AUG. 3

March

3rd

Roo's pub & Grill

Coquitlam

December 15th

Sorry for the time lapse since the last update, many things are happening

behind the scenes right now.  I've recently been promoted at work and

it's added a few hours to the work week, the bike has been completely

stripped and all the winter maintenance and a few mods are now

complete. The bodywork and fiberglass repairs are finished and the panels

went to the paint booth today, I might even have pictures up before Xmas but don't count on it.

I have sold the open trailer that I have been using for the last 2 years, and

the first Saturday in January I'll be at Kitt Equipment to order the new

enclosed unit.  I managed to blow up the motor in my old S-10 pickup

so I have that yet to fix, but in the mean time I was able to locate a new

tow vehicle and we should be good to go after Xmas.

Other exciting news is the recently announced changes to Mission Raceway

Park which include removing the "kink" off the straightaway and

redesigning turn 1, as well as reshaping turns 7,8, & 9 into a longer more

flowing sweeper, yet retaining the option of keeping the original corner layout for that section of track. Essentially giving 2 different track layouts for us to use. 

And as was recently updated on the WMRC web site I will be the new Novice Rider Rep, as Dean Drolet has moved up to share the Promotions director position for the 2008 season.

~ Picture Courtesy of  Saturin @ Anvil Pictures ~

September 28th

Sunday Sept, 23  - WMRC Race Round #6

After 2 days of track time. . I was beat, not to mention the fun at the BBQ.

So Advil and Gatorade washed down my standard Tim Horton's breakfast.

Now, at this point I could have been a little smarter.  But I'm not.

I knew that the tires were shot on the bike, but didn't want to break in a new set and then have them sit over the winter, so I just turned the rear tire around so I could even out the wear. ... I installed new brake pads the previous day and was having problems with the rear tire lifting off the ground under hard braking, and the rear tire wear was not perfect.  So against my better judgment, I made several changes to the bike all at once.

Now, had the changes made the bike feel worse I would have had a very difficult time sorting out which one area was bad, but I got lucky and the bike worked more or less how I wanted it too.  But knowing that the tires were 4 days old and that my body was sore, I didn't have the drive to push that extra little bit.

I had a good practice session and qualifying was ok, but I think I lost a position or two.

Brian (#147) from Portland, had some left over race fuel that he sold me cheap, so I ran that in the bike for the first time during the 600 SuperSport race, and I was amazed at the power increase.  I'm absolutely hooked now, it's almost like a drug, once you try race fuel, pump gas just won't do.

Too bad it's $$$$$$, between 5 and 10 times the price of pump gas.

600 Supersport was a good race and my starts are finally getting better, but I was just too tired to care any more. .. I made some bad mistakes and got lazy near the end of the race.  I was so sore that I considered skipping the Open Supersport race, but any racer will tell you that come the 1st call for your race, you'll do almost anything to get out there, and I'm no different.

At 1st call for Open SuperSport, I geared up and headed out.  And I'm really glad I did. While I didn't win. ... Hell I didn't even come close.  I did battle with #59 (Eddie McNaughton) and once again with #147.  The three of us were tire to tire almost the entire race, with me making a late deep pass on Eddie into Turn 1, so deep that I didn't think I was going to pull it off, but it was to no avail as Eddie was able to get back around me 2 corners later and that's pretty much how the race ended up. . Not my best finishes of the year, but a good fun weekend over all. .

Saturday Sept, 22 ( Night)

WMRC Volunteer Appreciation BBQ

This was a really good time, Metro Catering supplied the food, the WMRC supplied the venue and subsidized the event, and several club members and sponsors supplied the "beverages". 

Good Times were had by all, even with the slight rainfall, and the pictures will NOT be posted. ...

quote of the event :

" I ride better when I'm hung over !!! "

- Jamie M.

BIG THANKS TO THE WMRC VOLUNTEERS FOR A GREAT SEASON.

WE COULDN'T RACE WITHOUT YOU !!

Saturday, Sept. 22 (Daytime).  WMRC Race Round #5

Overall a good day, but then it's not often I feel like I had a bad day at the track.

Morning Practice was a little soggy, and I was still on full Pirelli Slicks, so we took it nice and easy.  The track had a dry line and was fairly clean, but water was running across the track in several spots and cooling the tires to a point that no one was pushing themselves.

Morning Qualifiers went well, I think I moved up maybe one or two places in each session, but I still can't get a good start off the line.  I'm improving but not yet where I need to be.  So I drop back a couple places and then have to fight my way back up.

Racing was great fun. . The start was somewhat scary in 600 Supersport as right off the start #94 made a poor pass on #330 and caused him to swerve out of the was to avoid contact and a probably crash.  However I was also making a pass on #330 at this point, as your position into and out of turn 1 is extremely important.  So when #330 suddenly moved to his right to avoid #94 we banged fairing's, elbows, knees and a few other parts which sent me into the concrete barrier heading down he front straight into what we call the "kink".  Basically an opening in the concrete barricades that allows us to get off the drag strip portion of the track and on to the road course.  We were well into third gear at this point so the speeds are reasonably fast, at least 100kph or better. .. #330 and I made it through the "kink" with out crashing, both of us slightly shook up, but with a quick nod of the head and a little eye contact to make sure we were both ok with what had just happened, the race was back on and we headed into turn one.  The rest of the race was good, the bike handles quite well with the RMR Suspension set-up, and I was able to finish 4th in the Intermediate class.

The Open Supersport class was more good racing, although slightly faster and with less bumping. .. I battled with #147 (Brian from Portland, if a remember correctly) and local racer Greg Holmes for most of the race. .. I was able to get around #147, but the power of Greg's R1 was a little too much for my stock CBR600RR.  I was able to keep up in the corners and catch Greg on the brakes, but he would pull out just enough lead down the straight that I would have to start catching up all over again in turn 1.

Good racing, and I believe I finished 6th.  We'll have to wait for the official results to know for sure.

Friday's (sept, 21)West Coast Superbike School - Track Daze. ..

yet another great,

fun event.  It was cold in the morning, but I guess that is to be expected

in September.  I really approached this whole weekend as just a play day,

Just heading out to turn some laps and have fun with friends, and that's

exactly what I got.

I want to thank Ryan from Roo's Pub, for coming out and finally getting

some track time.  Ryan's a great guy and one of my favorite people to

ride with on the street and I just knew that if I could get him out

to the track that he would instantly be hooked. .... The ear to ear grin

on his face after the first session was all I needed to know that I was right.

And by lunch time he was talking about buying a track bike. ... the real

fun came after lunch when we went out in the same session for a little

play time.  Dean (my teammate) was nice enough to let me try out his

RC51 and Ryan was on his Kawi ZX6R.  We have a blast, Ryan's still learning

the fast way around the track so I had a little fun passing him every

time he made the smallest deviation from the race line. .. then I let him past me again until it happened again. .. this was fun for several laps, and I

could see Ryan's confidence building and building as he leaned the bike

over farther and farther.  The second to last lap was priceless. As I followed Ryan into Turn 2, just a little faster than before, and while he's still building his track skills, so his body position isn't quite perfect ye t. ..

as we near the apex of the corner and Ryan cracks the throttle and leans the bike over just a touch more, his foot peg touches the ground. . sparks fly and the resulting noise gives him just enough of a scare to make him jump a little. . and give me something to smile about. ..

Ryan, welcome to the club buddy. ..

you're hooked now. ..

Un fortunately after that session the sky opened up and the resulting downpour sent most riders home. .. but a good day none the less. ..

Thanks to Troy and Gio of WCSS for another fantastic year of Track Riding

September 2nd

Yet another fantastic Roo's' Pub ride !!!

Had a great group of riders come out, although it was a little cold and wet is some spots I think we all had a great time. .... a couple of us were on Track Day type tires, so a little slipping and sliding was to be expected, and at times part of the fun.  Bernie and Richy seemed to enjoy their game of bumping each other at stop lights. . that was until Bernie tired of the game and turned of Ritchy's bike and threw the key down the road as the light turned green. 

The ride went from Abby out through Chilliwack into Harrison and then back through Mission and Maple Ridge ending at Roo's Pub & Grill for a excellent lunch and a couple races on the big screens.

I'd also like to thank Bernie from Kimpex for donating a couple door prizes.

August 6th

Unfortunately, the August 6th race day was cancelled.

The car club that used the track the day before us left a 3 foot wide oil spill around the entire circuit. Making it too dangerous for motorcycle competition.  The WMRC did some track prep, and we did manage to squeeze in a couple of practice sessions. 

I did manage to try out my new Pirelli Race Slicks and they worked quite well after a couple minor suspension adjustments.  Allowing me to run a new personal best of 1:15.29.

August 5th

The August 3rd WCSS Track Daze was fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!

With the new rear shock spring and some minor suspension tweaks, I was able to run a nice 1:15.7 lap, which is a new personal best.

My Pirelli DOT's are reaching the limit of my comfort zone as far as wear goes, my are showing only minor signs of spinning and sliding, and seem much more controlled than the Michelins I was running before, although it could be the new spring too. ..  However the track vendor was out of DOT's so I just had to buy a new set of Superbike Slicks.

We'll see how they work at Mondays WMRC Races. .. hope to see you out there. ..

Thanks to Saturin @ Anvil Pictures for the new photos. ...

July 8th

Well I just got home from Pacific Raceway late last night.  What a fantastic day .  I have to thank RMR Suspensions, once again.  I know it's an on going theme around here, but Rod really pulled out all the stops for myself and Dean, he re sprung and re-valved my rear shock, adding 150lbs of spring pressure (like going up 3 sizes). and reset all my settings. 

Saturday morning started off well, new track new tires, new gearing, and more suspension changes made for an interesting 1st session . But all was good, the new gearing allows me to reach just shy of 280 kph on the 1/2 mile front straight and the new rear spring keeps the rear tire nicely planted.  It took me a couple sessions to get up to speed as Pacific has some fairly rough patches, including some ripples in Turn 1 which you ride over if you aren't close enough to the concrete wall.  The distance between the wall and the ripples is only a few feet and is quite challenging to get the bike in the right spot went your traveling at such a high rate of speed.  2nd session out I managed to get in to the 1:45 range, and began working on my lap times finally getting down to a best of 1:39.4.  Which I have been told is a reasonably good, competitive time for a first day at this track.  I could have pushed harder and gotten into the low 1:38's but i didn't feel it was worth the risk at a track day.  Thanks to Adrenaline Freaks for putting on a fantastic event.  I even bought a T-shirt.

July 4th

WMRC Race round # 3 was a couple days ago, and we didn't have a good day.  The bike just wasn't comfortable for me, and even with some suspension changes I couldn't get it to work the way I liked.  Either it would turn quick and spin the tire violently under throttle, or it would accelerate well off the corner but drift out towards the wall forcing me to use less throttle to keep the bike pointed where I want to go.  We had a couple good slides in practice and some really nasty head shake in the races.  But hopefully the new rear spring will bring the rear end under control and give me the feel I 'm looking for.   As usual I need to thanks Rod @ RMR Suspension for his patience and dedication to my program.  He puts a lot of effort in on my behalf even if I'm not the fastest guy on his work sheet.

Qualifying was interesting, I was used to being one of the better starters last season in Novice and now find that I am average to poor against this class of rider, we'll be working on that.  600 Supersport I was gridded 14th for the qualifier out of 22 riders, and I did loose a couple places ending up 16th in the main heat.  Open Supersport I was gridded farther back as this is my first race in this class. . but I was not to finish this heat as on the 2nd lap coming into turn 1 bike # 93 came up the inside after I was committed to the turn and either his foot peg or rear wheel/suspension caught my front tire as he went by taking me and my bike to the ground, he carried on to take out a rider a couple feet further on, ending the session for all three of us.  Minor damage to my bike, which mostly consisted of rashed fairing's, a broken windscreen and a bent brake lever.  Thanks to Henk Visser, Aarow Machine, and Mid-Life Crisis Racing, for the use of their vise and some spare parts.

The afternoon started with Intermediate 600 Supersport, where I was gridded 14th overall.  Things went a little sideways, as I  was still somewhat unhappy with the rear suspension and not pushing the bike as hard as I could be, but I ended up 18th overall and 10th in Intermediate.

The Open Supersport race went the same way only I was gridded even farther back due to being taken out in the Qualifier, but I ended up 7th in Intermediate and 16th overall.  Here's hoping for a better round #4.

June 30th

Sorry for the short notice. ..

We have set up another Roo's Pub Ride for June 24th

Just a quick thanks to those who came out in the on and off weather to Roo's Pub to watch the Moto Gp races, unfortunately due to weather we had to cancel the ride, but I do plan to reschedule it for some point this summer.  Maybe in time for the Laguna Seca GP.

June 20th

Roo's Pub Ride this Sunday June 24th

Leaving Abbotsford for Mt. Baker @ 9am,

and heading to Roo's for the Moto Gp Race at 3 pm. ...

Check out the thread posted on BCSportbikes.com

June 19th

Ok, to everyone that checks the site regularly, and I know that there are some of you out there.  I'm sorry for the delay in updating.  Long story short, I've been super busy, renovating the house and doing some landscaping, and lots, and lots of street riding.  Super busy at work and getting ready to change shop locations, and I also picked a wrecked bike for spare parts so I have been spending some time in the garage as well.

That said, RMR Suspensions has once again worked wonders with my rear shock, and I have some more " Wizzy Stuff " (to quote Rod) on order for my front forks. .. looking forward to seeing how she handles @ Mission on the 28th.

I'll be competing in Intermediate 600 Supersport and Open Supersport @ the WMRC Race @ Mission on July 2nd.  Come out and say Hi!

Then it's off to Kent WA for an Adrenaline Freaks track day at Pacific Raceway. .. I've never been but I'm definitely looking forward to this one. 

Turn 1 is WFO (wide open) in 6th gear. ..should be very cool.

The ride on June 3rd from Abby out to Roo's Pub & Grill in Coquitlam went perfect, nice sized group ranging from about 8 to 12 riders depending on which portion of the ride it was, great food, good roads and good company!!! 
Thanks again to Roo's Pub for the hospitality.

February 28th

Highside Racing is pleased to announce a NEW MAJOR SPONSOR !!!!!

We are very excited to become part of the

Family.  Look for us and the RMS support vehicle to be at many WMRC and WCSS events this season.

February 13th

Just announced Pacific Riding School Presents and Evening with Jason Pridmore of  STAR Motorcycle School and former rider for

Jordan Suzuki!!!!

Also don't miss out on Bernie Ryan's Annual Daytona Party on March 11th,  in support of BC Children's Hospital Balding for Dollars program. ...

Come and join us we will be at both events.

Tickets available at Carter Motorsports.

February 10th

Lots going on. .. New brake lines, Bickle Tire Warmers, and other parts on order, front forks are out for re-valving and servicing @ RMR Suspensions.

Evolution Customs is repairing the minor damage that the body work suffered last season and should be good to go by early March.

I've been talking to my previous and potential sponsors for the last several weeks, and while not everything is finalized thus far, I am happy to welcome back the following sponsors for the 2007 season:

Abbotsford Sign F/X - Decals and Signs

Evolution Customs - Amazing Custom Paint Work

RMR Suspensions - Suspension Services and Tuning

And of course Anvil Pictures will be back as our official photographer

Without these companies supporting me, racing would not be possible.

I am still in discussions with other potential sponsors, and things look very promising. . I'll post them up as soon as everything is finalized.

February 1st

New Race numbers come with graduating to Intermediate. ...

Look for WMRC   #97

January 16th

WMRC race and Practice dates released. ...

West Coast Superbike School dates are unofficial and may change.

This year is shaping up well so far. .. thanks to a generous supporter I will

be able to compete in both Intermediate 600 Supersport and Open Supersport this season.   Thanks, Jenn!

I would also like to thank Henk Visser and Arrow Machine for hooking me up with a fantastic pair of fully adjustable foot pegs. These things are trick

stop by the pits this year and check them out!!

Happy 2007 !!

Well January 1st already, and we have started to add dates to the event calendar, and race/track dates should follow soon so check back often.

The Vancouver Motorcycle Show is just around the corner, Jan 25-28th, come check out the Westwood Motorcycle Race Club booth and display.

Once again it's sponsorship time and we are talking to last years sponsors as well as some new potential sponsors.  This is shaping up to be an exciting year, check the sponsors page for updates and additions in the near future.