AMA race recap

Hey all.  Here are some details from our last two AMA rounds plus a couple pics of some action and Fan Walk activity.  Special thanks to our sponsors Cafe Racer, Inc., Speed & Strength, Vortex, Motorex, BikeMaster, Woodcraft, Armour Bodies, Advanced Promotions, and Sidi!

AMA Pro Racing Buckeye SuperBike Weekend at Mid-Ohio

GoPro Daytona Sportbike

Friday P1:  Morning practice on the cool Mid-Ohio surface was tricky.  Times were slow throughout the entire field, but gradually improved during the 50min session and we ended 19^th fastest.

Friday Q1:  Afternoon sun combined with the other groups laying some rubber down helped improve grip on the track.  Or pace quickened, but so did everyone else and we managed to hold 19^th place for a provisional qualifying spot.

Saturday Q2:  Morning conditions are typically slower until the track comes up to temp.  However the day started with clear skies which allowed the sun to bake the surface early.  Sunny skies coupled with the rubber laid down from Friday meant lap times were the best they had been yet.  We ranked up the order at one time, but landed in 19^th again when the clock ran out for final qualifying.  Our grid position was set on row 5.

Saturday Race 1:  With a decent start and quickly settling into a good pace we gained positions to 15^th by lap 6.  Then a miscalculation during a pass landed us in the gravel trap.  Bike and rider were ok and would be able to ride back to hot pit once the race concluded.  Repairs were quick and easy and would be tested tomorrow morning during 20min warm-up.  Our final position was recorded as 18^th.

Sunday Race 2:  Track conditions were questionable.  Residual dust and oil remained on the track surface post clean-up from a fan’s bike which lost fluid during the lunch hour “Fan Ride”.  The start was delayed as Mid-O crew attempted to groom the asphalt.  Confidence was somewhat diminished after our crash in race 1 and the delay didn’t help.  While battling for position and almost crashing in the oil dry we decided to leave some in reserve and just maintain pace until the checkered flag.  We finished 20^th still earning a point and in the purse payout.

Considering this was our first time racing at Mid-Ohio we knew, with minimal track knowledge, it would be a challenge to even qualify.  We learned a lot about the venue and the track configuration during our short AMA visit and came away proud of what the team achieved overall.

An added bonus John Ulrich revealed to us some development work they had done which helps with cooling and subsequent horse power increases.  He must have been feeling generous and wanted to help a fellow Honda racer.

 

AMA Pro Racing Triumph SuperBike Classic at Barber

GoPro Daytona SportBike

Friday P1:  I was already running better lap times than last year. A little track knowledge and bike set-up experience for the venue always pays dividends.

Friday Q1:  We made some changes hoping to improve lap times, but went backwards in the results.  That gave us a clear indication of what wouldn’t work and a possible direction to move toward.

Saturday Q2:  We reverted back to original settings with some tire pressure adjustments and made the grid. Still some issues with the bike not wanting to turn or finish corners well.  We were limited on what we could do with the bikes geometry due to front spring rates so we decided to just do the best we could with our current set-up for race 1. The fix would have to be lighter springs once we returned home.

Saturday Race 1:  Not being able to enter corners with confidence or finish them well brought down corner speed and hindered drive out.  I tried to hang on the tail of the group, but just couldn't do it. So I rode as hard as I could till the checkers and finished 20^th in the money.

Sunday warm-up:  We tried to band-aid the front spring issue by lowering the ride height. With a used front tire and new rear I bested my times from the whole weekend almost immediately with little effort. I pulled in after ~10 minutes, happy with the changes and decided to conserve energy for the race. My trap speeds were near the bottom of the charts so I knew I would have to get a tow and really count on the binders at the end of every straight.

Sunday Race 2:  Got a better start than race 1 and came into T4 in ~17^th behind Melissa Paris. She checked up and I grabbed the brakes so hard I bottomed the forks and almost tucked the front. That cost me a couple spots, but I whipped the bike around and drove hard down the back straight. I was able to catch the trailing group and proceeded to make up positions until I was behind Melissa again. There I stayed for most of the race. I could catch her on the brakes and through the chicane, but she would pull away from me on the exits. I thought if I could find a way around her I could get a gap and work my way up the order. Together we were able to catch the next rider and soon after she went under him into the last corner. So with him in between us down the straight I had a double draft to stay in tow.  He tried to attack back around the outside of her in T2, but that cost him drive on exit and I scooted by on the inside. We mixed it up for a bit which allowed the riders behind us to close the gap. We now had a 5 way battle and I wasn't letting up. Nearing the end of the race the blue flags started waving. I yielded a little too much and went back to 19^th with only Ortega behind me. I've raced him at the club level so I knew where we both stood. On the white flag lap I spun pretty bad coming out of 2 and over the crest of 3 and he tried to out brake me into 4. He went in too deep and I was able to drive out under him. From there I knew if I stayed mistake free I could maintain. So even though on paper my final position was only one better than race 1 it was a much better result for race 2 in my mind.

Race Recap: CCS Heart of America Cyclefest – Heartland Park Topeka, May 3-5, 2013

Friday: Race Practice/CCS Race Licensing Clinic

Despite a sour weather forecast and unseasonably cool temps, the 2.5 mile Heartland Park Topeka track remained dry.  Six brave students attended the CCS Race Licensing Clinic, conducted by Café Racer, Inc. owner and CCS racer Greg Williams and AMA Pro Racing’s Ron Mears.  All six students passed the written exam and finished the end-of-day mock race without crashing, thereby earning their eligibility to race with CCS the next day. 

Saturday: Twin Sprints, Day One

The morning began with clouds, wind, and rain/mist.  Ron’s mixed experience with riding a rain-soaked track would present a challenge, but he couldn’t miss the opportunity for needed wet race knowledge.

GTU: Wet race.  Starting from the outside of row 3, Ron maintained a safe pace determined not to crash during his first outing.  Keeping the leaders in sight to get a feel for their pace, he gathered valuable wet race experienced and finished a respectable 6^th.

MW SuperSport: Drying track conditions.  Starting from the third row, Ron was overanxious to get off the line quickly and blew the start.  Entering the first turn in 11^th place, he had work to do.  The lead pack quickly separated themselves, but he was able to fight back and gain positions to finish 6^th. 

HW SuperSport: Mostly dry track with some wet corners.  Starting from the 2^nd row, Ron maintained his position off the start.  Overtaking the riders ahead of him within the first two laps, he was able to run down the leader quickly.  Making the pass for the lead about half way through the race, he increased the gap and won the race.

LW Formula 40 / Middleweight Femmoto: Mostly wet track.  Sketchy weather thinned the grid for both of these races, so Suzie ran unopposed in the amateur class.  For Femmoto, the track was wetter than they expected so Ron offered his bike which was already set with rain tires.  A quick number change and Suzie made the grid and took the checkers.  Being able to brave the weather and grid up is half the battle in racing. And it added the second and third 1^st place finishes of the weekend for the team.

Sunday: Twin Sprints, Day Two

The day started in much the same way, with threatening clouds, wind and rain.  Unfortunately mechanical issues prevented Ron from making the grid for the first two races of the day.  With help from Greg Williams and fellow racers, he was able to get the bike running and salvage the afternoon events.  Fortunately the rain dissipated and the track conditions improved immensely after noon.

MW Gran Prix: Mostly dry track.  Another 3^rd row start meant it was crucial to get a good launch.  Ron was able to make up several positions in the first few corners, then slowly picked off the remaining riders over the next two laps.  Once in the lead, he kept an eye on second place to maintain the gap and won the race.

MW SuperBike: Mostly dry track. Gridded from row 3 again meant another good start was a must.  Making his way to the front over the first couple laps used up most of the rear tire that was left from the previous races.  The leader, the second place finisher from the MW GP race, had obviously learned a few tricks from Ron in the earlier race.  He was running a quick pace and tight defensive lines.   

With each attempt Ron made to get up the inside, or around the outside, the leader was able to block his line.  On the white flag lap, Ron made a last effort to charge for the lead, but the leader would not yield the inside line despite Ron’s clear advantage.  He decided not to jeopardize their safety for a club race win, and conceded to 2^nd place.

LW Formula 40 / Middleweight Femmoto: Mostly dry track.  The questionable weather again kept the grid light for both races, so Suzie ran unopposed in her classes, putting two more 1^st place finishes in the books.

All in all a solid start to the CCS/ASRA Midwest Region season despite weather and mechanical challenges.  Total podiums:  six 1st place and one 2nd place finish.

OUR NEXT EVENT:

AMA Pro Road Racing's Subway SuperBike Doubleheader

Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI

May 31 - June 2, 2013

Hope to see you there!  

Tornado Bait Racing Adds BikeMaster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tornado Bait Racing Adds BikeMaster to their Expanding Sponsor Roster

Roeland Park, KS – May 10, 2013 – Keeping with their tradition of only partnering with the best, Tornado Bait Racing proudly announces the addition of BikeMaster to their growing list of supporters for 2013.  Tornado Bait Racing will be utilizing a variety of BikeMaster products, including chains and garage accessories.

BikeMaster's product offering consists of commodity items including batteries, chains, mirrors, tie downs, tools, tubes, and replacement parts.  BikeMaster is a brand that focuses on quality, performance, and value priced products for Motorcycles and ATVs.

Tornado Bait Racing’s Ron Mears (aka “Tornado Bait”) competes in select AMA Pro Racing’s GoPro Daytona SportBike rounds aboard a Honda CBR600RR with support from sponsors Café Racer, Inc., Speed and Strength Helmets, Vortex, Motorex, Woodcraft and Armour Bodies.

BikeMaster:  http://bikemaster.com/

For more info on Ron Mears and the Tornado Bait Racing effort, please call (913) 999-0054, contact Tornadob8racing@gmail.com, or visit http://www.TornadoBaitRacing.com/

Like us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TornadoBaitRacing

Follow us on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Tornado_Bait

About Tornado Bait Racing:

Tornado Bait Racing is the privateer motorcycle race team of AMA Pro Road Racing's Ron Mears and his wife Suzie Mears.  You'll find Ron and Suzie at racetracks and events throughout the Midwest riding, racing, coaching and having a great time.  Founded in 2006, the team races select AMA Pro events, in addition to CMRA and CCS/ASRA rounds.

Tornado Bait and Twist of Fate SS2000

The SS2000 helmets arrived just in time for the first track weekend at Heartland Park Topeka this year 4/20-21.  As a coach I like to be very visible to the other riders.  The Hi Vis lid and Control Rider vest make the perfect ensemble to help participants identify me on the track and in the paddock.  With the branding material we received from Tucker Rocky's Kevin Christensen since then, Tornado Bait Racing will have our equipment and pit area decked out with Speed & Strengh for the upcoming CCS races scheduled 5/4-5.

Tornado Bait Racing Shows Off New Speed and Strength

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tornado Bait Racing Shows Off New Speed and Strength

Roeland Park, KS – April 22, 2013 – Tornado Bait Racing proudly announces the addition of a new helmet sponsor as Speed and Strength joins their growing list of supporters for the 2013 race season.  AMA Daytona Sportbike Rider Ron Mears will be wearing the hi vis yellow "Twist of Fate" SS2000 model for the GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Subway Superbike Round 2 at Road America, May 31-June 2, 2013.  The race will be broadcast on the CBS SPORTS NETWORK.

Ron (aka “Tornado Bait”) competes in select AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike rounds aboard a Honda CBR600RR with support from longtime sponsors Café Racer, Inc., Vortex, Motorex, Woodcraft and Armour Bodies.

For more information about Ron Mears and Tornado Bait Racing, please call (913) 999-0054, contact Tornadob8racing@gmail.com, or visit TornadoBaitRacing.com

Like us on Facebook:  Official Tornado Bait Racing Fan Page

Follow us on Twitter:  @Tornado_Bait

For more information on Speed and Strength:  http://ssgear.com/

About Tornado Bait Racing:

Tornado Bait Racing is the privateer motorcycle race team of AMA Pro Road Racing's Ron Mears and his wife Suzie Mears. Founded in 2006, the team races select AMA Pro events, in addition to CMRA and CCS/ASRA rounds.   You'll find Ron and Suzie at racetracks and events throughout the Midwest riding, racing, coaching and having a great time.  Join our team of world class sponsors by contacting Tornadob8racing@gmail.com

Why I love Motorcycle Peeps

I'm proud to call myself a motorcyclist.  We are a different breed, no doubt about it.  And its not something you can explain to someone who isn't.  You either get it or you don't, period.  We look out for each other almost like family.  In fact I consider most of the friends I've made through motorcycling my extended family.  On a recent trip to pick up a new-to-me bike I was the benefactor of much kindness and generosity.  The type that generally comes with a trusting friendship and that motorcyclists often bestow on their own.

After a long and tiresome day of travel I finally reached my final destination, the half way point of my 1,600 mile round trip.  The seller, with whom I'd only shared a few emails and phone calls during the transaction, graciously invited me to stay the night at his home.  "We have an empty guest room and my wife is a good cook" he offered.  Imagine asking a stranger you hardly know to share your home for an evening with your family.  Its pretty amazing if you ask me.  But when you consider the bond we share as motorcyclists and the natural way we interact its not uncommon at all.  It was an offer I was honored to accept.  Besides having the chance to talk bikes and swap stories with a new friend it was a much better option than a hotel.  The next day we loaded up the bike and extra parts that came with the deal and I was off.

I divided the return trip into two legs to lessen the stress of a long drive and enjoy some more motorcyclist hospitality.  Another biker buddy of mine who lives along the way always offers his place as a rest stop whenever he hears I'll be in the state or passing by.  I usually don't have the time to enjoy his company, but this time I decided to take him up on it.  Besides he is planning on moving to Spain and we may not get a chance to see each other for quite some time.  We keep in touch mostly via social media, but are also active members of Motorcycle Addicts who gather frequently and have spawned several road racing careers from its cast of crazies.  After another good night sleep in a friends home I awoke to a pancake breakfast before I returned to my family with new bike in tow.

Similar scenarios play out every day between my extended family of cycle nuts.  The reciprocity of human kindness and acts of paying it forward are commonplace.  We're not an exclusive club either.  New members are born everyday from the simple desire be a motorcyclist.  Won't you join us?


Thank you, Paul and Juan.  This entry was inspired by you.

Refreshing the Stable

January 2012 not only marks the beginning of a new year, but a new chapter for Tornado Bait Racing.  Club racing is some of the most fun we've had in our lives.  Its paved the way to make great friends, great memories, and explore our passion for motorcycles through competition and camaraderie.  But as with many competitors there is an ever present urge driving you to pit your skills against increasing odds.  AMA Pro Racing's Daytona SportBike class seems the perfect arena to do just that.  So Tornado Bait Racing will be giving the AMA a shot this season.  However our trusty steeds, while proven and loyal, are no match for the AMA ranks or the stringent equipment standards.

What a great excuse to justify some new blood in our stable (detached 2.5 car garage).  The 1989 FZR and 2005 CBR 600RR are still the perfect mules for pulling instructor and coaching duties at track days, but the 2008 CBR 1000RR has been sold and the proceeds used to secure a couple of Honda's latest generation middle weight fillies.

The road trip to pick them up is ~13 hours one way according to Google maps.  And the rendevous logistics of long distance purchases with two seperate sellers on the same weekend is a test of my preparation skills, but no match for my determination.  The Tornado Bait Racing Transport has already been primped and preened as if seeking audience before the Wizard of OZ.  The stable...uh....garage has been reorganized maximizing every square inch of floor space to welcome the new arrivals.  Road snacks will be bought and stashed with freeway pit stop menu in mind.  A 35 gallon gas tank offers fewer fuel stops, but requires well planned bathroom breaks.  After all there is a satisfaction of orchestrated rhythm between man and machine that pays dividends in bragging rights when your buddies ask how long the trip took.  A test of endurance if you will.  The trip is this weekend and I can hardly wait to trailer the new ponies for their trip home.

Next will be some development time at track days and early season races with CMRA to turn the new rides into AMA level thoroughbreds.  Hopefully this old Jockey's performance in the saddle will produce some great results for 2012, but that tale remains to be told in the posts to come.