Last weekend was my rookie event as a rider at El Mirage Dry Lake, after 7 seasons as crew chief!
The goal for the day was not top speed, but rather (1) break in the engine after getting the cylinders replated and installing new rings, and (2) evaluate the ergonomics of a new seat and shift lever position. It was a long and awesome weekend from technical inspection to rookie school and racing!
Day 1: Tech Inspection & Rookie School
The motorcycle always sails through technical inspection, and nothing significant has changed from the last events. As my first official event, my leathers were inspected with one detail pointed out to change: the zipper that attaches the jacket to the pants is sewn into a cloth strip that is then sewn to the leather, when the zipper should be directly sewn to the leather. Makes sense. Thankfully it wasn’t a critical issue and I was still allowed to run. To be fixed for July!
Rookie school was straightforward since I have been around the lakebed for so many seasons – stay on the motorcycle when it’s running, only go when directed to, stay between the cones, turn off to the left after the finish line. Got it.
Day 2: Race Day
Run #1: 6,000 RPM (93 mph)
The engine was fresh with replated & honed cylinders along with new piston rings. We had started up the engine back at the lab, but this was the first run under load for the “green” engine so the boost pressure and the RPM were limited. It was low pressure for a rookie run!
Run #2: 6,500 RPM (99 mph)
Lessons Learned
- Fix the zipper attachment from my jacket to pants.
- Bring a bendy straw! Trying to drink water from a bottle with a helmet on is difficult.
- Work out a starting procedure with Smitty to more easily find 3rd gear. (Pre-start fumbling was edited out of the video.)
Amy I love this! Rona
Fabulous!
I am so impressed!
Looks Great!