Hobby Racing

After my first presence on a racetrack in march, I was eager for more and looking forward for an opportunity to go again. This opportunity presented itself in the form of this anouncement, so I contacted both Ionut Mistode and Victor Nemes in order to register for the training courses held at Serres Racing Circuit, during the 5^th round of the Romanian Superbike Championship.

I started to prepare my bike for the track: I bought and installed a steering damper (Hyperpro RSC) and a used set of racing tyres. I took off the blinkers and the mirrors and I covered with PowerTape the headlamp and the tail light.

I decided to transport myself the bike and, in order to cut costs, I started to look for someone to share the trip. Ionut Mistode recommended Cristian Gherghel and on Wednsday evening we loaded the bikes on the trailer, setting the departure for Thursday morning. Because of some problems Cristian had at his job, we couldn't leave before 4 pm, so we arrived in Serres late in the night (or better said early in the morning).

The next day the training started. We met the instructors, Roland and Gregor. I joined the slower group, Gregor being our instructor.

After a little bit of theory, we went on track, each of us having the chance to ride behind the instructor so he could check our riding and make corrections.

Because of the extreme heat (probably over 40 degrees Celsius on the track) and not listening Gregor's advice to drink a lot of water, due to dehydration I lost my concentration and I left the track going straight in the third corner. I was lucky to do this at a low speed and nothing happened so I could re-enter on the track.

The second incident of the weekend occured after the training course, in the 9^th corner, when I was trying to drag my knee. Because my position on the bike wasn't correct and I have lean the bike too much, I had my first lowside crash on the track. Luckily the crashpads an the personal protective gear did their work and both me and my bike were ok and ready to continue.

In the last day my rear tyre was worn out and Adrian Wacykiewcz a.k.a "Balamuc" was very kind and borrowed me a used but usable tyre so I could finish the day.