Sunday, August 10, 2008

08/08/08 Track day

Friday was another good day at the track. The weather wasn't great, but it didn't rain, mostly overcast until the afternoon when the sun finally came out. I met Will and we got everything set up and ready for the day.

All in all, things went pretty well for me. I was finally able to run consistent lap times that were quick for me, consistent 1:44's. Usually running a 1:44 made me feel out of control, but today I felt like I was always in control and not pushing to my limit. It might be the fact that the new steering stabilizer is on the bike, which helps out with some of the high speed wobbles I use to get in certain sections of the track. I was happy with the day, and the Michelin tires worked well.

Will had two bikes with him, the GSXR600 and the new to him, SV650. He ran the GSXR in the morning, then switched to the SV. Unfortunately, he also had a bad mishap going into turn two on the SV. It was a high speed crash, but luckily he didn't get hurt bad, maybe a bruised finger. The bike did not fair as well, but the damage is replaceable with no major issues, except maybe the tank which seems to have a hole in it.




And even though Will wasn't sure exactly what happened, he was still in pretty good spirits at the end of the day.

I only had one problem with the Honda. I lost two screws off the front fender, and as I was going out for another session, I heard a banging noise. I couldn't figure out where it was coming from, then I noticed the fender kind of hanging off to one side. I was able to pull back into the pits before going out and put two more screws in it with some extras I had just in case, and only lost out on maybe two laps. Not sure when the next track day will be, as the funds for this hobby are getting a bit thin, but I do hope to get at least one more day in, maybe down in Portland.