Event Reports » 2008 » Event 1
Greetings to all of our official supporters, families and the wider supporter community. It was my pleasure to open proceedings on Moto Academy NZ at round 1 of the Actrix Victoria Motorcycle Club Superbike championships 2008 at Taupo Motorsports Park.
After several months of dreaming, designing, writing, negotiating and hard work, it all came down to this. All of the 4 Honda RS125s and the Honda RS250 arrived in almost 100% condition, bar one trailer rash and so after setting up the garage space, sorting out the boys and the bikes we were all set to go.
After riders briefing and our moment to remember my good mate Derek Hill, I introduced Moto Academy NZ to the captive audience and presented a certificate of achievement to Luke Jameson (16, Wellington) who was chosen as the recipient of the inaugural Moto Academy NZ Derek Hill Memorial Scholarship. Without the generosity of one of my and Dereks’ mutual good friends the launch of Moto Academy NZ would have been much more tenuous. The other riders that have taken the plunge and joined us are Glen Skachill (19, Paraparaumu), Sam Flynn (19, Paekakariki) and Kyle Hammond (18, Lower Hutt).
Luke Jameson (left) and Steve Bagshaw (right) at Taupo.
Photo: WF Photography
The day looked to be holding out the good weather, but was cold. This meant that the bikes would run nicely and not cause too many issues on the engine front. We warmed the bikes up, getting a good workout starting cold RS125’s, and the bikes all ran well to suggest no issues. The boys were all anxious to get into it, but in the interests of good management the novice classes (Streetstock and MotoGP125) were to be out last. This meant that Glen on the 250 in Superbike and Supersport classes was out first.
Glen performed very well for his first time out on the 250GP bike and you can read his own account of the day attached below. For me it was very gratifying to see Glen out on the 250 wrangling up the 600 and 1000cc bikes around the twisty Taupo infield. Of course he was dusted on the straight, but part of the fun is catching them up again!!
Sam has ridden a season or so on the 125 already so he requires a bit less attention that do Kyle and Luke, but we made some adjustments to Sams bike and decided that we needed to modify the fairing slightly for the next meeting and Sam improved throughout the day.
All of the riders wanted to take it easy on the first day out to make sure that they got up to speed with the bikes and to make sure that their new Alpinestars leathers, boots and gloves and most especially their pride and joy Arai Helmets all got home safe and sound.
Luke and Kyle had not ridden MotoGP 125 previously, but have experience with Streetstock and ‘Bucket’ bikes. Both riders therefore were here to learn new bikes, new methods of riding and overall new skills before they attempt to push on into real racing.
Both riders improved their laptimes by 12 – 15 seconds which is an approximately 10% improvement in the one day of only 3 sessions. All four of the riders looked safe and secure in what they were doing, were clearly applying the ‘learning the art’ creedo rather than the ‘go like a bat out of hell and end up back there’ creedo which was very gratifying for me as their instructor/mentor.
Overall the day turned out better than we could have expected with all the riders (and Dads) fulfilling their dreams for the day and me fulfilling mine to see the start of what I hope will grow into a major part of the New Zealand or at least North Island road racing environment.
Without the help of my benefactor, the suppliers of Alpinestars, Arai Helmets, Fuchs Silkolene Lubricants, RK Chain, SBS Brakes, AFAM Sprockets, NGK Spark plugs, Godiva Screens, GJH Fibreglass , Kevin and Tim at Race Supplies, Sam Fitzgerald at Celtic Leathers and Pretzel at Evolution Panel and Paint Moto Academy NZ would not have been able to fulfil the riders dream and my ambitions. Moto Academy NZ has made a conscious effort to negotiate supply of only the best and safest products and from local suppliers and these people have been nothing but supportive and visionary enough to understand and support my foolish schemes!!
I must thank the Victoria Motorcycle Club of Wellington for their support and I must also thank my silent-ish partner and mentor of sorts and invaluable assistant Mike Reps. Without his support, help and investment I might have given up long ago. I will also thank my life partner Margo who supports me in most of my fanciful schemes!
We will seek to endorse these products to the best of our abilities, so please come and visit us at a race meeting near you to support the riders, discuss their progress and talk about the best products in the NZ racing market.
I thank you for your support and encouragement and look forward to Actrix VMCC SBK Rd 2, 21 June 2008 at Manfield.
Dr Steve Bagshaw
Director
Moto Academy NZ
Sketchy’s VMCC round one – Bring on the 250!
Sketchy’s VMCC round one – Bring on the 250!
This round was the beginning of a few things. It was the launch of Moto Academy NZ which I have become a part of, and it was the first time I was going to race a bike faster than my 125 on a track – a 250GP bike!
I had entered both superbikes and Supersport. I was a little worried by the superbikes and the speed difference there would be, but essentially it is just Supersport with a few 1000’s out there too. Turned out to be one of my best races dicing with a stupidly quick thou. It was insane!
Qualifying – Superbikes.
I had ridden the bike briefly before, for about 5 laps of Manfeild, so had some idea of what to expect. First couple of laps I just spent time learning the bike nothing to spectacular. I tried to start setting a half decent lap, but was still not comfortable with myself and I was having trouble exiting the turns. The bike wouldn’t really want to keep turning as soon as I got on the gas. Had a bit of fun best lap was a 1:44.059 and that got me 20th on the grid.
Supersport qualifying:
Steve made a few changes to the bike to help with the exiting of the corner, which made a bid difference. This session I felt a lot better on the bike. I managed to get some clear space in this one and got a better lap time down. Best lap was a 1:41.015 that put me in 15th on the grid.
Superbike race 1:
First time launching the 250, and it went better than expected. I found that riding around the outside of everyone at turn one worked well and I gained a few places. Got a bit excited exiting the hairpin this lap and spun the rear a bit. It was quite exciting! I diced all race normally with bike getting me down the straight and me having fun through the corners. It’s great trying to learn how to plan and apply a pass. I finished 18th with a best lap of 1:40.062 – Improving every time I was out on the bike.
Supersport race 1:
Another good start and using my cornering advantage to pass people around the outside of turn 1. had a good race diced with a few people. Had a bit of a shock coming off the back straight on the last lap. A yellow 600 and Glen Williams went past at a million miles I knew as soon as the 600 went past he wasn’t gonna make the turn and ran off, then Glen was in a similar situation, but he came across on me nearly taking out the front wheel! What was exciting! I finished 12th with a best lap of 1:40.272
Superbike race 2:
I quite like the superbike races for some reason. I had a good start and was in about 7th place out of turn one. Surely enough each lap a few bikes would go past down the straights. But I think I kept them honest in the corners. After everyone had spread out I caught up with a GSXR1000 that I ended up battling with. I was great fun. I knew that every time I made a pass I wouldn’t hold it, but hell It was awesome. I went round the outside a few times on the fast left hander (before the right hander going on to the old track) and he’d get me back on the straight to the sweeper onto the back straight where I would get past him again. All I know is that bike was flippin’ quick! I was a great race and I finished 12th with a best lap of 1:39.521
Supersport race 2
This was a spectacular on for sure. Turn one was a mess with someone going down just behind me. It felt like everyone was out for blood. After things settled down I ended up having a battle with a yellow R6 (Brooksey). it was great fun. I could tell he was going fairly hard but knew he was in the shit half way through turn one. It looked like he gassed it too hard and it spun, he backed off and the bike went into a nice oscillation. It got worse until flip he was off. I knew there was a reason I didn’t go round the outside of him. I dodged him, but then his bike started chasing me off the track. I ended up on the grass and by the time I go back onto the track lots of bikes had gone past. I got quite a few bikes (about 7 I think) but got stuck in a bit of a freight train I had trouble making moves in. Even with the drama I clawed my way back up to 13th with a best lap of 1:39.936.
Overall for the day:
Superbikes – 14th out of 35
Supersport – 11th out of 39
Best lap – 1:39.521
A pretty good start to the season I think. A bit of excitement and lost places in the last race, but that’s racing!
The launch of Moto Academy NZ went extremely well with the three 125 riders all doing very well. Especially the 2 first time 125 riders. Good stuff guys.
Huge thanks to:
Vic Club organizers. Without them I wouldn’t have been racing. Top effort guys
Steve – For spending all the time and effort getting Moto Academy together and going!
My Dad for driving up from Pram just to be at the races and watch (and to be a mechanic). And give me big ups!
All the guys that make the racing scene what it is.
Cheers,
Glen Skachill #10
Rider Report, Sam Flynn
Well I was looking forward to the first round in Taupo very much, and to ride with Moto Aacademy and help that I have never had previously was amazing.
First I would like to thank: Steve Bagshaw, Mike, Luke, Glen and Kyle,
Along with the suppliers that have made it all possible:
Alpinestars
Arai Helmet
SBS Braking systems
Fuchs Silkolene Lubricants
NGK Spark Plugs
RK Chain
AFAM Sprockets
GJH Fibreglass
Evolution Panel and Paint
Qualifying was great, because I hadn’t ridden the bike since last October so was a bit rusty. Qualifying at a 1:57, I was happy, as went fastest out of the team on 125’s. The bike felt good, although I had a problem with my gear changes, my foot was getting caught in the fairing. I watched the other riders go round, following a few, then passing some. Taupo is a great circuit!
Race 1
The first raceI got a crappy start, getting swamped in the first corner result pushed out wide, I had to refocus and put a few laps in solid to regain composure. I did so, passing luke and sitting in behind Kyle. I was impressed the speed from qualifying to race 1 he had picked up, but I wasn’t wanting to stay behind and figure, so passed him quickly, but the gear lever problem was coming back into play and I missed countless gear changes. Kyle passed me back and I was annoyed, so on the straight to the final S's I flew through finally losing him.
Race 2
I got a average start holding my line to the corner. I was in front of Kyle and Luke and it stayed that way the whole race. I caught up to William Juggins going quickly past him, I wasn’t going to slow down! I saw Murray #59 in front and my sights were on him. I caught up but by that time the race was over. I was a bit annoyed that from the start I wasn’t there with them, but the race WAS GREAT!!! 1:49 fastest lap for me on the day.
The whole day overall was great, getting a lot of support from the other riders throughout the round. Thanks a lot. I was really happy dropping 8seconds off my qualifying time.
Anyway, I’m writing this at work, boss has just showed up, so SEE YA!
Moto Academy rider: Sam Flynn
Sam Flynn #12
Photo: WF Photography
125GP First Time baby! - Kyle Hammond
Ladies and Gentleman, the time had came to step up a class to the extremely competitive 125GP class from 150SS. I’ve heard time and time before that it is a bit of a step up, or should I rephrase that, a BIG step up.
I fell asleep the night before with thoughts/nightmares of riding a high speed mini moto the next day. I’ve only sat on the bike once or twice and that was a while ago, so I had no idea what I was in for. I'm a relaxed type so I wasn't actually all that worried.
Woke up the very next day, helped unpack and set up the Moto GP pit garage ... Sorry I mean Moto Academy pits. Today was the opening of this fantastic new venture. (Bloody good work Steve, thanks a million!).
After the official opening of Moto Academy and the riders briefing etc. it was time to get down to business. I finally got to sat on the "High speed mini moto" and Hello, it turns out its not what it looks like! With me being a short arse (Thank god, finally something that I have an advantage from being short!), it actually is almost too big for me. Sweet, not worried anymore!.
Didn't go out for scrub-in, no need to get too flustered getting ready for one lap.
Got in my brand spanking new Alpinestar leathers/gloves/boots and Arai helmet and finally I was set too go for my first time on the bike.
Crash started the baby and warmed her up (was taught before hand how to properly warm the baby up, 6k rev's till she's warm blip it once and a while until hot).
Rolled on to the dummy grid and got ready to go out for qualifying.
Rolled out on to the track and rode around for a wee bit below the powerband (for, ahem 10m?), then start opening her up!, Hells bells there’s a wee bit of punch too her!
A very very surreal experience because its only a 125 man!. I learned quickly to my advantage that slipping the clutch works amazingly well – like really well!
Messed about a bit got used to the bike and qualified 8th (He he second to last!) with a lap time slightly slower than what I was doing in Streetstock.
Quite happy with that effort, I went and sat down for a wee while thinking about stuff and getting positive input from the Moto Academy guys. (Cheers!)
The major difference I noted between the 150s and the 125s was the amount of weight on your arms. Massive amounts on the 125s!
Aim for the first race was to relax and learn the bike a wee bit more.
1st Race:
Lined up on the grid having a couple of pointers about starting off the line. Got a decent-ish start and managed to get a couple of people off the line. Went around one or two round the first corner. Race mode took over. Started pushing the limit a wee bit, kept going wide (Must improve on this part! lots!), but kept getting good drives out of the corners. Ended up having a last lap fight with a Sam (Experienced 125GP Moto Academy rider).
That was cool as, was right on him (half a metre?) down the back street but pulled out far too early for the slipstream and got hit by the wind! Managed to cut 10 seconds instantly off my previous qualifying time (2:02 to 1:52)
2nd Race:
Talked to Steve and Glen (I am riding his old bike) before this race and dropped the front end another 5mm to help with finishing off the corners and not running wide.
Lined up with the aim of slowing down a wee bit also to actually learn something instead of just hitting a "brick wall" in my learning. Got a shocking start, got my arse kicked by mid pack Streetstock (Embarrassment!), went around about 5-6 of them around the first corner (Gotta love tyre warmers eh!), picked off the rest of them by the end of the first lap and went after Mudboy (Luke, fellow first time 125GP rider), who had a 3 second lead on me due to my shocking start! (Excuses *ahem* i know). Got right up next to him in the 3rd lap. Overtook him on the exit of the sweeper, and got the drive out down the back straight, gave him a cheeky look (works better if you have a clear visor) and wave, went past the little man. Who proceeded to do the same thing to me about 3/4 down the straight (Hey what's happening here!). Still had a lap to get him.
Right behind him over the start finish line. Went inside him on the first corner and never saw him again.
Was lonely for the rest of the last lap although I was pushing a bit trying to see if I could catch Sam and William [Juggins]. Not a chance, they had many corners on me (Never give up tho I reckon!). Caught up to them somewhat to about 8 seconds by the end of the race. However the positive is I made a 2.5 second gap to Luke in one lap. Best Lap was a 1:50:7.
Was a bloody good day!
Lots of thanks to:
Moto Academy / Steve Bagshaw for putting together a brillant and very professional outfit (Didn't we look cool?!) and setting up my bike how I liked it and doing everything for me so I could focus on riding like it should be. (I wasn't even allowed to take off my own tyre warmers!).
AJ for driving me up there.
Jasmine (Meekey_Mouse) and her family for putting up with me for ANOTHER night - Brillant!
Moto Academy Boys for giving me tips etc and generally helping out
(Glen, Sam, Luke)
Mike [Reps]- for sharing his 'interesting' stories about life and racing.
Cheers
-Kyle #13
VMCC round one
The real thing – Luke Jameson
This is what I had been dreaming of since I started racing – to race a 125GP and become a MotoGP racer. This round was very special, not only was it was the launch of the Moto Academy NZ, which I am a part of, but it was also the first time I had ever ridden an RS125 GP bike. I had sat on Sketchy Racer’s (Glen) bike before, but that was just sitting, not riding.
Well the night before was exciting. I just wanted to see my new helmet and when I did I loved it – thanks to Arai Helmets, it fitted me perfectly, Dad is really jealous now. I went to bed with crazy thoughts of the bike while the boys and Mike talked about girls (but to be honest I was more interested in the 125 and the big day ahead, Yeah right!) At first I couldn’t sleep but after it went quiet I somehow managed to drop off.
I woke up the next day early, full of energy and ready for the launch of Moto Academy NZ. Everyone helped unpack (thanks Guys!) and then it was into the Moto Academy pits! After the riders’ briefing I saw Steve run off somewhere, I think he must have needed to go for a piss haha! Then he comes back with something in his hand and grabs me. During the briefing we had a minutes’ silence for Derek Hill, then Steve presented a Certificate of Achievement to me, Luke Jameson, and I was chosen for the Moto Academy NZ Derek Hill Memorial Scholarship. It was so cool!
After that we got the bikes started and warmed up (thanks for helping Steve). He also told me to keep it at 6K revs and once it had warmed up to start revving it. We put the bikes back after warming them up and then went to watch Glen the pro, haha. It wasn’t long till the 125’s and 150’s were called up. I was so scared of the bike, but I hardened up and put on my helmet and got ready. Steve, Mike and AJ took the tyre warmers off and I jumped on the bike and got it started (thanks again Steve).
We got out onto the track to practice and qualify. I played with the throttle a bit seeing the real power of the bike. It blew me away and the cornering, wow, it was so easy, easier than my 50cc bucket. I fell in love with the bike after that! I did a 2:07, I didn’t mind really, I was just trying to take everything in!
Luke Jameson #14 Taupo Motorsports Park
Photo: WF Photography
1st Race
We lined up on the grid. I know how good I was in the 150’s at starting so I did the same for the 125’s – it worked too! The bike dived into the first corner, I kept my cool and I kept playing with the throttle and getting a good idea on how the bike worked. The other 125’s left me but I didn’t mind, I was having fun with the Streetstock boys. I had a good battle with 2 of them, it was fun haha! I improved a lot in the race and got down to 1:57.862, the same time as 3 of the 150’s were doing. Got in after the race, it was so cool, better than ever! Everyone helped me after I got in – talked about the cornering, the throttle and revs (thanks guys, helped heaps). I was talking to Glen when I got in about the bumpy bits in the track then looked at my damper and turned it a couple of clicks – haha it was off!
2nd Race
I got the best start ever, I was first for a bit but I let the clutch out a bit too soon and dropped back to third. I got to the first corner and took a bad line because of everyone out in front of me, then dropped back to fifth. I stayed like that for one lap then William passed me. I knew Sam wouldn’t be far behind, I kept it smooth and kept learning more. I saw Sam try to pass me a few times but I tried not to let him past, but he did after the 2nd lap, then he flew off and I didn’t see him again. Around the 3rd lap Kyle had a go at me –he looked at me on the back straight and I looked at him, it was so funny, then he passed me. Then just when he got in front I started to get his slipstream and flew past him! But he out-braked me coming in the ‘S’ bends and I just couldn’t catch him. Last lap and I was by myself which gave me a good rest and chance to think about the bike more. Came to the ‘S’ bends and took it too close to the white line, hit it with the back and the tyres slipped a bit, but I found out after the race that I did 1:52.431 and my first lap was 1:57, the same time as my first race haha!
It was the best day of my life!
Huge thanks to: Moto Academy / Steve Bagshaw for putting together this amazing team and getting the awesome outfit and for the best day of my life! Thanks for setting up the bike just how I like it.
AJ – my Dad – without you none of this would happen. I love you and thank you for everything!
Mike – for helping put the team together and teaching me new racing skills, and all the stories of girls and life hah – thanks.
Jasmine and the family for letting the X-Box360 baby-sit me and the amazing food, yummy! Awesome bed too, thanks.
And the person that has sponsored the Derek Hill Memorial Scholarship, I thank you a lot – I really appreciate it, it helped me and my Dad a lot!
And to the Moto Academy Team/Boys thanks for the tips and what to do more of really helped. Thanks Glen, Kyle and Sam.
Thanks to all the sponsors:
Alpinestars, Arai Helmets, RK Racing Chains, NGK Spark Plugs, Fuchs Silkolene Lubricants, SBS Brake pads, AFAM Sprockets and The Victoria Motorcycle Club.
Thanks guys – Luke, number 14