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17 April, petrol, grease and fast, fast powerful bikes, I feel like Tim the “tool man” Taylor walking out to his garage and doing that big “wwrra” noise that he does that pretty much symbolizes many things in just one word and that word was “ home”.
The track was clean, hot and ready for rubber to be placed on it, the first round of the Victoria motorcycle club champs to begin and I was in the action……………. Clubmans, you heard me the cream of the crop in terms of New Zealand road racing…”Yeah right!”
My bike an impressive Honda VFR 400r was running, almost running so hot that a new radiator cap was needed…. Thanks Repco, and Many thanks to all the boys at Motomart - Lower Hutt, - especially Pat for helping me to get bike ready. So I was all set the bike the gear, the spares and wait……shit!!! My balls I nearly forgot them so in they go with the spares. I also had large promises to keep you know the ones were you come out of the hair pin on the rear wheel winding it on and sideways at the same time whilst trying to keep in first place.. You know.yes those promises or are they beer covered crap not sure…?
So my point was yet to be proved and I was out to show the world even though it was only Manfield, Nerves slowly settling in, you know its funny about nerves theyre awkward things, one minute you have them and the next you don’t! This was my second round ever of racing, I had done a few track days but this really was a bit different this time. I was out to be judged I didn’t have the safety net of few 150’s that I could fly pass to help make me look good so I felt as though I was going to be in the shit.
I turned up to Manfield, freezing cold, had the worst sleep but yet slightly confident but with hollow promises too. The day went to plan, clubmans went out second after the 125’s and 150’s and there I was slowly dissolving within my leathers. My breath in my helmet was almost choking me as the dummy grid turned in to the “10 items or less” isle in your local supermarket with gran slowly putting her items on the counter and squabbling with the checkout girl or boy to whether she’s going to pay cash or use her vip card… and mean while here I am with my metaphorical one item going “c mon lets go already, lets get the show on road!!” And that I did.
Cruising out to qualify you notice other riders and their families, spectators watching you as you go down pitlane. It was time for my triumphant return, the coming of god or Rossi whichever faith you believe in. It was time to show the people my thing.
My bike what can I say, paint job.mint, the set up…mint, the engines performance, with higher horsepower ...(wink, wink). Mint and the rider…um not really that mint, but I was there and doing it for all my adoring fans…” Yeah right!”
Qualify went well and my tyres went well slowly warming up to a good temperature as my lap times fall in the opposite manor as the day went on.
Man who can really compete with 1000cc bikes? I tried my best but in the end had to settle for mid –placed finishes after completing two full four lap races and then a time affected third race, I was told “yeah mate you’ll be fine just a few un-cambered corners” , but there is a small difference with “track days” and “race days” and that when you race you go harder and on that note a few found that hard was were it was at! A few spills and an ambulance appearance were on the cards early on.
But on the whole it was a great day, my bike was awesome and I left feeling confident for the next round and making new friends was set to continue.
Its great to ride and to be associated with such great riders that are inspiring and with help I can see myself feeling less stressful for next time.
So anyone out there in computer land considering getting into racing or getting back into it this season and you have a bike, dusty, rundown, looking like the back end of a donkey I encourage you to get out there. There is no point it sitting in the garage. You know you can you can help to Marshall or you can ride but you are probably better second to leave the bike at home because you won’t want to be beaten and for me to embarrass you –so a big thanks to all at Vic Club who has worked hard as they do every year to get this competition going and I’m going to make the most of it. DANIEL PLAISTED…Honda VFR400R #28
