Test Day 3
Mallory Park - ACU test day
Not the best start to a test day this time. 3rd Lap of the first session (sidecars) there was a bad incident at the braking point to Edwinas resulting in over an hour delay and the Air Ambulance called out too. Best wishes to whoever it was and fingers crossed for a good outcome as both rider and passenger did not look in good shape.
After the delay we then only had two sessions left for the day. My best mate who just so happens to be able to be my team mate says he will follow me for a couple of laps to see where I can improve. Seeing as he can get round in low 56's its an opportunity that I relish and really go for it. After a lap or so to warm the tyres I start pressing harder but for some reason today I cant get my entry into Gerards right. Braking way too much and scrubbing off far too much speed which in turn hurts my lap times way too much. 5 or 6 laps pass and then he shoots past and I try and tag onto the back of him. This happens for about 1/2 a lap before he's way out in front and at least 2 seconds ahead of me. Trying my hardest to stay with him but a few more laps go by and he's gone. Next thing I notice my clutch lever moving around on the clip on. After a couple laps it got worse and ended flopping completely down I decide to come back in and stop for that session. Better to fix it now rather than have a problem with not being able to grab it.
After fixing the clutch lever, simple 8mm bolt tightened, I decide to add some more preload to the front as the bike was softened off slightly for Cadwell. Few rings up on the preload so I don't get the front end dive that was making the bike unstable. Sorted ready for next session.
Jody then comes in and we are able to chat about where I can make up time and get better lines through corners etc. Quite a few pointers from him and I'm much more confident for the next session and try to work hard on these points that have been brought up. Basically every corner entry and exit I can make up time but with specific attention being made to the entry into Gerards and Edwina's. I know my braking needs some work but didn't realise just how much until someone else explained to me how much I'm losing.
Another friend who comes with us, Lee, decided he wanted to stick with me this session as we can do roughly the same times round here it'd be good practise. we head out and for the first few laps I'm ahead and pushing harder than in the first session but cant seem to get into a decent rhythm. this is made even worse when he comes round the outside of me on Gerards confirming Jody's words to me that my exit is not quick enough. I tag onto the back of Lee and we keep going. A couple of slides exiting Devils and I lose way too much time to him. this session I pushed as hard as I could for 11/12 laps before deciding enough is enough and came back in. I went longer than club race distance and almost was at 100% for every lap. I'm sure when the red mist descends on Sunday I'll go even better but after having Bill (Jody's dad, and general oracle) time me, it confirmed that myself and Lee were doing consistent minute laps but not yet getting into the elusive sub 60s club.
After hearing all this when I come back in, it really disheartens me as I really wanted to break into 59's as that will stand me in good stead for the upcoming first race. Heyho good day and finished off the tyres nicely. Now its just a case of wait until Sunday, first race day. As long as there are no major incidents I will let you all know how its gone and who knows, with all this pre-season practise there may be a shock result in the Superstock 600's..........I can dream!!!