The hard work continues…….
With the season ending in Magny Cours back in October it feels like I’ve finally had chance to catch my breath and look back over what was a tough but very rewarding season.
For sure my expectations were higher than the end results after scoring some great wildcard results in 2005. But that was before the goal posts were moved!
For 2006 not only was world supersport class bigger with a permanent entry list over 50% bigger than 05 (the organisers had to ask the FIM for approval to increase the grid size to 38). But it was faster – for example the Qatar race time was 30 seconds faster than 05.
I was one of about five riders who hadn’t been to 10 of the 12 circuits on the calendar but we still managed to score points, beat former world champions, race winners, and factory backed riders. Not too bad for a new team and championship rookie.
It was all a great experience and certainly one I’d like to build on by competing in WSS next year. As one person in the paddock put it to me – "it would be a bit like doing an engineering degree, then becoming a hair dresser"
(Not a complete waste of time… but not putting into practice all we learnt…. nothing against hairdressers either!!)
Watch this space?…..…..
You may be forgiven for thinking that once the season is over most racers become creatures of leisure & maintain full playboy lifestyles. Venturing out of bed about lunchtime, maybe a spot of training, before heading for a champagne fuelled night on the tiles. Returning in the early hours with at least one girl on each arm.
Repeating the above process until their respective test/race schedule restarts.
Well believe me the winter months can be harder work than during the race season. Securing support for the following season’s race budget takes a lot of time, focus, and hard work. Just ask Mr Fogarty!
And its not only chasing financial and product support that is required, building and strengthening the team infrastructure, ensuring the best equipment available is underneath the rider at the first race isn’t always a piece of cake either.
Then there’s the training…. Without the race and test programme that makes up the racing season, the winter is the best time to build a stronger fitness foundation and level. And however you decide to do this there is no avoiding the fact that a lot of the time it will be cold, wet, dark, and physically tough.
As with a lot of things all the above work is based very much on the rule: "You get out as much as you put in". Therefore not only is it very essential and yet another part of the whole challenge of racing motorcycles, but it is actually enjoyable knowing that you are already increasing your chance of success.
And no I’m NOT moaning!! (Much)
For sure my expectations were higher than the end results after scoring some great wildcard results in 2005. But that was before the goal posts were moved!
For 2006 not only was world supersport class bigger with a permanent entry list over 50% bigger than 05 (the organisers had to ask the FIM for approval to increase the grid size to 38). But it was faster – for example the Qatar race time was 30 seconds faster than 05.
I was one of about five riders who hadn’t been to 10 of the 12 circuits on the calendar but we still managed to score points, beat former world champions, race winners, and factory backed riders. Not too bad for a new team and championship rookie.
It was all a great experience and certainly one I’d like to build on by competing in WSS next year. As one person in the paddock put it to me – "it would be a bit like doing an engineering degree, then becoming a hair dresser"
(Not a complete waste of time… but not putting into practice all we learnt…. nothing against hairdressers either!!)
Watch this space?…..…..
You may be forgiven for thinking that once the season is over most racers become creatures of leisure & maintain full playboy lifestyles. Venturing out of bed about lunchtime, maybe a spot of training, before heading for a champagne fuelled night on the tiles. Returning in the early hours with at least one girl on each arm.
Repeating the above process until their respective test/race schedule restarts.
Well believe me the winter months can be harder work than during the race season. Securing support for the following season’s race budget takes a lot of time, focus, and hard work. Just ask Mr Fogarty!
And its not only chasing financial and product support that is required, building and strengthening the team infrastructure, ensuring the best equipment available is underneath the rider at the first race isn’t always a piece of cake either.
Then there’s the training…. Without the race and test programme that makes up the racing season, the winter is the best time to build a stronger fitness foundation and level. And however you decide to do this there is no avoiding the fact that a lot of the time it will be cold, wet, dark, and physically tough.
As with a lot of things all the above work is based very much on the rule: "You get out as much as you put in". Therefore not only is it very essential and yet another part of the whole challenge of racing motorcycles, but it is actually enjoyable knowing that you are already increasing your chance of success.
And no I’m NOT moaning!! (Much)
posted by Tom Tunstall at 4:57 PM
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