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Round One at Carnaby 2
Well finally got the R6 race ready or as close as finances allow the first time I was to ride the bike was actually at the meeting itself so not too much was to be expected
The bike is just bog standard with race bodywork fitted, a micron exhaust and carefully set up by the guys at ASHTON PERFORMANCE CENTRE in Hull (cheers Dean & Baz well recommended).
In the first session the bike seemed so fast even though it was less power than my kited CBR from last season (probably due to not riding a bike since last October), lighter and with brakes that work (comparing to 2 pot Honda items).
Second practice session went fairly uneventfully with times of low 1 min 12 sec. Watching the first 1300cc race Baz from A.P.C on his R1 was doing low 1; 08's (hell things need to improve quickly)
Race 1
600 clubmans cup, this is an open class race so full slicks are allowed but as I am also competing in formula 600 I am running road legal tyres. On my second lap I was down to the 1; 08 time and slowly dropping from the front two but holding out for third place. Not bad considering I had only done about 8 mile on the bike so I was quiet pleased.
Race 2
Formula 600, been placed on the third row didn't really please me much (why put slow riders at the front with faster people at the rear it is just asking for a first corner pile up.) A cracking start up to second into first turn and nearly riding around the leader around the first bend quickly passing for first place a few corners later and just got my head down for the win. My lap times were slightly slower but with no one to chase and under constant pressure from Farrington I was pleased to take the win.
Race 3
1300 Senior Clubmans Cup. Out with the GSXR 1000's, R1's and Blades this was going to test the power of my 600. Same again a start towards the rear of the grid so some places hopefully to be made up into turn 1. Wrong what a crap start just lifted then bogged down as I hopelessly try to get it going last man away from the line. Quickly catching and passing at every opportunity climbed up to 5th place and slowly catching the 3 guys just in front but would need about 30 laps with the difference in lap times. 5th place finish.
Race 4
600 clubmans cup, just a repeat of race 1, 3rd place
Race 5
Formula 600, A good race 1st into turn one but under constant pressure form Bret Crossley. A good quick (but on the edge) young rider had a few attempts to pass even scaring the life out of me as his shadow (from the low sunlight) passed the front of me god he must have been close to taking me out. He seemed to be able to pull along side of me quiet easily down the long straight's and eventually nipped passed blocking me, to stop me from been able to retake him with 2 laps to go second place finish.
Race 6
1300 Senior Clubmans Cup. A lot better start from the 3rd row and only getting beet to the first turn by a GSXR 1000, holding on with him for a lap or so before slowly dropping a few places and finishing 4th. Should really be trying some slicks in the classes I can run them in, but would only need more wheels.
Well better than first expected very happy to have won first time out a few teething problems with a leaky rear shock but maybe that's what you get with road suspension on the race track. Hopefully I might be able to find the cash for some proper engine work by ASHTON PERFORMANCE CENTRE in a few rounds time when I can really warrant it with more time on the bike.
The thank you section
Well I really don't know who to start with so much help and support I couldn't manage with out any of you this year,
Ashton Performance Centre (Hull) Tel. 01482 221414
UK Suspension (Bradford) Tel. 01274 305671
Team Magsport
John Baker (for making everything that I couldn't afford)
Simon (for the Paint Work)
Screech (for the use of his wheels off his road bike for wets)
And everyone else for there help and support.
See you all at Elvington Park on the 21st April
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