Events & observations from yesterday. It's been non stop rain nearly the the last 6 weeks in Sydney (most of the east coast really) so it was a massive relief to have a sunny day with minimal wind, perfect conditions. Ditched the Michelin tyres for some Supercorsa Sc1's and boy it was an improvement. No more fighting for lean, worrying about grip or not being able to hold a line. So off the warmers from the very first corner of the day I was optimistic.
A few crashes held the morning up so there was nearly 2 hours between my first and second sessions - the extra break + fully booked groups meant there was a fair bit of traffic to navigate before getting to out front for a bit of free space. Came in a bit hot trying to pass someone on the outside into turn 4 and suddenly the mud and grass started approaching pretty quickly but managed to keep it upright. Thought about bailing the rest of the session but track days cost too much to waste any riding (not to mention the 5 hour trip each way). Persevered even with a few other riders doing some weird things (one particular heavy brake check, resulting in a bit of rear wheel lift and partial backing in - entirely unintentionally of course, don't ask me to do it again
although it's nice to know how well these stock components can perform).
Session three was much better again, no problems beside a few dodgy/missed shifts but really getting into the groove after not riding for over 6 weeks. Gradually getting more consistent with my lines and positioning. Even timed a few laps to give myself a bit of a baseline for improvement when I do Cali superbike school in 2 1/2 weeks.
Because of all the delays earlier in the day 5 mins were added to the next two sessions and round 6 was cancelled. Physical fitness wasn't a problem but really had to focus on concentration since my brain is still calibrating to the experience of riding like that. Second proper day out after all.
Successful day in the end, mates & I all left in one piece - toyed with the idea of following it up again today but decided to play it safe and save it for next time.
Not my video but a quick lap around the circuit on a 1299 to see what we're dealing with. Bike lap record is Wayne Maxwell on an ASBK spec V4R, 1:29 I believe.