Pembrey: NG Road Racing

(29-30 March)

After a week spent rebuilding the fairing and seat unit Rowan trashed at Donnington (I really must fork out for some spares ones!), it was off to deepest Wales for round 1 of the NG Road Racing Championship at Pembrey. Row ran home from school so that we could get going asap and by 16:30 Friday we were on our way, arriving at the track by 21:15. The journey was most entertaining with high winds and rain; it was no better when we got to the track, so the next 30 minutes were spent getting set up and making sure the awning was well tied and pegged down.

Saturday.
No let up in the weather, so Saturday dawns with gusty winds and rain falling. After the usual formalities have been observed, Row goes out on track for his first look at Pembrey (apart from some on-board stuff he watched on the Web). He comes back after the practice.
"Gearing's too long, Dad."
We have a little chat and decide to go up two teeth on the rear. I also take a look at the plug and temperature. The bike needs to go down on the main jet and extra duct tape is added to the radiator to bring the temperatureup a little. Row says that, although wet, the track is giving a fair bit of grip and the Bridgstone wets fitted were working fine. I get the warmers on, top up the fuel and we wait for.....

Race 1.
Because this is a different club to the last one we raced with, the format is slightly different. To make the grid up, they mix the GP125, Streetstock 400 and Formula 125 together and, although from one grid each class has its own results, I count 10 F125 bikes in the warmup area. The results I give will be for the F125 bikes only. Row is unsure if this is a race or a timed qualifying session. They blast off from the line and come hurtling around, with Row in 4th. That'll do for us and, although the gap to third grew and shrunk, Row never really got on terms with 3rd place and so finished with 4th qualifying position for the F125s.
"No problem, Dad. I'm still learning the track. The bike is about spot on, although the gearing feels just a little too long still."
We agree that as he goes faster, the gearing will come to him a bit more. We are both pleased with 4th place though. We then have to wait for hours until they call race 20.

They complete their warm-up lap, revs rise and
GO! The GP125s come past, then a gaggle of 400s, two Aprillia 125s and then there's Row hard on their tail! By lap 2 Row is hard up behind the two 125s. Row has 2nd by lap 3. I swallow hard as they come round again. Row has the lead (of the 125s) which he keeps in lap 5. On the final lap, they come past with Row back to 2nd. He shapes up for a pass but doesn't make it stick. Row finishes in 2nd place!

They hold the bikes in the holding area and Row gives me the thumbs up sign. Once released from the holding area, I clap Row on the back.
"Nearly had it there, son."
"I thought about going up the inside but then thought that I want that signature on my licence so I didn't push it. It would have been a bit sketchy."

Row goes and gets changed and we calm down a little, then it's off to the race office to get the all-important signature. We then have a surprise when Row is presented with a trophy for his 2nd place. Nice.

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Sunday

I have put Row into the newbies 400 race today to give him a bit more track time but first he has to go out and do the qualifying race. The weather has turned completely with very little wind and lovely sunshine. I tell Row that he will struggle today because the F125 bikes will be able to make more of their power advantage.
"Looks like I will have to push harder then, Dad." is his comment. I remind him that we just want signatures. Dry tyres are fitted to the bike.

Race 1.
Go! Row slots into 4th place (of the 125s) and pretty much stays there for the race. Good ride.

Novice 400 Race.
Row is at the back of the grid for this one. I told him, "No pressure; just get a finish so we have a signature in the bank."
They fly off the line and Row comes round with a load of 400s just in front of him. He's in 12th place. Once again he cannot make ground and brings it home it that place.
"I was later on the brakes and faster through the bends than those 400s but as soon as we got on the power they just walked away, then they would hold me up in the next corner." he says.

Championship Race.
So, it's back to his little group for the last race of the weekend.
GO! They belt off the line again and Row comes through in 4th (F125). I can see that the little 80 just hasn't got the legs and Row gradually gets dropped into a gap and has a pretty lonely ride to his final finish of the weekend - 4th again.
"That's as fast as that bike will go round here. I was flat out everywhere!" is his comment. Row goes to get changed then we hear his name being called on the tannoy.

Row rushes off to find out why then reappears with another trophy! He has been awarded Newcomer of the meeting for his sterling rides on the little 80 against the 125s and 400s. We are even more chuffed.

We get packed up and off home well pleased.

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