Wow,
Oh yeah, had a blast at RA. The competition between me and other riders really helped me get faster on my bike. I have been riding for about 9 Months now, the R1 was my first bike, and I have only done 3 Track Days prior to this event.
I started the weekend with 3:15 lap times and was down to 2:51's when we left, about 6 seconds off Chuck's Pace.
There are still alot of areas I need to work on, and I think with some more track time I will be more competitive. I started getting my big butt off the seat, and now I kinda know what it feals like to truely lean off the seat. I still havn't touched knee yet, I am really excited to do that one of these days
I have got to get better at my Launches - I need to goto KCIR and work on them, I get my butt handed to mee off the line everytime....
My corner speed was insane compared to anything I have ever done in the past.
I never thought I would brake as late as I did, and go as fast as I did.
My Results:
Am Unlimited SuperSport - 6th
Am Unlimited SuperSport - 8th
Am Unlimited SuperBike - 9th
Am Unlimited SuperBike - 11th
Am Unlimited Grand Prix - 6th
Am Unlimited Grand Prix - 9th
Am GTO - 17th
My places kept getting better and better all weekend. I am so happy I can't even think. I never would have expected to attend my 1st race weekend, and not crash, PLUS get 5 top 10 Finishes.
Overall I am very very happy with how the weekend went, and I am looking forward to Blackhawk. I think I am going to gear my R1 pretty low for that track so I can get her more in the 2nd and 3rd gear range, that is really where she rips IMO.
I am so excited to get back on the track it is not even funny.
I have so much room to get faster, I just can't wait to get some more seat time
I don't know how to post PICS, as I have some of me, but anyway, look for me at Blackhawk, AM #619 Silver 04 R1
- Mike Simone
Video Link:
~65MB 5 User Limit, Right Click Save-As
http://www.fcbconsulting.com/mike/ra-04.25.2005.wmv
FYI being 6 seconds off my pace isn't saying much, but way to go Mike! ;D
Great video - I enjoyed watching it. Here's my input on ways you could improve. I'm an amateur too though, so not like you're getting the opinion of an expert. My best lap time this week end was 2:40. You can still brake later. Maybe it's a different perspective on the video vs being on the bike, but I'm in the throttle to the 4 marker coming into 5 and to the side road on the left coming into 1. I see you're rolling off the throttle btw the new chicane & Canada Corner - can't think of any reason to do that. lastly, it appears like you RPMs are pretty low coming out of some of those corners. Might be better to drop another gear entering the corner. Good luck - maybe see you at BHF.
QuoteGreat video - I enjoyed watching it. Here's my input on ways you could improve. I'm an amateur too though, so not like you're getting the opinion of an expert. My best lap time this week end was 2:40. You can still brake later. Maybe it's a different perspective on the video vs being on the bike, but I'm in the throttle to the 4 marker coming into 5 and to the side road on the left coming into 1. I see you're rolling off the throttle btw the new chicane & Canada Corner - can't think of any reason to do that. lastly, it appears like you RPMs are pretty low coming out of some of those corners. Might be better to drop another gear entering the corner. Good luck - maybe see you at BHF.
Yeah, I agree with everything you say. I was still getting used to my brakes that weekend as I just installed new Pads and MC. I still have the big bike syndrome, (aftraid of highside) so I try not to shift down into 1st unless I have to, Every corner I am pulling out of in 2nd gear. The 04 R1 has 17/45 stock and I went down 1 in the front to give me more pull down low. Maybe up 2 in the rear will make her nice and good?
I will be at BHF for the GP Events at the end of the month,
I really need to work on my lauches, and just need more seat time over-all.
Thanks
Mike