The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 2,200 times in 2011. If it were a cable car, it would take about 37 trips to carry that many people.
I thought I would update a little on what I’ve been up to since my last blog back in October, once again time has flown by, the race season feels like ages ago now as we steam into the Festive period.
The ARA prize presentation night was held back in October, a good night was had by all! I was well supported by my Family and Friends/Sponsors who came along to celebrate my first roadracing trophy award, in fact I won two trophy’s (6th 1300cc Singles,Twins,Triples & 3rd place 650cc Championship) and was given a bottle of Champagne from the John Batty race team as a well done on my results this year, thanks Team Batty and well done to all the other competitors who picked up trophy’s on the night.
Collecting my 3rd place 650cc IOM Championship trophy!
More good news, after a successful season this year I have finally upgraded my Race licence to National level! This was a big goal of my’n since starting racing so it go’s without saying I’m well chuffed! The National licence is the requirement to race the roads, opening the door to the Post TT, Southern 100 (amongst others) and the Manx Grand Prix if my entry/Mountain Course licence gets accepted. This of course depends on many factors; no final decision has been made as yet for my 2012 plans, will keep you all posted.
The bike has received some tlc over the last couple of months, with more improvements to come. I’ve dropped the forks out of the bike and taken them to Evomoto in Ramsey, to have a K-tech re-spring and re-valve to my spec. The forks are from a K7 GSXR-600 and although really good, the standard internals needed upgrading. They are back in the bike, I’ve re-fitted them with a base setting from K-tech, it should make a good improvement to the setup and I’m looking forward to testing in early 2012.
Im continuing my fitness drive over the winter trying to keep in shape, working in Ramsey I use the climb of the Mountain section on foot (Gooseneck & back) just about every day as a work out, with 70mph winds and hail storms thrown in it does its job. And I’m still getting out on my road bike as often as possible with laps of the TT Course, it all helps.
I owe a big thanks the Roadracingsupporters.com team for including some of my racing pictures in there superb calendar, all funds going to charity. Yours for only £6 + p&p you can order yours here http://www.roadracingsupporters.com/2012-Calendar.php
And Im looking into some team BigMitch merchandise, T-Shirts & hoodies etc with details coming soon, just need to get my design head into gear!
As always I can’t thank you all enough for your continued support, I couldn’t do without each and every one of you. I expect 2012 will bring more racing success, if you would like to get involved, have your company logo/name on the Supertwin for next year with an offer of sponsorship, or feel you can offer your support in any other way then please get in touch, you can follow me on Facebook (Chris Mitchell) or Twitter #Bigmitch_racing or email: cmmitchell41@hotmail.com , I’m looking forward to hearing from you. I will be contacting these people in the early new year and contacting the sign&design company shortly after that to have the bike stickered up in time for its first outing in 2012.
Merry Christmas and a Happy successful New Year!
Chris
AKA
BigMitch Racing #48
My final race weekend came around some 7 weeks after my last race at Elvington, it seemed like ages ago to be honest. In between we’ve had the 2011 Manx Grand Prix, with some great results from the locals, with both race wins and local newcomers making their impressive debut’s, the IOM did us proud. Sadly some of the riders didn’t get chance to see the chequered flag, either through injury or worse, my thoughts are with the friends and family of the riders who didn’t make it.
I spent the two weeks at my usual post as Deputy Sector Marshal at Kerromoar, thankfully we didn’t have anything more serious than retirements to deal with for the duration. We have a good mix of experienced guys and a couple of novice marshals in the sector, and of course we’ve got the best seats in the house, however the races are always in need of more volunteers, if you can spare the time please sign up.
The Andreas Racing Association decided to make a double race weekend for the final meeting, GP Circuit on the Saturday and the newly sorted Club circuit on the Sunday, after a cancelled meeting earlier on in the year it was good to be able to gain two signatures together this way. I was all packed and ready to go by Friday night, the weather forecast looked like we may be in for a good one, touch wood. I was sitting in 4th position in the 650 championship, 2 points behind John Batty in 3rd. It didn’t seem that long ago at the beginning of the year, wheeling the 650 out for my first race on the twin, championship points were the last thing on my mind, but now with two races to go I’m wondering if I can take 3rd position!
Day 1
Waking up on Saturday morning to the rain bouncing off the bedroom window wasn’t in the plans, I looked outside to confirm that yes, its bloody miserable outside! By the time my mate Quiily arrived it was already starting to brighten up, things looked even better as we arrived to a busy paddock to get un-packed, signed on and bike through scrutineering, it was drying up quickly.
I had two races on the GP Circuit today (Saturday) and two race’s tomorrow(Sunday) on the Club Circuit, the first being the Singles Twins and Triples being extended to 8 laps and the second being the 650/400 race extended to 12 laps, my tyres already seen their best days would have to last the weekend, my tactic for the day was to just go for it and give it my best, time to qualify!
Qualifying times
Singles, Twins & Triples qualified 14th out of 36 with a best lap of 1.20.781 (5th in my class)
250/400/650 qualified 7th out of 26 with a best lap of 1.19.034 (3rd in my class)
A positive start with my fastest ever lap of Jurby in the 250/650 nearly in the 1.18’s lap times, and 6th overall puts me on the 3rd row of the grid next to Dave Madsen-Mygdal, The bike felt good and I was up for it!
Race 1: Singles, Twins & Triples
I got a good start and by the first lap was up into 12th position, it was a frantic race with a full grid and such a mix of bikes from the steal framed 600’s, Aprilia 1000’s, 675cc Triumph’s, 650 twins and Modern\classic classics on the grid. I got my head down and by lap 4 was up to 9th position, over the next 4 laps I got picked off by the faster top speed steel frames down the back straight and finished 12th overall , but 4th in my class with a best lap time of 1.19.238, Result!
We only had time for a splash and dash before my next race, the 12 lap 650/400 race, the longer races are physically hard work, I could only hope I could put in the same effort for this one!
Race 2: 250/400/650
I got a fairly good start and by lap 1 I was in 8th position, managing to hold this position until lap 6 when Jules Ray came past me, I dug in and tried to stay with Jules but He started to gap me after a couple of laps, I held 9th position to the chequered flag on lap 12, more importantly I finished 3rd in my class with a best time of 1.19.264, and John Batty who had developed a clutch problem finished down in 7th, I’d re-taken 3rd position in the 650 Championship with only 2 points separating me and John it was all to play for during the next days races!
It was home time, and I had to make a gearing change for the different circuit on Sunday, and having never ridden the Club circuit on the SV it was a bit of a gamble, I decided to come down 1 tooth on the front sprocket and managed to do the job in the back of the van.
Day 2
The weather forecast for Sunday was looking to start off ok but with showers coming in by about 1pm, and they weren’t far wrong. My good mate wasn’t able to help out today, so it was all down to Mrs Mitch who not only made the fabulous butty’s but drove the Van to the circuit worked the spanners/tyre warmers re-fuelled the bike and brewed up, blimey all I had to do was the easy bit and ride the bike! As usual the bike flew through scrutineering, apart from one loose nut on the chain adjuster that I hadn’t nipped up in the back of the van while changing the front sprocket, thankfully Mrs Mitch was quickly on hand with a no12 spanner and the job was complete. We even had a visit from Mr JHS Racing (James) from Bistol who was over with the Supertwin IOMTT 2012 Talks, Another happy customer!
Qualifying times
Singles, Twins & Triples qualified 18th out of 36 with a best lap of 1.33.310 (7th in my class)
250/400/650 qualified 10th out of 26 with a best lap of 1.32.305 (3rd in my class)
My times looked pretty good considering I hadn’t ridden this layout for nearly two years. By the time we came to break for the lunch the clouds had begun to gather, and the paddock was full of racers nervously glancing towards to sky, this was all I needed! My spare wheels are fitted with full wets and to have to race on them would need for it to rain full on, I decided to stay on my dry tyres as it looked like we may just get away with a dry race. I wasn’t feeling my best so made the decision to go out in the Singles Twins and Triples race just to get a practice start and pull in after 3 laps, this would give a chance to check out the circuit and see if the odd spot of rain we were having was starting to make the track wet, I would then give the 650 race everything!
The track was still dry, with enough breeze to keep it this way but it was getting colder and darker. While on the grid I noticed some of the lads had switched to Intermediate tyres, John Batty being one of them. After lap 3 I pulled in, getting funny looks from people, this was the one and only dnf result of the year, but it was all planned for. We chucked a couple of litres of fuel in and stuck the tyre warmers on while the race I had pulled out of continued. The drizzle was getting steadily worse, I couldn’t believe it!
We should have had a sidecar race next before my 650 race, I’m not why but the chairs came back in and they called the 650 race to start next, this was it!
Race 2: 250/400/650
With a 2 point lead over Mr Batty all I had to do was to finish in front of John to secure 3rd in the Championship, not an easy task lol. The rain was to get steadily worse; sitting on the grid waiting for the lights to go out all I could hear was my heart pounding and the rain drops hitting my visor. The lights went out and off we went into the first corner, I caught site of John on my outside and I managed to take the inside line and stay in front. I held on to 9th position for 3 laps all the time the rain getting steadily worse, On lap 4 John got past me getting underneath me on a tight hairpin right hander, I came back at Him and re-took my position but once again John came back past me a lap later. The rain was causing me some real problems and I was getting slides front and rear as I tried my best to hang on to John who was riding really well, as usual. On lap 7 Glenn Harrison crashed out causing a red flag and a race result, I’d managed to hold on to John finishing just under 2 seconds behind him, John finished the race in 6th and I finished 7th, meaning I finished with a total of 64 points and John with 63, I’d taken Third in Championship and it felt like a race win to me!
So that’s my race season over for 2011, and what a brilliant year its been on my SV-R Supertwin, I’ve learnt so much this year and my racing has improved so much and I only hope I can build on what I’ve already achieved this year . Its true what they say about the racing community, everybody’s keen to help out each other and the ARA Club is going from strength to strength, I cant wait for next year already. Im already thinking about next year’s target’s and I hope to share this with you soon, hopefully that first trophy isn’t too far away!
I have also appeared in the RoadRacingSupporters latest calendar alongside the world’s best roadracers, it’s a fund raiser for racing charity’s and a fine production, yours for £6 and worth every penny http://www.roadracingsupporters.com/ Thanks guys it’s a proud moment!
Ive decided not to take part in the Endurance race and I am doing my Marshals IMC Course on the same day at the St John’s medical centre in Douglas, Good luck all the Teams, Marshals, Medics and officials, hope it’s a fast and safe days racing!
As usual I would like to send a massive thank you to all my friends and family for their support so far, too many to mention but without all their help I couldn’t of done it, it’s a team effort.
If you want to get involved with Team BigMitch Racing and feel you could help in any way or have an idea, doesn’t always have to be financial then please get in touch. You can remain anonymous or you could advertise your business and /or have yours or your family’s name on the bike, you will be welcomed into the team, please get in touch.
Cmmitchell41@hotmail.com
http://twitter.com/#!/Bigmitch_racing
Facebook: Chris Mitchell
Thanks to all the photographers for the superb pictures
See you in the paddock for the 2012 racing season
Been looking forward to this meeting since I put my entry in back in June, I needed to get a race under my belt from across the pond! After a chat and bit of advice from fellow SV racer John Batty I decided to give Elvington near York a bash and with my last race at Jurby being only a week before the Elvington meeting meant I had a fairly busy week to get things sorted.
The bike needed a change of race number and a change to the gearing followed by a head to toe check over making sure every nut and bolt was tight. My generator had decided to start playing up at that last Jurby meeting with a cracked plug cap and split ht lead meant I had to order a new one before leaving for Liverpool on the Saturday. Thankfully by the end of the week I got everything sorted, thanks to Kev for his help with the front sprocket nut, I couldn’t shift it but between the two of us we got the job done!
Crew Chief Quilly arrived on Friday evening and once again thanks to Jock and Laura for the loan of their van for the weekend, we set about loading her up. We decided it would be easiest if I stayed at Quilly’s on the Friday night in Douglas as we had to check in at Douglas harbour for 6.30am on the Saturday morning, so a Chinese takeaway was ordered and I got a reasonably early night.
Saturday morning was glorious weather wise, and before long we watched the Isle of Man disappear into the horizon as the Manannan made steady progress across the Irish Sea heading for Liverpool. Team John Batty were aboard the ship too, after a chin wag with the guys, and before long (3hrs) we docked in Liverpool. Heading off the loading ramp I put the coordinates for York into the borrowed Sat-Nav (thanks Julian). It took a little for our Tom-Tom to wake up, but soon enough we were getting steady directions heading east out of Liverpool. As we climbed the Pennines the weather started to go downhill and before long it was chucking it down.
After a couple of hours we arrived at York, were heading for the train station to collect Simon my Big Brother only to find out the main rail signal box had been struck by lightning, delaying all the trains! By this time the rain was bouncing off the roads and not doing anything for my pre-race nerves…Gulp! Eventually his train dropped Him off and we went for a bit of sightseeing around the City of York, a beautiful City it is too. The rain continued to fall and after a while it was time to find Elvington Airfield, just to find our bearings and work out how long it would take to travel from there to Julian’s house as we would need to get to the circuit nice and early on race day in the morning.
It worked out to be 60 miles from Elvington to Julians house where we are staying for the weekend, and the journey took us an hour, it was tea time by the time we arrived at our accommodation, and as soon as we’d arrived we were heading back out to a very nice country pub for our dinner in the company of Julian and His good Lady Wife. After a really good meal is was time to turn in for me, a big day ahead tomorrow. A massive thanks to the two of them for their hospitality this weekend, it really was a home from home and we were made to feel very welcome, cheers mate!
I woke up on race day at about 5.30am and looked out of the window to find a really nice sunny day, what a result! By the time we’d all got up had breakfast it was 6.45am and time to hit the road, we’d got our fuel the evening before so just had to head straight for the track. After checking in at the gate we hit the main runway of Elvington, this place was vast. Rolling up in the paddock we found the familiar faces of John Batty and His crew, and Manx racers Ali Foster and Steven Beale, a Manx invasion of Elvington! We’d been warned to arrive early as Sign on and Scrutineering would all take place pretty sharpish. Fair play to Club Auto 66 everything ran like clockwork and as the threat of rain was expected to hit after 3pm, the club made sure we would get through the program without delay!
It’s fair to say with the arrival of Team http://www.roadracingsupporters.com/ I’m proud to say I had a healthy team of supporters, who’d all made the effort to make the journey to come along and cheer me on, thanks guys it was much appreciated. Matty Boy travelling from Lincolnshire bringing chairs and awnings, Louise and Ady bringing the Jaffa cakes, and Jude travelling from Blackpool bringing Her camera to capture the moment, thanks also to Mr Messy from SV650.Org for coming along, will see you at the Manx mate , no pressure then!
I was in the first practice session of the day, and I’d only seen a diagram of the circuit before, all I knew was it was a clockwise circuit with a length of 1.3 miles, mainly right hand turns meaning I’d be using the opposite side of the tyre to what I was used to at Jurby. As the session got under way I was to learn that not only the Jurby circuit likes to use traffic cones as I clipped one with my knee. We seemed to get a reasonable amount of time on track, I started to learn my way around very slowly, and made a mental note of how good the surface was back at home in Jurby as the stone chippings bounced off my helmet, on very tight horse shoe right hander was immediately causing me problems, and would continue for the rest of the day!
I had entered 2 different classes, the “Northern Junior” and the “Clubmans Lights” you get three races in each class so after the practice session I had 6 races to go, your result in the race would determine your position for the next race. Before long I was called out for my first race, I just tried to keep as cool as possible and ride as smooth as I could, considering it was the first race of the day I actually rode really well. With a local lad on a trick Ducati 749 and a couple 600cc’s in front I was pleased to be in 7th position, in front I could see a couple of Kawasaki ER6’S and I was gaining on them, unfortunately the last lap flag came out and I crossed the line half a second behind them, another lap and I’d of been on them, after a look at the paper work after the race I was running a second a lap quicker than the two ahead, 7th place not bad!
Before long it was my second race of the day, sadly my form was to be short lived as I had a pretty poor run, not only running wide at the dreaded horse shoe but completely running off the track taking to the grass, all of a sudden I was on the bucking bronco on an out of control SV, I couldn’t do a thing apart from hang on, and with the Marshal’s box getting closer and closer I somehow managed to get it back under control and back on track, a sideways glance I caught a rather relieved looking Marshal, I was to finish this race in 11th, Rubbish!
3rd race It was threatening to rain, in fact it was raining on and off, I had a couple of slides and brought it home in 8th place.
After lunch and the weather was looking good, no rain! And with some team talks with my crew and a few words of encouragement I managed some better results and really enjoyed the rest of the days races, I kept my lap times consistent and managed to finish ahead of the Kawasaki’s I had previously finished behind with a best finish of 6th place, not bad considering I’d never seen the place before.
After the final race while enjoying a celebratory beer some of the local racers I’d been on track with and some of the local spectators came over for a chat and to have a look at my adapted controls on the bike, and of course to take the micky out of my earlier grass track incident!!!
We headed back on the road for our final night at Julian’s house, I only managed a couple of beers before an early night, we had a long journey home to get through the following day, I was knackered but it was all worth it!
I ended up really enjoying the day, it was great to see everybody who’d made the journey to meet up at Elvington, everybody was really friendly and helpful, and http://www.auto66.com/ ran a great meeting too plus another signature towards that all important licence upgrade, I hope it’s not too long before I can make the trip across the sea again and this time maybe try a different circuit, time to start saving (and earn some brownie points with the Wife!!).
With just over a week to go until the beginning of the Manx Grandprix, things are already taking shape for the races here. Last night was our sector’s DSM Meeting, I’m marshalling for the full two weeks again at the Kerromoar section, as they say no marshals no races, if you’re thinking about it then why not sign up and help the event go ahead.
The best of luck to all involved in this years MGP, Please have a fast and safe one!
If you want to get involved with Team BigMitch Racing and feel you could help in any way or have an idea, doesn’t always have to be financial then please get in touch. You can remain anonymous or you could advertise your business and /or have yours or your family’s name on the bike, you will be welcomed into the team, please get in touch.
http://twitter.com/#!/Bigmitch_racing
Facebook: Chris Mitchell
Thanks to all the photographers for the superb pictures
Next double race Meeting 24th & 25th of September
After spending a couple of days down Castletown spectating at the Southern 100 earlier in July, watching the boys and girls do their stuff on the road circuit I was more than fired up ready to do my bit on the airfield. The bike as usual was ready for action with a good check over the week before race day and a fresh oil and filter change to keep Her tip top.
Race Day: Waking up to a rather overcast day I nervously packed my wets into the back of the van. Once again Jock & Laura came to the rescue and have kindly loaned me there van again, thanks guys its a massive help! By 8am Crew Chief Quilly had turned up at my house, giving up a Sunday to help get me on track, cheers mate! We finished off the rest of the packing over a brew and hit the road heading for the Airfield. With both the Andreas Club and the local kart club racing this Sunday, the paddock was looking busy from the off. After unloading, signing on and taking the bike and rider through scrutineering it was time for a brew, or that’s what we thought! Turns out the ht lead on the generator had broken in transit, and that’s why we couldn’t start the dam thing. After a bit of running repairs we managed to temporarily fix the problem and at last the kettle was boiling away, few!
Todays Circuit is the 1.7 mile GP circuit and as usual I had entered the Singles Twins & Triples race and the 250/400/650 race, with qualifying and pair of races for each class. The race school took to the track first while the rest of the paddock kept looking to the sky’s, was the rain that had already start to fall on the Island going to stay away from Jurby today? Before long I was waiting in the holding area about to take to the track for my first qualifying session.
Qualifying times
Singles, Twins & Triples qualified 15th out of 26 with a best lap of 1.21.594
250/400/650 qualified 5th out of 14 with a best lap of 1.20.594
A positive start with my fastest ever lap of Jurby in the 250/650 qualifying session, and 5th overall puts me on the 2nd row of the grid, The bike felt good and I was up for it!
Race 1: Singles, Twins & Triples
I got a good start and quickly gained a couple of position’s by the end of lap one I was in 13th overall, In lap two I made a move on John Batty (sorry John) and made it stick putting me in 12th position overall , during lap three a steal frame 600 rider took me, and again in lap 4 another two steal frame 600’s (Tim Devlin & Stephen Greg) overtook me putting me back to 15th overall, I knew John Batty who is in the same class as me would be close behind but I managed to hold Him off to the line on the last lap and finished 15th overall and better still 4th in my class and best lap of 1.20.643!
Race 2: 250/400/650
Again got a decent start and just did my best, the race was red flagged on lap five after Irish Ago (Kevin Murphy) crashed heavily, the race was declared a result I finished 4th in my class with an all time best lap of 1.19.617, my personal best lap and I reached the goal I set myself at the beginning of the year by getting into the 1.19’s. I have since heard Ago is recovering well in hospital, but sadly wont be competing in the Manx this year although He is managing to keep happy with the nurses looking after Him, get well soon Ago!!
During the following races several riders crashed out, one or two being taken to Nobles by ambulance, a rider briefing was held and it was agreed that after a short wait for a replacement ambulance, the scheduled races would continue at a reduced rate of 4 laps per race.
Race 3: Singles, Twins & Triples
With only 4 laps in this race a good start was crucial, and I didn’t get a great one, Dougie Scott got in front of me early on and I was left to follow and try and re-take Him, however a fellow steal frame rider joined the party sitting on Dougies rear wheel. With the final lap coming to an an end the steal frame rider Mark Dougherty put a move on Dougie, for a minute I thought they would both run wide but Mark made his move stick and I crossed the line 3 tenths’s of a second behind Dougie 14th overall and 5th in my class with a best lap time of 1.22.453.
Race 4: 250/400/650
The last race of the day, again with only 4 laps it was all about the start. The results of this race would either leave me 3rd in the 650 championship or drop down a position to 4th position with John Batty regaining 3rd. Sadly John had the measure of me and I crossed the line behind Him, He in 3rd and me in 4th in our class, and 3rd and 4th in the championship with only 2 points in it, it’s not over yet with the final double championship race weekend on the 25th & 25th of September, all to play for!!
Reflecting on the day, I put in my best race day yet, Im really happy with my results and my times continue to tumble while I learn more and more about my race craft. I have also managed to ride inside the 110% of the race finisher’s time in all four races on Sunday, meaning I have achieved my “Upgrade” signature a step towards earning my National license, something I have set my heart on gaining by next year.
This leaves me with a busy week to catch my breath, as it all starts again next weekend with a voyage across the Irish Sea, for a race meeting with the Auto 66 race cub at the Elvington Airfield near York, something I’m really looking forward too!
As usual I would like to send a massive thank you to all my friends and family for their support so far, too many to mention but without all their help I couldn’t do it, it’s a team effort.
Lastly, competing at any level takes huge financial commitment; so far I am largely self funded working hard to make ends meet. If you feel you could help in any way or have an idea, doesn’t always have to be financial then please get in touch. You can remain anonymous or you could advertise your business or/and have yours or your family’s name on the bike, you will be welcomed into the team, please get in touch.
http://twitter.com/#!/Bigmitch_racing
Facebook: Chris Mitchell
Elvington Race report coming soon!
Last Sunday the 26th of June was the 3rd race meeting for me on the SV this year, and it was definitely my best performance to date! I’m feeling a lot more comfortable on the bike, and as my confidence grows I am learning how to get the best out of her on track!
Once again I had the use of the van for the day, thanks to Jock & Laura. I had collected my fuel, loaded the van and was ready to go by the Saturday afternoon. Waking up bright and early on race day to find perfect conditions outside, it was going to be a scorcher for sure.
My good pal Mark has once again given up his Sunday to help me out (Cheers Quilly) I couldn’t do it on my own, no way. We pulled up at the circuit around 8.30am, the paddock was already chocka block. Once unloaded we soon had the bike inspected by the scrutineers, thankfully the SV sailed through. After I signed on it was time to put myself through technical inspection, my leathers, gloves, boots and helmet that is, again all was fine and another sticker was added to my helmet. Before long the race school began their session, a chance for people who want to have a taste of roadracing under racing conditions, unfortunately one of the bikes had a mechanical and put oil down at the bus stop chicane. The marshals did a good job with the clean up, and I would take it easy through that section for the first couple of laps of my first qualifying session just in case.
By the time we got waved off for the beginning of the Twins & Triples qualifying session the wind had picked up and was starting to get a bit gusty, not to bad down the back straight as it was behind us, but on the return back towards the end of the lap it as definitely putting me wide in a couple of corners. After two laps I decided to get my head down and try to put some quick laps in, as usual it was pretty frantic with a bit of traffic to deal with, the stiff breeze pushing me down the back straight caused me to run a little hot into the following left hander on one occasion, after about 6 laps one rider crashed at a fast section and the red flag came out (rider ok), that was the end of that session.
My next 250/400/650 session due out again after the sidecars, so it’s a fast turnaround with a quick splash and dash for another qualifying session, this time I knew what to expect and could get straight into it, the bike was going really well, and before long out came the chequered flag signalling the end of our session, and a break for lunch/brew, and a chance to check out our times and race positions once displayed at race office.
Qualifying times
Singles, Twins & Triples qualified 16th out of 28 with a best lap of 1.21.415
250/400/650 qualified 11th out of 26 with a best lap of 1.21.845
Race 1: Singles, Twins & Triples
Qualifying in front of John Batty must have put me on edge, as I completely cocked up my start with a massive wheelie off the line that put me on the grass, and by the time I re-joined the track I think I was dead last! Feeling really annoyed with the amount of work I’d given myself I did my best to make up as many places as possible, and after lap 6 I crossed the chequered flag back in 16th overall with a best lap of 1.21.504 & 8th in my class, Got to get these starts nailed!
Race 2: 250/400/650
Got a better start this time and had a fairly trouble free run, I tried to keep with the rider in front (James Labdon) but toward the end He was riding really well and starting to gap me, I finished in 11th with a best lap of 1.21.163 but more importantly I got a 5th in my class!
Race 3: Singles, Twins & Triples
Another good start making up a couple of places up to 13th after lap 1, I tried to keep with John Battty on His 650 for this race and wasn’t doing a bad job of it. On lap 4 Richard Brigazzi blasted past me on his steel frame 600, and on lap 5 another steel frame 600 (Steven Allwright) got past me too, not so bad as they are in a separate class to me. I finished the race in 15th overall with a best time of 1.20.886 & 7th in my class
Race 4: 250/400/650
Last race of the day and I was keen to finish on a high, the lights went out and I got another good start. By the end of lap 1 I had managed to nose ahead of James Labdon and was in 8th place. I managed to hold James off for the rest of the race but He must have had a good view of back wheel as He crossed the line 2 tenths behind me on the last lap. I finished the last race 8th overall with a best lap time of 1.20.812 and took another 5th place in the 650 class!
My quickest ever laps and my best overall finishing position’s yet, I’m really enjoying my racing now and happy with my results hopefully continue improving as I gain more experience. Talking of gaining experience I have sent off my entry’s with Auto66 at the Elvington race circuit near York, racing on the 7th of August, and have another one or possibly two races with the Andreas Racing Club before then, depending on funds.
Its going to be a busy month with the already mentioned race schedule, and we have the Southern100 coming up in the second week of July http://www.southern100.com/, race day on the 14th I think it is this year. And then toward the end of August it’s the Manx Grand Prix http://www.manxgrandprix.org/ I will be marshalling for this once again this year, good luck to all competitors!
That’s all from me until the next instalment, a big thank you to all those that have helped and supported me so far, especially my family and of course my good lady Wife for making the butties and generally putting up with me! Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/Bigmitch_racing
Well I must apologise for not posting any updates to my blog for such a long time, since my last entry back in March I’ve managed to fit in a trackday at Cadwell Park and two race meetings at the Andreas airfield circuit on the little SV, and what an awesome bike she is!
Thurs 17th March 11
First things first we had a couple of days away in Lincolnshire with a road trip to Cadwell Park, my mate Wayne had booked the ferry and the accommodation all I had to do was load my bike and kit into the van the night before, and before we knew it we were docking in Liverpool for the drive across the country to Louth. After a trouble free drive we arrived at our destination, a very comfortable little farmhouse in the middle of the countryside, after checking in it was time to fill up on supply’s and collect enough fuel for the following day in the Town centre, we had been up very early and with another early start in the morning we decided the only sensible thing to do was to check out the local boozers and sample some real ale!
Fri 18th March 11
We eventually got to the Circuit for 7.30am, apart from being cold it was a beautiful day. As we unloaded our kit we bumped into RRS.Com forum member and all round good guy MattyBoy, turns out Matty is a bit of a Cadwell Park regular, so we went to sign our life away and go through the usual safety briefing etc down at the Clubhouse, we’d all booked into the same group “inters” so it wasn’t long before we headed off out on our first session. The very first session was a bit of a blur, running over rumble strips, breaking way to early followed by running in too hot and over shooting a chicane, yep I didn’t know where the hell I was going. It was a case of gaining confidence and trying to learn the circuit, Cadwell’s a big old track and we had the full lay out to play on. We had been merged with the fast group as numbers were low; this gave us extra track time but was a little scary early on as we shared the circuit with some of the Superstock runners, seriously quick!
By lunch time I was starting to find my way around the circuit, and feel more relaxed with the bike which to be honest Im still getting to know. As my first session got underway and I accelerated down the start finish straight, the engine completely cut out. ok slight school boy error forgetting to re-fuel after lunch, I was left to watch from trackside and after being warned that such an error would result in an early bath, I decided it was an electrical fault and that would be the end of it! On a later session I found a new line into the Mountain, while searching for grip amongst the daisy’s and mole hills through Lincolnshire’s finest agricultural farmland, Josh Brooks would of been proud of the “air” the bucking SV achieved, The day was beginning to catch up with with me and after about 8 half hour sessions I was beginning to make mistakes just as well the event came to an end and it was time to pack up, grab some fish and chips a couple of beers and head back to our digs.
Sat 19th March 11
An early start “again” van packed and back on the road for 7.30am, time to head back to Heysham Docs for our afternoon sailing back to the Isle of Man, eventually got home at about 8pm feeling pretty knackered, an early night and time to get ready for race day in the morning!
1st Race day Sun 20th March 11
After a restless night I eventually woke up to the alarm at 6.45am, and the noise of rain hammering against the window, it wasn’t looking too pleasant out but the weather forecast was for it to clear later on, but stay cold. We got to the Jurby circuit to find a busy paddock, my last race meeting was back in May 2010 and I’d missed the buzz. By the time I’d got signed on and bike put through scrutineering we still hadn’t had any further rain, the track looked wet in places but with plenty of time before I was due to get out on track we recon’d it could dry out and opted to leave the dry tyres in, plenty of other folk had switched to wets already. It wasn’t long before I was lining up to start my first practice session, I have entered two different races on the SV, the singles twins and triples and the 400/650 race, we get two races of each class and a practice/qualifying session to decide your grid position for each class. With 34 machines entered into the single twins triples class and only 32 bikes allowed to race meant that 2 bikes wouldn’t qualify. With the odd damp patch and very cold track temperature I wasn’t going to stick my neck out this early in the day, as usual it was pretty busy on track and I just tried to keep out of anybody’s way and stick in 6 laps before the flag came out. Turns out I did ok and qualified 23rd out of 34 bikes with a best lap time of 1.26.5 on lap 4. With only 10 minutes before my next qualifying session for the 400/650 race we just about had time for a quick splash and dash before heading back out on track. This time I knew the track was drying and was sure I could push a little harder, out of 22 riders entered I qualified 13th overall, with a best time of 1.24.8, a good improvement!
After the qualification sessions we break for lunch, with plenty of hot tea and the odd Jaffa cake it wasn’t long before racing commenced in the afternoon, it was cold but dry, can’t complain for March though!
I’ve listed out my results below, and for my first race meeting I’m really pleased with the way the day went. By the time the second pair of races came around I was feeling pretty knackered with the trip to Caldwell Park beginning to catch up with me, the results are the placings overall, I was fairly sure on a warmer track I would go quicker!
Race results
Singles Twins & Triples
Race 1: 23/32 Best Lap time: 1.24.5
Race 2: 20/29 Best Lap time: 1.24.7
400/650
Race 1: 14/22 Best Lap time: 1.24.5
Race 2: 13/17 Best Lap time: 1.24.6
2nd Race day Sun 17th April 11
Feeling more relaxed for the second race meeting I actually managed to get a decent night’s sleep, and with the kind loan of a van (thanks Jock & Laura x) I had managed to get packed up and ready to leave the day before, such a big help! The weather was bordering tropical from the off, and would stay dry and warm for the day, perfect! My Brother had come over to the Island to help, and as usual my best mate Quilly was on hand to help with usual bits and pieces. Apart from oil and filter change and a good clean down the bike was as it had finished the last set of races back in March, I knew my gearing was spot on and I’m happy with the setup, I just need to ride it!
My first singles twins & triples qualifying session got underway and was quickly red flagged with John Batty having a massive off on the last flip-flop chicane before the start finish line, thankfully John was soon back on his feet but His SV1000 was looking a bit sorry for itself. The session soon got back underway and I allowed myself a couple of laps to warm up the tyres before putting in my fastest lap on the 650 on lap 5 with a 1.23.1 lap. This put me 24th on the grid out of the 39 riders entered, that’s 1.5 seconds quicker than my previous best time.
Again a quick splash and dash and I was back out for the 400/650 qualifying session, I arrived a bit late for this session and the session already began, I only had 3 or 4 laps so had to get my head down, again putting in a personal best on the 650 with a 1.22.8 putting me 20th overall out of 29 riders, while having a bit a problem with my clutch.
During the break for lunch we took a look at the bike and noticed the clutch cable adjuster had backed right off leaving way too much free-play, thankfully an easy fix thanks to Roly Quine’s expertise, soon time for racing!
After the warm up lap we take up our starting positions on the grid, were given the engage gear sign, watch the lights go red and within a couple seconds they go out, and you drop the hammer, this is where I had a bit of a problem, the adjustment to the clutch cable had completely changed the biting point, I nearly stalled Her and didn’t get off the line very well at all, giving myself a bit of work to do!
The rest of the day went really well after my initial clutch problem, and I was determined to finish the day on a high, I’m pleased with my results!
Race results
Singles Twins & Triples
Race 1: 24/29 Best Lap time: 1.23.6
Race 2: 21/30 Best Lap time: 1.22.9
400/650
Race 1: 17/25 Best Lap time: 1.21.6
Race 2: 14/17 Best Lap time: 1.21.7
I came away with an improvement on my times and with a personal best time on the 650 of 1.21.6 some 3 seconds a lap quicker than my previous race and only a couple of seconds away from achieving an upgrade signature “U” this counts as two meetings, well chuffed. And I’ve managed to pick up some useful points, putting me joint third with Ali Foster in the 650 championship. Its early days but I’m really pleased with the new bike and the change in class!!
3rd Race day Saturday 14th May 11
A dry start to the day but the forecast wasn’t looking good. Again thanks to Jock & Laura for the loan of the van, I could get loaded the day before making things so much smoother. Again I had the help of Mr Quillium for the day, cheers mate!
We got signed on and bike and kit put through scrutineering without any problems, and eventually we had our rider briefing, we all got warned that the weather forecast according to the met office was looking like we had some pretty bad weather on the way, forecast to hit us around early afternoon and that if it did hit us then it was likely we’d have to cancel the meeting.
I had a fresh set of tyres on for this meeting, so would have to get them scrubbed in during the first qualifying session, I ended up getting caught in a bit of traffic and without the confidence to push past early on with the new rubber I had to make do with a time of 1.26 and position of 18/23. As usual a quick splash and dash and aware that I needed to step it up for the 400/650 session I put in a 1.21.8 and qualified 9th, however this was to be my last session on track as the rain did move in, after a bit of a drawn out afternoon I decided to call it a day, this was to be a non championship round for my class so I decided not to race. Fair play to the organizers who did stick it out, and the marshals for braving the weather, as they managed to run some of the races despite the conditions.
So I have the next meeting on the 26th of June to luck forward to next, but before that we have the IOM TT 2011 meeting about to kick off on Monday the 30/05/11, I will be signing on to join the orange army at my usual spot at Kerromoar to help out, and look forward to attending the roads closed exhibition once again held at St Ninians church and generally partying hard during race week, hopefully see you for a pint!
A couple of other things worth mentioning, after chatting with MGP, Southern 100 and Oliver’s Mount, IOM local rider John Batty I’m planning on travelling away with them to compete at one of the Auto 66 events possibly in August, and I’m looking into racing at Anglesey later on this year, all being well I can upgrade my license and loose the orange bib, about time!
And I had a visit earlier on this year from a certain Mr Blair Degerholm, I used to be a fan of Blair back in the late 90’s early 2000’s. I remember Him clearing up at the Southern 100 back in 1999 I think it was? Anyway sadly Blair ended up with a Brachial Plexus injury similar to me, except He’s the opposite side to me. During a collision at Donington Park with a practice start incident and another rider. It was to end Blair’s racing career. However Blair got in touch with me after hearing about the one armed rider on the IOM as He lives in Douglas, and asked if He could come along and have a look at my bikes and the adaption’s I use. Turns out we both had a bit in common not just with the injury, we both hit 40 in April within a couple of days of each other, anyway a couple of weeks later I received a message from Blair to say He’s just treated himself to a Fireblade and that I had to take a fair bit of the blame for it, Never say never is what I say.
That’s all for now, good luck all those competitors competing at the TT next week, and a big thank you to all those that have helped and supported me so far, especially my family and of course my good lady Wife for making the butties and generally putting up with me!
Cheers for now!
Its just about here, the 2011 race season kicks off a week tomorrow for me, the 20th of March 2011. Its been a hectic few months getting the bike and rider sorted out and ready for action. The main job being the new paint job, both working out the design and removing the plastics and tank and helping with the spray job, when I say helping that means making the brew’s, running to McDonalds and generally getting in the way.
I took my inspiration from the Barry Sheene 1975 Suzuki RG500 XR-14 machine seen here from a recent classic show.
Its a bit of a tribute to Suzuki and the great Bazza, ok on modern fairings it was going to prove a challenge but I think we did a good job and the bike looks brilliant now!
The process went a bit like this, the bike stripped down looking a bit sorry for itself.
First job was to prepare the fairings de-grease and spray a base coat of solid white, once the white had dried we could start masking out the areas we want to stay white, it took 3 hours just to do the nose cone alone.
After a fair bit of tea drinking and some head scratching pouring over the many shades of blue, I finally decided on one that I liked, its not supposed to be the exact shade of the Sheene bike, I liked it so thats good enough!
So it was time to let Quilly work His magic with His paint gun and make myself scarce, while He hit the fairings with the blue, about 3 coates from memory, some more pictures…
Once the paint had dried and we’d removed the masking tape the final process was to hit the fairings with a clear coat of lacquer, for the shine, and leave to bake for about an hour. The finished article..
The finish of the fairings looked amazing straight from the oven. It was time to take the bodywork home and prepare them for fitting back onto the bike. I needed a hand to re-fit the tank (cheers Kev) but managed everything else ok myself, She’s starting to take shape nicely!
Once the fairings were fitted it was time to start thinking about race numbers and the number boards, its black on yellow numbers this year for the new 650cc class, and I could fit the seat pad now too.
And the decals can start going on, Ive got a mixture of old ones left over from the old bike and new ones that I’ve ordered up.
The number board on the front is sprayed on, once the correct ACU spec color paint can was ordered up.
And here’s the finished article with sponsor’s stickers and new race numbers after realising I had used non ACU spec numbers originally.
So thats the bike ready to go, I had a visit from Jo Rowe today who’s a scrutineer for the Manx, just to give the bike a once over everything’s ok for next weekend’ s meeting, and Jo kindly ran a noise test and the SV’s putting out 103db.
Ive got a new set of leathers for 2011, the old ones wouldnt of made another season. Ive had Christine in Peel sort the arm out so it keeps my knackered arm secure, She’s done a great job and after having some stronger velcro fitted they are now perfect, I had to imrovise with some bungee strap on last weeks pre-season test session as the arm was loose.
And Ive built up a spare pair of wheels for my wets over the winter too, thanks to good old ebay!
Ive got one more test session next week with a trip over to Cadwell Park for a trackday on the 18th of March, then racing proper at the first Meeting of the year up at Jurby, cant wait!!
Im off to the fund raiser for Tim Venables now up at the Ginger Hall, fingers crossed its a good turn out!!
Good Luck all
Mitch!
Well it’s the second month of 2011 already, and the racing plans for the year are starting to take shape. Hopefully we all had a great Xmas and its going to be an even better new year for everybody!
The Winter has been a pretty harsh one, we’ve had heavy frosts and a fair bit of snow for a small Island, mixed with the usual normal bad weather meaning I’ve only managed a handful of laps on the road bike, not good as I usually spend allot of the off season doing as much road riding as possible, Cant wait to get back in the saddle once this weather warms up a little.
I’ve spent the winter trawling EBay looking for a suitable set of spare wheels for my wets. The rear was a fairly straight forward job as it’s just a standard SV650 rear, the front is a bit of a mix of GSXR & SV, eventually I managed to get the disks and the rim I needed, these are now in the garage waiting for new rubber. 
The bikes been stripped down, and the fairings, tank and one of the spare wheels are down at the body shop awaiting fresh paint, it’s the same company that did my last spray job, it will be a professional job for sure, and I will be happily displaying Dale & Colvin body shop stickers again on the bike. I can’t say much about the colours just yet but there will be plenty of space for sponsorship, watch this space is the best I can do.
New for 2011 are my leathers, my last set of RST’s did me for a good few years, been through a couple of spills, repaired a couple of times and survived the nurses scissors in Nobles, I managed to get out of them before they could cut them off me! So I think they’d done their job and possibly past there sell by. The local bike shop “Road and Track” did me a good deal on a set of BKS leathers, I’m really pleased with the fit of them, and they are definitely better quality than my old RST’s! I have taken them to Christine in Peel who’s going to put me a strap for the knackered arm in, and She’s going to do some lettering for me too, it never ends.
As well as the usual festive partying Ive been trying to keep on top of my fitness too, with daily treks up the Mountain to the Gooseneck and back, it’s a steep old climb up the hill on foot, so Im no athlete but at least Im trying, and the family keep me busy when Im otherwise not working etc.
So racing plans for 2011, Im planning the first test session on the Supertwin on the 20th of February up at Jurby, its an open pitlane job for ACU holders, my first unrestricted run on the bike, lets hope the weathers ok, so looking forward to that. And I have booked Cadwell Park on the 18th of March, going away with a mate (Wayner) who’s racing this year from Peel in the IOM for a couple of days. It’s a trackday open to all, I will be using the day to get the bike dialled in and learn the circuit, it’s a new one to me, should be ok as I believe it has a Mountain, so will feel at home straight away. I plan to compete in the ARA Airfield championship for the year and fingers crossed will be racing across the Irish Sea too, if budget allows.
Good luck to all!
Mitch
We had a dry day for the trackday on Sunday 17th October, it was a little grey and cold but this is October at the end of the day.
We arrived at the track by mid-day, and quickly got signed on unloaded and the kettle on in time for the rider briefing just before 1pm. The session was divided into two groups novice road riders and ACU licence holders, the novice session starting first giving us time to get the kettle on and fiddle with tyre pressures.
The goal at the end of the day was to get maximum track time to bed the engine in, I’d been given my instructions from James at JHS to take it easy on the motor, only taking Her to 7,000rpm for the whole of the day to get the pistons bedded in, and not to be tempted to thrash Her from the off, At least It would give me the oportunity to get used to the bike gradually.
It wasn’t long before I was heading for the track, and we even had a couple of our resident photographers in place cameras at the ready, no pressure then! It took me about half a lap to realise I’d forgot to snap my visor shut, eyes streaming and cheecks pinching from the cold, I managed to flick it shut down one of the straights. Having new rubber on and the fact that it was so cold I was really cautious during the first couple of laps to keep Her steady. Heading down the back straight felt like I was on a Sunday run holding it at 7,000rpm, It didnt take long before the other riders started blasting past, bit scary at first but I soon got used to it (hopefully the L plate gave the aproaching riders a clue). Having fresh brake pads on the bike I had to scrub these in too, trailing the lever down the straights for the first session soon got them biting nicely, in fact the brakes started to feel really good and I ended up coming into corners almost scrubbing too much speed off on more than one occasion. Then ther’s the quickshifter I had to get used to, shortshifting through the box keeping the throttle open and just knocking it up through the box with the gear lever, bloody amazing! I still managed to forget I had the thing a few times and went back to my conventional method. With so much to think about the first 30minute session just flew by, the chequered flag came out and I headed back to my spot in the paddock, head buzzing from the experience!
My mate Quilly had a brew at the ready, I’d forgotten how cold it was but soon started to notice it. We had about 20 minutes before the next session, enough time to make a slight change to the front rebound on the forks, the bike had felt like it was jumping up too quick after letting off the brake.
The next three session’s went by in a flash, the adjustment to the forks had a positive effect, but that was all I changed on the bike opting to wait until I can start using more of the power, and get used to the bike. It will take a couple more test sessions to get dialled in but first impressions are brilliant, Im impressed with the little twin, and I believe She sounds rather good too!!
I had the oil and filter change done the following day, and now She’s ready to be unleashed………….cant wait!
So thats the end of the season with the Celtic Match races just finished at the two day meeting here on the IOM, Well done to all involved, the Manxies won both solo’s and the chairs!!
With the first meeting due on the 13th of March 2011, Ive got the paint job to sort, and get the bike dialled in with a couple of trackdays/test sessions, and look into some dyno/settup time at Evomoto in Ramsey, suddenly March doesnt look that far away!!
Thanks to the photographers who braved the cold, cheers to John Turton who managed to make me look half decent while running Her in, and even managed to sell me a callendar!!
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