Two's company!

The FZ motor has some company on Steve's work bench. Not only is my motor getting major works, but so is the new motor of my friend and co racer Phil. He has spent the last 2 seasons racing his Laverda 750 formula v-twin.
It is a lovely handling bike but unless you spend an absolute fortune on it, it is doomed to circulate somewhere near the back. As proven by the Alto Laverda team who have spent a real fortune on their bike. It did win last season and is a real marvel of engineering and dedication. It looks beautiful too!



Phil attempted to get the bike to perform better earlier in the season and spent a lot of time, effort and money re-working the engine only for it to self destruct in quite a spectacular manner. The inside of the motor looked like a scrap yard!

The Laverda has been really good to Phil over the years! Now she gets a well deserved rest....for a while anyway!



Phil hasn't been so good to the Laverda though! This was a big off at Dijon, France in 2005!

So he was left with a dilema. Spend shed loads more money on it or buy something that will make more financial sense as well as giving the owner a lot less hassle and be more competitive.
Phil is a die-hard v-twin fan but has managed to quell his lust for Italian exotica and run a Japanese four cylinder. So while the Laverda gets pushed to the back of the garage, along side the v-twin RSV Aprilia, Phil has very sensibly, in my opinion, got his hands on .....can you guess?.......... a rather messy Yamaha FZ 750!

And it does make sense. Cheap racing, relatively!

So over the course of the coming season I am going to try to keep up with the two of us and post what happens with Phil's FZ as well. I say try because I find it a lot of work to keep the blog going and get on with day to day life. I do enjoy it and the e-mails I get from folks saying how much they enjoy it makes it worthwhile taking the time to write. It also leaves a good record and is fun to get nostalgic over on occasions as my self and Phil did the other evening as we went over some of the early goings on last year. Anyway, back to the bikes....

Phil's brother Dave, had the FZ I am using laying around in his garden looking sorry for sometime. He donated the machine and came a couple of times to watch last year and really enjoyed himself. Then he came home from a stint away with another FZ in the back of his van and gave it to Phil. So the fun for Phil begins.

This FZ was really sad looking and it was decided that a total strip was in order. It actually looked like it had been dragged out of a river!

Ooooo....nasty!

Phil took to motor to uncle Steve for a total overhaul and to have the works done to it. So everything that mine is having, so is Phil's.
He has sourced a complete R6 front end, a new rear shock, and a FZR 400 swing arm. I think the body work is old 90's race kit and the frame has been blasted and primed. New adjustable yokes that will be made by Phil will replace the standard R6 items retaining the FZ steering stem.

Brings back memories!

Things are well on the way to turning the old Fat rusty girl into Project FZ750 racer MK2!
Time to get back to beavering in the shed.....

Plans for '08

The bike is sat in my back room at the moment looking sad with the engine at uncle Steve's for some tlc. It's nice and warm and dry in here and my pc is right to hand too! The Mrs. gets to see me this winter. Don't think she's too bothered either way really, I think she liked the peace and quiet last year!

There is a list of jobs to do but nowhere near the amount as at the same time last year...thank goodness!

Steve has big plans for the motor.
With the weight of the bike as it was at the last race of 189kg and the power being 94 bhp, we can gain a significant increase in the power to weight ratio allowed in the series.
If the power remained as is, we would be allowed a minimum weight of 170.5 kg. Alternatively, if the weight remained the same, we would be allowed a maximum power output of 104.2 bhp.
This leaves us with a host of choices. This is what we are planning to do.

The FZ motor runs a starter motor and generator. These are getting removed. Weight will decrease significantly here. The crank shaft will be lightened and ballanced. Again, weight will be reduced here. The other benefit of decreasing the weight of the crank will be that the motor will"spin up" a lot faster and smoother meaning the bike will accelerate a lot faster. Added to this, the removal of the starter and generator will also massively decrease friction in the motor allowing it to Spin up and rev much quicker and freely. This basically, according to the rules, is a free power increase, undetectable on the dyno. It doesn't show up as horse power.
This alone because of the weight loss, will probably get us near the limit but added to the above will be some gas flowing and porting work, worth a few more bhp. Steve has also mentioned adding titanium con rods and much lighter pistons. Again less weight in the moving parts of the motor adding to the freedom of spin up. They are also a lot stronger to help take the extra power.The bike will fly out of corners and off down the straights much sooner and gears will be changed earlier.


The wiring loom is going to loose a lot of unnecessary wires and weight. The battery will be replaced for one half the weight.

That's about it in the power and weight loss area. It will make a massive difference in performance. This is all very well but a bit of a waste of time if the chassis can't handle the increase.
The front end suspension is the next area to be looked at.
Ideally a complete front end replacement is the way to go using the 1999 to 2002 Yamaha R6 equipment. These have been tried and tested and are superbly suited to the FZ.The only problem here is funds, so Phil has agreed to loan me the front end from his Aprilia RSV 1000.We are yet to determine the difference in weight compared to the YZF equipment currently fitted. The next hurdle would be to make a set of yokes to take the RSV forks and wheel. Again Phil comes to the rescue and has agreed to make some. I think he enjoys the challenge! Another benefit with this equipment is the lighter front wheel, which reduces gyroscopic effect and helps the bike to change direction and turn into corners faster. Also if we can get the correct geometry in the set up of the front forks, we should eliminate the sluggish and slow turning that the bike suffers from.Steve has assured me that this is possible. It is spot on using the R6 forks. Making the yokes so they can be adjusted is the answer here. Phil says it is possible to achieve.
I used to own the machine and know from experience how good the handling of the RSV is. Not only that but the brakes are absolutely, astoundingly good. We hope this will do the trick!
If we can get the bike to behave as it should at the front, then things will be looking very good for an improvement in results next season.

Other jobs on the list include some paint here and there to clean things up a bit, replacing the old, leaky clutch slave cylinder. A bit of general maintenance and servicing such as cleaning out and re greasing all bearings, the chain, the rear shock and linkages, swing arm bearings, cables etc. etc. Nothing too heavy or taxing. This is all under way but the real work will start when the motor gets back and we head to Brands Hatch on March 7th. I can't wait!
So all in all, it's very promising and exciting.

I will update as things develop, although I have a feeling that not too much will be going on until February swings into gear.
In the mean time I will be ( if I can find the time!) posting some pictures and info on other people and their FZ projects. Not only have I made a lot of new friends through the racing but also through this blog! Quite a few guys have mailed me in the last year, via this blog, to either ask questions or tell me about their project FZ's. I am always happy to hear from them and will do my best to get any fellow FZ riders a ticket to enter the circuits and to watch us race and hopefully meet in person in the paddock. We usually have a spare ticket or two! You are always most welcome, and there's always tea on the go in our race trucks!

Big Thanks for '07

Racing maybe a solo sport out on the track, but no way could I have done it without the help and support of a whole host of people.This is the moment to give them all a mention and say how much I appreciate it.

Firstly Steve, for banging on at me to get a bike when I had stopped the nonsense for a few years. Also for taking up his shed for most of the year to build and store the race bike.

Phil, who has given of himself and his time in the workshop, making stuff and getting me out of the shit plus a massive long list of other stuff he has contributed in a most generous way. It's great to have him around.

Phil's brother Dave, who gave us the bike in the first place. Glad you enjoyed the racing and hope to see you more next season.

My Mrs. for not seeing me for three months solid last winter during the build and for supporting me to accomplish my dream.

Mr. Steve Spencer, without whom the whole project would have been a nightmare and rather amateurish . His huge amount of knowledge of the Yamaha FZ motorcycle, racing and tuning the things, he has passed on to us without holding back.It has been a blessing to have met him. He is a really rare breed.

Jeremy Hill. He has given his time to come and see me over every race weekend and on the phone to offer advice and help to get me going in the right direction. A very passionate and generous guy. He really has been an inspiration.

Jeremy's wife Tina. She has also been full of advice and help in the fitness arena and also helped me understand what makes a racer.

During the licence day at Mallory Park, I met Gyles. He's an all round great guy and I feel fortunate to have met him, competed against him and shared all sorts of stuff in the paddock while camped out together, including cutlery!

Gyles right hand man and top guy, especially when he is drunk and telling stories, Chris. He had no hesitation in offering his services whether it be acting as a human bike lift or starter motor or whatever.You're a star!

The whole Alto Laverda crew. A pleasure to be camped out next to and always willing to help in all kinds of ways.
Ben and Aaron have been very generous with their experience and all the guys in their crew have been really great! Thanks to all of you.

Steve and Sarah Jordan have always been quick to help when asked and always delivered. Good luck to Sarah who is quitting Thunderbikes for another series. It was Fantastic when she won at Cadwell Park!



I'd like to thank my sponsors, but I don't have any! bugger!

Last of the summer gasoline part 2

We had an eventful evening, chatting with new found friends and fellow racers, both in the bar at the circuit and back at our paddock camp on Saturday evening.A most memorable night.
The excitement of the next days racing was building, and I resolved to savour the day in the knowledge that this was going to be my last fix until next March.

And savour it I did!

The next morning, I maxed the suspension settings at the front in an effort to get the front to stand up as much as possible and keep the Exhaust system off the ground. I had to get it to brake later which this would hopefully help achieve.

We had a very short morning warm up of just 2 or 3 laps in the dry Brands sunshine. It was looking like it was going to be a day of good weather. The last thing I wanted was for it to rain.
As soon as I took off down the track on my first lap, I knew the bike was going to be better and on the brakes for the first time into Druids bend was instantly better. With the short session, I was going to have to wait for the racing to get a good feel for what I could get away with.
We didn't have to wait too long as Thunderbikes were the second race of the day.

Druids bend on the 1st lap is a high light of racing for me and quite a spectacle for those watching.

I Was to start from yesterdays finishing position of 15th place out of 28 riders.
The usual sensations in mind and body before setting off from the paddock had set in early today and it seemed like eternity before our race was called. The bike sat on it's stands with the engine being run up to temperature and tyres in their warmers and I sat feeling like I was going to need to run to the nearest drain and puke. It was taking for ever for the call to come. Once finally off the stands and riding up to the collecting area, the nerves dissipated a little. It's not until the lights go out for the warm up lap that it becomes more bearable.The warm up lap is a good release and I always tend to give the bike a good hard push for that one lap. It's nice to get the tyres and myself up to optimum temperature before the start procedure.

Great Photos! Thanks to David Stoddart for sending them.

The bike felt good on that first lap but as we lined up for the start, I could feel the nerves in my stomach running wild. As the flag marshal pointed at the lights and walked from the track, the noise from all the bikes around makes the ground and my chest shake, but as my focus became more concentrated, I became unaware of the noise and the feeling in my stomach. It's the last thing in the world to pass through my mind at this stage. All my mind it focused on is the lights and then which side of the guy in front I am going to go.
The friendly banter and rivalry of the paddock naturally make the focus on the guys you know the best as the ones you want to beat. In my case this is Phil and Gyles, being as we all camp together. Phil has remained at the back end of the field due to the under performance of his Laverda. (This is in no way a slur on his abilities as he is a very good rider and racer. he deserves a better performing machine!)

Phil on the Laverda.You have to admire the guys commitment to riding a bike that has no chance of scoring points all season. He just loves V-twins and racing.Just wait till you see what he'll be riding next season......I'm in for a battle for sure! can't wait!

So this leaves Gyles, who due to his 10th place the day before was 5 places ahead of me on the grid.With the bike feeling better, I was really hoping to be able to get somewhere near him in this race, get a better finishing position and therefore get a better shot at him in the next race. That was my plan anyway!

The start was nothing special for me but not too bad either. I aimed for Gyles and tried to reel him in as I knew my bike was faster off the start and by the end of the 1st lap I was in 12th and could see Gyles just a couple of places ahead. I have to admit that the race was a bit of a blur. I was super concentrated and aware that the bike was behaving a hell of a lot better than the day before. It was still miles from ideal! The next couple of laps saw two bikes come past me, both Suzuki SV machines and then a Ducati 748 which managed to throw it's rider into the gravel a lap later!

What a mix of machines!

My determination to catch Gyles coupled with knowing this was the last days racing of the year, made me really dig in deep and push as hard as I dare. At one stage, exiting the last turn onto the start straight, I had tapped on the power too early and too hard and Ended with soiled pants as the back came round so hard it had the front forks hitting their limit and the handlebars going from lock to lock, hard. As soon as the bike had composed it's self, I was back on the gas and didn't look back....I had a big black Guzzler to catch after all!
By lap 5, Gyles was in front. I think it was more a case of him getting passed by other guys than of me catching him, but I had caught up with him. A couple more bikes got in the mix with the two of us and somehow Gyles has escaped again. I was still pushing as hard as I could. For 4 laps I chased The two guys in front, Gyles was being hassled big time by another SV but as hard as I tried, all I could do was maintain the gap between us. Finally Gyles got passed and I spent the rest of the race looking at the back of the big, wide Moto Guzzi. I couldn't get him and finished the race right on his tail, well.... 1 second behind.
Tim had finished right behind me again. I bet he was cursing!
Gyles was looking at a 1st place in the rookie championship!

Druids is still fantastic on your own!

I had also hit my target lap time of a 53 second lap, 53.822 to be exact. I would have liked it to have been a bit quicker but still, it was a big improvement on the day before and just a 10th of a second slower than Gyles.

I was absolutely buzzing and feeling on top of the world. I found out later that I had finished 13th. I was happy with that considering the competition.
As we all peeled off the track and into the back of the pit garages, I could see all the guys in front being directed into the weight bridge and then the dyno. Excellent. I'd been looking for a free dyno run all season and at the final race I was to get one!
The whole process of weighing and Dyno running twenty-something bikes took a while. It was hot and I was tired and with no stand, half an hour or more of holding 189KG of bike gets a bit boring and made me very stiff. Once over and done I was informed of a final dyno reading of 94 BHP. A little more than I had expected.


The 2nd race of the day was to be the last of the year and the excitement was high and the atmosphere in the paddock was electric!The race was a bit of an anti climax. I let my emotions get the better of me. My self preservation had kicked in and I was knackered having spent my limited fitness and energy on the first race! I just wanted to get round and finish in the points and get home in one piece.
The start was not impressive, but I got into my stride after that and made a couple of places in the first few laps. It was not to last and as Gyles disappeared into the distance, I seemed to go backwards for the first half of the race. I seemed to settle down for the second half of the race. This was reflected in my lap times which were very consistent and within half a second of each other for the whole race. I spent the last 6 0f 11 laps behind the same guy, the only thing was he was getting further away as the race went on and with a brief peek over my shoulder I could see someone gaining on me. It turned out to be Steve Joy on his Ducati 748 with Tim close behind him and they were catching me. I decided not to push and just hope to stay in front of them. The plan nearly didn't work as on the last lap at the end of Cooper straight I hit a false neutral and ended up drifting through the turn with no drive. I knew that if I were to kick the bike back into gear that it would most probably cause me to leave the track, either on my arse or not, I decided to wait until I had the bike somewhere near upright. Steve came past and with just one long right hand turn leading onto the straight I thought I had messed it all up. I got it into gear again and as Steve ran slightly wide, I managed to get up the inside of him as we approached the apex and got on the gas earlier than him and out dragged him to the line...a real nail biter for me if I had had a hand free there would have been no nails left!

Again Tim was behind, but not far. The three of us all within a second of each other.

As I rode back to the paddock, all kinds of feelings and emotions pumped around my system. I was buzzing. I pulled up to our camp and pulled a big burnout as a celebration!

That was it...All over. Well not quite....
We had the Thunderbikes Rookie Championship Presentation to attend.
The usual banter was somewhat elevated in our pit area. We were all a bit excited to be receiving a trophy. Gyles had won with Tim second and myself third. I was really chuffed. This was an un-official prize organised by Ben Shaunessy, our series organiser and the guys that had come 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the real championship had given up part of their prize money to fund the trophies for us rookies.

Back row...The Real Champions, 1st (just!) Martin Cooper (middle) 2nd Gary Budgen and 3rd Phil Read JR. Then Myself, Gyles and Tim "chunky" Churchill.

The race services, A&R racing, had donated some gift vouchers to spend in their shop, and also agreed for us to use their transporter steps as a podium. We had only learnt about this recently and it was really a bit of a surprise as we had expected none of this, we just imagined it to be, well, fictional, and for fun. So to actually receive a trophy was fantastic. As Ben had put it, it was a reward and acknowledgement of the hard graft the rookies had put in to their, or our, first season. Gyles and myself were really quite emotional about it. I think we were both close to tears!

Ben handed out the silverware.

It has been the best experience of my life. Finally living a dream, one that I never thought would ever come true. It goes to prove that you can do anything in life if you have the determination to make it happen. That is what I have done, to actually make it happen.
I had done a lot better than I had hoped. I never expected to compete in 7 rounds. Out of 10, I had hoped for half at a push.I have to admit it has been a real struggle to get through it finacially and will take some time to recover, but to hell with it! you can't take it with you and I really dread the thought of sitting in my chair at 70 years old wishing I had done it.
Now I'd like a bigger one!

Now I can sit there and remember what it was like to open the throttle as the lights went out at all the circuits I had watched my childhood heroes race at.
Now I have just simply got to do it again!


Well chuffed!

Thunderbikes 2008 dates released

Here is the complete calender for the 2008 season......


Brands Indy - 8-9 March
Snetterton - 12-13 April
Brands GP - 10-11 May
Croix en Ternois - 14-15 June...... yes, we are off to France!
Cadwell - 28-29 June
Snetterton - 5-6 July
Cadwell - 2-3 August
Oulton Park - 15-16 August (double points)
Snetterton - 13-14 September
Brands Indy - 27-28 September


no Silverstone, no Donnington = very sad face.We do however, get to go to Oulton Park which is an amazing circuit. I am sure that the schedule for that weekend will be:
Friday practice, then just racing on the Saturday with only the 2 races that day but each race scoring double points.
The miserable old bastards that live around the circuit don't like us having fun as we spoil their quiet Sunday afternoons.

SOLUTION FOR YOU = DON'T MOVE TO A HOUSE NEAR A RACE TRACK YOU STUPID OLD BASTARDS! ....... God it makes my blood boil!

These brainless killjoys are rife, almost every circuit in the country is subject to people who live nearby complaining about the noise. Now race tracks have been around in the uk for decades so the majority of these IDIOTS must have moved in near the tracks.
I despair! it really doesn't take much to work it out does it?

sorry about my cussing. I just can't help it. the words I'd like to use are a little too strong for these pages, as is what I'd like to do to the idiots.

Phew! I've got a headache now......

Last of the summer gasoline

Although there was due to be another race weekend at Lydden Hill, Brands Hatch was to be my last for this season. I don't much care for Lydden, the track is good fun but the paddock is the worst by miles of all I have been to in the uk. 99% of the paddock is on a really steep hill which is not conducive to having a good nights sleep. Brands was to be the last points scoring race so was effectively the last meeting anyway and the battle for the very hotly fought Thunderbikes champion was going down to the wire.

We decided not to do the Friday practice, which was a bit of a shame. Would have been nice to have had more time to set the bike up better than it was. The set up would have to be different from the last race, and with a lot more stress on the front end than at Snetterton and the lack of a good performing front suspension, this race would be tough and any short coming would really show here at Brands.
Steve Spencer had come down for the Saturdays racing and after each race we tweaked the front. It did get better and I went faster but from Steve's view point, he could see where I was loosing time. On the brakes was the diagnosis, and rather a lot according to Steve. Probably loosing up to 2 seconds a lap on the brakes. I was braking as late and hard, but as smooth, as I possibly could and was really struggling to hang on to the guys in front all weekend. Given a decent front, I KNOW I could go a lot faster.


Note; the pipes almost on the deck and the front forks heavily compressed

First practice on Saturday was a wet affair. Thunderbikes were out 2nd and at around 9.30. I was hoping in 2 hours time, by the time we were out for our 1st race, that the track would be dry.
As the 125cc Aprilia superteen race went out on track for their 1st race, the track was looking like it could be totally dry by the time we got out. I had anticipated this, as had everyone else , and the slicks were in place on the bike and would be suitably warmed in time.

I was feeling really up for it and as planned (if you can plan these things) I made a great start shooting from 14th on the grid to 7th by the end of the first lap. Then the front end started to show, with the suspension bottoming out badly and the pipe just millimetres from the track under heavy breaking. The Surtees corner is fast and relys on the front through there. There was no good feeling through the corner here and I was loosing time here as well as under braking.
I just slipped down through the order lap after lap. on the last couple of laps I could feel a bike closing in and on the last lap in the last corner, Gyles came along side on the Guzzler. It was very tight for the line and as we hurtled down the straight side by side, I knew he was going to do me.
There was less than 1 tenth of a second between us.


Gyles behind me! but not for long!

It was a hard race, I had rode hard and gone backwards but I had gone from a 56.8 second lap to a 55.3. A good improvement but I was hoping and reasonably confident of getting into the 53 area. Most importantly, I had thoroughly enjoyed it.
Gyles got the 13th spot and 3 points, I was 14th with 2 points, Piers Hutchins stole the last points paying position just a few tenths behind me and Tim right behind in 16th scoring no points.
Things were hotting up.
given another lap and I am sure I would have been the one with nil points. Just as well I was getting lightening starts and would have to continue to do so, to stay in the points this weekend.
I set about the front suspension, and turned everything up a couple of clicks to get the front to stay up under brakes. The next race would be telling!

The Championship at the front was hotting up with Gary Budgen on his steel framed CBR600 Honda and Martin Cooper on his SV Suzuki.Martin won the race, but was given a 10 second penalty for a yellow flag infringement. That knocked him down to 4th.

There was to be a prize giving at the end of the weekend for the Thunderbikes trophy. There was also to be a prize giving for the top three rookies, which meant we were in for some mid grid battling, with Tim currently running in top rookie spot, Gyles close behind and myself a fair way behind in 3rd. Gyles could take the top trophy if he finished ahead of Tim all weekend and of course if I got ahead of Tim and behind Gyles, that would make Gyles's task a whole lot easier. With Tim missing his much loved slipper clutch and my bike as fit and healthy as it's ever been, things were looking good for Gyles and the big black Guzzler.


Not looking so good was Gyles's shaving fund! he he he!

I was to start race 2 from the position I had finished the last race, and from 14th on the grid I got a reasonable start but found myself having to shut the throttle twice going into the first turn.There was such a melee of riders all vying for position, it got quite confusing and I didn't really know where I was or what was going on.Once finally back on the gas and down the hill, I just concentrated on getting into Druids safely and getting out the other side. By the end of lap 1, I was in 12th place. I could see Gyles giving Adam Palfreman a hard time hassling him for 10th spot. I resolved to try to hang on to the back of Gyles and hope he would tow me along.
It wasn't long before Gyles dispatched Adam, but no matter how I tried, I just couldn't get into the turns as late and therefore out the other side as fast as the guys in front. It was a couple of laps later until another rider came past me, predictably on the brakes, then on lap 5 another came past. I dug deeper and pushed a little harder but had in reality gone a tiny bit slower. I did manage to hang on for the rest of the race and maintain my position which turned out to be 15th place with Tim just behind and probably likely to overtake any time soon. Saved again by a better start than the guys around me on the start grid.
Gyles was 5 seconds ahead and in an excellent 10th place and an all important points haul, with time again, failing to score. I bet he was cursing me!
I got my lap time down a bit more to a 55.14. only a couple of tenths. More clicks on the suspension for tomorrow...a lot more!


The bike looks sooo much better with out that orange bib!

The days racing had been hard and frustrating, but it was racing and I had loved every second of it. With the last race day of the year ahead, I savoured that day and evening and the excellent friends I had made around me. There was a real sense of excitement in the air around the paddock that evening. We cooked our usual paddock fare and had a few small glasses of beer or wine. Not too much though, with racing still to be done the next day the last thing I needed was a hangover. I guess nor did anyone else and no matter how much encouragement I gave, I couldn't get my fellow competitors to drink too much. Chris made up for all of us though and managed to get totally off his trolley and drank enough for all of us!

It was nice to spend a little time in the bar with all the people I have met throughout my first year of racing. The banter between us all is so much fun and in such good spirit. The paddock at Bemsee is pretty much an asshole free zone, unlike the rest of the planet! In my experience anyway...















left to right... Chris, Gyles and Phil Read .JR All talking bollocks....ok ...I was too! Right pic: Ex-Bemsee champion Jeremy Hill on the right has been helping Garry Budgen win all season. Also given me loads of help.

For Alan....who pesters me a lot

This should make Alan happy.He keeps on at me..."when you gonna update yer Blog?"
I don't really have an excuse other than I didn't feel like writing,but since my last post.....yes Alan, over a month ago, I've been busy with the bike which has been re-housed in my back room....lovely and warm and arms length from my pc, the loo and the kettle. The Mrs. doesn't mind, she knows racing is a big part of my life and she knows I'd be a miserable, moaning pain in the arse if she gave me any shit about it.... good girl!

Before I write about what's been happening with the bike and before I disclose some exciting news about....nah! you'll have to wait,... I should write about the last race meeting back in September at Brands Hatch. It really was fantastic for me and a weekend I will never forget. I'll start a new page.....

More hot Snetterton battling...

I know all too well it's been a long while since my last entry. I've been getting constant reminders from people, asking me to get my arse into gear! I guess it's about time too.

It's been so long, my brain is going to get taxed now, trying to remember what the hell happened.

The second day at Snetterton was almost as good as the first. We woke to another sunny day, and with the sprocket sorted, and disaster averted, all was looking well.
I was feeling good and really up for trying for a better result and going a bit quicker today.


The usual sick feeling coupled with rising adrenalin was present as we lined up for the start of race 1. I remember feeling a little out of step at the start and it soon showed as I got a pretty crap start with the bike bogging down off the line and Adam and Ian going past on lap 1.The first corner was mayhem. I was blocked a couple of times through the double apex turn and really felt quite unsettled for the rest of the lap.


On lap 2 at the end of revvets straight, as I hit the brakes, I found myself in a false neutral and heading straight on and onto the grass. Four guys got past. It took what seemed like the rest of the race to get some kind of rythmn back, enough to set off after the guys infront. I just couldn't seem to make any ground on them. I was running 16th at this point with no hope of points except Tim Churchill, who was suffering from a lack of slipper clutch, made a mistake at sears corner and gifted me 15th and a single point.
It was a pretty dismal race really. My lap times reflected this with a best time of 1:20.44 although on the up side, this was still as quick as I was going the last time we visited the circuit.
I headed back to the paddock determined to gather myself for a better result for the last race of the weekend.


The pack heading into turn one on lap 1.

Getting off the line in race 2 was a great deal better as the old FZ was back to her usual self with a belting start from 15th on the grid. The first corner was good this time, and I saw off a couple of serious challenges from whom I'm not certain and I can only describe them as a blur of colour.I'm not sure but I think I was in 9th place on lap one but It wasn't long before the two Ducatis of Ian leah and Mike Baxter came past. The next lap and it was Gyles turn to get by me and from there on It was back to the norm, a good view of Gyles and Ian fighting like mad with each other and swapping places.All I could do try to hang on as close as possible, I could get close but not get past. I decided to spectate and concentrate on keeping Adam behind. Gyles and Ian had gapped me by a couple of seconds by the latter part of the race and Adam was all over me like a rash. We were all on it hard. I had a couple of big moments through the latter apex of the first turn with the back letting go more than I would have liked. Things were on the limit for sure!
I was having the time of my life out there and so were the other guys. Adam was having fun I guess, trying everything to get past and finally, on the last lap at the last turn out on to the home straight, he got along side and then infront. I don't know how, but I managed to out drag him to the line and finished in another 11th and less than a tenth of a second ahead of Adam. What an awesome race! I was absolutely buzzing. I felt like I had never ridden so hard and the lap times supported the feeling... 1:18.992 just inside the 18's and I was chuffed as nuts!

Once I had got back to the paddock and before I could lift my helmet, I could feel the adrenalin from Gyles, myself, Phil and all the guys around just spilling out over the floor. It really was a fantastic feeling.

I was already pumped for the next round at brands Hatch in just two weeks and the way I was feeling, I thought the adrenalin rush would last until we got to the circuit.



I was impressed with Gyles and the Guzzler, he really was on it and just seemed to be getting faster and faster every time he got on the bike, but as a self confession from him to not looking forward to or knowing well enough, the next track, I was secretly hoping to get him next time out........

Pin back that throttle!

After missing the round at Cadwell, I was determined to make it to Snetterton, and I'm really glad I went.
The weather was great, and the whole weekend was fantastic.

After the last visit to the circuit, pushing the bike to it's limits and occasionally, beyond, I was struggling to understand how to go faster this time out.
Phil had fitted new front brake pads and re-packed the exhaust can, to get the thing within the noise limits, just before his trip to Cadwell. This made a big difference. I found during first practice that the motor revved out along the big Snetterton straight, a lot better than last time and I could brake a lot later too. Added to this some set-up help From Jeremy Hill and the result was much better racing and a whole second a lap faster than last time.

There was a worry that the weather was going to be crap, but it couldn't have turned out better. Hot! just the way I like it.
The usual Saturday morning routine of up early to get the bike through it's race M.O.T and get signed on before prepping the bike ready for the first practice and race. Thunderbike were to be 3rd session out on track, so no time to mess about.
It had been 2 months since I last rode but i got straight on the pace, well, my fastest pace anyway.
I was to start from 16th on the grid for the first race, and was confident of a good leap away from the start. I was not to be disappointed and found my self 7th by the end of lap 1. I was waiting for the usual swarm of bikes to come past and was surprised to let just 2 come past on lap 2. I could hear someone behind and after a couple of bad exits from Richies corner, I was caught and passed by Gyles on his BIG BAD ! MotoGuzzi and new guy Ian Leah on his nice Ducati 748. From there on, I had the perfect view of the battle going on between these 2 guys. One that would continue all weekend.

This was the picture for much of the weekend. Ian, Gyles and myself.


Gyles was keeping up his traditional Snetterton stomp and was flying but Ian was getting the better of him down the straights only to then hold Gyles up and myself, through the corners. The two of them swapped and re swapped places with me pinned to their tails for the rest of the race, and with Adam Palfreman on his Suzuki SV,pinned to my tail. Ian managed to get in front at the flag and finish 9th. Gyles was 10th, myself 11th and Adam 12th. There was just a second and one tenth between the 4 of us at the finish.
A lap time of 1:19.359 was over half a second faster and a new personal best.

The racing was to heat up, as was the weather and the lap times!
Race 2 and a 11th place grid slot was next up and I was hoping to get infront of these guys at the start this time and stay there.
My start was bad and I found myself having to slip the clutch like crazy to stop from bogging down as I watched the big black Guzzi get into turn 1 infront. I knew there was not a lot of chance of getting past and especially as Mike Baxter came howling past onto the back straight. He was flying from a 16th place starting position and soon took Gyles. Try as I might, I could not get close enough to Gyles and as my regular neighbour in the paddock, it was like trying to catch and pass your team mate!
I could feel someone getting close and could hear the boom of a couple of v-twins close behind.I just kept my head down and rode as hard as I could to keep them behind. The big booming sound over my howling four cylinder scream got louder as we went through the 1st turn, Richies but then quieter as we headed down the straight out of turn 2. I was having trouble getting through the bumpy second apex of turn 1 and on the gas along the short straight to turn 2, but getting out of 2 and along the straight well enough to drop the guys behind. I remember it happening lap after lap for what seemed like an age, and thinking, they're gonna get me in a minute!. On lap 5 , Adam came past but I managed to get him back on the next lap and keep him there for the rest of the race.

As Gyles pulls away, Adam reels me in for a close inspection of my arse for 8 laps!


This time it was Gyles in 10th, the myself 11th, Adam 12th and Ian close behind. Less than half a second between me, Adam and Ian. Gyles meanwhile, had latched onto the back of Mike Baxter's beautiful 748 with what must have been a grappling hook, and disappeared off into the distance some 9 seconds ahead. I had gone 3 tenths slower this race but it felt like 5 seconds faster. That's the pressure of having booming v-twins right up yer chuffter!
It was a great race for me, as was the first race and a whole lot better finishing position than I had hoped or imagined. Fantastic. Now all I needed was to work out how to get out of Richies faster. Time to look for Jeremy, but not before I had worked out how to fix the front sprocket nut that now, was laying in the belly pan on the slowing down lap. As it turned out, all the thread had been completely stripped away to a polished finish! It's a wonder how the front sprocket stayed on.

The great thing about Yamaha machines is the interchangability of parts from one model to another. Once back in the paddock, we were all wondering how a sprocket nut for a 22 year old bike in a paddock full of modern machinery, was going to materialise. After a bit of asking around I was pointed in the direction of Sam Bishop who runs big modern R1 and R6 yamahas.
Would you believe that a 2006 R6 uses the same front sprocket as a 1985 FZ. Thank the gods of speed for Yamaha! And thanks to Phil for doing the work to fit it all back together.
Jeremy had stopped in for a look at my back tyre. There was quite a bit of chewed up rubber on the right hand side. A couple of clicks on the rear shock were decided upon to help the rubber and to hopefully help through Richies corner. I had the tyre turned so the lovely looking left hand side of the tyre was now on the right, which should give up more grip as it was looking almost new with there only being two short left hand turns at Snetterton.
I had had an absolutely fantastic day of racing, with the throttle pinned all day and feeling physically great too, and with the nut problem sorted and a good chat with Jeremy, the next day was looking good! I was really looking forward to more of the same!

Bye bye wally....Snett was great!

Snetterton was a scorcher, and so was the racing. I came home from the racing, absolutley high as you can get after some great battles on track and some good points finishes. I enjoyed every minute of it. Faster times than the last visit, thanks to a slightly improved bike and help from Jeremy Hill with setup resulted in a whole second faster.An excellent weekend!

Next up is Brands Hatch for our last championship meeting of the year. There is a non championship meeting at Lydden Hill sometime in October, but I doubt that we will go. I don't much like the place, the paddock is a nightmare for camping as 99% of it is on a very steep hill.The circuit is a fun little track but is very bumpy in places. I think I will save my money for bike development.

I have been very busy this past week and have had little time to write, but I will endevour to get a decent report from Snetterton done before I leave for Brands on Thursday evening.Friday is test day and I fully intend to take part. I hope for good weather and I hope to get the bike set up sorted during testing. I aim for a good 2 seconds faster than the last time at Brands and I see no reason why not. The last visit I was plagued with running troubles and never really got in the groove.

Snetterton saw the loss of my wally bib, the bright orange vest worn by a novice rider has to be worn for the first 10 races. Out of the 2 races per day, only one finish is required and allowed for a signature on the novice licence. So from every weekend only 2 signatures are allowed.Also, the finishes have to be at at least 3 different circuits. As it turns out, I could have got rid of it at the end of the last visit to Snetterton but I had got the rules of all this wrong in my head.... nevermind... so it's a big goodbye to my novice licence and bib, hello clubman's licence... WOOHOO!

Right.. I have now got to go and sort out my freshly stripped sump plug thread... again!....bugger!