After missing several rounds this year due to work and new bike teething issues I finally made it to the track August 20-21 at Blackhawk Farms Raceway, South Beloit, IL.
The Saturday practice day went very well although rain early in the morning slowed the pace a bit during the morning sessions. That wasn't all bad as it took a while to get comfortable on the bike again. The last time I was on it was last September and I was sliding off the track! Getting the gitters out of my system was easier because with the new power that's in the engine now it makes the bike a blast to ride.
Sunday, race day, greeted us with great weather so it was time to get on the track with the other Experts!! I could tell that the morning practice pace was even quicker than the Satuday sessions so I felt like I could at least keep from being in everyone's way!
Lightweight Superbike - 9th
Going out for this race I felt like it was my first race ever! I actually had butterflies in my stomach and was really nervous. I kept telling myself that it was the same race, I was just starting further up the grid now as an Expert. It didn't help but when we came around to the starting grid from the warm-up lap there was a red flag flying! Apparently someone had crashed on the out lap so it was back to the pits until we were called back up.
The red flag clean-up didn't take long and before I knew it I was on the grid in row three. The green flag dropped, I got a good start and right out of turn 1 the rest of the Experts started pulling away. I thought my pace was good but it was no match compared to them!
I continued working on my racecraft and body postitioning but I was only battling with fast Amateurs, the Experts had checked out!
Well my first race as an Expert was uneventful but wasn't what I'd hoped for. I did pick up the pace throughout the race but I've got a ways to go yet!
Thunderbike - 8th
The Thunderbike race went much better with a good start and actually racing with other Experts through the first part of lap one. The other guys pace is really impressive and I'm just not there yet mentally. I know the bike can do it, I just have to gain more confidence.
The good news again was that my pace was much faster in this race compared to Superbike and I ran within 1.11 seconds of my very best lap at Blackhawk ever!
At the end of the day I was proud to have made it to the Expert ranks, ridden pretty well and kept the bike upright!
Thanks to all of my sponsors who have supported me during this season. With one round left in September, I look forward to even better lap times and getting out of the cellar in the race finishes.
