressures.  He suggested some (ahem) “surprising” pressures, but it seemed to work, and I didn’t spend much mental energy worrying about what the tires were doing.  Although, I haven’t returned to any really aggressive braking drills either.  And so I have to ask, not a one of you made any kid of suggestion on tires...no comments about one’s own struggles?   What’s up with that?  You all have the perfect tires??

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm3/eye9high/MF1A3640.jpg)
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm3/eye9high/MF1A4681.jpg)
All in all, it was a good return to the track.   It was very hot and muggy, the energy was low.  I got a little heat sick and faded in the afternoon, but was productive nonetheless.  I did finally get to those trail braking drills... I use the technique on the street, I don’t know why it should become so intimidating on the track...if I could just muster up the big lady balls I need, it really does settle the bike right into the turn.  Oh, yeah, I finally graduated to A group...  “woot!”

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm3/eye9high/ninsT15.jpg)

So a friend and I went to Miller last week for 2 track days through Adrenaline Freaks...which is a local (Seattle) trackday organization.

We left Seattle at about 6:30 am Sunday morning expecting a nice and refreshing 12-hour drive to SLC.  Well, turns out it is more like 14 hours when towing a trailer and having to stop for food.  :P  That's a LONG ass drive!

The 848 is mine...the '04 GSXR 1000 is his brothers. He has a 916, but with it's current gearing it tops out at about 130, which he thought would suck at Miller, so he borrowed his brothers bike.

Leaving Seattle:
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n258/JJGeo/DSCN0913.jpg)

We spent Sunday night at a hotel by the SLC airport, with the bikes chained to the trailer, and the trailer locked to the truck. I probably won't ever do that again. Neither of us slept that well as we were worrying about the bikes.  But they, along with all their bits and pieces, were intact when we awoke.  ;D

Here's a shot of the track entrance Monday morning. This is the first "big time" track I've been to and it was friggin' awesome!
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n258/JJGeo/DSCN0935.jpg)

We had brought EZ-Ups, but when we arrived there were two guys from Calgary looking for a couple people with which to share a GP.  There are 2 types of garages, day and GP.  Day go for $75/day and consist of a garage door to basically a large warehouse.  They're located in the parking lot behing the GP garages. The GP garages go for $175/day, but are located right on pit lane and have private bathrooms, a TV, power, etc.  We figured we drove 830 miles...might as well splurge for the GP garage.  Miller will allow up to 5 people per garage (either type), so it cost us about $90 each for both days.  Not bad as we could leave the bikes overnight, and we watched the Brands Hatch WSBK race in our garage during our Tuesday session.  ;D If you get to the track early enough the day before they'll also let you drop the bikes off at your garage so you don't have to sweat them getting stolen overnight. We didn't know that.  :P
Garage backside (#21)
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n258/JJGeo/DSCN0938.jpg)

Garage Front
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n258/JJGeo/DSCN0949.jpg)
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n258/JJGeo/DSCN0959.jpg)

The guys from Calgary were riding a Daytona 675 (Gerald) and a trick '07 GSXR 1000 (Kevin).  Gerald was about the same speed as Tom and I, but Kevin was FAST.  He should have been riding in the Advance (Race) group, but since he doesn't have a racer license he wasn't allowed.  :-\

His GSXR was pretty trick...and sounded great!
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n258/JJGeo/DSCN0958.jpg)

So Monday we got to ride the East Course.  Someone said this is the AMA course, but I don't know for sure.  It was nice...about 2.5 miles.  The front straight was pretty short and I was hitting about 115-120 mph before I had to brake into Turn 1.  I basically did the whole course in 3rd gear, with a couple short stints in 4th. Gotta love V-Twin torque. Keep in mind this is my 4th ever trackday, and only second on a SBK (other 2 were on my Monster 900).

The East Course is pretty technical and includes the Attitudes.  Lots of people had a problem with the Attitudes...one guy ran off First Attitude in front of me (but kept it up)...and another lowsided later in the day, resulting in 5 broken ribs, a broken scapula, and a broken pinkie!  :o The Entrance into the First Attitude is blind as the 2nd and 3rd drop away and you can't see them.  The following corner (Tooele) is also blind. Interestingly, I was faster through this section of the course during both days, than a lot of other riders who were faster than me most everywhere else.  ??? Weird...the Attitudes just didn't bother me.  I usually just hung back if I knew they were faster everywhere else though.
http://www.millermotorsportspark.com/images/maps/MMPEastCourse.jpg

Tuesday we got to ride the full course!  [thumbsup] [thumbsup] This course was awesome...about 4.5 miles, 23 turns, and a mile long straight away. I definitely used my gears a lot more on this course...partially because I had learned a lot on Monday, and also because the course is so different. Top speed was 155-160 (indicated), with about 1K rpms to go before the rev limiter in 6th gear.

The West Course is much more wide open than the East, with the exception of 2 hairpins.  Almost every corner is a double or even triple apex which makes it very interesting. It was a very nice and fun layout going from the West to East courses, since they are both quite a bit different.  [thumbsup]
http://www.millermotorsportspark.com/images/maps/MMPFullCourse.jpg

Observations about the course:

1) It is really wide.  Much wider than Pacific Raceways here near Seattle, which is the only other course I've ridden. It took Tom and I a couple sessions to get use to using more and more of the track. We never really used it all, but neither of us are racers.

2) The surface is pristine.  There aren't any patches or bumps to speak of, and you can't even feel the seams. On Pacific there's the race line, then there's the smooth line without bumps.  Here...any line is fine. Awesome!  [thumbsup]

Both of us got a new set of Dunlop Qualifiers for the 2 days...figuring it would be hot and we'd probably go through them.  All said, we rode about 250 miles on the track, in 85-95 F heat, as hard as we're capable of, and the tires still look great!  They look 10X better than my Pirelli Supercorsa Pros looked after 2 - 20-minute sessions at the local track.  I think i could easily get another 2 days out of them.  Kevin was easily in the top 5 for speed, and even his Dunlop slicks looked good after the day on the full course (he had them mounted at the end of Day 1). Had to be the smooth surface.

3) The track is huge!! Even with 25 or so people with varying skill levels on the same track, traffic wasn't an issue.  The length (full track) combined with the width made passes easy and you could usually remain at or very near your pace.  This was great as it allowed me to learn a lot during the two days as almost every lap was uninterupted.  [thumbsup]

4) The track layout is really nice.  Every corner is a bit different and challenging in a different way...and there is tons of run-out everywhere.  For instance, Turn 1 (full course) at the end of the straight is wide, plus there is an additional 25' of asphalt outside of the fog line...THEN the gravel trap starts. Very comforting.

4) Riding to your full ability in 85-95 F heat is draining! They were running 25 minute sessions (2 groups only), and by the end of each day I was beat and couldn't make it the full 25 minutes.  Most people only lasted 20 minutes or so.  :'(

5) The 848 was faster than the 675 down the straight, but not in a dominating fashion.  I could catch Gerald, but it took a while.  Similarly, Tom reported that his '04 GSXR1000 was only a bit faster than the 848 on the straights.  He could catch me, but he wasn't blowing the doos off by any means.

None of that really means anything...just an observation.  ;D I was very happy with the 848...as I'm sure I would have been on the 675.

So that's my 2 days at Miller. It was friggin' great.  I think this is going to become a yearly trip for me.  The time and $$ is very worth it compared to my local track.

Here's a couple picture Tom took of me after lunch on Day 2.  Both are coming out of the last turn onto the straight. They're not all that great, and I'm obviously still learning.  There was a photographer there (Brandon Bones - Studio 819), so I'll update the post when I get his pics so you can all gently critique my body position!  [cheeky]

(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n258/JJGeo/DSCN0964.jpg)
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n258/JJGeo/DSCN0968.jpg)

hey i thought i'd share my latest trackday experience with you all here. it was my 3rd trackday, but the first on this bike ('00 m750), my previous two were on a ninja 250 and gsxr600. i had a lot of fun, and i believe i did fairly well, but it really seemed to take an excessive amount of effort to get the bike around the track quickly. at the end of each 15min session my wrists were sore, and i had to get pretty far off the seat to get it to turn. i'm wondering what are the most common mods done to improve trackability with the monsters. i was thinking of changing the front tire to a rounder profile (120/70 vs 120/60) would help some, but please let me know. and here's a few of my more favorite pictures from the day. the last one is of me testing out the hypermotard demo  ;D

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/supratt1jz/gixxer/n1375601871_260495_6395.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/supratt1jz/gixxer/n1375601871_260502_7746.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/supratt1jz/gixxer/n1375601871_260512_9774.jpg)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e10/supratt1jz/gixxer/n1375601871_260481_3997.jpg)

6-7 APRIL 2009

The MAD DOC/Cornerspeed track day was awesome!  Realize that this was my first track day and I have nothing else to compare it to, but I’m in one piece, the bike is in one piece, had a tone of fun and I kept it on the track.  So overall I consider it a huge success.  It is one of the few things I have done where I have been scared to death and grinning fron ear to ear at the same time.

VIR is about 4 hours straight out rt 58.  Drove out there Sunday night.  The facilities were great.  I got a room right above the garages on pit row and overlooking the front straight.  I also split a garage with 3 other guys which worked out very well between the rain on Monday morning and the cold on Tuesday.  I walked the track Sunday evening.  The turns proved to be a lot more interesting than I was expecting based on looking at the course map.

Monday morning started with thunderstorms.  I completed tech inspection, riders meeting and beginner classroom training/chalk talk while it was still raining  Due to the rain we didn’t get out on the track until about 10:30.  It was on and off light rain for that first session.  We started off slow following an instructor to learn the track and follow his lines.  We slowly picked up the pace through the session but stayed reasonable considering the rain and learning the track.  For the second session the rain had stopped and portions of the track were wet and some were dry.  Again the pace increased but I was still focused on learning the track and various lines through the turns.  The sun came out and the afternoon was incredible.  My comfort level with the track really improved and so did my speed.  By the last session of the day, working to get the correct body position really started to click, I was really starting to get it. 

Tuesday was COLD, all day.  The temp in my truck said 44 degrees at the beginning of the first session.  Due to the temperature I backed off a little on the speed, especially in the morning, but this allowed me to work more on body position and lines.  Starting off my body position felt really good.  I found that when I though I was getting off the seat on Monday I really wasn’t but Tuesday morning I did, and I could feel it immediately when I did it right.  By the end of a 20 minute session my legs were shot.  Unfortunately as I worked on body position my lines degraded.  I followed an instructor for the first half of the last morning session and found that I was turning in and hitting the apex of turns way too early.  This set me up for 2 of the best sessions of the event in the afternoon.  On my last session of the day I had a couple of great turns followed by some really dumb mistakes.  I was done, there was one session left but my head just wasn’t 100% in it any more.  Time to pack up.

I found that the Monster really couldn’t keep up with the sportbikes on the straights, not that I expected it to.  Usually I would get passed on the front straight then be right back up on their tail by turn 3 through the “esses”.  They would pull away again and I would right back on their tail by turn 9 through 17 then they were gone.  That was fine with me.  I really don’t think I am a straight line speed guy anyway.  I loved the turns a lot more.  If turn 17 linked straight into turn 1, that would be fine with me.

I can’t say enough good things about the instructors and MAD members at the event.  This was not the full Corner Speed school but they were there to provide instruction to beginners or anyone who asked.  There were 3 classroom training sessions for beginners.  One before each of the first 3 sessions.  They mostly covered information on the track, lines, strategies, etc.  Turn dynamics, braking, turn in, throttle use, turn exit, etc.  Body position, body position and body position.  Out on the track the instructors were also great at giving real time feedback through signals and demonstrations.  Though it was weird to follow an instructor through turns at what felt like the edge of my ability while he was turned around watching me the whole time.  In between sessions instructors were more than happy to discuss technique with you or volunteer to help during future session.  Some would even ride through the paddock area to find riders and give feedback on things that they had noticed on the track.  Definitely two thumbs up to Aaron and his crew at Cornerspeed.  I am already trying to find a way to get back to VIR and take the full Cornerspeed course.  On a similar note, all of the MAD members were great also.  Everyone was helpful with any questions I had and many offered to assist with anything that I needed.  Overall a great groups of riders, not a single person ignored me because I was a beginner.

My camera broke as soon as I arrived.  No I am not even kidding.  I did buy a CD from the photographers on site, so pictures will follow shortly.  During some of the off time I drove around to key points on the track (turn 4/5, turn 7, turn 17) to watch the advanced group.  That was eye opening.  There was a Desmosedici there also.  Very distinct sound, I could tell when it passed even with my eyes closed.  Definitely interesting to watch.

Now I’m looking forward to the July event.  I’m trying to decide which bike to take.  If I bring the Monster back I definitely need a stiffer rear spring.  If I bring the 748 I need new tires.  Decisions, descisions.

So, here's my 1st track report of the year...

The place was VIR outside of Danville in VA on the North Course on Monday and Tuesday the 6th and 7th. It was the MAD club (Mid-Atlantic Ducati owners club) date that we have annually and semi annually put on with Cornerspeed. Weather on Monday started out rainy and cool, but not downright cold yet. I could not get my bike running in time for the event due to a corroded ground that needs to be rebuilt/replaced and my battery went south sometime over the course of the winter. I was then relagated to using a friend of mine's new to him track pregnant dog. The machine was a fairly clean example of the 07 Parts Unlimited edition 999S. It was a fairly unnmolested and very unbeaten, given the evidence by care and wear that was visually seen apon inspection. The bike was taped up and readied for track duty per specifications by the Cornerspeed folks for track use.

Over the course of the winter, some of the areas of the course that had rippling and bumps and sealer and other imperfections from the abusive cars that run the course, were ground down and regraded over the course of the winter. The once again promise of repaving was left out in the cold along with other expensive measures that the economy left on the table when they all went south. The 1st session on Monday was pretty much a puddle jumping wash as far as I was concerned. Pooling in certain sections made for a real unknown idea as to what awaited in terms of traction along with reference points having been ground away and some weary expectations.

By the time the 2nd session was called to the grid for my group, some clearing of weather had occurred along with some circulation by other individuals braver than I. Figuring some standing water my have run off and been moved, I decided to casually venture out in a more or less parade type fashion to view things 1st hand from the mounted perspective. The stock Bridgestone BT014 tires that had chicken strips on them wider than a Razor cell phone were very squirrelly and the bike stepped left and right a fair bit more than I was comfortable with. I came into the pits after 2 laps and chalked what I was feeling up to just an excessive amount of water still abound and a need for more to be run off and moved.

By the 3rd session for my group, the weather system had moved out of town and more and more bikes had circulated about. The track was by no means dry, but there were no more standing puddles and things were clearing up seemingly fast. I put myself together to go out with the idea in mind similar to where I was in the 2nd session. I went out in more of a parade pace to get an idea of the unfamiliar machine and its adhesion and surface traction. Though things were obviously better than the previous time out, there was still a bit of a nervous feeling about my riding and I was taking it rather easy. 2/3rds of the way around the course, climbing the hill towards the highest point of elevation, I was changing direction from right to left into turn 10 (sometimes called Stevie Wonder due to the blind uphill apex), when the front end washed out from under me in a patch of wet run off from the hill to the right. Only moving at roughly 35-ish MPH at the time, it was kinda of freakish how it occurred with no warning, but I found myself sliding on my knees and palms on the surface watching the bike slide away from me while listening to the metal bits grind away on the surface that was shredding my rain gear. The thoughts of "Oh Shit" and "make the beast with two backs" can't be explained enough as this was happening. The bike slid across the surface, then across the curbing, and settled into the soft earth. I tried to get the bike up myself, but it had settled nestled into some soft mud and grass that sucked it in a bit. I sat on the armco barrier and waited for 5 laps of the session to finish before the crash truck arrived. The 2 meaty gentlemen grunted rather heavily when struggling to get the bike out of the sopping agriculture. The bike was then strapped in to the trailer for the ride of shame back to the pits.


Back in the pits after expressing my disatisfaction of the situation , and repeating to alot of folks how okay I was physically, it was time to start really assessing the damage. Really and truly, it wasn't that bad. The upper,mid and lower fairings had suffered some scrapes. The Pazzo shorty lever had tweaked a couple of degrees upward, and the bar end was ground away.The Woodcraft footpeg and LP rear stand knob had saved the day for the most part and the worst of things was the tailsection that had cracked up considerably. My friend the owner asked me if I was okay, and I told him yes, then he asked me how bad the bike was and I told him not so bad, and he then told me to get it fixed and get the make the beast with two backs back out on the track with it. Woodcraft spares were quickly applied after a healthy hosing down to release the bits of sod and earth off the bike. Some color matched duct tape was applied to the tail to rig it back into being 1 solid unit again. Some new zip ties were applied to the bike to make sure everything was snug, and then a test ride around the pits. Everything felt good, and then a retech inspection cleared me for the ride the bike again.

The rest of the afternoon found to have increasingly better weather, not ideal mind you, but better than how the day started. I went out for 4 more sessions on the bike learning it's little bits and ways and found myself comparing it to my track Monster in alot of ways. I surprisingly found myself not as enamoured and drunk with upgrade envy as people expected me to be. It is certainly a better machine than mine in alot of respects, but none of them were enough to blow my doors off, More on that later though. My times I turned were 10-15 seconds a lap slower than what I had turned there last on my Monster. I wasn't racing, but I wanted to see out of curiousity where I stood in measure with a different bike.

That evening, much unwinding commenced as we BBQ'd in the pits and BS'd and recounted the day and amused one another with many a story. Catching up with my MAD family at the end of a day at these track events reinforces that sense of family that I have grown to love. It is truly a unique experience that has soiled and spoiled other track events for me.

The next day we all awoke to a hugely colder morning that left no one urgently looking to get on the track. It was in the high 30's and very windy. I sat out the 1st session and warmed up with some Hot Cocoa and Coffee. The second session led me out to be back in the tenuous riding mode as cold tires aren't the best thing in the world to try to get around on. Things improved as far as feeling as the day progressed and I did get smoother and more with the bike, but not to a point of being truly comfortable. My lap times improved by a couple seconds, but I was still no where close to where I am on my own bike. I love VIR's North Course and the new resurfacing seems to have done some good, even though I had to find new reference points to get around.

My Comparo of the Triple9 to my Monster starts more with what I think set me in the wrong direction. The SBK had a 190 rear which caused me very slow turn in on the tight corners. The slightly longer wheelbase also added to that feeling. The lack of feel and grip from the BT014's was also not really inspiring either. The bike also was not set up for me in terms of the suspension. I just didn't have the confidence to turn it in like I do with my Monster which has had the suspension completely redone and set up for me. The 180 series Pirelli's I run aid in that respect and helps me point and shoot and get on the gas better with my own bike. I maintained better cornerspeed with my own bike.

The SBK however has 2 very specific things on my bike that, while not completely intoxicating, were nice and have me thinking. The brakes on the bike were vastly superior. I was in a new stopping zone like I had never been in before. The bike lurched forward to a halt with authority. It was very nice and has me thinking for upgrades so as to aid in setting up my braking later and deeper. The other things was the powerband. While the 4V Testretta was more power, it was not freakishly so. It was linear and smooth to a point. I shift by ear with my bike, as I have no cluster, and found myself at the point of where this motor matched the sound of mine for shifting, I was only in the 7500-8000 range. That is the seemingly happy place where things wake up and get a bit different for this motor. I have to admit, it was nice to wind it up to 10.5 and feel it pull more frenetically past 8K. The kink on the straightaway where I am usually pretty close to topped out on my bike, I was still freakishly accelerating hard and I never even went to 6th gear, yet I added on 25+ MPH to my high speed on the straight.


There is more in my head I am sure, but right now, I am going to stop here.

I just figured I'd post up about my first two trackdays. I posted in TOSAT, but most of you don't go there.
Monday was uneventful, and was just shaking out the cobwebs for the first day of the year, getting used to the mag wheels I put on over the winter, and scrubbing in tires. My suspension definitely needs some fine tuning as I had the shock freshened, and I think the mags made a difference in settings. The bike feels harsher.

Tuesday was hot and windy. Because I cornerwork for Fishtail Riding School, we can't ride for the first two sessions of each group. So at 11:00am I head down to pit out to ride my first session of the day. I was on my first lap. I got on to the straight and...pinned it. I guess I shifted into 3rd and held it WOT. I went to shift into 4th...and it wouldn't shift...I shift without the clutch.
So I tried a few more times before I realized when I backed off the throttle the bike wasn't slowing down. By this time T1 was approaching rapidly...so I grabbed the front brake to shorten the bike a few inches  ;D...
and hit the kill switch. I left it in gear and coasted around NASCAR T1 and into two. I pushed the bike up the banking and sat up next to the wall till the session was over.
Long story short....the ITG air filter delaminated and the coarse inner filter which supports the outer finer foam got sucked into the vertical throttle body and jammed the throttle plate open.
It's a good thing it happened where it did. A 996 will go pretty fast in third, and there isn't much room at NHMS to take the time to figure what's going on, and do the correct thing. It would have been ugly if it had happened between 2 and 3 or between 8 and 9.
The hardest part of it all was to climb back on the bike after we figured out the problem and open the throttle.
All in all a good first outing with some exciting trackday fun and a great bench racing story for when I grow up. :P

For those who don't know ducpainter, it was his first two trackdays this season....not his first two ever.   I think he was doing trackdays before I was...well....before I was.       ;D

Before I tell you to bite me...

I rode Bryar Motorsports Park...

when Loudon was Loudon.

When Kenny was king...

and motorcycles were not for the weak of heart... ;D

.....when tires were skinny and ties were wide.  ;D

Almost sounds like you remember.  ;)

When men were men and real superbikes flexed like prima Russian Ballerinas.

Well I survived my first track day on the Ducati.  It was a fairly intense day with a 1 1/12 hour ride in the freezing cold to get to the track, a couple of wrong turns but still made it in plenty of time. I'm pretty sure that the lady at the servo where I stopped to get fuel and ask for directions played the mother card on me and sent my on a wild goose chase in a last ditched effort to save my life.  It had been forecast for showers all week but as the cool morning fog lifted the sun came burning through and the track revealed itself, twisty undulating and technical (shit….what have I done).

It's a bit sad really the track is on its last legs and is set to be closed down at the end of the year making way for some more Sydney urban sprawl (just what this place needs).  So a quick Hi an sign here and I am ready for my first nervous pee…. Pit garage is filling up with some serious two wheeled hardware and I am starting to feel a little inadequate on the little Monster. Another quick glance over pit lane and I have found some comfort that we will only being using the South end of the track and only 2/3rds of the down hill straight.

Before long we were out lapping around the track and the blood was pumping and the Duc was howling down the straight crackling through the gears and leaning to turn one… Brilliant!!!

The course started with some intermediate stuff, bike set up, posture, breaking while down changing and emergency breaking and some obstacle avoidance but it was the afternoon cornering that I was gagging for. 

The track has proved to be a the perfect training ground and riding home felt like I had huge amounts more control of the bike and somehow it felt quite profound something that I had been thinking about for years maybe even as a kid.

Here's some pics..

[http://www.picsandglass.com/store/ImageFolio42/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=stay_upright_galleries/advanced_june_5_oran_park&image=D2M_0095.jpg&img=96&tt=]

[http://www.picsandglass.com/store/ImageFolio42/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=stay_upright_galleries/advanced_june_5_oran_park&image=D2M_0103.jpg&img=96&tt=]

[http://www.picsandglass.com/store/ImageFolio42/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=stay_upright_galleries/advanced_june_5_oran_park&image=D2M_0088.jpg&img=104&tt=]

[http://www.picsandglass.com/store/ImageFolio42/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=stay_upright_galleries/advanced_june_5_oran_park&image=D2M_0115.jpg&img=88&tt=]

http://www.picsandglass.com/store/ImageFolio42/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=stay_upright_galleries/advanced_june_5_oran_park&image=D2M_0130.jpg&img=80&tt= (http://www.picsandglass.com/store/ImageFolio42/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=stay_upright_galleries/advanced_june_5_oran_park&image=D2M_0130.jpg&img=80&tt=)

http://www.picsandglass.com/store/ImageFolio42/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=stay_upright_galleries/advanced_june_5_oran_park&image=D3X_5615.jpg&img=40&tt= (http://www.picsandglass.com/store/ImageFolio42/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=stay_upright_galleries/advanced_june_5_oran_park&image=D3X_5615.jpg&img=40&tt=)

http://www.picsandglass.com/store/ImageFolio42/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=stay_upright_galleries/advanced_june_5_oran_park&image=D3X_5633.jpg&img=24&tt= (http://www.picsandglass.com/store/ImageFolio42/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=stay_upright_galleries/advanced_june_5_oran_park&image=D3X_5633.jpg&img=24&tt=)

(http://www.picsandglass.com/store/ImageFolio42/imageFolio.cgi?action-view&link=stay_upright_galleries/advanced_june_5_oran_park&image=D3X_5633.jpg&img=24&tt=)

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/3570214242_e0ae1d2034.jpg)

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/38793008@N05/3570214230/in/photostream/)

OK..my first full on track day.
i did a couple of "try the track" type things and have ridden with people that are far faster than i can ever imagine being plus i have hung out with friends at track days and i learned quite a bit.
however, i learned a whole lot more by actually doing it.

i signed up for beginner because i really didn't want to overestimate my abilities and get stuck trying to avoid other riders who are much faster than i am or conversely slow them way down.

the first 2 sessions annoyed the living crap out of me. i don't think we went over 70 on the straight, and speaking of straight...the turns were taken at barely any degree of lean. it sucked and i was just waiting for them to say we could pass people on the straights at least.

3rd session started passing (although i missed that announcement) and instead of being on passed ont eh straights people were passing on the inside of turns, the outside of turns, entrances to turns, and the exits of turns. that calmed down by the 4th session and sicne i knew i could pass and where we were allowed to pass the day got tons better.
i had a control rider get in front of me and tell me to follow him. i did and i suddenly realized that i can ride faster, and jsut how far over the bike would lean. deep in a left hander i realized the peg was about to hit and i shifted myself off more. then i felt something very odd. my knee had just hit the ground. thank god someone else there insisted that i borrow their spare set of pucks. after our time was up he says "this group is holding you back. next session we'll go out in front of everyone else and see how you do and then move you up."
the next session he was nowhere to be found.   :'(
so i stayed in beginner, but in the afternoon it was very much faster and i was continually passing people. some of them 2 or 3 times. i esp loved it when i passed the guy on the busa coming out of a very fast banked right hand turn where i would have been going much faster if it weren't for him. that's when i really put the whole corner speed, entrance, apex, and exit points of turns together. he kept his bike inside the turn i kept on the throttle and as soon as we were past the exit point, i was past him. i used that turn to pass several people and had the a CR do a double take after passing the guy he was leading. now i'll admit that a lot of what allowed me to pass the busa, the rc51, the cbr100, the gixxers, and the warrior (yes, we had deval's own mr wilson out on the track on a cruiser. and yes, he was passing people [bow_down])was the engine. had i been on something smaller i would not have been able to outmuscle them down that straight and would have been stuck behind them int he turns for another lap.

the day ended with both pucks scraped up, no incidents, and a smiling me.
we went out to dinner, and then i rode home on a bike with fully loaded hard bags, camping gear, and a gas can strapped to it. and i had to keep reminding myself not to try and rail the turns. the turns that are normally quite fun were very boring last night. lol

overall, i'm glad i did it, but i won't be spending $200+ for a trackday. luckily the group i ran with does them for closer to $150  ;D

also, i REALLY wanted to put the bags on the sprint and go out. i could only imagine the laughs i would have gotten dragging a knee (and possibly a bag) through turns.  [laugh]

i forgot to mention. the huge feelers on the pegs are probably what prevented it before i lerned to move my body off enough, but the center stand of the sprint never touched the ground  [thumbsup]

The fourth round of my race season is now over and so far, it's been awesome. I'm currently 9th Expert overall going into the last round with a good shot at holding onto a single digit plate for next year! I'm leading three class championships and plan to work hard to try and hold onto points.

I'll summarize a report here and direct everyone to my website for full race reports for both myself and my teammate who is racing a Monster too this year.

I will say that I learned that on a shorter track, I can be competitive against SV650s on my 620. I entered two LW races and earned an 8th and 9th place out of a grid of 15 experts on SVs! Who knew that I could manage two top 10 finishes being that down on HP?

In my classes, I won two races, a 2nd, and was bumped off the podium for the first time this year for a 4th place. The competition is getting tougher as the year goes on because of more and more motards racing. They kick butt on a 620 on shorter tracks. In fact, they are doing well against SVs too.

Next month is the last round. I'll be racing in the 5 hr. endurance on a 900SS with a team of very fast guys. We plan to shake the bike down and work on our endurance plans for next year. If funding allows and sponsorship comes through, we will be entering the SS in AMA MotoGT for at least one round......fingers crossed!

So, check out my website for some Monster racing updates. I haven't been posting here much this year because I've been too busy. There is a race report section, and a photo section as well.
www.teamatomicracing.com (http://) (http://)

 [beer]

I recently traded in my S2R1000 for a new Hyper.  The Monster was fun but I wanted something more upright for everyday riding.  Plus, I have an SV650 track bike.  I really wanted to ride the new bike on the track to experiment with it's handling.  A friend was riding my SV so I spent all day on the hyper.  Here's what I learned:

1.  With stock pegs, toes are the first thing to touch down.  This was a problem on the Monster as well.
2.  Top speed was under 130!  I was a little disappointed by this especially on the 3500 foot front straight at Miller. 
3.  It's probably the least aerodynamic bike to ride on the track.

Here's a video taken by my friend on his 749. 
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p294/Monkeyrobb/Motorcycle/th_Hypervideo.jpg) (http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p294/Monkeyrobb/Motorcycle/?action=view&current=Hypervideo.flv)

couple comments/questions....FWIW

what camera was your buddy using? GoProHeroWide?

its a 2 valver air cooled machine with no fairings-how can your expect more than 130? (and BTW, I am doubting it was really 130 despite what your speedo was saying, so you were actually going slower probably)

were you having problems getting the compression and damping dialed and ajusted in properly on your Hyper? I have heard this as a common complaint about the bike.

going back to the Hyper on the track or as a track bike. To me on a wide open track like Miller, it is the wrong tool for the job IMHO. On a tight technical circuit or doing just say just the East Course or just the West Course there, you might fair much better with the bike, but once again, it goes back somewhat to using the right tool for the job...like using a chisel to get out a flat head screw...sure you can do it, but wouldn't it have been easier and more efficient to use the proper flathead screwdriver?...I know, you have the SV, and you really don't have to worry about it when all is said and done and you wanted to take it out just to say you did it...but I just had to reply to your complaint....

glad you had fun and the video looks good!!!

Zoom:

I agree the Hyper is the wrong bike for the track but I wanted to learn how to ride it in a controlled environment, not the canyons.  I had the suspension tuned for me and it felt great once I figured out to wait as long as possible before turning in.  I know that Ducati Speedos aren't the most accurate, so the 128 I read was probably more like 120.  My SV650 has more top speed than that!

My buddy was using the go pro hero with the wide lens.  Here's a video that he shot of himself from the tail:

http://gallery.me.com/chasethefun#100046 (http://gallery.me.com/chasethefun#100046)

I was at that same track day on my naked SV, and I struggled to reach 115 (indicated) on the front straight.  I went back yesterday and rented a 675, and I could get into the low 150s (indicated) on the front straight.  I had a blast, but I think the SV was just as much fun.

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2520/3899844423_d793725c4a.jpg)

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2648/3977216052_ee4454c8bd.jpg)

Monticello full course.

The track is actually a real, honest to goodness track, unlike Pocono East or the south course (which I'd done before). Unfortunately it was pretty cold up there (track day was 10/12) so I wasn't really comfortable pushing hard. That's not to say that I would have been much faster, I'm kind of slow. ;)

The back straight is almost a mile long but had the chicane added due to the cold temps & the tight esses at the end of the straight. We did have a couple of red flags but as far as I'm aware, not serious injuries.

My best lap time from this session was 3:34 (estimate from the video) which is the wrong side of slow.  [laugh]

Anyway, it was a really fun track, I'd definitely go back.

Monticello full course (http://www.vimeo.com/7074330)

Doing laps at TGPR this weekend with highs in the 30's!! I don't think I'll ever be warm again.
Sunday was a better day, a little milder and i was able to get some heat into the tyres (after I'd unfrozen my bike)

Special mentions go to Kris Turner and the Gerloff boys... seriously fast folks.

some will say duh to this, but i feel it needs to be said.

the new pirelli angels are NOT the same as the stradas.
they let go far sooner and have very little warnign that they are going to do so.

video should be up soon.

Road America...this past weekend...NESBA...

Wet, Cold, Windy with me on a brand new set of Pilot Pures with my brand new Pirelli Rains sitting comfortably warm and cozy in the garage back home.

Got stuffed by an AMA pro at ~120mph in Kettle Bottoms. Had only 2 pucker moments out of the 7 sessions I ran on Saturday...
One was tire related as I drifted wide on the exit of turn 5 and felt the rear spin up when it hit the paint...nothing came of it but a slight bobble.

Second one was coming up the front striaght chasing a CR buddy of mine...I am right on his ass and I chop the throttle to upshift and my hand/glove is so wet I slip off the throttle. Go to grab the throttle again and hit the damned kill switch. I managed to get the bike restarted and caught up to him shortly after turn 3.
Did I mention that this happen at ~130mph? LOL!

Have to say that there is nothing quite like 160mph(GPS confirmed) in the rain.
I picked up a lot of pointers from Ron Hix and all the feedback I was getting was "You are looking really smooth out there" and "Seriously? You're running street tires? You're looking good out there."

Great things to hear on a cold rainy April day in Wisconsin!

Geoff May was also there...I kept asking myself who the fast dude on the Buell was...lol.

Also very humbling when there are 2 kids out there (12 and 13 or 14) on 125s running insanely fast in the rain.

Yeah, that's me leading an RSV4 Factory!  Too bad it was the warm-up lap :-\ .  His bike sounded amazing; I know this, because he passed me like I was standing still on the following straightaway.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/4599930189_9f744908cc_b.jpg)

My first track day:

Infinion Raceway Sears Point Sonoma, California. May, 2010

Top speed 121, fastest lap, 2:13.

PS. an 848 on the track is like the best sex you've ever had.  ;D

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4634826332_2c1fd4c232.jpg)

Happy tire, no more chicken strips!
(http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs521.snc3/29647_431257000210_521650210_5955759_3376006_n.jpg)

Track side shenanigans - hey, we're riding Italians, of course we bring champagne to the track! Local Sonoma Gloria Ferrara Sparkling Brut

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs521.snc3/29647_431255340210_521650210_5955651_5395731_n.jpg)

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-sjc1/hs541.snc3/29647_431257700210_521650210_5955763_5637527_n.jpg)
AMA weekend - everyone was there

Laguna Seca  - Heaven for two wheels  ;D


The sweet smell of Summer grass, the mind boggling stars at night, the endless Live Oak Trees on rolling hills in and around the track, the views to the Ocean and to the planes to the East,

... The CorkScrew!  ...Andretti Hair Pin, Rainey Curve... best track ever!

Top Speed indicated 135MPH
Best lap 1:54

The beautiful track:
Looking East before turn 7
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4711838122_d9039f9816.jpg)

Turn 6
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4715779660_737ec9b97a_b.jpg)

the Corkscrew
Site laps on bicycles the day before
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4715152771_b6774c9d09_b.jpg)

What bike?

Did you run across the dirt on the corkscrew to feel like Rossi?   ;D

Laguna Seca Track Day


848  ;D ;D ;D

I tried to stay away from the dirt  :P
But I DID stay in Rossi's VIP pit! I got there. The garages were up for grabs... no one was taking it. I thought, ok wtf. I nabbed it.  ;D

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4715137743_caa11a4013.jpg)
with Pirelli - love love love these tires and this bike
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4715779524_659862458d.jpg)

which pirellis?

Laguna Seca Track Day


Corse III  - They were pretty dang awesome, but I could tell the
Pirelli Dragon Super Corse Pro's were a bit stickier and could take the abuse at the track better and keep going.

Corkscrew fun!
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1153/4722593736_82b5c2cc15.jpg)
Warm up lap going into turn 3
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1430/4722593850_744885730a.jpg)

don't know about the new uber dragons or whatever they're called, but beware when the Corses go.  they'll give you virtually no warning.

i haven't been to the track in forever.  man that looks fun.   [thumbsup] :'(

Ya they are definitely a bit toasted after 2 track days. The tread isn't gone, but they take a long time to warm up now.  I actually spun out leaving a parking space yesterday.

What's your experience with them "going?" What do they do go greasy or hard or ?

my experience with pirellis and michelins, esp pirellis, on the track is that they from full grip to on your ass in a matter of corners. 

my [observed] experience with bridgestones is similar but not as bad.  Dunlops are the only thing i've been on that give you a relatively long window of consistent warning

sounds like them Pirelli's are ready for some supermoto guy to go and do burnouts and slides with.

most guys who do alot of track days and street with the same bike, end up getting a spare set of wheels so as to be able to have a track set and street set with different ready to go tires on em so as to avoid a situation where you might pull off on the street and slip and slide on worn track tires.

I went out to BeaveRun in PA this weekend-not too far of a drive for me: about 35 minutes  :P

Morning started off at 70deg all ready. Had everything packed up the night before except the bike. My wife and pups came along to help as a pit crew, but as expected they get pretty bored. I was NOT bored!

(http://www.personal.psu.edu/adv11/BeaveRunJuly10/track01.JPG)

(http://www.personal.psu.edu/adv11/BeaveRunJuly10/track02.JPG)

(http://www.personal.psu.edu/adv11/BeaveRunJuly10/track03.JPG)

(http://www.personal.psu.edu/adv11/BeaveRunJuly10/track04.JPG)

(http://www.personal.psu.edu/adv11/BeaveRunJuly10/track05.JPG)

(http://www.personal.psu.edu/adv11/BeaveRunJuly10/track06.JPG)

(http://www.personal.psu.edu/adv11/BeaveRunJuly10/track07.JPG)

(http://www.personal.psu.edu/adv11/BeaveRunJuly10/track08.JPG)

(http://www.personal.psu.edu/adv11/BeaveRunJuly10/track09.JPG)

(http://www.personal.psu.edu/adv11/BeaveRunJuly10/track10.JPG)

G spanking her 620 in New Hampshire.  better photos without the watermark soon.

(http://www.owenssportsphotos.com/Photos/RacingPhotos/20100807c151l.jpg)

(http://www.owenssportsphotos.com/Photos/RacingPhotos/20100807c068l.jpg)

My efforts from MRA Round 5:)

(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs247.snc4/39699_1575239420566_1223006840_31602369_2338807_n.jpg)

Congrats on your first podium!  [beer]

Wait until you start winning...then you're not happy unless you keep winning.  ;)

I'm giving racing a shot this year, and had my second outing last weekend, this time on MMP East.  I was riding pretty well on Friday, then I had some mechanical issues on Saturday, then gale-force winds arrived on Sunday.  I wasn't prepared to cope with 40mph winds and 60mph gusts, so needless to say, my race times sucked :(.  At least I kept it on two wheels--it was major carnage out there!

My wife took some pretty cool pictures.  I'll limit myself to one gratuitous cornering photo :)

Rocking the provisional novice pink shirt in Windup:
(http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad117/pepainter/IMG_2756_PF.jpg)

There was some kind of mix-up with the garage reservations, so we got bumped to a GP garage.  Oh darn.  More space, closed-circuit TVs with race results, private bathroom, etc.--a guy could get used to that.

This car was in the garage next to us, and he was running on the West track.  He had a ton of money sunk in his program, but he was running about 8 seconds faster than the fast expert club racers.
(http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad117/pepainter/IMG_2980_PF.jpg)

First track day on my S4r, she did quite well. I came from doing trackdays with my well prepped 600 gsx-r, and can say I was impressed with the Monster. Still not as easy to ride on the track as some, but plenty of fun for track days.

(http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t21/jts5025/NSA_0699.jpg)

2012 Ducati Monster 1100 EVO.  Motorsports Ranch Houston. 
Wanted to open up the throttle a bit. 

(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/308453_10150315716202210_508422209_7866029_1944385787_n.jpg)
(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/311012_10150315717552210_508422209_7866043_508663015_n.jpg)
(http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/309118_10150315715727210_508422209_7866026_1441531865_n.jpg)
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307643_10150315717677210_508422209_7866045_1387523270_n.jpg)
(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296501_10150315718022210_508422209_7866048_109914653_n.jpg)

Another day out in NJ at thunderbolt.
(http://www.personal.psu.edu/adv11/NJMP9-17-11/RB8_1278.JPG)


(http://www.personal.psu.edu/adv11/NJMP9-17-11/RB8_9969.JPG)

First track day ever.  Fortunately, the 100+ degree weather broke just in time and had a beautiful day at Harris Hill Road in San Marcos, TX.  What a blast...an invigorating and humbling experience.   [Dolph]

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa111/sejman/Ducati/Track%20Day%20Oct%202011/s8199580.jpg)

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa111/sejman/Ducati/Track%20Day%20Oct%202011/s8199348.jpg)

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa111/sejman/Ducati/Track%20Day%20Oct%202011/s8190767.jpg)

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa111/sejman/Ducati/Track%20Day%20Oct%202011/s8190655.jpg)

(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa111/sejman/Ducati/Track%20Day%20Oct%202011/s8190484.jpg)


Thanks to all the feedback/advice in my earlier post about the newb questions I had after the event.  I'll definitely be doing this again!

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/315704_10150343542817210_508422209_8041009_614433566_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298079_10150343543222210_508422209_8041011_89694568_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317278_10150343543672210_508422209_8041013_445738196_n.jpg[img][img]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/298340_10150343543977210_508422209_8041014_526971821_n.jpg)

Something a bit different here. But it is a v-twin, even if it's Japanese and a 2 stroke. Apologies for length, but I'll start with a pic of my Monster carving up the track. This post also has a fair bit of a girl on a bike - though she is mine :P.
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/549253_10150876537687754_340273520_n.jpg)

At the start of last year I bought the gf a trackbike, a 1990 Suzuki RGV250. Here's her testing it out for size.
(http://www.wenga.net/miz_rx3/archie/IMG_2349_ocau.jpg)

I was a bit cunning about this, I bought it ostensibly as a track bike for her but also picked that specific model because it's eligible for some historic racing series here ('period 6 250 production'). Nice easy club racing and good to get her some extra track time. Ultimately I want her to get the skills to be able to keep up with me on the road and be safer but she's competitive and it's good for her to have an outlet for it. I'd like to have spent the money and time getting myself racing again after a long break but it's good to be a crew chief for a while.

Nothing special about the bike. We actually run it as stock engine wise. It makes 53 hp at the rear tyre, most of the ported and played with ones make 55 so why bother - really easy to go backwards with a 2 stroke and we're nice and reliable, others aren't. Good tyres (though still road legal - dunlop alpha 12s, not available in the USA but designed for small Jap 250s and 400s that run 18" rears), and really good suspension and brakes help though. It handles nicely and stops even better.

Oh yeah and we're doing this for fun. Her name is Stacey, and the bike originally was done up as a Lucky Strike replica. So we made it into a pink and white LUCKY STACE bike, which gets plenty of attention on the track. Here's me chasing her down and her making it a bit tricky for me:
(http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/576112_10150876537492754_584413177_n.jpg)

In terms of 'getting attention', is getting Troy Corser to pop into the shed enough? He gave us about 20 minutes of his time over a race weekend to chat about things and stuff she could do better. Such a nice bloke.
(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/539632_10150765464256742_999849256_n.jpg)

(http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/532749_2924951765001_219445493_n.jpg)
She does suit the bike very muchly.

Every year a historic (well, 'post classic' and beyond) racing club runs a '1 hour' endurance race. She did her racing debut last year on the mighty RGV; I couldn't join her because of an eye issue rendering me pretty close to blind for a while (all good now, but). This year I got to team up with her.

She did the sprint championship races on Saturday. Had a spill in practice, just lost the front on one of the only left-handers on the circuit on cold tyres, had to do a few things to the bike to get it back out - new chain guard manufactured from a piece of plastic, ripped the swingarm pickup so had to bodge up the rear stand to work to put it on warmers etc. Got her out for qualifying (just in time), and she did 3 races.

Because it's about her I got her to do the 1st practice and the qualifying for the 1 hour enduro on the Sunday, I did 10 minutes practice and that was it.

She did well for her 30 minutes in the race, consistent times and getting more and more comfortable on the bike.... then it was my turn. Given I hadn't ridden this track since June last year (in the wet - last rode in the dry Nov 2010) and the bike since Oct last year, I really just wanted to keep it upright. Ended up settling into a groove and carving out consistent lap times, set my fastest 3 laps from the end. Would have gone quicker but then someone binned it just near the end so took it easy round that sector and bashed out 3 good laps to finish up. Ended up a touch faster than her but she's improving a lot - 18 months ago I rode her RGV, she rode my Monster around Phillip Island and I passed her and then lapped her in 1 session, and it had stock suspension and shit brakes at that time. She's improved a lot and that's what makes me proud :).

Had fun, it was nice to be out and really racing rather than just doing trackdays. There's nothing like coming 4 wide into a corner, with only a couple of inches separating each bike. Admittedly I was often getting lapped but that's cause fast guys on racing 400s with slicks with A grade riders are a bit faster than a fat bloke on a girl's bike.

(http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/296713_518562291490602_442488040_n.jpg)

Proof I can squeeze myself onto an RGV.

I had a great day... almost made me wish I had more cash so I could have done some BEARS rounds on the Monster this year. Oh well, next year ;). Need a new set of kneesliders, wore mine out in the race :D.

It also was excellent to finish with no issues, even if we were at the back of the pack. We didn't throw it away and the bike kept going, unlike a reasonable number of the competitors. And we both had fun, and that's really what counts in this whole game of club racing!

Did a track day a little while ago. Been on dirt bikes since I was little, but I have only ridden on paved roads for a couple of years. So I am kinda a noob. This was about my tenth time out on a track.

Nothing extraordinary happened, I got all the [evil] out of my system so I will not ride like a moron on the street, and didn't crash so that all worked out well. Just swapped my street tires back on to the bike. Took a few photos of the track tires - Dunlop D209GPA. Med/soft rear, Med front.

Bike: 618cc with a few other mods. Nothing special, but I love the bike and it forgives me when I crash it.  ;D
(http://i.imgur.com/uXlfY.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/BbeGk.jpg?1)


Track Tires:

Front Left:
(http://i.imgur.com/3CRyQ.jpg?1)

Front Right:
(http://i.imgur.com/WrNMZ.jpg?1)

Rear Left:
(http://i.imgur.com/clgNb.jpg?1)

Rear Right:
(http://i.imgur.com/DgSBI.jpg?1)

Shameless plug for the GF, but I did crew for her this weekend and we ticked a load of goals except for a DNF in the 1 hour endurace race. She knocked another couple of seconds off her times and is now consistently battling with the other bikes in her class. We threw an A-grader/multiple champion on her bike for the endurance race and he ripped out some killer times on the bike: 3s faster than anyone else on an RGV250 on the day  [thumbsup]. Looks like we've built up a really good race bike over the last 2 seasons.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q71/s720x720/1234457_10151928257779873_1308166871_n.jpg)
The GF on her way to her own PB

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/1174592_10151928262504873_1158090623_n.jpg)
A-grader on his way to an awesome time out of the bike.

DNF was caused by a rear brake seizing on, locking up the rear halfway down the main straight. Had to park it against the pit wall, even brought out a safety car so they could load it onto the recovery vehicle - back was that locked solid. It's about the last thing I haven't rebuilt on the bike so I guess it was time.

Really pleased with the way she's done it and now she's got faster official times than I have on the same bike. So I've got myself a race bike (more on this later) for next season and I'll be out on that pushing my own riding as well as engineering her bike to be even better.

Finally got out on the track on my racebike. Initially I looked at running my S2R1k in a series here but there were a few things that got in the way. Ended up getting a smoking deal on a historic racer, an Yamaha RD250LC. The joys of even more 2 strokes in my household is what I can look forwards to.

Still got a few seconds to find per lap but it was my first clear run on a nice, dry day and I had sorted out the baseline jetting too.

Tackling a full season of historic racing on it next year, looking forwards to it.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/q77/s720x720/1526231_10152168839687754_1254927758_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/q71/s720x720/936607_10152168836222754_1431327224_n.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/1526231_10152168839672754_1383828997_n.jpg)

Mostly speed is gonna come through a touch more lean angle -- getting your head around how far you can lean a 30 year old bike on skinny tyres is not to be underestimated -- and there's two key spots where I need to carry a bunch more speed on this particular track. Really looking forwards to racing though.

2 rounds into this year's race season with WMRRA, and I've stepped into the deep end in the Open classes on the RSV4 (crazy good bike). [thumbsup] Here's an on-board video from the Formula Ultra class (the run what you brung class) this past Saturday. I was in line to finish 8th, until my very near high side at 10:40. Bummer. I would have been very happy with 8th, given that 4 of the top 5 plate holders run this class. More videos and race summaries on my blog in my signature.  :)

http://youtu.be/Z51fKKJzYjk (http://youtu.be/Z51fKKJzYjk)

What happened to the windscreen?

My head hit it when I was thrown out of the seat. Apparently it was fairly impressive save!  [laugh]

After much calamity in my person life, I'm back. I should really post up my first race report from back in my home state of Tasmania. I went back ostensibly to see my old man, but actually so I could race :).

Here's what I wrote up elsewhere about it:
What a weekend.

Did a trackday yesterday to get my head around Baskerville here in Slowbart. It's a great circuit but got a few interesting bumps, and huge elevation changes and some nasty camber to catch you out. Plus a blind crest corner to make you fill your pants... which looks like this when you get it right:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/p417x417/1618662_10152294458812754_1054685228_n.jpg)

Ended up in novice because of the club rules and as it turned out, it was faster than intermediate anyway.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t31/977630_10152283733162754_1980712256_o.jpg)

Got in 3 sessions, not really any clear laps so I couldn't string together anything. Best lap was down to either a high 1:14 or low 1:15 but that was on quick review of footage. Good times on an LC here? Well, some PCRA people did high 1:10s-1:11s in 2011 at a meeting down here, and the ultimate LC lap seemed to be 1:06. (2km laps here).

Today was race day. There was a 2 hour enduro on in the arvo but I slipped into the sprint races. No classes, just historics or a club series & all under 500cc. Elected to do both which meant I was looking at practise, 2xquali and 6 races all in just over 3 hours. Oh, and today started off at 22ish, was 30 by 9 and 37 in the shade by 11 at the track?

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t31/1658178_10152283733172754_1697832646_o.jpg)

Got some help from my dad (who took these pics), my brother and his kids. They said my race bike sounded tough, which is an awesome compliment from a 7 and a 5 year old.

Thanks to some delays and muffed up sessions, lost practise and I elected to cut quali short to give myself a rest between sessions. Lined up for first race (club series 600 and under, and under 500cc whatever goes - so, motards and 400s etc) against some interesting opposition:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t31/1553369_10152283733492754_1593618560_o.jpg)

I got past him actually. And, I had an epic start to race 1: up the inside and made up 4 positions. Lost 2 of those back and settled into a battle with an rvf400.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t31/1537879_10152283733487754_259066874_o.jpg)

Got him over the start finish line before starting the last lap. Of all the turns at Baskerville, the roller later up/down double apex turn is my favourite. It's full noise in 3rd and picking up 5th then 6th over start-finish line.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t31/1614177_10152283733582754_293391307_o.jpg)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/1064270_10152294446942754_1869365150_o.jpg)

Such a fun corner. On a small bike you can't drag a knee the whole way around, but you do for the first half. By the end of the day, I had it sliding around and holding it up with my knee. Felt so good, it's such a forgiving race bike.

First race done, finished mid pack in under 500s.

Next up, historics. 7 bikes out, I qualified 7th against a couple of small bikes and a bunch of big ones, including a 1990 gixxer 1100. Tried hard, made up a spot, and got myself down to a freaking 1:10.3 which was a great time on the little LC. Had a good dice with a veteran who started racing bikes when my dad started racing cars, and it was good to see someone who knew their way around and place.

The straight at Basky is pretty short and has a bump that lets the bike bikes wheel stand. On the LC it's a case of tuck and watch the head shakes.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t31/1599159_10152283733702754_1928172052_o.jpg)

Races were then combined, and so I had 2 more. Overall ran consistent 1:10-1:11s till the final race when the wind picked up (60km/h side wind!) dropped me back to 1:13s. Since that was my goal for the weekend, it was nice to smash that goal out of the park and get close to what an LC should do around Baskerville.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t31/1601757_10152283733902754_1750047257_o.jpg)

This is the first turn. Really steep uphill and nice camber, but huge bumps on turnin point and at the apex. Had issues scraping chambers through there, would need to lift the bike to help. Couldn't really stiffen it, it was already a filling rattler around the rest of the circuit.

All in all, a great weekend. Justified bringing the bike down and my dad was hugely stoked with watching me race the LC. Given the 4 wheeled guys he gets to deal with on a regular basis that's pretty cool.

Oh, and as a bonus, apparently I know how to do a proper race tuck on what is probably a little too small a bike for me:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t31/1932764_10151904471882823_1840148172_o.jpg)

That's not nice.

Great posts ellingly [thumbsup]

Was able to squeeze in a half day yesterday. Clicked a couple of seconds off of my personal record but was really planning on making some progress today. Unfortunately, the thunderstorms in the area had other ideas.

Question, was I out of line calling these two guys out? They combined Levels 1 & 2 with the only real rules being a very vague "We'd prefer if you didn't pass on the turns at all, but if you have too, just make sure it's safe and clean" or something. Check it out below, and please forgive the video perspective, my GoPro was obviously pointed too high. Thoughts?

Extreme Track Day ECR 08-17-2014 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfjOYeVqsO4#)


Basically, they were following each other. In turn, they out braked me and stuffed me. I had to brake hard to keep from hitting them. Is that normal for L2? It certainly isn't for Level 1. Thanks for your opinions. I'm a bit worried I got carried away being a little fish in a slightly bigger pond :).

One passed on the inside and one on the outside. The guy passing on the inside was just faster than you in the corners.

You can't get 'stuffed' on the outside. The guy that passed on the outside was just plain faster than you.

All of those passes were safe. You need to get used to it, or get faster.

The track school I ride with doesn't allow inside passing in any group.

It works great.

Thanks for the perspective! I don't consider outside passing clipping someone off at the entry, but passing them on the outside of the turn (going off line), which is why I may have overreacted a little. Ahh life in the L1 group. Appreciate the insight.

The guy that passed on the outside around 0:40 was closer than he needed to be, but he also passed you quickly, so I don't see why you would have had to brake at all really, other than it made you nervous (you'll get over that though). Clean pass though IMO. Your line was terrible for that corner as well...have to take that into consideration.

The guy that passed on the inside wasn't even close to you. His biggest problem was after he passed you he seemed to forget where his throttle was located!  [laugh]

Our local trackday providers all have the following rules, and it works well.

Beginner: No passing in corners
Intermediate: Only outside passing
Expert: Pass anywhere, but try to leave a 6' gap

I try hard to maintain the 6' gap...but if a guy has a number plate (i.e., a racer), then I have no problem sucking some paint off as I go by, as he/she should be used to it!  [evil]

The both out braked me but then scrubbed off so much speed that I had to brake hard to avoid hitting them. I'm maintenance throttling at about 40mph. They come in at 50 and brake to 30 to make the corner...just an example, I wasn't looking at the speedo =). That's why I had to brake.

I'm getting from you and duc that if I was a better rider than I wouldn't worry about it. I'll take that and run with it and hopefully get better and not worry  ;D. Thanks!

I came, I saw, I got some trophies:
(http://photos-b.ak.instagram.com/hphotos-ak-xaf1/10665628_635769623189001_528320361_n.jpg)

2nd in class yesterdays for 1974-83 < 350cc bikes. Not bad, since I was on my lowly 250 against a bunch of sorted TZ350s.

Got a couple of cracker starts, this was the best. Gridded for this one on championship points due to a timing cockup, so I was right at the back of the pack (hadn't run in this series at all this year).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSliFOJph7A

Today, had 2 endurance races (2 riders, one bike, one hour). Won the class on the RD250LC by a couple of laps, and with some luck we got 2nd in a 90-96 600cc class on a 95 zx6r.

Not bad for first meeting in my home state on it. Not bad at all.

September 21 at Palm Beach International Raceway with Florida Track day.

Intermediate Session 1.
2002 Ducati Monster S4, 25k miles on her.
Michelin Pilot Road 3's, 31f/30r.

Bike is stock, had rained earlier so track was a little wet, but still warm temps.

I am used to riding a 250cc so after this first session I decided to not ride her any more  [bow_down] too much torque for what I am used to at the track, the suspension seemed soft but maybe b/c I am not used to the heavier faster bike. She is also not GP shift set up like the 250 ninja so I did not want to confuse my shifting habit.
here is the session video

http://youtu.be/A6QZEC0FqXc?list=UUoEztB5J8mYMUGayUBMbe5w (http://youtu.be/A6QZEC0FqXc?list=UUoEztB5J8mYMUGayUBMbe5w)

(http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee464/Qomomoko/photo-1.jpg) (http://s1229.photobucket.com/user/Qomomoko/media/photo-1.jpg.html)

How you can ride in a South Florida trackday in September is beyond my understanding. The trackday season for me would start in October at Jennings and no earlier than November for PBIR/Homestead.

before this one we were actually doing NIGHT track days which started in July or June...  sessions start at 5 pm till midnight... WAY EASIER... the problems then were the afternoon storms jaja  ;D

Chleo and Me at Palm Beach international Raceway with Florida Track Days 9/21

(http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee464/Qomomoko/ChleoNLu.jpg) (http://s1229.photobucket.com/user/Qomomoko/media/ChleoNLu.jpg.html)

Here is a video on my 250cc Ninja.
Pic in Pic using Harry's Lap Timer Grand Prix edition.
Tried creating a ghost cam but having tech problems

having trouble posting youtube links properly.. fyi

http://youtu.be/CyxLD1WvwlU?list=UUoEztB5J8mYMUGayUBMbe5w (ftp://http://youtu.be/CyxLD1WvwlU?list=UUoEztB5J8mYMUGayUBMbe5w)

So you recorded that on your phone? I'm interested in that app.

Hello everyone!

This last Sunday did my first ever trackday. Amazing experience, completely hooked!!

The track is Autódromo Pacífico Sport in San Antonio, Chile. This was announced as the last trackday of the year, so I made u my mind, borrowed my father-in-law's old truck, asked a friend for a ramp and some tie-downs, and got my M696 and a 2nd friend's Triumph Street Triple on the trunk. The ramp/tiedown friend went as our mentor, as he's an experienced racer currently without a bike.

Heading out of my house
(https://scontent-a-gru.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10653595_590181501093700_2464784578094803755_n.jpg?oh=9279ef17dd2e8d4b4a1f69c3d1b75d2d&oe=54C45B0E)

My lovely bone-stock M696 in track trim...ehh..just without mirrors.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/10628618_590946021017248_3597842353609762623_n.jpg?oh=0e14f18364a721a55afba6963bde949e&oe=54C978DA&__gda__=1418388284_15cd25342b25abdc0392f033faaca906)

The first thing to say: what a humbling experience. Any number of street riding years almost felt like nothing when doing my first laps. Laptimes were taken, and I had the 30th (or so) time in the slower group. No matter: I came here to learn, and I was enjoying how amazing and new it feels to actually use the bike's potential as much as I can, without worrying about road dangers.

I'm not a crazy street rider. I search for nice twisties and ride them at a "fun" pace, working on body position and throttle control religiously. And I'm happy to say, as soon as I started to understand the track, choosing better lines, and beginning to really know my bike, this all paid off in the way of learning a little bit faster than expected :) I now understand that saying "take it to the track" much better... it feels pointless to ride "hard" on street right now. Even cruising on the track is better.

At the end of the day, I was 4th fastest in the group, and I left the track feeling VERY satisfied with the leap forward, having SO much to learn. I'm a new addict...cannot wait to be on the track again!!!

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/1551773_590948114350372_8091180007667147319_n.jpg?oh=19324a4eec17d16eeb5db390f66f80a8&oe=54895665&__gda__=1422817202_19743a4fb932b950d123bee3d3794a36)

It might sound silly, but this photo makes me really happy:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/10592650_10204090603717942_164942173859237751_n.jpg?oh=b9bc97f970a14dde0c752b971c91e6d5&oe=54C7F42C&__gda__=1418352617_7aa60d48ecc9809921fa7a504acf404e)

This guy on the GSR 600 passed me like standing still on the first session. He looked fast, and on completely different level. But on the third session I caught him and finally passed the man. Best of all, it was due to being faster in corners -as he would escape me on the straights. I know a trackday is not a race, but it's fun to use somebody else's as a gauge for your laptimes.

A couple more:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/10404508_10204090577837295_5856675424304904343_n.jpg?oh=72b5316afeaa6d314a6749f1c81e071f&oe=548FDC84&__gda__=1422066555_15c825982e17a96895c76ab6c7156c56)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/10676123_10204090567717042_162593641835319869_n.jpg?oh=d0d8322167b4d2dde428e66425ade815&oe=5490D20D&__gda__=1422678325_dbdcea62be96dbf0952582503a7af533)


About the bike:

I loved the 696 on the track, as far as engine and chassis goes. Being fairly inexperienced, the bike allowed me to ride hard, without feeling like I'm barely using its capabilities, or I might wheelie off each corner...

The problem is cornering clearance. I don't have a rear stand so taking the sidestand off was not possible. But damn...I grinded a mm or two off it (not pictured, but almost), and not even carrying much lean angle. Can you just take it off? Nothing electronic to fiddle with?

Then come the footpegs, low aswell, but specially the gear/brake foot lever. I'm looking into breaking one soon...

I'm waiting for my ordered 796 clevis to raise the bike, but I'd like to know if any of you have done this and feel there is a SIGNIFICANT clearance win by doing this.

I know the 696 is not a supersport, but come on...my friend on the Triumph had zero care for body position, and was nowhere near grinding anything!
(https://scontent-a-gru.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10647077_10204858214637617_6600866800356788355_n.jpg?oh=b7f8f87325670bd52f4f20f2197da734&oe=54BF7284)

(don't mean to use him as a bad example. We actually talked about this)

yes..

Iphone 4s
external GP Sky Pro
Primary camera Sony Action Cam HDR s15
Secondary Camera, Sony Action Cam HDR 30v
Harry's Lap Timer Grand Prix edition.
Electrical outlet cube for the GP and a mount from Lucky Bike
Ram mounts.

Its a bit tricky for me to learn this stuff.... I can make more post if enough interested. For now I can just pm you.

Hi uncalcetindelana, to answer some of your questions:

One of the reasons Monsters are not the best track bikes is definitely due to the clearance issues. There is a sensor attached to the footpeg, so keep that in mind when taking it off. I would also recommend taking a look at aftermarket rearsets.

I lived down there for a while, in Chicureo, working in Ciudad Empresarial. They're actually plans to build a new track up in Colina. It's supposed to be to attract F1/MotoGP. Not sure if it's still in the plans.

Was he going as fast?

Pesto, he was going just a little slower than me, mostly. I rode his bike too, and the pegs are definitely higher!

Thank you Duccarlos! Chicureo is pretty nice. I pass there often, on my way to some nice twisties (road that connects Chicureo and La Dehesa these days...depending on how long ago you lived here, you might have seen it). I haven't heard about the track at Colina again, but the one at Codegua is hosting the current National Superbike championship, and is supposed to host WSBK and MotoGP in 2016 or so :O

I haven't been there yet, but this Sunday I'll go watch the race, and Ducatis are supposed to be allowed to do a couple laps in the morning. Will see if it's true :)

I'm worried about that sensor... I guess I'll have to get me a rear stand and start experimenting. The way I see it, there's no point in investing in higher pegs if the sidestand is so near the ground :( Rearsets seem to be so expensive for this bike. But I guess in the long run I'll have to go there.

So...as I mentioned on here before I wanted to stop tracking the Monster. So, I bought a 2002 Yamaha R6 a few months ago and have been prepping it and getting new gear (the old stuff I was wearing @ 80lbs heavier). Finally took it out for a track day!!

RideSmart Level 1 @ ECR 7-11-2015 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3MzGuSu7RI#)

It's a long video :).

Had a great time...unfortunately, the engine blew up in the afternoon. I haven't figured out the exact cause but it certainly doesn't look good :(. The bike used to be a race bike (the safety wiring was still installed) but was converted back for street riding for the previous owner, so it's had a least two owners before. I figured with that pedigree an engine blow up would be the last thing I'd have to worry about. Sigh!

Tar snakes are not your friend...

GP028991 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PFlPDNhY-E&feature=youtu.be#)

My buddy Mike from last Monday. It wasn't his day. Earlier in the day he had a belly pan full of fuel from a leaking QD... :o :o :o

2 broken ribs and a punctured lung are a bit much for a 15 mph crash.

Ouch! Did he bang the side wall?

Nope...just a 15 mph slam. He likely fell on his elbow. Ribs are no match for elbow armor.