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*Liam's Wild Ride*

Last shot for now. When the axle is blasted out, the wheel pops forward, the calipers spring out of the way, and the wheel is free. The new wheel is placed on the first notch, then the calipers are swung into place, and with a simple nudge, the wheel goes right into place - no lining anything up, just go!!!! The axle is then re-installed (reverse threads so it doesn't loosen over time during the race) and it's zoom zoom zoom!

The race itself was off the hook, and despite some technical issues during the six hours (one of the pilots had a nasty fall that bunged up a couple things) we managed to get the bike back to together and on track. . . all the way to second spot on the podium! It was amazing for me to be part of this, an active member of the pit crew, and a member of the team. I have a new and deeper respect for endurance racing, and while the lap times are not the absolute fastest, I doubt many fast riders could go out and ride until the tank was empty, then come in for fuel and tires, and go back out again. It happens, and it's incredible. This is the kind of race that starts with the riders running across the track to get their bikes started and running. Fantastic! You owe it to yourself to check out one of these races if you get a chance, and because the race is so long, there's plenty of time to move around, check out different aspects, and enjoy a day at the races!

I'd add more, but I left my camera in Kenny's van last night when we got back into BCN at 1AM. Long week, and I'm bushed all over again. More to come later as Liam continues on his wild adventures in the world of motorcycle racing!

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MotoLiam said:
I have a new and deeper respect for endurance racing, and while the lap times are not the absolute fastest, I doubt many fast riders could go out and ride until the tank was empty, then come in for fuel and tires, and go back out again. It happens, and it's incredible. You owe it to yourself to check out one of these races if you get a chance, and because the race is so long, there's plenty of time to move around, check out different aspects, and enjoy a day at the races!
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Great pics and great story as always!!! Rossi echos these comments in his book saying what a bitch it was to race the Suzuka 8 hour race.
 
Hey, I'm looking for a copy of Word that will work on my Mac. Anyone know someone who has a copy that can be uploaded to my server. . . . ?
 
MotoLiam said:
Think Endurance racing is boring? It's not, though it can be quite grueling, both of the riders, and the crew! This is a shot of the quick change front fork, which is a remote gas charged Ohlins unit that was formerly on a Factory World Superbike last year. It has been modified to accept super brakes from Nissin, and I've never seen a front tire that was as simple or quick to swap out. Still blows me away thinking about it. If I make some custom street bikes for people (or myself!) this is another cool innovation that I want!

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Looks kooky, whats the unsprung weight penalty? it seems odd that so many companies put so much emphasis on reducing it i can only think that the time benefit far out weighs the penalty.:confused
 
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Hey guys, I know I'm going to be pretty busy later this week, and over the weekend, so I thought I'd spend a little bit of time now and update with some additional shots from my trip last week to Round 3 of WSBK in Valencia. What's the most important part of a road trip? The snacks! This is my latest snack addiction. Sooooo crunchy :)

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It has a fairly racist mascot/logo, so I don't know if I should be buying it or not. There are a lot of things in Europe that are just way too sensitive to ever make it in the States.

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Step two was getting ahold of the car. Cue pepecar . I picked up this sweet little beauty - a Hyundai Matrix, diesel. Naturally, it was on empty so I had to fill'er up in the city, which was more expensive than in the boonies. If you have any idea how outrageously expensive gas is in Europe, you'll feel me on this one.



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Not only was the gas pricey, but the tolls were killer! It added up to roughly 35 Euros each way to travel 3.5 hours on the highways to Valencia. Higway Robbery?!?

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Speaking of Big Rigs, check out the nice Mercedes towing the camper!

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Made it! Stopped to hit the can at the Agip station just outside the racetrack. Car was running decently, but the clutch was a little weak (i.e. no burnouts!). You may notice the large rental car graphics. . . . this would pose a problem later. A big problem.

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At the circuit I noticed this cool streetfighter parked next to the front gate. Man, I miss riding custom bikes. Not exactly my style, but really nice to see someone put all the time and effort into their ride.

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They might not be setting the tracks on fire, but the fit and finish on the Petronas 3-cyl is outstanding!

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Nice tank cut-away . . . . and no shortage of carbon fiber on this baby, either!

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Every other time I've travelled to Valencia, I've always used the train system. That's because I always knew where I was going to be sleeping. Renting a car enabled me to get there, and have a place to crash! Since I was familiar with the circuit's shower facilities, I knew the score and how to take advantage of it :)
Here's a view of my palatial sleeping acommodations, including the portable home theatre system!

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