C'mon, let's hear it!!! 3/6/2005 Grange

[Slideways151]

I want to thank you guys first off in the Southwest region for making up a great bunch of racers. This is a better race family feel than I ever had in road racing. And kudos to Don Canet for putting on such a great series.

Race report: I screwed up my first "pole position"!!!--The report goes that I was breaking in my "new" race bike and she's was a little snatchy, and finicky at first. Beginner heat; I'm on pole next to 148 (MJ), the flag waves and I almost loop the new machine. Get into turn one and up & over Mike Hobbs and taste turn one with my new helmet. The brake lever moves down to where I can't reach the lever...DNF. LCQ (best of the worst), I line up in 2nd to last and look over to my race peers at the fence (I swear I heard them snickering!!). I won the LCQ to get me a great 21st start position for the main!! Beginner main; 21st position so when Don flew the flag I was off like a prom dress. The bike is starting to really come into her own and I passed a few to catch up to Lou in 3rd tryin to pass in turn 2 and my front axle slider hits the curbing and down goes the bike (sorry guys, but I didn't have time to pick up the slider) , but she hardley even touches the ground as I pick her up and re-start my run. I made it up to 5th. I guess not too bad.
Novice heat: I start from pole position (again), and this time I'm determined to make good...I do. Led the race for two laps, ended up 3rd!!! (front row start for the main!!). Novice main: Good start, into turn one in 2nd and tryin to stay with 1st. Some crazy Brit dude comes by in the dirt (my weak point) and I'm pretty sure he called me a "wanker" on the way by. I try to stay with them, can't, my arms are wasted and I look back to see what's up (I hate ever looking back, but I felt I needed to go to preserve mode). I see Mike J., #148, back there, and decide to keep what I've got and hold the 3rd. I wish I had more for the "chaps" up in front, but 3rd was the best I could manage this day. Not bad, but I want better. Thanks again everyone for giving me the biggest smile all the way home! I can't wait for the next one!! Chris aka, Slideways 151

[solaidrider667]

I want to say thanks again to everybody that attends Don Canet's events as the racers and spectators alike are all awesome! Well this 2hundredand20fat sportsman rider(me-Ican be faster if I was lighter) just cant hang with #29(160lb 2005 crf450)on the front straight(my bike 2000 yz426).I am still shootin for 1st overall in sportsman though,the dirt can get you #29! I cant wait for the next race and i am lookin forward to a beautifull day and a safe race day!Best wishes to those who had ems visit them.

[bdmmotard]

congrats chris, sounds like you're getting up to speed quick! that would be a very nice finish even w/o the crashes, so very impressive :thumbup:

[The Mad Brit]

I wholeheartedly agree. The STTARS Riders are the absolute best bunch of people. I had a blast racing with you all. Very busy so will write more maybe tomorrow if i get time, but seriously, you all rule! Without all the other riders,we wouldn;t be there. Thanks also Don and Greg, without you guys none of us would have met so manygreat friends or had such great fun either.
--The Mad Brit

[Slideways151]

I want to say thanks again to everybody that attends Don Canet's events as the racers and spectators alike are all awesome! Well this 2hundredand20fat sportsman rider(me-Ican be faster if I was lighter) just cant hang with #29(160lb 2005 crf450)on the front straight(my bike 2000 yz426).I am still shootin for 1st overall in sportsman though,the dirt can get you #29! I cant wait for the next race and i am lookin forward to a beautifull day and a safe race day!Best wishes to those who had ems visit them.


Was that you that went down in the dirt? If so, that was a great race from last to second place. I watched that race and was cheering you on (if that was you). Did you get taken out by the other guy? Anyways, great race!!

[148]

So here's the day as I remember it....

I entered Beginner and Novice. Beginner was another great turn out so the pack was split into two. I drew the front line next to Slideways151 who was on pole. Now he has a new fancy A1 super built best you can get type bike so I was a little apprehensive to say the least. The green flag went up and as I pulled away I saw this wheel about head height to my left - I smiled :D. So I made it to the first turn in front and was lucky to stay that way through the heat race which gave me pole position.

In the novice heat I lined up next to Slideways again on pole (hoping now he was going skyward again I felt a little more confident). Rhyne & Johno were to my left and I knew both were strong riders as they took the school on Friday also. Well I ended up third into the corner behind Slideways151 and Rhyne but Rhyne had a momentry lapse in concentration and forgot Gary's teaching so I took him coming out of the corner. Slideways was getting away from me and all I could do was hold off the guys behind me and try to make up enough ground to pressure him. Three guys went past me - the last one was the MAdBrit - on the outside of the sweeper no less - I just had to laugh at that move. So I ended up in 5th for the main.

Beginner main and I have pole but I saw that Heat B had some pretty fast riders - notably a guy called Brian. Slideways had crashed in the heats, had run and won the LCQ and was way back in the pack. I got off the line first - wahooooo!!!:clap:. I was getting comfortable there - occasionaly making mistakes (like every other corner) but looking for brian to come up on me. He did - in the sweeper - I have to admit I was going a little slower in there but I think he tried the inside - as I came in for the apex I knew he was coming in (pretty hot too) - I think I heard ohhh sh#t, then felt a soft tap on the back of my bike the a cloud of dust on the outside of the track. Now I had some room behind me and just needed to bring it home. If it were only that simple. With 2 laps to go I lost the front end in turn 2 while watching my competition come down the back straight. I could not get the bike restarted and ended way in the back. Aaaaahhhhh:2hard :2hard

Now I'm deflated for Novice - starting second row - just out to work on Gary & Scotts teachings and have some fun - blow me down I took a fourth. I was behing Slideways again and he was just walking away from me - next time 151 :arsenal

Also like to say a bit woh-ahhh - all all out there - great bunch of people - Big mention to Don & crew too, also to Jason564 and Grimace who were not racing but came out in support anyway. Grimace - hope the injuries heal quick.

[jamntlr]

I had a great Day that was what I needed to get out of a funk that I have been into. Nothing like time with friends at the track to cheer you up.

Heat 1
I was gridded on the outside row 1, Flagged dropped so did my clutch, and off I go. As we head into turn 1 The entire field is ahead of me so I was dead last! So my late breaking plan goes into effect. I was late breaking into every turn I could passing riders on the outside of turns. Caught up to Mrs crash and fought for position. I finally passed her and then we hit the front straight, I waverd her by at full throttle cause of course she will kill me down the front straight. Late on the breaks into 1 early on the gas and down into turn 2. Passing on the ourside and try to put a distance between us. She held on and was close behind me until we hit the straight again, zoom she flys by me again and the entire process starts all over again.

Heading into the dirt section Mrs crash stayed outside a bit too long so I snuck up the inside and shut the door on her. Did she give up hell no I took the inside line she took the outside, side by side going over the tabletop I tried to late break in the dirt way too much speed to make thye turn and over the burm I go. Thought I was going down managed to save it and passed her going into the last turn onto the straight. Went for the pass entering the dirt again and my chain jumped off the sproket I was done she beat me fair and square. I know its only a heat race but that Sting still hurts!
http://www.crashclub.net/albums/SuperMoto/DSC01011_2.sized.jpg
Main
Again last into turn 1 passing people on the out side same thing Mrs Crash and I mixing it up. lap 2 going into turn 2 she moves to the outside for some reason so I snuck up the inside and closed the door on her after that I was able to gain a little ground , by the end of the straight She was barely ahead of me and I went for the pass in turn 1. after that it seems like she faded back a little. I was having so much fun going at it with her, her riding skills have improved a long way since those CMRRA days. I ended up taking 3rd place so Yay another Podium for me.

The sad fact is that its only a matter of time before Chris is kicking my ass, im going to work with her on her cornering and help her late breaking into key turns. Then Ill work with Sara and het her up to speed so she and Chris can do Battle.
http://www.crashclub.net/albums/SuperMoto/DSC01017_2.sized.jpg

[The Mad Brit]

With 2 laps to go I lost the front end in turn 2 while watching my competition come down the back straight. I could not get the bike restarted and ended way in the back. Aaaaahhhhh:2hard :2hard



Mikey! That really was bad luck, we were watching your race and you were fast, smooth and comfortable. That was just bad luck, happens to us all, but keep riding the way you were and we are ALL in trouble! Good job, Mate.

[solaidrider667]

Yes Slideways151 that was me who went down in the dirt avoiding #47 who lost his front end so I hit the haybayle, kept it running and charged as best as I could to get second :) Thanks for cheering me on, stop by my pit next time. I have a white ford van with "Solaid Clothing" on the side windows. Till next race........................

[chachi243]

A sweet photo on pg. 38...(supermotophotos) of the MAD BRIT leaning on that front tire..... i dunno what the tire pressure is but i'd say he used every bit of available traction..... :thumbup:...another of the many fine shots taken by Big Dave!!! :cheers:

[johnu]

Well it was my first time racing at Grange and I was pleased to be near the front in my races. However my tires were worn out before I even started and they let me down with acouple of crashes, the last one resulting in 3 broken bones in my foot and a crack in my ankle. Crash I can assure you I am not out to take over your name!!!! Now I will be sidelined for 6 weeks so will miss the stateline race.

Thanks to everyone for the help getting my gear in the truck.

[jamntlr]

Well it was my first time racing at Grange and I was pleased to be near the front in my races. However my tires were worn out before I even started and they let me down with acouple of crashes, the last one resulting in 3 broken bones in my foot and a crack in my ankle. Crash I can assure you I am not out to take over your name!!!! Now I will be sidelined for 6 weeks so will miss the stateline race.

Thanks to everyone for the help getting my gear in the truck.

Get better by Fontana! that is so awsome racing there while the AMA races are going on.

[CRASH!]

resulting in 3 broken bones in my foot and a crack in my ankle. Crash I can assure you I am not out to take over your name!!!! Now I will be sidelined for 6 weeks so will miss the stateline race.


Bloody hell mate that's knackered. (Damn John that SUX!)


Hang in there and heal up quick.




Ride'on,

~CRASH!~

[ReTodd]

Bloody hell mate that's knackered.


damn derka head, for a sec I thought you were the mad brit.

[johnu]

I am hoping to come out to Grange to watch next Sunday so I will see you guys out there. And yes crash, my foot is bloody knackered, a few Newcastle brown ales mixed with vicodin helps though!!

I am hoping to be back in action for Horsethief.

[The Mad Brit]

Like, whooaaa, Dude. Man, that blows bro', like wow.

Naaaaaa, can't do the american accent, but john, sorry to hear your foot is buggered. that's a bastard. Hope it gets better soon.

[969Mike]

Hey John sorry to hear about your break. So they said only six weeks, thats not bad. I just got the screw put in my wrist so I figure I'm going to need another six weeks myself. By the way are you still going to stateline?

[148]

John - tough break - pun intended

You were doing so well too. Come on by and hang out at the Grange.

Mike.

[johnu]

Mike 969, hope the wrist heals quickly. I will be at Stateline my son is racing on Sunday we will see you there. Once you get healed you have to do one of Gary Trachy's classes, I am definitely going to do more.

Mike 148, will definitely see you guys next Sunday.

It seems like 60% of the people I meet through supermoto are called Mike!!!!

Thanks everyone for the kind words - what a cool friendly sport this is!

John.

[The Mad Brit]

Ok, chaps! Here it is........... Showed up, as usual the night before to camp. My Best Mate, Shane Ginter camped in the trailer with us. I usually do three classes, but as Vet and Intermediate were back to back and I was second in points in Vet going in, I decided to "Wuss out" of Intermediate. Not a bad idea anyway being as old and fat as I am!! Anyway, ended up doing novice and Vet. Vet heat, front row grid along with my Great friend Mike D, and my Sponsor and bike preparer, Andre Barbosa from 3Bros in Temecula. Got a decent start and the front pack of the four of us pretty much stayed within a yard or two of eachother until the end. Front row for the main. Novice heat, BACK ROW grid!!! (WTF??) Forgot the importance of EARLY pre-entry!! My pal Shane Ginter was second row. Anyway, decent start, turn one, went all the way around the outside and by the end of the second straight, was about 6th or 7th. Dispatched with a few more bikes in the next lap and ended up I believe (memory not good) 3rd or maybe 4th. Anyway, front row grid for the main along side Shane Ginter. Must have got fourth, I was all the way on the right.
Vet main, decent start, Matt was up front, Mikey D second, myself 3rd and my Sponsor and all around good guy Andre was fourth. Mikey and I battled for a couple of laps and I actually got by him once on the main straight and hasd second for about 300 yards before he professionally and smoothly out-braked me and relegated me to 3rd again!! Nice one, Mike! Sadly in the dirt section he tucked his front end and I was so close to him I had nowhere to go and actually hit his body with my bike. I was so bummed, it just isn;t the same without Mike. No matter where we are, what class, he and I are usually together exchanging places. He got up quick and was ok, so I was glad. Ther must have been another crash earlier as after about 5 laps we encountered lapped traffic, which is where Andre got round me as I opted for one side and got blocked by a back marker. Andre went on to pass Matt for the win, I ended up 4th. It was a fun race, and I was happy. Andre's win wasn'w quite enough to lose my second place points (I think!), will have to see when the points are posted.
Novice main, Got a decent start, 3rd in to turn one, with Slideways and my Mate, Shane ahead. Slideways was riding the crap out of his bike but took the wide line in the dirt which left the door open for me, so I wnet through. With Shane's girlfriend and my Wife standing cheering us on together, I HAD to get by Shane so I took him on the front straight, then he and I opened up quite a gap and held our positions to the end, so I won it and Shane finished second right behind me! We were happy! Only problem, now I am booted out of novice and I wussed out of intermediate today, so I am now way down in points in Intermediate! Bummer, should have done it and just cruised in for some points.
Thanks to my sponsors: - 3 Brothers KTM of Temecula, KTM USA, Torco oil, Sidi Boots, Toolshed, Utopia, Regina, Vortex, Pump-X, GPR, AGV, Storm Cycle, Ferodo Brakes, FMF, Factory 909, Sixsixone, Race Tech, Motion Pro, Racesigns (Union Jack bike graphics!).
Anyone interested in any of my sponsors products, send me a PM! They all work great!! See you all at the next race!

[The Mad Brit]

By the way, I am NOT called Mike!!! :laughingr I am Andy!! :hammer:

[The Mad Brit]

Thanks also go out to all the following for helping make it such agreat day racing.....
Andre Barbosa, Mike D (the epitome of Gentlemanly conduct), Mike J 148 (bad luck in your main!), Slideways (You were FLYING Mate!), Mike Hobbs, Lou, The Wood Boys from San Clemente (Brit's rule!!), Shane Ginter, Don Canet, Motogreg, Jim Granger, Darryl Kimberley (great 7th place, Mate!!), Matt Barney, Crash and ALL the Crash Crew (what do I have to do to get in?? I crash a LOT!!), reTodd (the foot is almost better!), Solaidrider, CHachi243 (Good eyesight,Mate, 24psi but I am a fat bastard!!) John (ankle)My Wife Carla for supporting me, Shane's girlfriend Britney for supporting him and anybody else that waved, passed me, smiled, said Hi, or DID WHEELIES ON THE WARM-UP LAPS! and anyone else I may have omitted.
Thanks to you all. This is the best Supermoto group on the planet.

[Mike Hobbs]

Here's a shot from 2 races ago with you and Mike D #77 going at it!


Thanks also go out to all the following for helping make it such agreat day racing.....
Andre Barbosa, Mike D (the epitome of Gentlemanly conduct), Mike J 148 (bad luck in your main!), Slideways (You were FLYING Mate!), Mike Hobbs, Lou, The Wood Boys from San Clemente (Brit's rule!!), Shane Ginter, Don Canet, Motogreg, Jim Granger, Darryl Kimberley (great 7th place, Mate!!), Matt Barney, Crash and ALL the Crash Crew (what do I have to do to get in?? I crash a LOT!!), reTodd (the foot is almost better!), Solaidrider, CHachi243 (Good eyesight,Mate, 24psi but I am a fat bastard!!) John (ankle)My Wife Carla for supporting me, Shane's girlfriend Britney for supporting him and anybody else that waved, passed me, smiled, said Hi, or DID WHEELIES ON THE WARM-UP LAPS! and anyone else I may have omitted.
Thanks to you all. This is the best Supermoto group on the planet.

[MikeD77]

Thanks for the kind words Andy :thumbup:
I can't wait to race again this Sunday! Anyone planning on camping at the Track on Sat night? The 3bros BBQ is off the hook!

[johnu]

Mad Brit, yes mate I know you're Andy but it seemed like every other person I met at Grange was called Mike!!.

I am so frustrated with my broken foot and ankle I have to go for 6 weeks without riding. I am having so much fun with supermoto, what a great bunch of people to be racing against and be aquainted with.

[The Mad Brit]

I will be there saturday night, was thinking about MAYBE friday night too, but I was unsure who would be there and when exactly the barby was scheduled for. Would be nice at least to drink friday night and then lay in till noon on saturday before rolling out of bed and onto the track for practice! HAHAHAHA