AFM Round 5 Infineon

Race Report         Ritz Racing- A New Era

So Greg and I are on a legal separation, or at least that is what I am telling people these days.  As many of you know, Jenn and I are no longer racing for Z2 Trackdays.  I want to tell the story of my weekend, but before I do some things need to be said. Shawn, Kathy, David, Vic and the rest of the Z2 crew have been my family for the last few years. Separation from the team was like leaving for college, it is sad and exciting all at the same time. I appreciate everything they taught me and for the experiences we had together. Much to the disappointment of some people, our separation comes without drama, fighting, or bad feelings. Jenn and I wish all of them the best. Now I am looking forward to racing with my wife and having fun. We are hoping our fellow racers will come by and see the new colors.

Photo by: Max Klein

We rolled in Friday with a whole new program. Trolling around the pits, we were looking for a place to park the trailer. Late Friday will limit the places to park, luckily we found a nice spot by some friends we have not seen in a while. Our new ez-up and wall panels were a quick assembly and we officially look like our very own racing team. Fluorescent red (better known as super bright orange) colors made the bikes look super sharp and ready for racing. Saturday was spent testing a new tire size from Pirelli/CT Racing. Testing was supposed to be the order of the day, but I just ended up clocking lap after lap. Each  session was one of those smile in your helmet, I can do no wrong days. With so much going on, it was nice to just enjoy riding. Saturday night was spent catching up with friends and listening to the Sarrros pit activities, it sounded like they had a lot of fun. While some may not have approved, it was good to see everyone having a good time.

Photo by:Max Klein

Sunday was a super relaxed start for me. My first race was #5 after lunch, so what does one do for several hours… I ran around the pits talking with people and watched some racing. After watching Alan Cunningham celebrate his first podium appearance, it was time to go racing. Three races has been the usual for me and I didn’t have any reason to change that. My first two races had some good moments to them, but overall a bit disappointing. Racing with what seemed to be everything I had, bikes just seemed to get around me way too easily. Not sure how to handle the situation, the wave of doubt poured in. What was wrong with the bike? I have tested the set-up a number of times and knew it was better than what I was feeling on track.

Doubt is a horrible thing, things you know to be true seem not to be. Given enough time and the right pressure points, you can make anyone doubt their situation. I have heard stories about people becoming sick just because they thought they had been exposed to a virus or toxin. The mind is an amazing piece of our bodies, but also the first one to turn against us with the ability to produce doubt when there should be none, or to try to justify the unjustifiable. I sat there looking at my bike, so sure that the set-up was right and wrong at the same time. Ready to make an adjustment, any adjustment, to validate my own riding prowess. Then I made a choice, not to do anything. Trust is paramount to any relationship, even with yourself.

Photo by: Max Klein

No change in plans a fresh rear tire and back to the set-up I knew worked. As my wife was changing out the wheel and I was assisting with axle installation, it suddenly came clear. Looking at the lines on the adjustment bar my brain started working for me, not against. Somehow over the past testing sessions and gearing changes, my axle had become misaligned. It was an easy mistake to make and hard to see. Simple lines that looked to be correct, were not. They were off by one set on the right. Sure that would be the issue of handling we prepped the bike for the last race of the day.

Last call was made, off came the warmers and down to thee hot pits I went. Watching some of thee other riders pull off to start the warm up lap, panic shot through my head. My final tire pressure inspection had not been completed. With no time, I had to choose between a warm up lap or checking my pressure. Just to be sure and knowing how good the Pirelli tires are on the first lap, my choice was made. Back to the first gauge I could find, garage #2 the Z2 Racing Team (yes I know, ironic). Pulling in and in a bit of a panic/hurry Chris V. grabbed a gauge and made the adjustment for me. A quick thank you and off I went. Up and down the hot pits would be all the warm-up the tires would get. As the field pulled around, I snuck between the wall and took my place on grid.

How to sum up this race? Well an almost hole shot, then a quick pass before T2 and into the lead. I held the lead for a few laps, then Joey Pascarella decided he wanted to lead. Not long after that and with me close enough to smell his exhaust he tucked the front end in T5. My only thought went from catch him, to not hitting him. Back in the lead, Lenny Hale was now trying make a pass on me. After spinning up the rear out of T6 a few laps later, he was able to get up the inside of me down towards T7. With only a few laps left he opened a small gap on me. Last lap, only a few corners to checkers, I was able to close the gap. T11 and Lenny had the lead with his choice of line, and some lappers he would have to negotiate. Looking into T11, my only somewhat open line was really tight inside line. Lenny went wide around the lappers and I was able to out drive him to the line. First place feels really good after a tough start to the day.

Photo by: Max Klein Jenn showing off the new colors in T4

My wife was on the wall making sure that I knew exactly what was  happening behind me the whole race. Thank you to her and all of the sponsors who have stayed with us over the transition.

Factory Body Works

Fast Bike Industries

Roseville Yamaha

CT Racing/Pirelli

Tech Spec

Motion Pro

Race Image Graphics

Leo Vince Exhaust

I would also like to thank two new sponsors that are supporting Ritz Racing

PILOT Leathers/Insurrection Racing - our new suits are on the way.

My new suit is in production as you read this!

TexasTea Lubes – come by our pits and see a great local oil product that won’t break the bank.

TexasTea Lubes

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