Well, I went to do another track day today, although it wasn't really a "track day", but was the Learning Curves Racing, CCS Race License school. The teach you about racing rules, procedures, and some riding instruction. Actually a good class if you're getting into racing, but not geared towards teaching you how to ride like some of the other schools. This school is a mandatory prerequisite for purchasing your race license in our area.
The day started out pretty good. A little chilly but nice once you were on the track. Our first practice session after the classroom was on a dry track, and there were about 5 of us terrorizing the rest of the field. Dam...was that fun
Then as we were in class again, it started to friggin rain...hard.
This is where I got some more practice at changing the rims/tires over to the rain set. Supposedly, these are supposed to "help" you on the track, but mine just didn't want to play along. I should have just stayed with the regular Dunlop-208 GPA/JLB combo instead of the Pirelli Dragon Rains.
I did complete one practice session in the pouring rain without any problems which was about 10 laps. During the break I talked to the Pirelli vendor about proper pressure in the rains and he said 35 psi. I was running 38 psi during the last session. I lowered the pressure and went out for my last practice session before our exhibition race. I made it through the warmup lap, and then lost the front end on turn 3. The worst part was that at the time I had no idea what caused the front to let go. After getting the bike home, I discovered that the front brakes were dragging which could have acted like "I" was braking while trying to turn on a wet track...NOT a good combo. Calipers will be rebuilt before I do another track day.
Frame Sliders RULE
The only damage to the bike is a broken front brake lever, rear brake lever, a tweaked right side rear set, and some scratches on the exhaust can.
Right now I'm sore in the following areas but otherwise I'm okay...Right ankle, left hip, right shoulder blade area, and my right lower rib cage. I was still dam near vertical when the front end went out. That's what is so strange about it. Even the corner workers didn't think I was going that fast, and I sure as hell wasn't leaned over too far.
On with the pics...Sorry to be long winded
The current version of the "COW BIKE"...sanding still in progress
The day started out pretty good. A little chilly but nice once you were on the track. Our first practice session after the classroom was on a dry track, and there were about 5 of us terrorizing the rest of the field. Dam...was that fun
Then as we were in class again, it started to friggin rain...hard.
This is where I got some more practice at changing the rims/tires over to the rain set. Supposedly, these are supposed to "help" you on the track, but mine just didn't want to play along. I should have just stayed with the regular Dunlop-208 GPA/JLB combo instead of the Pirelli Dragon Rains.
I did complete one practice session in the pouring rain without any problems which was about 10 laps. During the break I talked to the Pirelli vendor about proper pressure in the rains and he said 35 psi. I was running 38 psi during the last session. I lowered the pressure and went out for my last practice session before our exhibition race. I made it through the warmup lap, and then lost the front end on turn 3. The worst part was that at the time I had no idea what caused the front to let go. After getting the bike home, I discovered that the front brakes were dragging which could have acted like "I" was braking while trying to turn on a wet track...NOT a good combo. Calipers will be rebuilt before I do another track day.
Frame Sliders RULE
Right now I'm sore in the following areas but otherwise I'm okay...Right ankle, left hip, right shoulder blade area, and my right lower rib cage. I was still dam near vertical when the front end went out. That's what is so strange about it. Even the corner workers didn't think I was going that fast, and I sure as hell wasn't leaned over too far.
On with the pics...Sorry to be long winded
The current version of the "COW BIKE"...sanding still in progress
