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Talladega Race Report
By Rhiannon Lucente
April 7-9
Talladega GP, AL
Round 2 - WERA National Challenge Series
Sam West and I pulled into Talladega GP at 11AM on Thursday
morning and got everything set up for the weekend. I only
had a half of a day to learn the track before qualifying,
and only a few practice sessions on Saturday to dial everything
in for the races. It was a crunch, but we managed to complete
the weekend with our heads high.
Friday was my day to learn the track and try to get acclimated
as quickly as possible to the course before qualifying. It
was much different from the last round at Jennings, if not
trickier. I spent my half day of practice gearing the machine,
and then re-gearing it. I had a problem with the bike wanting
to highside me, but didn’t have time to rectify it before
qualifying. It kept going full lock tank slapper on the exit
of two, resulting in a wider line and poor drive out. I made
it through qualifying, and figured out how to make the bike
more stable. We did one more gearing change, and only minor
adjustments to the suspension. The day went smooth, even though
I was disappointed in my qualifying position.
Saturday was my ‘day off’. The night before, it
stormed something fierce (including a tornado 16 miles away)
and the track was soaked for morning practice. I decided that
it was safer to stay in bed, than chance it on the track for
practice (and so did a lot of other people!). Sam and I watched
some of the endurance race, went over what I needed to work
on for the races on Sunday, tweaked the gearing one more time,
and put fresh tires on. I figured out some things, and was
anxious to apply them on the track in Sunday morning practice.
Sunday came all too quick. I went out in practice and tried
a few different lines and gears. Things seemed to be going
well, and then it was time to grid up for 600 Superstock.
I took my position and reminded myself that I was in the 2nd
wave, and to cool it until my flag dropped. Not 3 seconds
later I dumped the clutch and took off with the 1st wave (duh).
I momentarily dropped the throttle, but quickly picked it
up into a wheelie barreling towards turn one. I knew I had
to haul around the track to not lose ground for my ‘stop
and go’ penalty. I didn’t even wait for the meatball
flag; I just pulled in, never put my feet down, and zipped
back onto the track. I ended up catching four back-markers,
to finish right where I qualified…29th. I was bummed
about my start, but happy that I didn’t come in last
(or worse, crash). The 600 Superbike race also had a few glitches.
I had hoped for a better start, but got tangled with a couple
guys into turn two. It only made things worse for me when
I couldn’t get the same drive as the superbikes, it seemed
every exit someone would get around me. I held my own as best
as I could, and put in a respectable 16th place finish.
Overall the weekend went great! I am satisfied with the outcome
of the weekend, even if I don’t feel my finishes reflect
what I wanted to accomplish. I am looking forward to developing
quickly on the R6, and getting much better finishing positions.
Our next round is an ASRA event at Road America. I know that
I will do extremely well in all of my classes, and even have
a shot at a podium! Thank you to everyone who is supporting
Team West/OneFastGirl, and I know that we will all come out
on top this season!
2006 Support
Sam West ChickenHawk
Komodo Leathers Smith Optics
Spyder Leatherworks PowerMist
Cycle Dynamics OGIO
Columbus BMW/Ducati Lithium Motorsports
Leo Vince Exhausts MBP Performance
EK Chains Cyclecat
SBS Brake Pads VHS Photography
Ohlins Mirror Images Photography
Beechwold Hardware
Arai Helmets
Vortex
Hotbodies
MSP Suzuki
Triple Nickel Motorcycle Supply
Yuasa Batteries
Michelin Tires
Motorex USA
KWS Motorsports
Honda Northwest
MotoCorse
I'm faster than your girlfriend, BRRAAAPP.
www.onefastgirl.com
rhiannon@onefastgirl.com
Rhiannon Lucente #66
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