Silverstone 12th and 13th September 2003

Practice day 12th

For 2003 the FIM decided to introduce a new chicane complex de-risking Woodcote, I agree that the exit of Luffield was pretty fast and if things went awry at Woodcote there was little run off, also in the wet you have to cross the place markings white lines, which when cranked over and on the gas sends the bike a bit squiggly, at what 120mph, a sphincter threatening moment for sure!! I had seen in BSB that a new complex had been introduced here to try and slow things down a bit and also knew it was hated by the BSB riders! However they ride the GP circuit, we were set to race the National circuit and I wasn't sure if the complex would be included.

Got up at 5:30am and set off for Silverstone, arriving about 8am. When we arrived the pits and inner paddock were already packed, managed to grab a peachy little space in the inner paddock, which was near a powerpoint. The main advantage of this is that we can clag in and not have to have the genny drumming away all day!! You can imagine the racket in the paddock with everyone’s generators going all day (and most of the night where people want lights and TVs etc!).

Silverstone seems to be a really tyre hungry track, on our last visit Andrew got through 3 rear tyres! I got through 2, but having to turn them round. Started unpacking and took one of my rear wheels to get the tyre turned. This was the one I used at Cadwell practice and was still ok on the left, but wouldn’t last long on the right. I figured turning it round should hopefully do me for the practice day leaving my better (though still used) rubber for raceday.

Finished unpacking and signed on.

Andrew’s friend (who has spannered for us before), Rick, was there racing his RS250 'prilia so we all set up together. The practice day was made up of 4 sessions, there being 3 of us on 3 different types of bikes meant that there was always one of us out in 3 of the 4 sessions, not much time to get bored!

I normally look up what my previous best time is before I visit a track to give me a yardstick of what I should be looking at trying to run. My best time there the year before was a 1:01.9, however this was now of little use as the new chicane (which it turns out we were using) threw these times out. However I guestimated that I should still be lapping at just over the minute mark.

Although shaping up to be a nice day weather wise, the track was still very damp from the day/night before. Rick was the first of us out and came back saying that we would hate the new chicane. Andrew was next out, but came in half way through his session as it was a bit dodgy on his slicks. Supposedly it was dry down the backstraight, and most of the way from Copse to Maggots where it was damp again, then dry until Brooklands where it was very damp through to Copse (turn 1) again. So it had to be my dry tyres. I am now running Supercorsers, which are really slicks with groves in the middle so they can be sold/classed as road legal tyres (to conform with FIM supersport regulations you have to run road tyres, so the manufactures push the limits). Therefore these things are useless in the damp if you have any sort of lean (and essentially on the slick part of the tyre). As I said, the day was shaping up to be a good one and it wouldn't take long to dry out totally, so I went out thinking I’d just use this session to re-familiarise myself with the bike and track and take the damp bits easy , winding it up from Copse to Maggots.

I had timed Andrew when he went out and clocked him doing 1:24s at best. That gave me a yardstick. Went out and indeed it was far to dry for wets, but still damp where described previously, yet drying rapidly.

Got to the new complex which starts about 1/2 way between Brooklands and what used to be the final right-hander Luffield, a 180 deg fast turn. This new section starts off positively cambered, but seems to tighten up slightly. Then it goes slightly uphill to a blind crest apex, as you approach the apex the view of the chicane is revealed. For the chicane, you have to virtually stop, bang the bike left, there is no time to accelerate or do anything apart from muscle the bike over to the left a bit in a vain attempt to get a line for the right 'flop'. The cowboys that did it have kindly made a bump right at this point, the suspension compressing and making the bike go all over, a real nightmare and a front end disaster waiting to happen. Then after the right flop, you need to power up. You are going too slow really for 2nd, but too fast for 1st, this is a highside waiting to happen!!! It was just so unnatural and no one looked to know what to do!!

On about my 3rd lap I decided to lean it a bit more on the damp bit round maggots, nothing too severe, just 'winding it up' a bit... I was balancing the throttle, not accelerating at this point and BOTH wheels slid sideways. I drove my inside leg out more expecting the bike to go down. I wasn't even cranked over enough for kneedown at this point so I was driving my knee out hoping I could lessen this by catching the bike on my knee first. I thought oh flock I am going down! Luckily, the tyres gradually regained grip all by themselves and I didn’t go down, but as I was not expecting it at all as I was not really 'trying' which made it all the more PHARP!! I took that as a severe warning!! Think my fastest lap was a 1:21.

The next session out it was bone dry and I could work the bike up much better. On my last visit I felt my strong points were turn 1 Copse and the Maggots section. I love this bit as you approach the Maggots complex pretty hot, actually muscling the bike over from left to right hard on the brakes, the rear all light and squiggly, then you enter the long right. The right is a bit nasty midpoint as it is where the National and GP circuits join and thus has a tarmac change and the join has a horrible bump. You are hard in there at this point and the bike is fully cranked over, it can really upset things and I have seen a lot of people go down there. Things felt better this session as it was fully dry and I think I was doing 1:13s by the end. The brakes felt really wooden as they had the last few rounds, this was especially noticeable at the end of the backstraight where you have to bring the bike down from about 160.

Matt has had brake problems on his race bike and we have tried all the usual things to try and cure, even changing the disks! I have never had a problem with this lever fade on my bike and therefore in the hunt to solve Matt’s problems we have tried using the same fluid and pads as I do. Since his last round I have done a lot of asking around and it seemed people were recommending ‘Performance Friction’ pads for his bike as they generate/ transfer less heat to the callipers. Anyway I digress. As my brakes had been feeling a bit wooden for the past few rounds, I wanted to do summin about it and now fancied some of these Performance Friction pads everyone was ranting and raving about for myself. I managed to track the bloke down who I had arranged to buy some off and fitted them. These pads are carbon based and therefore need to be hot before they work. I spoke to the bloke about this and said yeah, just run them a bit on the warm-up lap else you will go straight on at turn 1 on the first lap of the race everyone does it once… hummm…

Anyhow, I changed them over. The HHs I had in there had plenty of meat on them, but on inspection had glazed, this is probably why they felt wooden. I had noticed it before that the HHs seem to be awesome when you first fit, but soon seem to go 'off' after a few rounds.

The PF pads did seem better, much more feel, which gave me more confidence in them… great!! However, they where new pads, I am sure some new HHs would have felt better than old too, only time will tell if they go 'off' like the HHs. Happy with them at the moment though. However I wouldn’t say they were offering MORE stopping power than the HHs, they definitely have less initial bite (than new HHs), but to be honest sometimes this is perhaps a good thing, defiantly giving me plenty of 'feel' which is oh-so important.

By the end of the practice day I was putting in consistent low 1:10s with the odd 1:09. I actually got one high 1:08 on my laptimer too, but couldn't repeat this. I felt I was working turn 1 and the Maggots complex good, better than most others I happened across it seemed, especially turn1 (Copse), but felt really weak through Brooklands and the new chicane.

Last time I was there I turned into Brooklands, which is at the end of the backstraight and I’d turn the bike in and get on the power again before the apex to balance the bike and then to give it a quick squirt down to Luffield. However I found the problem now was that the run to the new complex was so short you actually needed to use Brooklands to slow you enough for the new right-hander, which consequently means the front is worked very hard. It is a recipe for the front end to tuck, and bearing in mind you are probably still over a ton when you turn in, I didn't really want the front tucking on me. As I wasn't balancing the bike much on the throttle it also had a tendency to go wide on the exit and the track tightens up on you, so in real danger of going off track if you get it wrong. So thought caution at this point until I could find something better to do, but was loosing time here. I had noticed if I tried a late, late entry to get a better driving line, then someone would simply go in my inside and steal the line, risking taking me out too if their front tucked… also cutting me up and I’d have to change my line… Again not what you want to be asking the front to do at this point! Consequently I was slower in here than I liked and kept a neutral line.

I decided to use 2nd out of the chicane as it was too dodgy in 1st and you needed to shift mid corner which is tricky. I felt I was better off using 2nd, but I felt I was losing drive as the engine was slightly bogged down, you still needed to be a bit careful on the throttle though even in 2nd as when it did come on song, you'd get a burst of power, not really what you are after at this point!! On the exit I shifted my weight rear to help the tyre bite... I could feel the rear biting, but a bit loose as it struggled for grip, this is a darkie corner for sure!! And you can see them being left by the bike you are following!! Kool!!

Race day 13th

It had been a long day the day before and I didn't get a good nights sleep either (but then I never do at race meets!!). We had got scrutineered the night before so it which was nice that we didn’t have that to do in the AM, just had to get signed on.

AM Practice

As it hadn't rained overnight, the track was still dry and the forecast was good too.

Struggled for some reason into turn1 Copse a bit, I was braking earlier and going in with less commitment that the day before, which was frustrating as that I felt was one of my strongest points of the track. I had, however had a couple of 'moments' there the day before where I was trying different things and pushing the limits, and had a big one that almost had me off the year before. Although not a massive problem on practice day, perhaps this had nurtured itself overnight and given me some doubt?? Best times 1:11s about 1-1.5 seconds slower than the day before. Not too worried though as hopefully under race conditions I’d be back on it, hopefully better still!

Race1 Clubman600

As the clubman race was cancelled at Cadwell, BEMSEE was going to run 2 clubman races at Silverstone to compensate, thus I had an AM and PM clubman race.

Start 6th on the grid Row 2.

Not exactly a lighting start, but go away ok, I am always wary into the first corner as I have seen so many first turn pileups, but this mentality isn't ideal for getting a good start!! Exited turn 1 in about 10th so really lost out. Made some of these back into Maggots complex then went off down the backstraight. It was evident already I was really getting canned on horsepower as I got passed when we were only about 1/2 way down and the guys in front were getting away. Hit the brakes for Brooklands, I saw sparks and smoke up ahead. Someone had lost the front into Brooklands, the bike was cart-wheeling away. The guy that had just taken me down the straight got caught up trying to avoid the downed bike/rider, I was looking at the downed bike and going wide myself where I had picked the bike up in a knee-jerk reaction. This was not good and my brain then took over. I made myself look away and pick a line to miss both. I could see the marks in the tarmac and picked the bike up as I crossed over this, just in case there was oil/fluid down. I hooked up, hoping to pass the bloke back who had got tangled up in avoiding the downed bike, but couldn't quite make the pass on the bloke as he was hooking up again too and just got the run. Luckily I hadn't lost any places in the incident though. Took the bloke by making a block pass into the new chicane and powered off down the start finish, but the time I got to maggots again the red flags were out.

When waiting for the downed rider and bike to be scraped up I got chatting to the bloke next to me. He evidently knew the bloke next to him as they had been chatting, this guy was on a R6 like me, the other guy was on a well presented ZX6R. I asked the horsepower question just out of interest as it was the Kawasaki that had canned me down the straight, he had 119... the bloke next to me on the R6 had 115. He asked about mine (I was told it had 106 when it was last dynoed, I have no idea what it is producing now). Supposedly the Kawasaki bloke had 2 more identical spare bikes in the pits too... I jokingly said I was starting not to like him very much!!

The race was re-started and I got a pretty poor opening few corners again. Lost a place into maggots where I was carved up, got one back hooking up out of Maggots only to get annihilated again down the backstraight. I took a place back on the brakes into Brooklands and another block pass into the new chicane.

I then got out gunned down the start finish, just before the braking zone. I had to let him cross my front as he got on line for Copse. Rather than trying to go in full pelt, I figured I’d hold back a bit and get better drive through the corner and get passed again on the exit. I was getting the run on him, however he went wide and as my front was beside his rear at the time he pushed me wide too. I had to withdraw from the attack, losing loads of momentum. I was so angry at him/ the situation I was smacking my left bar with my clenched fist. There was nothing I could do. I (well we) lost a place in the process too as some bloke picked up the pieces!!

After losing that momentum, this guy got a few bike lengths on me. I got it back into Maggots and started to make the pass on the exit, got alongside and he just started to pull away... There was nothing I could do. I moved in behind him to slipstream, and managed to keep within about 5 bike lengths, which I made up on the brakes. I wanted to pass round Brooklands, but as I mentioned I was a bit cautious in here.

I did finally pass him but had lost loads of ground on the bloke in front. I did close him down, but the race was over all too soon!!

Finished 7th, I was gutted I really wanted a top 3, at least a top 5 and I felt I was riding pretty well, admittedly the chicane was a bit pants, but then everyone was suffering there too!

I'd just have to hope I do better in afternoon race!! But I have to say I didn’t feel I had one anything practically wrong in this one, just not too good a start and a little held up.

Race 2 Supersport 600.

Start 38th Row 10

As per usual starting well back here but I don't really mind too much about the SS6 races. It'd be nice to have a fighting chance by starting on the front 2-3 rows though!!

Got away from the line really well, making a few places on the run to turn 1, but things are always manic at the start and with about 30+ bikes ahead all huddled in the corner only the very brave or very stupid go in fully committed. I really lost out here and into Maggots as people carved people up left, right and centre. I reckon I wasn't far from last going onto the backstraight.

Once things settled down I did begin to pick people off one by one, but only managed to get to 27th by the finish.

Although I realise my bike has never been overly competitive on horsepower, I have never really used this as an excuse as I think I could still get more out of the bike by riding better. My placings aren't solely down to BHP (although more BHP would make things easier). I actually like being a bit low on BHP in a way, as it is all the more satisfying when I am beating people with a serious BHP advantage. However on this occasion I could come out of Maggots actually gaining on people, get alongside and then they simply pull away… I can see the people in front of them disappearing off too. Also I was taking people into Maggots taking the line and still getting eaten up down the backstraight even having passed them, just for them to hold me up into Brooklands. This sort of thing happens at places like Snetterton too, but it was particularly evident here at Silverstone on this day. A bit of a downer as I couldn't do anything to combat this.

When sitting around in the pits I noticed a big gouge/ dent in my end can that wasn't there before I left... it wasn't a tyre mark... what the hell caused that... a bar? a peg? If it was, I just couldn’t work out how the angles would allow that... strange. In one hand it was scary as that meant I wasn't far from an off, these cans aren't cheap either, and although not ruined not what you want. However the kid in me found the fact this had mysteriously appeared in combat pretty kool!! I think I may have consequently worked out what it was caused by; if it wasn’t another bike, I do remember trying particularly hard and taking a different line out of the new chicane... I remember thumping my knee on the inside curb at the apex, perhaps I hit the can too??? that is perhaps more plausible and probably even kooler as she must have been 'rit over for that!! :)

Race 3 Supersport 600 PM race

Start 27th row 7.

Still a long way back!! Had put my wheel back in that had the tyre I used for the practice day to save my 'good' tyre for the second clubman race. Same old story at the start, manic as hell!! When things settled, I kinda settled following these two guys; following them lap after lap, making time round the 1st half of the lap and losing out down the backstraight and new chicane exit/ start finish. Although right back on their tail coming out of turn 1 and into Maggots, not quite having enough to get past. As I followed for most of the race I got quite a bit of confidence in them, and was willing to run close to them round and on the exit of a corner, normally I like to leave a bit more room for error. I had made a pass a lap before but he got me back again. I was lining him up on the last lap, intending to make a pass into the new chicane, which although I don't like the chicane itself, it is actually a pretty good place to make a pass. Generally I was using this and the run out of Copse and the run though Maggots as my passing points, unfortunately the yellows were out all the way form Brooklands so no chance to overtake.

Finished 29th

Although not a good race finishing position wise, I actually enjoyed it as I don't normally get to race with others. That may sound strange as I am obviously racing, but my races usually tend to be a case of staying out of trouble until things calm down, then hunt people down, passing when possible, then chasing the next down, not really getting taken back. Gaps have generally opened up, thus spending most of the race on my Todd. I ride fastest when I have a clear track directly ahead, but someone in my sights, as I can choose my line and can go in fully committed, but have focus as I am hunting someone down. Normally if I am dicing with people it frustrates me where I have to be cautious and often feel I am getting held up. But this time as I realised I wasn't fighting for any decent position moving forward largely didn't matter to my end result and he wasn't really holding me up much, just better than each other at different parts of the track. I enjoyed the close contact as that is what it is all about, but it didn't feel too risky on this occasion as I could tell he was in control and was predictable.

Race 4 Clubman600 PM race

Start 6th Row2

This race was only for people who missed the Cadwell round... hoped that might mean that some of the front runners from the AM race would not be in this... Unfortunately that wasn't the case ... although less than 20 starters, the front guys were all there!! Doh!! :)

Wanted to do well here, desperate to get a better start so I didn’t lose too much ground. Red lights went out, green started to glow, let the clutch out... wheelie... arrrrrr... rolled off slightly to ride the wheelie, yet sink it, the front started to come down, flicked 2nd in the hope that'd help get it down more, gassed up and the front rose again.... Although not ideal I wasn't actually losing much ground it seemed. Lost a place or three in the opening lap though.

Pretty uneventful race, but getting held up by the bloke in front. I just didn't ever have enough to complete a pass, penalising myself by attempting a pass into the new chicane and having to abort, consequently loosing ground. Also not having the courage to make a pass round Brooklands where I was actually quicker.

The bloke was saved by yellow flags at times too where I could have made a pass but wasn’t allowed. I realised that it wasn't really gonna happen and even if I got past I was only fighting for 7th so decided to just go for a finish and didn't attempt a pass on the last lap. Finished 8th and gutted with the result. I wanted at least a top 5 and the bloke on the Kawasaki I had passed and finished 2 places in front of in race 1, had finished this one in 4th rubbing salt in my wounds as I knew I was faster than him!! Unbeknown to me I only finished 11 seconds behind the leader, and I probably lost the best part of that on the opening lap!!

Conclusion

I want to be 'up front’ and will never happy with my results until that is the case. Consequently I wasn’t best chuffed with my day. However I, Andrew and Rick were all in one bit, the weather had been good and the racing close. I had also actually enjoyed a SS race for the first time ever!

I have to say I am impressed with the feedback the Supercorsers were giving me, sliding predictably giving me plenty of warning and regaining grip nicely, notably where the bike hopped a bit at the bump at the tarmac join mid maggots initiating a 2 wheel struggle for grip. Another place they were giving feedback was hooking up out of the new chicane. I tend to use a soft suspension set-up, which seems to aid this too, as it is more compliant to the track surface changes. There were some points when the bike was a bit out of shape, but nothing really nasty and she came back or rode through it nicely every time. I need to get confidence back in my tyres as believing in grip is key to pushing hard and this event really aided that affinity.

Now just got to wait a month until Snetterton... By that time I’ll have forgotten how to race again!! I just am not getting enough time on the bike!