The SA Kawasaki BC Performance team had been down two weeks earlier for a bit of testing leading into the event. It was certainly the right decision to head down and learn that track. I found it tricky and like nothing I had ridden before. Fast straights and tight corners meant I needed to get on the gas quickly and brake harder than I ever had before.
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| On the gas up the back straight! |
The weather was not kind to us on Friday and it was changing rapidly. Unfortunately not having a second set of rims set up with wets meant that I didn't get out at all in the morning during the brief periods of reprieve. Then around lunch, the sky opened up and the torrential rain meant that practice and qualifying was abandoned.
Saturday morning the sun was shining but the track was still very very wet. I made a decision not to bother qualifying. Given that in all likely hood the result was going to be that I would qualify at the back of the grid regardless... little would be gain from qualifying in the wet. The absolute last thing I needed was another crash. I was more than happy to be at the back and staying well clear of the pack, it took away a fair bit of pressure that way too.
Race one came around.... There were many firsts in that race.... First race start on the ZX10..... first race finish EVER! That first race was pretty terrifying I wont lie. I felt a bit frozen, I was riding that way too. With little opportunity to get back on the bike between crashing in testing and that first race lets just say I was a bit shaky. Got lapped early on and I was pretty happy just keeping it upright.
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| Hard on the brakes into the Northern Hairpin |
So from there, with each race the lap times improved by a few seconds, my confidence in myself and the bike was returning. With each race, I picked something to focus on and work on. My aim for the weekend was not to get lapped by the front runners. In the end they were only just catching me as I entered my last lap. So my first objective was nearly achieved. It felt a bit weird to not only be chasing the pack but also being chased.
I learnt so much in that weekend, in fact every time I get on the bike I learn something new. No. 1 is that its all in your head. Confidence is key. For me that means having the bike set up the way I want it. For weeks leading up to that race there were little things I had been wanting to change but just didnt get around to it. The seating position was not right for me and I had always found the throttle very snappy which made it difficult to be smooth getting back on the power. These things had been annoying little issues which I put up with at track days and didn't think was a really big deal. What I have learned was that those little issues can become critical when you are under pressure. So getting my head in the game involves having all that stuff squared away so I'm not thinking about it. Finally, that crashing right before a race is not ideal either. It damages not only your wallet, but your confidence. There is more to be learned through time in the saddle rather than the gravel!!!
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| Last corner into front straight - riding in front of a crowd is weird! |
So with that, Im very thankful for the help of the BC Performance team, everyone always has words of encouragement which does mean alot. Andrew Turner my mechanic extraordinaire was absolutely fabulous and went above and beyond. He even got lumbered with hair platting duties after I couldn't raise my arms to head height after injuring myself in testing. Hes certainly a handy guy in the garage!!!
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| Well we walked away with a couple of trophies. Happy days! |
Lastly and certainly not least, JPM Crane Hire and Aussie Sport Bike Gear for coming on board during my first year of racing. Thanks so much for coming on this journey with me. It really does mean the world to me.
