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Friday, April 18, 2008

Well since we were not able to get much testing done at Barber back in March and then last weekend at Blackhawk was snowed out and freezing, I went ahead and added the Wednesday (April 23) Blackhawk Farms track day and the Thuds (April 24) Heartland Park track day. We are hoping for some nice weather during these dates. This will put us testing on Wednesday and driving all night from the Rockford area to Topeka on Wednesday night, testing on Thursday and then racing 7 races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Driving back Sunday night and going to work on Monday morning! Should be fun!!

 

Thursday, April 17, 2008

The NESBA weekend at Blackhawk Farms last weekend (Apr 12/13) was bitterly

COLD and raining / snowing. Saturday was canceled due to the weather, so big props to NESBA for refunding everyone's money. We split the costs of an inside garage and got some work done on the bikes while trying to keep warm. We pretty much froze sleeping in the garage Friday night, so Burrito and I took a trip to Wallymart and got us some of the 0 degree sleeping bags and nice blow up beds...slept like a baby Saturday night! The snow and rain stopped for us on Sunday, the track temps never really got above the mid 30's so keeping heat in the tires was a real struggle. We got in a couple of laps in the morning on the "A Bike" before electrical gremlins bit us again. No biggie though, we just switch gears and went to work on the "B Bike". We were able to get a lot done on it. Overall, it felt real good to get in some laps, even though the race tires were a little sketchy offering only minimal grip. Thanks to my team for all their hard work in prepping the bikes for the weekend and in enduring the miserable conditions.

 

Saturday, March 22, 2008

From all the positive feedback we have received, I think it is safe to say that our first ever Advanced Riding Techniques Seminar was a success. Even with the weather in the low 30's and snow on the ground, we had a standing room only crowd at LVC Motorsports. A big thanks to all of you that came out! See you folks at the track in a couple weeks where we can all work on actually putting some of this stuff into practice.

 

Friday, March 7, 2008

I am proud to announce we have partnered with GP Tech for the 2008 race season. GP Tech has an amazing range of really cool stuff aimed at the professional roadracer as well as some pretty pimping stunter bits as well. Hard to find stuff like thumbrakes, adjustable fairing stays, subframe kits, specially designed quick change systems for endurance racing, quick turn throttles, active brake levers, superbike tail seats...and the list goes on and on! Check out their web site, very cool stuff!

 

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Wierd, I don't remember praying for patience?!?! As a kid, I remember my Mom telling me, "Son, don't ever pray for patience... cause God will send you lots of trials to teach you patience!" Maybe I needed to learn some patience cause this past weekend at Barber Motorsports Park was certainly full of trials!

 

Normally, I bring a back up "B Bike", but with it being so early in the season that was not possible this weekend. This left me spending both days trying to resolve an oil leak and some fuel injection issues on my "A Bike" while the weather was just absolutely beautiful, clear and 86 degrees. The bike was prepped OK before the trip, but sometimes these things just happen.

 

In addition, during the couple of laps I turned late in the day on Saturday I managed to get some sort of debris in my left eye. By Sunday morning, my eye was really inflamed and I could barely see out of it. Big thanks to Dave Frick for helping me get some piece of metal out from under my left eyelid.

 

And as several friends reminded me, the good news is that I did not put the bike on the ground and it wasn't a race weekend with points going out the window. Big thanks to all those who helped me this weekend - especially Bill from Nice Raxx who fixed the oil leak and missed several of his own riding sessions helping me wrench for hours on end. I am not sure how much patience I learned this weekend, but I was sure reminded of just how valuable friends are that step up when you need help. A big 'ol THANK YOU to all my friends who helped me this weekend!

 

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

First event of the year is approaching fast - NESBA at Barber. Like some of you, I am feeling the stress of all the prep work required to get everything prepared to start the season. I'm really looking forward to getting out of this Chicago weather for a few days and spending some time with my Mom while in Birmingham this weekend. But more than anything else, I am just excited about riding!

 

Major props to the fella's over at 4 & 6 Racing for race preping my "A bike". Dean at DCDecals also did an outstanding job getting all the paint and decals for the bike ready on a ridiculously tight time frame. My team members at CSBRacing have also been going to bat for me to get me everything I need and of course I got to give it up to my wife for letting me go out of town on her birthday (Saturday, March 1)!

 

Monday, February 11, 2008

Returned from my yearly pilgrimage to Vegas recently. This was my third visit to Freddie Spencer's High Performance Riding School. The school continues to develop as it adds new methods and ideas to continually narrow the focus into clearly communicating only the most essential core skills required to be both a fast AND safe rider.

 

The curriculum is no nonsense, no BS. It is the tried and true skills and techniques used by the very best riders in the world today. The Spencer curriculum is the very best available anywhere. The class room sessions and on track drills really submerge you in these skills and techniques.

 

But, it is the people that really make all the difference. Freddie has surrounded himself with the very best in the industry. Nick Ienatsch, Dale Kieffer and Ken Hill make a potent teaching team that can pick out a rider's weak areas instantly and give one-on-one input that will help that rider reach his or her personal potential - this is a bargain at any price. As you can tell, I am a fan. This class is the single best thing I have done for my riding. I plan to continue to utilize this class to help push me to my personal potential.

 

Thursday, February 7, 2008

The plan from the very beginning has been to surround ourselves with the very best people and products. Nowhere is this more evident than in our latest sponsorship partner - Vanson Leathers! Go to any track day or race weekend and you will quickly become convinced of the quality and popularity of Vanson's race suits. These are the most sought after leathers - period. The quality, fit and unparalleled safety have been a hallmark with Vanson for more than 30 years. I am very pleased to be partnered with Vanson. Ask me how I can help you get your very own set of Vansons! Thanks for coming aboard Alan.

 

Thursday, January 31, 2008

A couple days before I went racing at Road America in July 2007, I stopped into LVC Motorsports and spoke with them about the possibility of a partnership for the 2008 race season. They were open to the idea and when I started in earnest looking for sponsor partners back in November, LVC was my first stop. Since then we have met numerous times to work out the details of this agreement and I am very excited to partner with such a successful dealership and such a solid group of people. Thank you Chuck, Jeff and Alec!

 

Thursday, January 17, 2008

I have worked as a Network Engineer for Sentinel Technologies for the last 10 years. During that time, Sentinel has stood by me through some rough spots and I have also stood by them through some lean years in the technology industry. Deep relationships have been built and I am excited to be able to use this season to bring attention to Sentinel. Sentinel is a top shelf IT integrator and an excellent employer. I gladly recommend Sentinel to any company or IT professional. Thanks for the vote of confidence Brian!

 

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

I have used Woodcraft products for years. Besides looking completely pimp, their rearset kits really help me to be comfortable on the bike by keeping me from dragging my toes so much in the corners and also providing me with a really nice and solid perch for my foot. My Woodcraft clip-ons are also a huge upgrade to the OEM handlebars, especially when it comes to quickly replacing a handlebar after a get off. Speaking of get offs, the engine covers, frame sliders and rear spools help protect my bike during these incidents and are key components to minimizing damaging. Woodcraft also meets my needs for tire warmers with their all new Woodcraft warmers in both a fully digital version and a dual temp version. After losing several knee pucks when they just came off my leathers unexpectedly, I ordered up a set of the Klucky Pucks from Woodcraft and have since fell in love with these things. The Velcro on them is just insane and the composite plastic feels great sliding along the pavement and seems to last forever.

 

In addition to having great products, Woodcraft's customer service is second to none. When I needed some product to go racing at Road America last July, I called Woodcraft on short notice and they not only had what I needed in stock but they actually shipped the products to the track for me! And I haven't even mentioned their easy to use website or new EBay store for scratch and dent items. As I'm sure you can tell, I am very pleased to have partnered with Woodcraft for this 2008 season. Thanks Eric!

 

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

After some discussions with Ken of Nice Raxx, I was very pleased that we were able to develop a partnership for this 2008 race season. Ken not only has a great product, but he is an avid sportbiker / track day guy (like many of us). In my opinion, it is awesome when we can take care of each other! Thanks Ken!

 

Friday, January 4, 2008

I first met Mike Pruitt of CSBRacing Ministries several years ago when he came to a NESBA event. I went to the Chapel service that Mike did that Sunday morning and it was like we were instant friends. I called Mike several months back and asked him for some pointers on going after sponsorship for this upcoming 2008 race season.

 

During the conversation, we talked about a lot of stuff and I was able to really share my heart with Mike. I shared with Mike my concerns about this whole race thing being "all about me". With the amount of time and effort and expense involved, it just has to be much more than that. I explained to Mike that I believed that God has given me a little bit of talent for riding and teaching. I shared with Mike that I wanted to be careful to use the talents that God has given me in a way that does not just serve myself.

 

After we talked for a while, Mike asked me if I might be interested in joining the CSBRacing team. This would give me an opportunity to continue to enjoy my passion for road racing and to couple that with my passion for ministry. I was humbled, exciting and scared all at the same time! This was a big decision for both of us, so we both agreed to give it some time, prayer and some serious consideration. I later met with another CSBRacing team member from the Chicago area named Don Elfstrom. Again it felt like reuniting with an old friend. I don't pretend to have a "red phone hot line" to God (I sure wish I did), but it was becoming increasingly clear to me that this was the right thing for me to do.

 

I was officially offered an invitation to join the team and I humbly accepted this invitation. I am very excited about the opportunities ahead. Thanks Mike and Don!

 

Friday, December 28, 2007

I received word from Billy at Armour Bodies agreeing to sponsor me for the 2008 race season! I am excited about the opportunity to partner with Armour Bodies and truly appreciate Billy's vote of confidence for me and the team. Thanks Billy!

 

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

After my team manager Brian Blume made the original contact with Armour Bodies (thanks Brian!), I had a great conversation with Billy about the details of the sponsorship agreement. I listened as Billy passionately described the entire manufacturing process and all the little things that make Armour Bodies a superior product to many competing bodywork suppliers. Billy is a true friend of racers and track day guys and gals. For years he has worked to make a superior product at a discounted price point. In that extended conversation with Billy, his passion and commitment won me over. I specifically was impressed with the Pro-Series Bodywork. These are the perfect kit for the budget minded racer like me or the track day fanatic who is looking for bodywork that actually fits the bike at an aggressive price point.

 

Monday, December 10, 2007

Back in the summer of 2005, I highsided myself to the moon going into turn 6 at Blackhawk Farms, as a result I tore my right shoulder up pretty good. Dr. Tammy at Synergy Institute worked some miracles to get me back to 100% in record time. Since then, DR Tammy has been my primary resource to both facilitate injury rehab and also help "injury proof" me as much as possible. I am please to announce that Synergy Institute has come aboard as a valued sponsor for the 2008 race season! Do yourself a favor and call Dr. Tammy at 630-236-4876.

 

Monday, November 26, 2007

I first got on the track back in April of 2005 at a NESBA track day at Blackhawk Farms. Even though I had been riding motorcycles (street bikes and dirt bikes) for years at that point, I immediately realized that I had a lot to learn. I was like a sponge over the next several months as the NESBA CR's took me under their collective wings and showed me the ropes.

 

Soon after, I was greatly blessed when I was invited to join the NESBA staff as a CR. I was now not only learning but also teaching almost every weekend at tracks all around the country. NESBA has provided me with many opportunities and for that I am very grateful. Because of all the things NESBA has done for me, I am adding them to my list of sponsors for the 2008 race season. THANK YOU NESBA!

 

Friday, November 23, 2007

My online home for the last several years has been C.L.S.B. Tony and Ken agreed to sponsor me for the 2008 season. You guys rock, thanks! ChicagolandSportbikes.com is my third sponsor.

 

Monday, November 19, 2007

Met with Jim Rashid and Dan Johnson. 4&6 Racing is looking to be more involved in CCS club racing in 2008. Jim gave me a huge compliment in offering to sponsor me for the upcoming season. Thanks for the vote of confidence Jim. I am excited to have my second official sponsor in place - 4&6 Racing!

 

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Dean Costopoulos took excellent care of me for my only race weekend of 2007. After speaking with Dean about my plans for 2008, I now have my first official sponsor - DCDecals.net! Thanks Dean.

 

Monday, July 9, 2007

I am on cloud nine after my first weekend of racing (CCS Road America). After doing track days for several years I really did not expect that I would be so elated after doing my first race weekend. Read the write up - HERE!

 

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