Codzilla's July WSMC Report

[codzilla70]

July WSMC race report

Well this month I thought I’d try a different strategy and show up just before the Solo race to try and conserve a little energy. We got to the track around 2 and got set up and then just waited for the race.

Solo GT
I got and average start and filed in behind Sp8s going into T1 and followed him for the first lap the passed him in T2 (I think). I was by myself the rest of the race just pushing and trying to stay consistent. I’m starting to get used to when the tires get hot after about 11 or 12 laps and start sliding. After about halfway I really started getting pooped and my lap times showed it, I must have missed my down shift into T9 6 or 7 times. I ended up finishing 1st and took the lead in the championship so I’m pretty stoked about that but I do wish there was someone to race with to take my mind off of how tired I was, Sp8s was on really old tires and wasn’t pushing it.

Sunday I put a new rear on and did one practice to scrub it in. (I did the whole weekend on the same front from last month)

FTLW
I got an OK start and was right behind Andy into T1. When we exited T1 we went around Jon Dixon, one on each side. When we went into T2 I was on the outside and Andy seemed to be going pretty slow for him so on the exit of T2 I came around. We where now side by side going into T2 but I had the inside line and Andy let me have the position. Now I set my sights on Sp8s, I can see Brant and Jump checking out but I catch up to Sp8s and the fun begins. We had some excellent duels into T1. A couple times he would take the line into one and then brake just a little too much and I almost hit him a couple times reeeeeelly close! One lap I tried to pass around the outside pushing the front real wide but managed to keep it up then he ran a little wide in T3 and tried to take a tight line around T4 but ran a little wide on the exit and I was able to square off the turn and get a better drive down to T5. He let me lead till the last lap then made a pass on me exiting T9. I could not fight back and had to settle for 4th. Once again I need to be a little more cautious with him as he’s a sneaky bastard.

Next up was 550SBK.
I actually got a decent start on this one and when we got to T2 I was just a few bike lengths behind Brant and Sp8s. From what I could tell it looked like Brant was sandbagging to let Andy catch up which allowed me to catch them pretty easily. One thing I have noticed about following fast riders is it seems very easy and relaxed, they are so smooth that it doesn’t take much effort to turn those lap times. You just have to stay right on there lines. I remember one lap on the back straight I was actually thinking about this and how calm I was. After playing with us a little more Brant checked out and once again it was Sp8s and I to fight it out. I don’t really remember much more about the race but I ended up 3rd to Sp8s’ 2nd


Overall it was a good weekend, I only bought one tire, won some cash, won some wood but the best of all was I got into the 29s!

I’d like to thank my sponsors, my wife, Ohlins, SocalSVRiders and Bridgestone. I’d also like to thank the class sponsors West Coast GP Cycles and Golden Cantina.

Thanks to all the competitors as well these classes are really starting to get fun with all the new peeps coming on board!


Disclaimer; for some reason I can't remember all of the details so if I got something wrong feel free to correct me.

[Dominus]

Aaahhh...the land of the 29's....I'll be there soon enough. I keep suprising myself with each time I go to the track I take a little more time off my best. I've hit the 34's so 33's and 32's should be on their way soon enough, I'm slowly but surely catching the pack. Good job Cody.

[Monsterdood]

Good racing, sorry about the braking, I was pretty uncomfortable with the pad setup I was running and should have realized that I was throwing out a boat anchor while just in front of you. I'll try to be a little more concious of that and will be smoother with with some new pads.

I know in the 550SBK, you came immediately past when I went into the marbles of turn 8 to see what things looked like out there, but I think I got back by you into turn 1 (again) and then maybe held you off to the end. I forget the details too though....

My turn 1 tricks and turn 9 drive will only get me by for so long, and then I better start figuring out some tricks in other places too.....

[SubDiver]

Congratulations on getting into the 29's! You and Chris were tearing it up this weekend. Hope I can catch up to you guys in the next month or two.

[Kurt'sSV]

Get your stubby hobbit ass on that elliptical runner again and your bike can carry a lighter rider down the straights a little faster and the tires will get to work a little less in the corners.

You were fun to watch yesterday.

[codzilla70]

No way! I like the irony of a fat racer.
Makes me feel a little closer to the Go Show.

[Tom]

Good luck at Streets this weekend. Sorry I won't be there to pit bitch.