Time has passed by perhaps quicker than i'd like, bits are still on order and we're off to Brands Hatch at the weekend. It's my local, so i'm hoping to capitalise on the first races of the season with a couple of decent finishes.
There are some top names amongst the entrants for this season, which include last seasons champion, and the 2005 champion is also returning. Browsing the entrants, i would say that there are around 10 names that are capable of winning races, which means its going to be a good close season. I honestly feel that consistency is going to be paramount to completing the championship in a strong position. a DNF is going to leave 10 others taking those points away.
I'll be dissapointed if i'm outside of the top 10. Realistically, Brands will be my strongest circuit so i NEED to take the advantage and slot myself up into the top 5, however, this is a bike that i've only ridden once, i'm unsure of the gearing needed and the first opportunity to ride it will be in qualifying. With 50 odd bikes also on the track during qualifying, its going to be hard to get a clear track to make a good run of it.
the plan:
change tyres and gearing on saturday. i'll have to guess the gearing. the 46t rear that is currently fitted is too tall, so i'll go with a 47 or 48. I'll have to scrub the tyre in roughly by hand with sandpaper. I'll be going out to qualify on cold tyre's that arent properly scrubbed in, tricky! Need to get out quickly in qualifying session to beat the traffic, i would estimate that by lap 4 there will be too much traffic to be able to get a decent lap in. That gives me lap 1+2 to scrub the tyres and get some heat into them, and lap 3 to get a quick lap in.
Could do with some trick bits on this bike, such as a brembo front brake system and an ohlins shock. If anyone out there would like to add they're name to the sponsors list please get in touch!
