stalker
Full Member
Top Banana Racing
Posts: 148
|
Post by stalker on Apr 25, 2013 17:16:01 GMT
Hi all, Just an update on my racing, as you may or may not have read in my previous threads, I have had a few teething problems with the FZ causing me to cancel my entry for the first meeting of the year. Getting another front end, rebuilding it and getting it fitted took rather longer than I had hoped causing me to miss the second round We finally got it all back together and went testing last week. We had a few minor issues which we worked through, such as ground clearance and a dodgy fuel tap.. But all in all a very successful day! The bike, once sorted was flying ;D far better than I had hoped, so things are certainly looking up! Now back in the workshop and I'm just making a few minor adjustments here and there and we should be ready to put it to the test. I have now entered the Cadwell Park meeting on 19th. May, so if anybody fancies coming along to watch, you are more than welcome. Please come and say hello There is plenty of space for camping if anyone fancies coming along on the Saturday afternoon/evening, the bar will be open for food and beer, and plenty of pre race banter no doubt, especially after a few beers I hope to see some of you, if not at this meeting then maybe another one later in the season! All the best Keith
|
|
|
Post by Graham on Apr 26, 2013 16:20:51 GMT
Good luck Keith.
|
|
|
Post by JohnRogerOhanlon on May 9, 2013 6:03:43 GMT
Hi Keith, will there be other FZ's besides yours? John
|
|
stalker
Full Member
Top Banana Racing
Posts: 148
|
Post by stalker on May 9, 2013 7:42:56 GMT
Hi John, I very much doubt it, in fact its looking a bit grim on entries at the moment, (to say the least). Unfortunately everyone is feeling the pinch and that certainly seems to be reflected in entries at most club level meetings at the moment Earlystocks run a number of different classes in one race, but even so, they seem to be struggling for numbers. But if there isnt sufficient entries they will put us on the back of another grid, so should be plenty of people to race against ;D Cheers Keith
|
|
stalker
Full Member
Top Banana Racing
Posts: 148
|
Post by stalker on May 18, 2013 9:32:39 GMT
Bikes all done, just changing some tyres on rims and then its time to load up the van, and then.............. its off to Cadwell Park! I cant wait ;D
|
|
|
Post by Graham on May 18, 2013 16:17:18 GMT
Good luck Keith. No idea how much it is to watch but I might come along tomorrow if my mate fancies it. Weather seems to be in your favour too.
|
|
stalker
Full Member
Top Banana Racing
Posts: 148
|
Post by stalker on May 20, 2013 7:40:45 GMT
Race Report 19th. May 2013
After mixed weather leading up to the weekend, we managed to have a dry, and at timers quite sunny day for the meeting at Cadwell Park on Sunday.
We were out in first practice / qualifying. The bike developed a misfire but I still managed to get a few reasonable laps in and qualified 9th on the grid. I had also entered the all comers race at the last minute, just to get some extra track time (not knowing what I was letting myself in for at the time!)
After 1st practice, we set about trying to find the misfire problem, having narrowed it down to number 2 cylinder, we found a little bit of dirt in the carb, after cleaning it out, it seem to be running fine again! Job done.
It was then time for the 2nd practice / qualifying, for the all comers, unbeknown to me, I was up against top six British Superbike regulars, James Westmoreland and John Kirkham on the factory BMW’s!!
After a few laps everything was going well, then Westmoreland came past me on Park Straight as if I was stood still, I truly didn’t realise just how quick those BSB boy’s really are!!!
After five laps the misfire returned, only much worse. I pulled off circuit as I knew my first Earlystocks race was straight after practice, then I noticed that the radiator was starting to pump the water out of the overflow into the catch bottle! We managed to empty the bottle with seconds to spare as we were being called to the start line. This really wasn’t the start to the season that I was hoping for, far from ideal, going to the start with the engine now getting hot and a worsening misfire! We did the warm up lap and I took my place 9th on the start line, the light went out and on dropping the clutch the engine just bogged, I got away but the misfire was worse than ever, I was running around two thirds of the way down field and had adapted to the problem by running everywhere (possible) a gear higher (where it was not misfiring as badly) and keeping up as much momentum as possible not to put too much strain on the engine, with the hope of limping home for a few championship points.
Unfortunately, towards the end of lap four the engine had obviously had enough and blew all the water out of the rad!
I pull off circuit into the paddock, following a full inspection (after it had cooled down) it appeared that I have blown the head gasket!
As this was the first meeting on the bike and having only had a few laps testing, I had brought along my FZR 600, in case of such problems. After several discussions and a bit of arm twisting, I managed to persuade the organisers to let me out in the second race on that, but as it is not eligible, I would not be awarded any points and I had to start at the back of the grid.
I went out for the second race and went like billyo on the warm up lap (to get some heat into the tyres as we are not allowed tyre warmers in this class).
I took my position right at the back of the grid. The light went out and I was gone, passed three rows of the start ( I was always good at starts, even though I do say so myself!) passed about another six or seven riders around the outside on the first corner and up the hill. Passing as many as possible in the first few corners is critical, as the front runners start to stretch out a lead you always get held up getting through traffic, making it difficult to catch them up. At the end of the first lap I was up to sixth place, as We then settled into the race I picked off riders one at a time until I was up to third on the fourth lap, they were quite spread out by this time but I kept my head down and got second position with two laps to go. I then set about chasing the leader who was quite a way in front by this time, by the end of the lap I was almost with him, I then saw the last lap flag and thought this is it, I have only one lap to get past him! I managed to get along side him down Park Straight, I waited for him to brake and I didn’t, one, two three.. hit the brakes hard tipped into park corner and I was in the lead. I managed to hold it all the way to the finish. From last to first in my first race back with Earlystocks, I was over the moon! Just a shame the points don’t count, but that said, the FZ 750 is infact a little quicker than the FZR 600, so this boads well for the rest of the season.
Now back home and I need to get in the workshop and start work on getting the bike sorted.
The next round is a two day meting at Donington Park in four weeks, so I hope I can get it re-built in time for that!
I will keep you all informed nearer the time, as to the situation, in the meantime I would like to thank everyone who helped me over the weekend, especially Nigel who came up to mechanic for me. Also I would like to thank my sponsors, KJD Motorcycles, Hiflo filters and Mid Norfolk Mouldings for all their help and support.
Also a big thank you to Cass and Steve, who allowed me out in the second race, and the other riders who didn’t object even though the bike wasn’t eligible.
Many Thanks
Keith #221
|
|
stalker
Full Member
Top Banana Racing
Posts: 148
|
Post by stalker on May 20, 2013 9:24:18 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Graham on May 20, 2013 16:18:31 GMT
Bloody hell Keith, wish I had come to watch now! I was busy as usual sorry. Bad luck with the FZ. With the gasket problem sorted it should be a fairly hardy lump. Good luck for Donington park meet. I will be very interested to hear how you get on.
|
|
|
Post by Graham on May 20, 2013 16:20:52 GMT
Bike looks great by the way. Is that the forum web site on your rear arm?!
|
|
stalker
Full Member
Top Banana Racing
Posts: 148
|
Post by stalker on May 20, 2013 16:21:01 GMT
Thanks Graham. Are you likely to be over for the Donington round, as I know its not too far from you? Its on 22nd and 23rd June.
Keith
|
|
|
Post by Graham on May 20, 2013 20:44:14 GMT
I had to check but the Donington round clashes with the week I am going away with my girlfriend. We "may" come home early if we get bored/argue too much so I will be keen to attend if we do. Won't know until it happens so can't say any more than that for now sorry.
|
|
stalker
Full Member
Top Banana Racing
Posts: 148
|
Post by stalker on May 20, 2013 22:00:01 GMT
Yes, that is one of the stickers I had made! Only trouble is the stand bobbin is just in the wrong place (between the proboards and the .com!)
|
|
stalker
Full Member
Top Banana Racing
Posts: 148
|
Post by stalker on Jun 5, 2013 21:18:44 GMT
Testing at Mallory Park 5th. June 2013
Today we went to Mallory Park testing to try the new motor that I have now fitted. Had a very good day (apart from the fact that a sidecar dropped oil all the way around Gerrads on the racing line in the first session of the day!)
The Engine went very well and without any problems, so I have just filled in my entry forms for the two day at Donington.
Now to set about tuning the suspension and getting the old girl handling a bit better!
More news as and when.
Cheers
Keith #221
|
|
|
Post by Graham on Jun 6, 2013 22:22:05 GMT
Very good chance I will be along to watch you at Donington Keith. Not sure how but will do my best to find you for a chat.
|
|