The Grid at Le Mans

Le-Mans – 25^th – 27^th March 2011

We had a steady pace at the start of the practice, as we had never ridden Le-Mans before. Our mechanics and team boss helped set-up the suspension on the new bike. After the second session we were down to a 1.49. Which was respectable for our first day at  the circuit with the bike, and still trying to find that perfect suspension set-up. 

Qualifying

The pressure was on for our qualifying. The first session we made some more adjustments to the suspension but when we went out on the circuit, after a few laps the tyres were shot and the back end of the bike was moving around all over the shop.  For the second qualifying heat we had a new rear tyre and then I was able to put in a 1.48 and qualify 28 out of 36 on the grid putting me on the 7^th row. This was good for my first ever race meeting in this class as I met my target, which was not being on the back row.

Race

My confidence grew as I sat on the grid eyeballing them lights ready for the go signal.  The adrenaline grew and started coursing through my veins.

The first corner was mayhem as all 36 riders all fought over the best position.  There is nothing like starting a race with a bit of paintjob swapping action. A few laps in and I was starting to approach my first pack, tagging onto a fast group.   I was in 21st position and tagged onto a pack of 6.

After a few laps red mist kicked in and I was trying to pass the fellow rider in front of me. Unfortunately I got on the gas that little bit to early coming out of Virage du MUSEE, and the bike catapulted me over the side.  It was a second hand end to my first ever 600 race but I put my fastest lap of the race in before I crashed of a 1.47.  Cannot wait for the next round at Nogaro with yet another new circuit to learn.