Heeee's baaack- William's first races in 4 years

[ToeCutterette]

Several have asked how his races went and since he has family on FB that don't know about his racing, we're not making any celebratory posts there.

So- he had a great weekend. 5 races entered and took 3rd in all of them. Sill a bit off his regular race-pace, but still awesome considering that it's his second time on this bike, it's a bit slower than what he used to ride and the brief retirement. I'm so proud of him.

Here's a shot of his great pass on the outside of turn 5. William is 451 the red Ducati in front. Now, look close...there are 3 bikes in this shot. The one he's passing is hidden behind him, you can see his helmet and rear wheel. I'm just sorry I didn't see it with my own eyes (I was on the front strait timing).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10201288@N ... 986630837/

[Susan]

Nice job!

I'm definitel up for a ride out next time he's racing.

[D-day]

What a great return to racing...3rd in Five races is formidable to say the least. Good going!

[Serendipity]

Congrats William!..I'm ridiculously impressed...

[JV]

Yeah, that's impressive!!

Summit Point??? That would make a nice scooter ride out there

fried okra

[ToeCutterette]

It was nice seeing him get back out there, do well, and have race officials and corner workers welcome him back. The bike got lots of attention in the paddock ...I guess it's a little strange and certainly the only one of its kind out there this weekend.

It was Summit Point...some of y'all probably recognize turn 5. Within the last 4 years alone, they have made some major track improvements. Not only in the repaving of the actual track, but to the facilities as well. I think it's time we revisit turn 5/6 and set up camp. Entry fee=camping fee...and they have several nice bathrooms with showers! Oooo. And a shifter cart track.

[AirborneVespa]

Aww tell the truth, he was competing against 13 year olds

Good job William.

[ToeCutterette]

Aww tell the truth, he was competing against 13 year olds

Good job William.

I'd hate to see what sort of times a 13-year-old could turn. Little bastards still bounce and know no fear. Now that I think of it...I didn't see any teens out there this weekend.

Luckily, he was allowed to compete as an expert- sometimes they make you go back to novice standing if you've been out of the game for a few years. Which would have been scary as hell. Most races this weekend were combined, so they had experts & novices on the same track, starting in waves and running separate races. It gets wild when the expert leaders come up on novice lappers and have to split around them. They look like they are standing still. I would poo if that were me. It still makes me cover my eyes and squeak when it happens. There are plenty of good novices out there...but the class spans from "first time on the track" to "been doing this for years, don't want to turn expert".

[AirborneVespa]

Glad he was able to get back on the track in an official capacity. I know he's missed it.

[Tedford]

Is it me or is his rear tire not in contact with the track?



Regardless, congrats and welcome back to doing what you love!

[ToeCutterette]

Sure it is...if a contact patch the size of a dime counts.

I'm sure it's just a trick of the angle though. These two pics show where the rubber meets the road a little better.
http://www.undertheblackhat.net/UnderTh ... e_5.html#3
http://www.undertheblackhat.net/UnderTh ... 5.html#110

[Tedford]

It looks like it in those two you posted, but it still looks to me like I'm seeing light under his tire. Maybe it's some weird light artifact from road heat?

[ToeCutterette]

I think that may be a blurry blade of grass sticking up from the infield or wavy heat/pavement trick of the eye. Or, he's flying. We can go with that.

[Zeets]

You're possibly viewing the 4th dimension. William has ridden into it.

[Tedford]

You're possibly viewing the 4th dimension. William has ridden into it.

I want to see photos of him with Buckaroo Banzai.