Formula 40 "class of the field"

[skimp]

I see a lot of opinions from F-40 riders and most of them don't reflect the core of the riders objective. When it's time for the "old farts" race, I find myself going onto the track relaxed like in no other race, or even practice. On the grid, everyone is looking around to make sure they are not in anyones way for the launch. And you always see a few bikes being shuffled around so everyone behind can see the flagman. Appreciation is shown. Now we're ready! 3 board, we are still thanking each other for the view. 2 board, in other races, all the bikes are twisted out of the frame ready for the "hole shot." That sure is alot of noise, Guess I'll wait a little.1 board, If you listen really close you can hear bikes being slipped quietly into gear.  Board rotation begins, green flag flies and everyone launches flaulessly. A hard screaming dash to turn one. Gears grinding, rev limiters are everywhere. Suddenly turn one. This is where things get a little crazy if you haven't raced with these guys before. Whoever got the hole shot is feeling guilty and let's two by. "A clean line to the inside" but someone else sees it too. We can all read each others mind, a product of many years of being humbled in turn 1. "Go ahead, I'll wait for another hole". "Nope, I insist, you saw it first." Deals like these are being made all over turn one and everyone makes it through cleanly, no one feels guilty, great race! This might be a little exagrated, but only a little. These guys know they are not racing for a big purse, they don't have anything to prove, and they will have to be at work tomorrow. All of lifes priorities are still in place, and I am proud to be one of them fast or slow.  I have learned a lot from their example. They lend a ton of class to a sport that seems to need it sometimes and if I am ever intimidated at the track, it's always because I'm not sure if I deserve to race with men who display the class and sportsmanship I see in these guys every race, win or lose. Seems I forgot about those unlimited bikes we were talking about, guess they'll have to go through turn one with the rest of us. J Mckinney

[TreyBone]

What??  You give some one a little room and wait till the next hole to pass?  I know this ain't McKinney talkin' ;D  Anyhow, I enjoyed racin' you at RRR Saturday (turn 4 twice ) and look forward to seeing you at VIR this weekend.  Nevermind me. I'm just bustin' your balls a little.  

See ya next time
Trey (from Fayetteville , NC )

[bfkidd]

If putting it in gear at the one board is how you do your launch then no wonder I went by you when you still had your feet on the ground last time you were gridded in front of me. ;D

[stillslow]

Thanks for the insight  Jeff. These guys truely have class and a true feeling for the "SPORT". Why do "seniors" race???? Only one answer......

[FullMoonRacing]

Skimp,

What region are you in?  In my region, the F-40 guys are not all wearing tuxedos and acting Cary Grant-ish in Turn-1 (or anywhere else).  I would dearly love to race in your region and take a couple/few top finishes!!  

[prov431]

Sweet........maybe when I hit the big 4-0 I'll finally get a podium.........but then again, probably not...I'll still suck, but at least y'all will appreciate and respect my level of suck-ness more ;D