Looking for a lap video of Firebird Main. AMA used to race there, so I hope it may be found. Please email me if you have or know of one.
digitalRoost @ gmail.com
-Brian
AMA used to race at PIR (Phoenix International Raceway), not Firebird. I have seen videos around of Firebird East track, but not Main.
Actually they did race there. Advice...don't race there, it is the gnarliest track, fun but gnarley. Coming across the drag strip is fun, and the grand stands in the impact zone, and..and...andd..
thats why i want to see video. I want to see it before I get there to decide.
I would go back if there was a big race or exposure but not worth it, kinda like Sears two AFM have died there in 2 months or something close to that.
If you find an AMA era video of Firebird Main, there is a change to the current configuration - back then they ran a chicane on the straight, which they no longer use, the straight just goes on forever.
I have no particular desire to race there, I've done it once, and I know quite a few people who have been seriously hurt there. I will say one one of those guys that got hurt there back at an AMA national absolutely loves the track, probably 'cause he's really fast there.
-z.
Quote I will say one one of those guys that got hurt there back at an AMA national absolutely loves the track, probably 'cause he's really fast there.
The only reason I would go back to Main would to be to spectate and watch the above mentioned rider kick everyone's ass (if he ever raced there again). ;)
Zac and I raced at Main last year for the first and last time. I didn't have fun at all on that track. Plus, it conflicts with ASMA's race date.
I've raced there many times, and I personally like the track. I've also crashed there several times.
Just have to watcth the tower turn. If its wet, its like ice and if they're repainted the drag strip lately, it takes awhile to get traction... you spin alot on the paint.
Yeah and you forgot to mention the big powerade sticker is pretty slippery too!
My son and I have raced at Firebird many times. I think between the two of us, we have crashed in every corner!! :o But....I look forward to racing there! The 1/2 mile straight, the double left, the bleacher turns where you can actually hear the spectators yelling and rooting for you! Yes, the tower turn is menacing, and I crashed in that turn the last time I raced there. But if you are all afraid of crashing, why are you racing? ??? You are the one that controls your bike! Adapt to the conditions. Another point to remember about that track is that as a spectator, if you sit in the East bleachers, you can see 90% of the track, and you get an excellent view of the passing moves that are done almost literally underneath you!! ;D Elaine, if you skip the race, you are going to hand Matt Buck the Ultralightweight class championship!! :(
How about just asking Matt and the others to band together and NOT ride at tracks that are so dangerous??
there is simply NO reason to race at a track that has a wall in every corner.. What is your life worth??
Are you speaking from experience with regards to the Firebird Main track, or just rumor? ???
I have seen FAR more people go to the hospital from crashes at Buttonwillow, and there isn't even a wall to hit there. There is not a wall at every corner at Firebird, and haybales are placed all around the tower turn. I think you need to go do a track day there or at least go look at the track before commenting on the configuration.
Based upon your opinion, I guess we should never race at Daytona, either!! ;)
QuoteI have seen FAR more people go to the hospital from crashes at Buttonwillow, and there isn't even a wall to hit there.
I agree completely. I've seen alot more crashes at Buttonwillow, and alot more serious ones there as well. Not sure if the wall keeps people's throttle hand in check at Firebird, or the lack of a wall at Buttonwillow allows people to go nuts...
Nobody wants to hit a wall, that's for sure. I don't think that running into the wall in the tower turn is what keeps the people somewhat tame. If you look at the fast people at Firebird (Ledesma, Palmer, Jensen, A.J., Keiffer), you don't see them crashing in that turn, and they exit the tower turn like a MAN. Truthfully, that is a slower turn, and when racers crash in that turn, it is usually a low side (except for your high side with your SV!!), and the riders don't even hit the hale bales, much less the wall! I for one am looking forward to the October race. ;D
I just haven't found out if it is a combined Pacific/SW race or just a SW race. Anyone know for sure?
the problem isn't completely resolved by keeping your throttle hand in check. I probably speak from recent experience having been taken out by another rider at Buttonwillow, but it's still valid. Walls make the potential outcome much worse. I've not been there before, but if there are bad walls, it will prove once again that CCS doesn't care about the riders at all.
Hey, Brian, there is a track day at the West track this Sunday. Maybe you could go to Firebird and walk the Main track, or at least go check out the tower turn. If you can get to the other side of the drag strip and look over the bleachers, you will be able to see most of the track.
QuoteI've not been there before, but if there are bad walls, it will prove once again that CCS doesn't care about the riders at all.
You could say the same for every race org out there... the AMA has Daytona, Fontana, Sears Point, even Laguna has a wall, WeraWest at Vegas with the fence and Fontana, AFM has Sears Point... all have walls or something close near the track.
true that....walls are not unheard of in the US, unfortunately. Still, from what I've been told by racers who have been there, Firebird is unacceptably dangerous even compared to these other tracks.
We all have to make the choice on each and every track whether we think its safe or not. I started racing on that track and much prefer it to the east one. I also love the west track, but it was deemed too dangerous to race on due to the limited run-off room, by CCS about 7 or 8 years ago.
CCS also ran Vegas backwards in an attempt to increase the margin of safety for riders, but somehow a couple of guys still made it to the fence. what can you do ?
There is inherent risk in everything you do. You can choose to mitigate it completely by not participating. That is your choice. However, I don't think its any more or less dangerous than any other track out there that has been mentioned.
And I am one of those guys that has been on that track alot.
QuoteElaine, if you skip the race, you are going to hand Matt Buck the Ultralightweight class championship!! :(
I'm missing that race, the last Firebird East race, and 1/2 of Vegas anyways. The 2 Firebird races conflict with Arroyo Seco, which has priority.
Good luck with your races in New Mexico. I am very impressed about how you ride your MUZ. See ya in Vegas! :D
QuoteYou could say the same for every race org out there... the AMA has Daytona, Fontana, Sears Point, even Laguna has a wall, WeraWest at Vegas with the fence and Fontana, AFM has Sears Point... all have walls or something close near the track.
Arroyo Seco (ASMA race org) has no walls. And they won't any time soon, since a motorcycle racer owns the track. He won't put anything in the path that he himself could crash and hit while on a bike.
First off, let me say that I am a bit prejudiced here, but those that know me also know that I am fair and do not accept everything done by CCS as right- disclaimer over. Also- when on this board I am not being paid by CCS ( I am contracted when I am at the track) and do not represent them or their views- disclaimer really over.
Digital Roost- please come see at the next race and tell me in person that CCS does not care about the riders. If that will be your attitude, I personally (not talking for CCS here) do not wish to see you race with us. With an attitude like that you are a bad crash and lawsuit waiting to happen.- I am very sure when I say that every single CCS offical and volunteer cares and does not want to see anyone hurt. When you can say that to the staff at the next race and look us in the eye while you say it- I will start to take anything you say seriously- Not cool man.
Next- Firebird Main, or big track. In 20 years of working motorcycle events in the Southwest, less riders have been seriously hurt at the Main track than any other we run. The crashes can be more spectacular (John Hiltons $25K RC30 highsiding into flames for one-anyone remember that?! :P) but the injuries less severe. Also crashing does not just happen. The track does not jump up and grab your handlebar and toss you to the pavement. Crashes are made by racers and their machines. I do not in anyway want to make light of someone being nervous about racing there- the walls can be scary, even if impact areas are protected. Remember racing is not all about who has the fastest bike- it also comes down to skill- and even with the best of both- one must still have the comfort level to take them to the limit and beyond to win. If you don't feel comfy racing there- no harm, but some do and will obviously capitalize on the points there, if only for once in the season. I personally like to announce from there as the PA actually works and I can see almost the whole track. And for those of you (like me) who complain of no spectators, or poor spectator facilities- this track is great for them. Places to sit and be close to the action and some great racing always takes place there. I look forward to it, and will see most of you there!!
I hope the loudspeakers are loud enough to hear your hilarious comments about me being "weight challenged" while I am winning the race!! :o
I agree with you on every point. As far as the safety issue and CCS not caring, I have NEVER felt that your father would EVER jeapordize ANY racer's safety. How soon they forget about Firebird East and the rain. The race was red flagged not for any crashing, but because the conditions became unsafe. Keep up the great work Dr. Stem!! Oh, yeah, remind me when I see you about our newest feature: THE RACE FOR THE YEN!! You will get a kick out of it, and give you even more to talk about during the Unlimited Supersport race!!
What determines a 'Dangerous Track'? In my years racing with CCS it appears to me that Buttonwillow has more bikes that are totalled and bones broken than all of the other tracks combined and the only wall I've seen is on Pit Row. I know of several racers whose CCS career has ended after crashes at Buttonwillow due to bike damage and medical bills, not Firebird Main. No need to take cheap shots at the CCS Staff who are only there for you.
Hey Ray, what race do you plan on winning? I just checked with CCS and they don't list a 'Heavyweight' Formula 40?!?!
Well.....I expect to win LW Formula 40! ::)
I am taking the 89 GSXR750 to the Team AZ track day this Sunday at Firebird West to try it out. If I like it, I will be racing that beast in October. It's hugely loud, and it already dyno'd at 102hp, but I have never ridden it. If I don't like it, I'll add it to my growing collection of loaner bikes! Are you going to the track day? We have a fairly large group of trouble makers going!! Even Scot Welch is going! >:(
Wow...Cory must be having a bad day....
I've only raced the main track once. It was my second-ever race. I did well. I even got to chase Kane around for a couple of laps until he got sick of me and left. I like the track.
I will say though, it would take an MIT engineer to find a space to fit one more wall there though. Everywhere you look, you see a 3' white monster. I agree with Cory, more serious accidents have happened elsewhere than there at Firebird Main, but still, run-off would be nice.
I hope to be there in October but finances are playing a big part in my racing this year so I have to take it one day at a time. Unlike last year, I'm not in contention for any championships so this is a good time for some financial recovery.
I hope (fingers crossed) to see everyone there.
Dave
Cstem: I think what he meant with his "CCS doesn't care about the riders..." comment was that he feels that CCS wouldn't use that track and put the riders in harms way, if they cared (more). I am wondering if the reason that there are less crashes at a more dangerous track has something to do with the increased anxiety and fear levels actually creating a more cautious riding attitude in the racers. I remember racing the a year ago and wondering why the same competitors that were leaving me in the dust were suddenly slow...after talking with them it was FEAR! That's why...
QuoteI remember racing the a year ago and wondering why the same competitors that were leaving me in the dust were suddenly slow...after talking with them it was FEAR! That's why...
The fast guys will still be going fast on the big track...
And I agree with Cory on every point. Firebird main is not more dangerous. More dangerous would be have more crashes and more severe injuries. There has been racing at the big track for many, many years and reality hasn't backed up the "more dangerous" comments.
Again, back to Buttonwillow, with no walls and the inordinantly high amount of crashes and severe injuries.
QuoteCstem: I think what he meant with his "CCS doesn't care about the riders..." comment was that he feels that CCS wouldn't use that track and put the riders in harms way, if they cared (more).
That's part of it....but I think I need to clarify something that I was not clear on earlier.
My comments should have been directed at Clearchannel, not CCS (slight distinction here). My personal experience and opinion is that clearchannel tries to run CCS like it's a money making "show" and doesn't give the people running the series (CCS) the appropriate funding, resources or control. I may be wrong on that, but it's my observations after talking with people who work for CCS at the track. I was trying to say that if they (Clearchannel) cared more about their riders, then we wouldn't race at tracks that have walls in every corner where the potential outcome of a crash is much higher. There are a lot of other tracks we can race at in the Southwest.
I'm sorry if I offended you Cory. You and the other people who actually work at the track and in the office actually are awesome people. I shuould have stated my point more clearly so as to not point the finger at the wrong people. Again, I'm sorry and I hope you understand what I was trying to say (and vent).
I'll be there at Firebird Main for the races in October.
This will only be my second race, and I was a little aprehensive about wether or not to go, as I have heard that the track is lined with walls.
Oh well, i'll just have to ride a little slower and not push as hard as I would on a track that has endless runoff.
At the end of the day, it's your body and your bike. If you dont feel comfortable about the safety of Firebird main then dont go.
Corey, and all....
Its not that the main track is that much more dangerous, it is that there is NO runoff and way to many solid things to hit! Walls dont give, they dont move, and the kill people and end careers.. Think Louden...
Steve Fugiagi broke his NECK from a mild low side crash there last year, if he was at Buttonwillow or even the East track, he woudl have slid a bit then got up and ran away, nothing ot hit means nothing to stop you causing those major injuries.
All tracks are somewhat dangerous, racing is VERY dangerous, but tracks like the main track at firebird, Sears Point, and Louden, and MANY others across the country were built for cars to race on, and are simply too dangerous to run bikes on. Its not the track, or the rider, its what happens to the rider after the crash that matters.
At tracks like BW, there is simply nothing to hit, no walls, no embankments, nothing. yes you may crash, yes you may get hurt, but there is simply nothing to HIT. that is what KILLS people... The AFM has had TWO guys killed at Sears Point this year alone, both hit walls.
I know that a lot of people have the misconception that it wont happen to them, but isnt it enough that it COULD happen to someone?? Does it REALLY take a rider getting killed before people realize that a track is too dangerous??
and to Mr Hymer, I have been to Firebird, and Daytona (12 times) and both are very dangerous, but firebird is far more so. There just arent a lot of walls to hit at daytona. They DID have a few bales around part of the tower turn, but not any on the exit, and MANY riders were smaking the wall, Mr. Sarros in particular!! So imagine yourself going 20-30 miles an hour faster around that corner, and two thirds of the way through it, your rear end snaps sideways and ficks you off the top of the bike... Do you slide across the dirt or gravel? Do you hit an airfence? Or does your body slam into an unprotected CONCRETE WALL that breaks bones and explodes internal organs?
I for one, would much rather have CCS, an organization that I LOVE to be involved with, and throughly enjoy racing with, and really consider each race to be like a family gathering for us, to look to other more rider safe venues for its races....
Will
Well stated, Will. :)
Clear Channel is the issue...I completely agree 'Roost'. I have had (almost) nothing but good experiences with the actual individuals representing CCS at the track, but as you mentioned, their hands are tied by the parent organization. I have even had the staff members at the track ENCOURAGE me to complain to their 'higher-ups' as they would like to see certain changes as well, but are stuck following orders!
If CCS really wanted to make a difference, they would put their full support behind reopenning Arizona Motorsports Park. That place is the best roadrace track in the Southwest for atleast 500 miles in every direction!
I am puzzled by your comments regarding Firebird. Did you actually ride the track? ???
There were more than a few haybales around that turn. I got to see them first hand!! I would guess around 30 or more. :o
As far as Sarros hitting the wall at the exit, if you ask him, I would wager that he knew that he was hitting it, and was doing so intentionally. I haven't seen anyone crash out against that wall, but I know a lot of racers that brush the wall intentionally to block any outside pass, and to use the whole track. No, I cannot imagine ANYONE going 20-30 miles per hour faster around that corner. Maybe 3-4 mph. Everyone has their limits, including the fast guys.
You should get the opinions from the people that have raced there instead of people that don't know from experience. I totally expect Steve Fukiage to show up for the race in October. I don't think he would race there if he had the same opinion as you!!
Maybe what you should do is play a video game (like Hang On) instead of race. But then again, you would probably start complaining about the hazards to your eyes and fingers. :-/
Rob, I don't believe that you will ever see AMP open for competition anymore. I live in Avondale, which is right next to Goodyear. It is a BIG DEAL here in this area. The track was opened with a permit, and that permit was revoked because of noise and it's proximity to all of the new homes being built there. I have heard that a track was being considered around Buckeye. I never got to race at AMP, but I did a couple of track days there. It was fun, and the track configuration was similar to Pahrump. Lots of runoff, and a lack of hard things to hit. I wonder why CCS doesn't try New Mexico's tracks? Or Fontana? Or the Big Track at Willow?
Are you going to the track day at Firebird West tomorrow?
Quote I wonder why CCS doesn't try New Mexico's tracks? Or Fontana? Or the Big Track at Willow?
It would probably help if CCS heard directly from the racers. This is just an unofficial message board with thousands of posts. But sending a well-written letter directly to Kevin and maybe even CCE on ideas like racing at different tracks might help. They don't race in the Pac/SW. But if they get documented feedback from the racers that race here, it may impact the decision when they are planning out next season's schedule. It might not, and things may stay the same since there's a lot of stuff we probably don't even know about that goes into choosing/scheduling tracks. It's worth a shot though. Especially if they hear from more than one Pac/SW racer/racer supporter.
We (the SW and Pacific region) have been racing at this venue for years, and years, and then some. If you don't want to race there, then don't.
Again back to Buttonwillow, there have more career ending injuries there than at Firebird, and again... no walls.
I'll be there.
And just FYI, before AMP was shut down, Randy was out checking it out for future CCS races. Had it stayed open, I'm sure we would have been racing there with CCS. Luckily I did get to race there several times with TARRC before they were shut down.
What's so funny about this whole thread are the folks that have not raced the main much or ever are far more against it, then those of us that have cut our race teeth, and crashed on that track. As far as no run off goes there really are only a few spots on that track that run off it a real big issue. The exit of turn 2, exit of turn 4 (I crashed here and went into the bales), and the turn 6 - 7 area (I feel this is the most dangerous area on the track). While the tower turn seems real bad, the over all speeds for everyone are pretty low, and I have seen plenty of bikes go down in this area and never even reach the wall. Ask Mr. Palmer sometime about brushing the wall, he does it on purpose. I think the big issue with the track will be the surface condition, but count me in I will be there.
Mr Hymer,
I am a wrench, I rode the track on friday afternoon on our pits bikes, and saw it was dangerous then...
Ask Jamie James about hitting the walll exiting the drag strip.
3-4 MPH faster than you?? You are telling me that no one has more corner speed than you do, only by 3-4 MPH?? Sorry dude, Ive been to Fired bird and watched.. 20-30 mph easy...
I know... NO ONE has to worry about walls.. Ask Craig Connell, im sure HE would have only had 2-3 MPH on you when he hit the unprotected wall at Mont-Tremblant.
from Roaciracing World.com
"Connell's manager, Bill Syfan, told Roadracingworld.com that Connell suffered a broken right femur, broken right tibia, broken right fibula, broken hip socket, a fractured pelvis and several broken ribs in the crash.
Connell was stabilized at a local hospital and then sent by ambulance to Sacred Heart, where surgeons inserted rods in his femur and tibia and repaired other damage. The surgery started at 2:00 a.m. and lasted until 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning, Syfan said.
Connell crashed in a fast part of the track that lacks adequate run-off room, hitting and sliding underneath an Alpina brand inflatable soft barrier placed in front of a concrete wall."
That was WITH the air fence in place... If there was no wall there, tell me , what would his injuries have been??
I for one would never run there, or encourage any of my riders to run there, it just isnt worht it for a club racing trophy...
A lot of what you said has no bearing on Firebird. I doubt Conneell would have slid under the haybales! :-/
TEXT
As far as the speed difference, let's do a test. Get a radar gun and check the cornering speeds in the tower turn. Your estimate of 20-30 mph difference is so ridiculous that you should start doing gymnastic judging. You would fit right in!! :o
Holy cow. What I initially started this tread for was to find video of firebird so I can see the "infamous" walls and also do a little pre-race preparations. It turned into a venue for me to piss off the people who go above and beyond to make CCS work as well as it does (especially considering their hands are pretty tied) -- once again, I insert my size 12 into my mouth -- and a venue for everyone to start arguing online. No-one wins in online arguments....we all just look dumb.
Before people starting throwing permanent jabs, can we focus the conversation a little? Anyone have video? Even a roll call of who's going and whos not would be acceptable.
I'll be there (although maybe only at 80-90% speed)....assuming I don't get tarred and feathered for misunderstood and mis-stated earlier comments.
I'm going, but I am going to somehow find 20-30 mph in the tower turn!! Maybe Will could show me!! Oh, no, he would actually have to ride a bike then. He might break a nail or something! ;D
There is no way anyone is 20 and 30 mph faster through the tower turn. It just in not that fast of a turn. Ray is right only 3 to 5 mph mabe 6 if you talk about the slowest person onthe track. Now turn 1 that is a diffrent story.
1) Dig Roost- I fully accept and appreciate your apology. I really hope you believe that and thank you for clarifying your point- see you at the races.
2) MZ girl is correct about writing a well thought out letter to the upper management. You could even have one person write it and many people sign it.
3) We have looked at many race tracks to expand to. AMP will never-ever reopen for competition. I presume the next motorized vehicles there will be earth movers. New Mexico- I have been in contact with Roger at ASMA and he would love to hook up with CCS- but her realizes some improvments to infrastructure must be made first and he is tryin gto get that sorted. I could see us racing there someday. Fontana- not safe- walls and a rider killed there by another motorcycle-not a wall! Not sure but may be cost prohibitive. Pahrump-not enough facilties-wise yet. Inside of Vegas Speedway- too much money. CCS is always looking for new places to race- it means more choices/competition for CCS dollars which can lower rents and please racers with some different tracks to run. The tower turn wall is covered by bales at the exit as far as we can without compromising racing lines. Faster guys rub the wall on exit and others decide to not make time there but somewhere else on the track. It is a riders choice. It is one track out of four that we race. It is one race a year. Temper the throttle hand. Go faster is the esses and not matter what, when or where- racers will find a way to hurt themselves- it is some kind of sick law of nature!
Ray,
You will never get to make your radar comparison, as you wont be seeing us at that track, like I said before, its not a safe place to race.
If you one only down 2-3 MPH in corner speed, you REALLY need to be running AMA, and not CCS with a performance index in the 300's.
If you can carry the same cornerspeed as even the fast CCS guys, then you are ready for the AMA..
Good luck...
Fueling the fires on AMP (again), but I heard a rumor that the city of Glendale is getting into the fight now and trying to annex that land so they can re-open it. They don't want to loose Luke Air Force base and they see the track as a means to ensure favorable neighbors. The agency that closed the track was the county, but they'd have to bow to the city if Glendale is successful. Here's to hoping and dreaming of racing at AMP again!
Btw: I'm not seeing how Arroyo Seco has any less facilities than Firebird East. Can you clarify Cory? Don't get me wrong, I personally don't like the Arroyo track much (probably because I crashed my only time there), but it is a safe place.
I'm going, but I am going to somehow find 20-30 mph in the tower turn!! Maybe Will could show me!! Oh, no, he would actually have to ride a bike then. He might break a nail or something! ................................hahahhahahahahahahahahahahhahahaahahhaahhahahahahahaha
Hey...I saw Mr. Hymer at the track today and he was riding and NO finger nail damage! ;D He was there doing his best Rossi imitation with the rest of us! ;)
Thanks alot Tsho....
Good thing you have never seen me on track b4...
All Im trying to say is that we ALL need to be advocates for our own saftey. All riders, not just you, not just your friends...
Its dangerous enough without walls all over waiting to break your legs or end your career... Think Thomas Wilson and Louden.
If we race at the SAFE fun tracks, then everyone comes out ahead.
What a great track day this was! No delays, and I think our racer group got one extra session! ;D
The weather was nice, and I thought I was actually riding pretty well on my SV650. ::)
Brian, have you asked Ted Rich if he has any video of Firebird main? You can reach him at (602) 763-6827.
Will, I will stop pestering you about the 20-30 mph faster thing. I'm sure you realize how dumb your comment was. I will just wait until the lap times and average mph are posted during the October race. If those show ANYONE 20-30 mph faster than me, you win the argument. If it only shows 3-4 mph, I guess I am ready for MotoGP. ;)
All joking aside, the real point is that you feel that Firebird Main is dangerous, and I don't agree. We can say "yes it is" and "no it isn't" over and over, but you and I have better things to do. Let's just agree to disagree! 8)
Everytime I think of racing or even just riding a trackday at Firebird Main, I think of Flying Fred:
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcmail/ama/merkel_retires.html
Even though I've watched every CCS event held at Main since I moved here in '97, I've avoided riding there. A few months ago, I figured I'd go out on a trackday and learn the track a little just in case I felt like racing there. After a half day trackday, I found the track a mo fo to learn. They paved the entire infield and it made seeing the track difficult.
I heard about the walls in 2, 4 knew about the grandstands and tower turn and this knowledge kept me in check when I went through those sections. I didn't expect the wall along 6-7 and it started to get to me once I started carrying more speed through there.
Like anywhere, the guys that have been running there for years are at an advantage. They know their way around. Also, they probably don't notice the paved infield as much. Us new guys gotta learn it, heard all the stories and it is a challenging track with next to no room for error in a few spots.
One thing is for sure, it would be a hell of a lot more fun if all those walls weren't there. I'm not sure if I'll be racing there, but who knows- fighting peer pressure can be a tough battle!
QuoteWhat a great track day this was! No delays, and I think our racer group got one extra session! ;D
The weather was nice, and I thought I was actually riding pretty well on my SV650. ::)
Brian, have you asked Ted Rich if he has any video of Firebird main? You can reach him at (602) 763-6827.
Will, I will stop pestering you about the 20-30 mph faster thing. I'm sure you realize how dumb your comment was. I will just wait until the lap times and average mph are posted during the October race. If those show ANYONE 20-30 mph faster than me, you win the argument. If it only shows 3-4 mph, I guess I am ready for MotoGP. ;)
All joking aside, the real point is that you feel that Firebird Main is dangerous, and I don't agree. We can say "yes it is" and "no it isn't" over and over, but you and I have better things to do. Let's just agree to disagree! 8)
20-30 MPH sounds a little out there for that turn but I can think of a turn that many would be 20-30 mph faster than you, maybe even more, turn one at Fontana! I also doubt that the fast guys are only going 2-3 mph faster than you, let us see your fastest times at the SW and Pac tracks and we'll see how far off you are....
As far as arroyo seco goes- the paddock area,some fencing issues and (forgive me Roger- I have not talked to you lately and this may all be wrong) last I heard no power. Of coourse if this has changed I have not heard about it and defintely would not be the first. I would love to race Roger's track if nothing else but to help him out and give him our business. Roger and I go waaayyy back and I need to call him and get the true scoop. See you at the races!
Quote20-30 MPH sounds a little out there for that turn but I can think of a turn that many would be 20-30 mph faster than you, maybe even more, turn one at Fontana! I also doubt that the fast guys are only going 2-3 mph faster than you, let us see your fastest times at the SW and Pac tracks and we'll see how far off you are....
The debate was about the tower turn at Firebird, not Fontana. If you look back at the posts, you will see that I said 3-4 mph. Believe it or not, that is a HUGE difference. I never said I was fast (well, not yet at least!). I was ridiculing the 20-30 MPH difference. Do the math: Firebird is a 1.6 mile course. The record is just under 1:07. I have done a 1:13 on a GSXR750, and I now ride a GSXR1000, and am capable of a 1:12, possibly 1:11. Now using these figures, come up with an average mph for the lap. If someone is 20-30 mph faster in the turn, that should translate to 20-30 mph down the straights, not to mention the difference in speed of the approach (braking) and exit (on gas) of the turns. So the average mph would be a very good indication of the talent difference. You math wizards, verify the answer to the average mph. I come up with 86 mph (1:07) vs 79 mph (1:13) or 81 mph (1:11), a far cry from the 20-30 mph figure!! I am typically about 9%-11% slower than the fastest guys, depending on the track, and I would assume that would hold true for Fontana, but I have only ridden the silly course, not the AMA course, so I can't speculate on my performance, but normally, my mid-corner speed is not that far off from the fast guys. It is the approach and exit that hurt me.
Found this video. Does this look like the same config motorcycles run? There are walls EVERYWHERE in this video.
http://nsxprime.com/Gallery/multimedia/firlapvsupra.mov
the video is missing a section. On this trackmap, the missing section is 7-8-9.
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.firebirdraceway.com%2Fimages%2FFirebirdCompleteWStrip.jpg&hash=f57983d3169e3b01ce0f158b06073e264e05a171)
That is it...other than those turns you mentioned that IS what you will be racing on! :o
so, in the map you share, I assume 7, 8 and 9 are used so I can ignore the lines that don't follow that flow?
You are correct.
I think just before Turn 7 is where the hot dog stand is (below the grand stands). I'm not kidding either. :o
So if you crash there and hop the bales, you can get a hot dog while waiting for the crash truck. ;D
REALLY!!!??? I should put my order in now. I hope they have chili!! OH, I have to hop the fence? I hope the fence can support 276 pounds!! Maybe I can order Domino's!! ::)
No, Ray, there's just a single row of hay bales about knee-high between you and hot doggie goodness. No fence. You could easily leap a bale in a single bound. Though, I don't know about the chili. You might want to lay off of that if you have more races later that day. :P
Is this the longest SW/Pac thread ever?! ;D
No, I need all the "Ammo" that I can get. Steven farts WAY too much. Maybe we can pit next to you guys. We'll check the wind direction just to make sure you are downwind! :-X
The funny thing about the meatwagon there at Firebird is that one time after a spectacular crash in the pits (!) that destroyed my upper fairing, I snuck behind their dumpster and grabbed a hamburger patty box and taped it around about 50 times, and fastened it to what was left of the front of the bike and used it as my number plate!! And then crashed again in the next race!! JEEZ! The box held, though! ;D
Hey now! I don't wanna have to repaint my bike due to exposure to toxic fumes! >:( You best keep your rosey self at the other end of the paddock!
You're giving Cory waaay too much ammo to use for announcing at the next race. I can hear it now..."And here comes Ray Hymer sponsored by Jack-in-the-Box on his methane propelled bike..." ;)
Have we successfully cleared this thread out? Guess it's just you and me, Ray. :-* :-X ;)
QuoteHave we successfully cleared this thread out? Guess it's just you and me, Ray. :-* :-X ;)
I'm still here! :) So, does Firebird Main have, like, walls or something? ;D
But alas, we still won't be at Main. Elaine has to continue her perfect season in ASMA Formula Femme.
-z.
Hey Zac/Elaine...are you guys going to enter the WSMC/Roadracingworld 250/50?
QuoteHey Zac/Elaine...are you guys going to enter the WSMC/Roadracingworld 250/50?
I was planning on it earlier this year, but now I'm selling the TZ 250. Zac's done racing the R6 at the end of this season, and will stick with the motard for next season (he may even pick up a vintage bike as a 2nd bike). I just did 2 trackdays on the R6, and decided to race it next season, in addition to the MZ. Heck, I may even race the R6 at SOW in Dec.
So the answer is no. Besides, I just signed up for a triathlon that's on the same Sun as the 250/50 race. Yeah, I know...something's not right in my head. ::)
Well...I'll miss seeing you and Zac then. :'(
Wishing you minimal knee damage... ;D
-Rob
The video and lack of turns from the cars is correct. Remember this, cars do use use haybales so those will be missing on the video. With turns 7,8,9 and 10 you need to have a rythmn set up coming out of 5/6 or you will just be putting around for the rest of the lap- it takes a lot of skill to keep a good pace through there as every exit compliments the next turns entry. ZAC and Elaine we will miss you at Firebird and good luck on the Tri Elaine! I contemplated doing one but instead have set up the training schedule to have my peak coincide with the NORBA National next March- three days TT, Short Course and XC! See you later!
I haven't been around at all for quite a while but I do have some on-bike footage of Firebird Main from a couple of years ago. If someone wants to see it, let me know and I will digitize it and see how big the file comes out. The camera did have some funky lines from the vibration but the track is still visible.
definitely!!
QuoteI contemplated doing one but instead have set up the training schedule to have my peak coincide with the NORBA National next March- three days TT, Short Course and XC!
Wow...do a season of MTB racing and look what happens! :o Good luck at the NORBA National, and let us know how it goes! That shoud be a blast!
Cory, racing somethin? I thought you gave up after that Dirt Trax FX game on SNES......
In all seriousness, I was bored this weekend and since we're looking at becoming a CCS affiliate for next year (ASMA) I decided to check out these boards.
As far as Firebird being unsafe, well, I've hit the wall exiting Firebird with my back, but it wasn't because of the track but a motor problem. I know we really shouldn't race on tracks with that many walls, and I can recall John Hilton's bike burning in the left after the Bondurant turn. Fact is, I'd still race there myself. It's a fun track, very challenging, but maybe reserve yourself in a corner or two (so I can pass you!). The left after Bondurant is fairly scary because of the high speeds (4th gear pinned) and little runoff, but I never noticed it until the AMA National there in 95 when I was watching the Superbike races. I had raced there for almost 3 years at that point, and never thought about crashing at that turn.
Oh yeah, I'm sure Hilton's RC30 was WAY over 25k. It's not cheap to make one of those faster in a straight line than GSXR1100's.
On another note, as far as our track out here in New Mexico is concerned, I'd like to invite you out for a weekend Cory. Bring something fun to drive, borrow something.... and we'll play and I'll show you what we have. We do have power at both the hot pits and at the tower. Our PA system works and we have a starter tower we use for announcing where you can see the whole track. What we don't have yet is a fence separating the racetrack from the pits, which we can do.
What we don't have is power for the racers tire warmers. Currently our circuit breakers won't handle it. For this we require people to use generators. Oh yeah, we also don't have any walls, and as Elaine stated, I won't put any where there is any possibility of hitting one myself. I still occasionally dust off the leathers and spray them with WD40 so I can fit in em, and take a few laps!
Hey Rog, I think Costco sells really big cans of WD-40 :P
Like I can talk :-X
-z.
That video is actually wrong in a couple spots. The first is when final part of the carousel, the bikes now make a much harder left turn, then a tighter right that shoots you out much more parallel to the wall along the hill. Instead of the sweeping left that aims you right at the wall where Merkel was injured. The car also skipped a couple turns the bikes use. Where the car took a right hander into a short straight then a left kink, then right into the tower turn. The bikes take another couple turns that put them right below the hard right next to the bleachers and aims you different than the car going into the tower.
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fuglybikes.com%2Ffiles%2Ffirebird.jpg&hash=cf8e8e229e32edcb3d8a84ded4370df317105493).
I remember racing that track in the 80s at night without the loop at the end. Now that was scary.
Hey, Roger, I'll trade you some WD40 for a few track days!! ;)
Don't believe the dust on his leathers story. I went to a track day at Arroyo, and he is way fast!! >:(
I'm hoping to get a few guys together to go to a weekeday track day at Arroyo Seco. I have enough guys to go, but a few more wouldn't hurt. We will be bringing our pocketbikes, too, for a lunchtime mini-moto GP! :o
Remember, it's just 12 days until the Firebird Main race!! I'm already pre-entered, so I should be seeing a lot of 1A's on the grid!! ;D
It's more fun if you come to one of the regular weekend track days. Especially if it's a race weekend. On Sat night of race weekend Arroyo has THE BEST pit parties. Barbecue, pit bike racing, heck if you've got an RC car bring it along as there's a dirt track to play with it on. Yep, it's tough to get to bed early for Sunday's races...
Does anyone know how fast the Hymers are? Way fast!! I think I can get Ray into turn one,but he is a wizard on the brakes! I heard he has been taking lessons from "Missile Mills" and now he will show us his wheels even harder than any other weekend. :o He is still old and doesnt hang off so theres more room to get too race magician. We will see,mr. a-1 grid master!! :P
QuoteDoes anyone know how fast the Hymers are? Way fast!! I think I can get Ray into turn one,but he is a wizard on the brakes! I heard he has been taking lessons from "Missile Mills" and now he will show us his wheels even harder than any other weekend. :o He is still old and doesnt hang off so theres more room to get too race magician. We will see,mr. a-1 grid master!! :P
uhhh...Steve, isn't Ray your father?? Are you trying to start something with all that "Holy Hymer" shtuff??
;D
;DYES, IT MAKES FOR GOOD RACING AND POO TALKING!! I LIKE TO GET ALL HYPER BEFORE A RACE. DONT YOU? RACING IS FUN TO ME ONLY WHEN SHIZ TALKING IS HAPPENING. OTHER THAN THAT YOUR GOING IN WAVEY CIRCLES AND LOOKING AT A CLOCK! BUT WITH THE ELEMENT OF THE BENCH IT BECOMES FUN! IF WE ALL RUN TOGETHER THE STORIES ARE FUNNER TO TALK ABOUT AND IF WE DONT TALK POO THAN NO ONE WOULD TRY A LITTLE MORE HERE...AND SOME HERE....AND BOOOOM!! ON ARE HEADS. IF YOUR THE FAST GUY IN THE GROUP YOU HAVE DULL STORIES TO EVERY ONE ELSE IN YOUR PIT...CAUSE THE GUYS YOUR BATTLING ARE IN ANOTHER PIT SO NO ONE GIVES A RATS TESTICAL!! IF A GUY COMES TO YOUR PIT'RANDOM CAT' AND SAYS YOUR SLOW SO GO BACK TO RIDING YOUR BICYCLE ON YOUR PAPER ROUTE WONT YOU TRY TO PASS HIM? EVEN IF ITS LEDESMA IM TRYING!!! SO ID LIKE TO SAY...."RAY MY DADDY,YOUR SLOW SO GO RACE IN THE WALKER RACE DOWN AT THE RETIREMENT HOUSE.. GO GET SOME OF THAT WOOD YOU FAT BASTARD...SPONSERED OLD B@LLS...GROSSE ...HEHE YOUR GOING DOWN FREAK!!!!
Hey, you came from these old B@lls! ;D
You know, battling on our GSXR's, R6's, R1's, SV650's, etc, is fun and all, but you need to get those old rat pile EX500's ready, and we can have our old classic EX500 wars!! We still have Buttonwillow and Firebird East. Plus we need to humiliate Matt Buck on his creepy 650 Hawk. :o
Ultra Lightweight Suberbike, baby. Wood for all!!
OK,OK I ACCEPT YOUR OLD RAT BIKE CHALLENGE!! ILL WRITE YOUR SLOW ON THE BACK OF WHAT EVER SHIZ BOX IM RIDIDG SO YOU TRY REAL HARD ....AND CRASH!!! YOUR BIKE WILL BE THE YELLOW ONE,ITS NEVER BEEN CRASHED BY YOU SO WE CAN HAVE A NEW STORY TO TELL! SO YOU FEEL LUCK...PUNK? WELL .....DO YA? >:( ;D
Insaine... turn your caps lock off. All this yelling is giving me a headache.
Quote Plus we need to humiliate Matt Buck on his creepy 650 Hawk. :o
Ultra Lightweight Suberbike, baby. Wood for all!!
OOoooo!!! Oooooo!!! I wanna play! :D
QuoteOOoooo!!! Oooooo!!! I wanna play! :D
Elaine, are you going to Buttockswillow? Steven is allegedly going to ressurect our EX500 program for the next two races. I think you have a race in New Mexico on the same weekend that we have Firebird East, so Buttonwillow may be your only chance to have 3 guys averaging over 250 pounds each chasing you around with silly bikes. I am half considering using our 400 Bandito, but I have to make sure it runs first. I vaguely remember it running, but that's like 3 years ago or something! :o
Well I hope I don't miss this battle. I won't be there Saturday as I am riding the MS150 that weekend. And Sunday is the ride back from Gila Bend so as soon as I get back I will head to the track around noon or so I hope! Have a good time!
I LIKE BEING LOUD!! YOU RACE RIGHT? AND ONE OF THOSE LOUD AND SILLY BUELLS SO I THINK IVE HAD MORE HEAD AACHES FROM THAT NOISE THAN MY TYPING COULD EVER DO TO THE WHOLE WORLD!! IF YOU WANT PUT IN SOME EYE PLUGS , BREAK OUT THE SACK OF DAIPERS AND START THE BABY TALK GO TO NICK.COM WERE ALL THE CHILDREN GO AND HAVE YOURSELF A ...HEHE BLAST!!
AHHH HAAA I found where alll the "FAST" I mean "FAT" I mean "PHAT" People come to talk POOOO. Chock one up for the Fat man in a little suit......ME I will be there running with the fat guys! ;) awwwwhahahah Hopefully I do not ass pack myself in the second to last turn.
P.S. Jen says HI and will be watching our Fat asses flopping around BUTTOCKSWILLOW.... ;D
TTYL,
PHAT E
Hey, everybody, that was Eric Pelley, soon to be 2004 Amateur Champion of the Pacific AND Southwest regions!! I am not sure if you can a$$ pack yourself, but if you can, we are going to need video of it!! Eric, you can't use the SV650 in Ultra Lightweight Superbike. We will all have our SV650's out there too, so if you want, we can have our Race For The Yen with the lightweight bikes in GT Lights!! Q chickened out, and Nick moved to Florida, so it's just us!
Big Daddy Fat Ray
PS Jen wants me!! ;D
QuotePS Jen wants me!! ;D
You gonna stand for that Eric?!! Oh shiznit...it's on like Donkey Kong now! I may have to sit this race out to watch the excitement with Jen....I'll tell ya who she roots for ;)
QuoteElaine, are you going to Buttockswillow?
Nope, after Nov's ASMA race, we're done racing for the year. Gotta get ready for next year. Playing bike swap means lots of set up work. I'll be back for ULSB next year, so you boyz better BRING IT! :P :D
It's already brought-en!!! ;D
SEE, THATS WHERE EVERYONE GOES WRONG! JUST RIDE,SET UP ISNT IMORTANT JUST GO FAST AND SLID AROUND A LITTLE....ITS FUN! EXEPT THE SWEEPER AT BUTTOCKSWILLOW ON AN R1....THAT SUCKED!! GET YOUR SPRING RIGHT AND ZOOM OF TO THE PODIUM!! IVE BEEN LIFTING WEIGHTS....OR SOMETHING.. SO IM RIPPED AND READY FOR YOUR CHEER LEADERS TO TRY TO BATTLE THE ORIGANAL"FAT" IN THE BATTLE OF THE SHIZ!! I WISH WE COULD DO BATTLE LIKE THEY DO IN ROAD RASH,CHAINS,BATS,AND MAYBE PAINTBALL GUNS BECAUSE YOU WUSSIES WOULD CRY IF WE HAD REAL GUNS...HEHE.
Man, it's a good thing I ride a motorcross bike in ULWSB, with all the spoop tallking I'll need that long travel just to wade through it all. ;D
And just to add to it, the CR500 has quite a bit more motor than last time you CCS boyz have seen it (note I said boyz, Elaine's already had to deal with it). Too bad it will have to wait till next year...must suck to get passed by a dirtbike.
2-strokes rule, 4-strokes drool :P
-z.
Zach, the only way your bike would win is if Elaine were riding it!! ;) ;D ::) 8)
QuoteZach, the only way your bike would win is if Elaine were riding it!!
;D Actually, I'll have to dice with Zac next year as he'll FINALLY be moving up to expert. He finished his year of sandbagging. Now he's talkin' like he's a big 2-stroke fanatic. Even though he did spend the entire past 2 seasons on 4-strokes.
QuoteToo bad it will have to wait till next year...must suck to get passed by a dirtbike.
Not as bad as it is to get passed by your wife! :P ;D
Dang, with the Seasly's and the Hymer's next year they may have to re-name ULSB "Family Feud."
The only thing that is a bit unfair is that the weight both of you put together is still less than Steven or me!! :o
HEY NOW!!! THEY NEED TO WEIGH LESS,TO GO OVER JUMPS AND STUFF. IF THEY TRY TO KEEP UP THEY'LL NEED TO HAVE LONG TRAVEL DIRT BIKES....YOU KNOW THE DIRT IS WERE THEY CAN MAKE UP SOME TIME!! AT EAST YOU CAN GET A KILLER LAP TIME,GO FROM TURN TWO TO SIX WITH A FLAT TRACK TYPE MANUVER AND BAM!!! ON TO THE PODIUM WITH STYLE. BUT THE QUESTION IS.......CAN THEY RIDE IN DIRT TOO? OR WILL THE DIRT HAVE A COUPLE OF MOUNDS OF DIRT WITH THE NAMES OF FAST DIRTY BIKE RACERS HANGING OUT OF THE HOLE!! GOOD LUCK WITH THE TWO STUCK! HEHE I WANNA KX500 AND GO FAST IN THE LITTLE SHIZ CLASS . I DO HAVE AN RM 250 I SPANKED A$$ ON AT THE EAST TRACK :) BUT A 500 IS WHATS NEEDED TO GO OVER 100MPH AND MY RM GOES 50 OR SO..HEHE LET THE SMACK TALKING PROCEED........
Steve...
Turn you Caps Lock off. It's the little button above your left shift key. Your posts are very hard to read in all caps and it's not polite to the other users of this fourm.
Thanks,
Dawn :)
Steve,
You were asked by more than one person to turn your caps lock off. Instead you were abusive and obstinate.
Your post has been deleted.
Dawn
But that made it easy to tell the difference between Steve's posts and Ray's posts.
Steve, I think you should communicate only with smilies now. :o ;D :P ::) :-*
No, I can spell! ;D
I ThOuGhT wE WerE FrEe To SpEaK In The USA!!! I guees there isn't a"freedom of type" so they must be right. oh well. woman,cant do anything with out making at least one mad. I RULE!!!!
Sorry ...i meen :o :-[ :-* ;D >:( ;) :P :-X :-/ :D :) :'( :-*
Elaine and/or Zac...
I am trying to get Mike and Vince out there with me for the last round.
What's a good place to stay (not too far and not too expensive)? I stayed at a Motel 6 last time and it was hell, and I didn't feel like things were super safe in the truck there. It also wasn't the closest place.
-Brian
Unfortunately there are no close places, except for mine (trackside) but I haven't heard anyone getting things stolen at the Grand Hotel in Deming. It's reasonable ($35 single) and they have security as well as a restaurant that's open early.
Brian, are you asking about PHX or NM?
QuoteBrian, are you asking about PHX or NM?
Firebird... :) Thanks. I was beginning to wonder about Roger's answer. ???
-Brian
Wow!! Season's over! Our last race at Firebird was great. CCS used a different configuration of the East track, and it was a lot smoother and faster than with the old bus stop.
I'm not sure yet, but I may have finished 3rd overall in the Southwest Region!! I also won 4 class championships, too!!;D
Steven had a horrific crash in GT lights, got knocked out, broke a few ribs, and exploded his leathers. :o
He had gained so much weight he couldn't fit into his backup leathers. He was laying on his back, and everyone in the pits was pushing his fat into the leathers and trying to zip them up, but he was too HUGE!!! He had to run home and fetch my backup leathers :o
(I don't crash, so I don't bring them to the track! ;) )
He missed a few races, but was able to get back in time to score 626 points for the day and finished in the top ten!! Hopefully his broken ribs will mend in time for the first race of 2005!!
Wow, Ray, sorry to hear about Steve's crash. But your description of getting him into the leathers was hilarious! ;)
Congrats on your great finishes!!!
We were racing out at Arroyo on Sun (which had the conflicting date) and the weather SUCKED! Temp fluctuated between upper 30's and low 40's and it rained the whole time! I was miserable, but still raced.
The big story was Zac. His big race was 600 Amateur, which he was racing on the CR500 motard (rain front, DOT rear). It was mathematically possible for him to win the championship if he placed on the podium, the current points leader finished in the middle, and the other 2 racers in points behind him finished behind him. A long shot for sure. But the rain tossed it all up. The points leader stayed in the middle of the pack for the entire race, and Zac diced up front for the lead. It was only a 5 lap sprint and he was lapping experts in the field. In the final turn he went in with 3 other riders, and it was 4 wide going through the turn. It was Zac, one of the guys behind him in points, another amateur trying to win the race, and the 2nd place expert. Zac, being on the motard, knew that he had to get on the gas hard out of that last corner to beat the higher-horsepower 600s to the finish. He came out of the corner in the lead, got on the gas hard, and proceeded to HIGHSIDE. He was less than 200 yds from the finish line and the championship. He was hoping that he'd have enough momentum to slide across the finish line, but it was too far.
Zac's bike landed on the track as he rolled into the dirt, and the race was red flagged. They reverted back to the previous lap's finishing order, so he finished 2nd. The points leader took the championship. Since Zac was on the motard, the bike suffered minimal damage (unlike the R6 that he launched in the rain in the first Firebird East race this year). He landed on his wrist and broke it. Wrist is in a hard cast until Xmas. :-/
I'm sorry we didn't get to see the CCS crowd at the final race of the year. I've missed seeing everyone out there. At least next year we shouldn't have conflicting race dates between ASMA and CCS SW, thanks to Roger and Kevin.
See you guys in 2005! :D
Yes, I crashed.....GOOD & HARD!!! WOW I'm hurt!! Thats what a kid with no brain does the first race out when he knows theres 15 more to go!! I'm stupid...hehe. Oh well theres a good chance I'll get better so I can brake my a$$ again. my sv is even more hamered than ever and I'm hoping it fixes its self...cause I hurt and I'm broke too! I had alot of people that wanted to know were the ex's where. They are a couple of parts away and should be on the track soon! one or two parts each and there ready for battle! We also have a new toy for the battle of the shiz boxs....a bandito of death 400 cc's of raw woop a$$!! Ill be trying to get the biggest piece of poo ever seen on the track ever ....a xs 650 with stock bars and it too will rule !!! hehe Not sure of the date it will see duty but Ill try to make it snappy. did I mention that this message hurt alot to type? OK.....OOUUUUCCCHHH!!! See you in turn one. :-*
Steven, it will take a lot to beat the MB5 that Jason Parker rode. Now that was a shite pile!! :o
Let's not forget about the Ninja 250 with a slipping clutch that you rode in the old Ultra Lightweight Sportsman class!! Or your creepy 1988 RM250 that you rode like a man and won GP Singles! ;D
Do I need to bring up the TLR at AMP?? :-X
Tell you what...you get the Yamaha XS650 project onto the track, and I'll bring the H2 of death, and we'll have some 70's wars!! ::)
Hey Ray and Steve... I've got a 70's bike for you to race...a GT750 (Water Buffalo)...I think it can ride in some of the lighter classes because it's so old and a two-stroke. :)
BTW, that was me that was stuck behind, in-between and ahead of you at various points at Buttonwillow during your LWSB or whatever runs ahead of 125GP. :)
I made a mistake I'll not make again...I decided to try a clear sheild on my helmet while wearing some sunglasses. I didn't notice until about the bus stop on the warmup lap that SOMETHING was wrong... I was seeing things that certainly were not there. The curbs were moving around and in certain corners I saw the newer sections of paving sticking up off the track a few inches and kind of glowing reddish.
I came in after the race and told my pit mates about it (with the questions about Sat. night's drinking coming right away) and we figured out that both my sheild and the sunglass lenses were polarized...so, never again. It was scary. :)
So, that's why once I got past all of you guys, that was kinda why I slowed down...I had nobody in front of me testing the pavement..and I figured best to finish the race for sure rather than hit something that actually was there trying to get up to the next batch of bikes.. :)
-Brian
That was the bandit that i was riding,400 ccs of woop a$$!! When you got in front of us I did ask"how did this guy pass us" to my self and proceeded to spank you to the finish...hehe I will post the dyno results when I get the bandito dyno'd but Im guessing less than thirty....it sucks!! at buttocks willow i couldn't go right with authority or id drag the header and the back would go in the air....thought i was going down every time it did that but it never did...those street tyres worked so good...hehe God shiz boxs are fun!!My funnest battle was with a yellow plate ex with nos or a turbo...well it was supper fast. we went back and forth intill he saw a nice turn he wanted to make a straight away and i never saw him again!! but you cant go wrong with silly bikes. Brian tryed to cheat using a cool two stroke and i had to put on the dark side of my riding to get a head of him...he made it so i couldnt get my dad by the end of the race!!!those lil 125's love me and my dad,the big bottoms are very good for drafting! It was all fun and I got the bandito up off the ground alittle more so man moves wont be so intresting any more!! I want to see what the muzz gots!!! hehe see you some tyme :P
QuoteTell you what...you get the Yamaha XS650 project onto the track, and I'll bring the H2 of death, and we'll have some 70's wars!! ::)
I've got a bike for some '70s wars! My '72 Honda CL450. I've raced it in ASMA vintage before. Though I think it only makes about 30 hp or so.
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fprecisionstrikeracing.com%2FElaine%2Felaine_cl450.jpg&hash=6b91983ee9999fc0c5d7622d5916ed146564566c)
QuoteI've got a bike for some '70s wars! My '72 Honda CL450. I've raced it in ASMA vintage before. Though I think it only makes about 30 hp or so.
That is a COOL looking bike! :)
-Brian
QuoteBrian tryed to cheat using a cool two stroke and i had to put on the dark side of my riding to get a head of him...he made it so i couldnt get my dad by the end of the race!!!those lil 125's love me and my dad,the big bottoms are very good for drafting! It was all fun and I got the bandito up off the ground alittle more so man moves wont be so intresting any more!! I want to see what the muzz gots!!! hehe see you some tyme :P
Sure was fun! Even though I had the weird visions...I saw you guys battling well. I think it was you that I was seeing trying to figure a way around your dad or something into T1 for a couple of laps. I was trying to draft you guys down the straight and then before T1 you would start going to the inside and then I didn't know what you both were going to do so I would stay back...it was surely cool watching you guys have a blast. :)
-Brian
QuoteEven though I had the weird visions...
Stop doing shots of pre-mix! :P ;)
I've been hearing all this 70's pile class. We don't want that!! my dad likes those h2 kawis and has 1 or 2 and those bastards! They make atleast 70hp stock!!! thats cheating!!! well I guess if youall want that class I need the limits and rules!! they made a six cylinder or two in 79 ,,cbx and the kz so set the rules and let the sillyness run wild!!
QuoteHey Ray and Steve... I've got a 70's bike for you to race...a GT750 (Water Buffalo)...I think it can ride in some of the lighter classes because it's so old and a two-stroke. :)
-Brian
Now I am not being a liar, so you have to believe me, but the first road race that I ever did was in 1981 with a bone stock 1974 Suzuki GT750 water buffalo!! At that time, the top rider was....Kevin Elliott!! :o
The racing organization was PRRO here in Phoenix and the race was at Phoenix International Raceway, and I took 3rd place in the "Box Stock" 750 class. I rode the bike to the track, wore 2 sets of blue jeans and a leather jacket, and rode the bike home after the races! 8)
Steven was a pudgy 1 year old at the time. I have a few PICS of the bike, and I'll try to get them scanned and posted here in the near future. I may even have one with Steven sitting on the bike! That was when he actually weighed less than the bike! ;D
Oh man! That's funny! I almost busted a button on that one. :o
Well, I'd like to try riding this GT750 I have. It's pretty much a naked bike now, had been somewhat race prepped..even has aftermarket pipes on it...actually, I want to know what it sounds like! :)
The thing is SOOOOO darn heavy, probably about or more than 4 X my weight.
-Brian
If i could figure how to put pics on here I'd get arrested!! hehe ...I like that pic and theres more with those damn 70s two strokes that are scary as all hell to ride...(h2)....damn there fun!!! I like his yard sell pic...parts all over his drive way ...crashing is cool!! Daddy we need to race the black one,I have an 800 kit a welder and alot of healing time to make some fancy undrgable chambers!!i think I have some barfacators and those zoomy crome pipes!! I know for a fact that we would crash that bike more than it would finish races!!! Crash it or cink it before the finish line!! but what the hell it would be funny!! I'll even be the pilot if your to wussy to haul ace on it!! I think my front end on my police bike will fit to so we can have brakes and a 17 on the front!! Let me know fat man!! ;D
Don't tempt me to show up with my father-in-law's KZ1000
-z.
Hey, Zac, don't get Steven started on the KZ1000 stuff!! He has a 79 police bike with YZF600 suspension front and rear, PLUS the motor has been worked on by Cycle Dynamics, and puts out 109hp on the dyno!! :o
It was meant to be used in Thunderbike, but it still isn't finished. He needs to put a subframe, gas tank, and footpegs assemblies onto it. BUT.....he does have a welder now! 8)
I ALMOST bought a Yamaha XS650 from Bob's yesterday, but if we decide to do a 70's project, there are a few other bikes that I would consider, such as a GS1000, CBX, or even a silly KZ1300 (there's one on ebay right now for $1100, and it's in Kingman). Of course there are the Ducati's too, but they cost too much. Too bad CCS doesn't have some sort of Vintage class. :(
Did I hear kz? hehehe ;D yes I do have a welder ;D And most of the things you said I needed are already done ;D Did I hear correctly? :-*
Here are those PICS! Check out my spiffy threads! Not to mention that I actually had hair!:o
You know I had all of the chicks back then! ;D
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.andale.com%2Ff2%2F100%2F122%2F5602131%2F1101873746151_gt750_H2_Steven.JPG&hash=ed02590f87f4b4d520cb7f0ef1ee2c69a38d97b5)
IM FAT!!! HEHE DARN IM CUTE!! AND FAST TO,YOU SEE MY TUCKING? WAY FAST!!
Wow, check you out Ray! :o Those are some sweet pics (nice bikes, too ;))! Vintage bikes are so cool.
And Steve, I have to admit you were a cute kid. Dang, you sure did start riding young! ;)
IM GONNA SCORE!!! ;D
I thought you already did score??!!! Pimp daddy Stevie!!
Cute pics!
What the heck were you riding in the one race on sunday with your front plate looking like it was cut out of cardboard?
Damn Ray where is the rest of you ;D
THAT THERE WAS THE BANDIT 400 OF PURE BREED RACE BEAST!! ITS FAST AND DEADLY TO ALL THAT CHALLENGE IT!!hehe I love silly bikes. The hymers have a new addition to are silly bike challenge and it is way fast!!! You all have to wait enlees you can get it out of the fascia (father) hehehehehehehehehhehehe ITS COOL!!!!!
Just reading the thread to see if the insane guy was still yelling. :)
Wayne, I was 170# back then. I'm not sure where the other 100# came from. I'd like to send them back! . :-/
I'll see you tomorrow at the track day.
The Bandit 400 was only supposed to be used in UL Superbike, but Steven yardsaled the SV650 all over turn 2 (along with a few ribs and his uterus), so he used the Bandit in all of the Lightweight races. I basically rode with him in the back of the pack so it looked like he was beating somebody! ;D
We gridded together in the back of Middleweight Superbike field, and got to watch Mel loop the ZX6 off the start. I think he thought it was a stunt show! ;)
Here is a PIC of the new beast. We don't have it in stock yet, but Steven is supposed to go to Albuturkey and fetch it. He wants all of the hot chicks to know that he needs a co-pilot!
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi16.ebayimg.com%2F01%2Fi%2F02%2Fd1%2Fed%2F76_1_b.JPG&hash=f2c34c20831b3d66a1b41c4d0a8c9b32eede909d)
What you all are looking at is the fastest,coolest bike I've seen that I will have at a trackday! I think the beemer and the other old toys are going down with a quikness . I heard these bad boys have over 30 hp's at the starter button!!! thats over 5 hp's at the wheel so watch out all of you vintage squids....I'm coming for you!!!! ;D
Wow, Ray, you're racking up the championships all over! Just wanted to say congrats on the Junior Stock 50 AZ Pocketbike championship! http://azpocketbikeracing.com/ (scroll down to 2004 season results). ;D ;)
Wow, cool looking bike...So exactly how many bikes are you going to run next year?
By the way speaking of Mel looping his bike on the starting grid, I have never seen a bike lose so many pieces and yet not travel more than a few feet. Nothing like the last race of season to scatter parts all over the front straight!!!!!!!
THAT IS MY BROTHER RAYMOND!! HE'S 6 AND FAST!!
I would like to take credit for the 2004 mini moto championship, but that was actually my 6 year old son, Raymond Jr. :o
Here is a PIC of him riding one the pocketbikes.
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azpra.com%2Fazt7-11-21-04%2Fimages%2Fjrblatacag-4_JPG.jpg&hash=4cafc4415e1db3e530f5c7a0b43e7a7d08298b05)
Yeah, I figured he must've been related. Congrats to the little tyke! Looks like it's a racing family! :)