Back in Ga. after 5 back-to-back race weekends. From Atlanta to Jennings, FL (4hrs.), then back to Atl., a few days later to Carolina Motorsports Park in SC (4hrs.), to pack up and head over to Barber Motorsports Park (3hrs.), and from there straight to Topeka, KS (15hrs.) After a great weekend of racing in Topeka, I started the trip (19hrs.) to Summit Point, WV.
The first three race weekends were close enough to where I call home that I could recharge. The drive to Kansas on my own was SO boring, I was annoying myself! The break I took from driving when I stopped at the BMW MOA office in St. Louis was great, though. Ray, Vince, and the gang were busy as ever doing all they can for us MOA members. Knowing that the race in Topeka was pretty far west and the budget is what it is, I found myself without my full time techs. That's where Engle Motors of Kansas City, MS, stepped up. I really didn't think there was another dealer out there that could rival the genuine and amazingly warm welcome that Morton's BMW in Frederickburg, VA, offers to everyone. Well, there is, and their success comes from those principles. Everyone feels like they were just invited over for dinner when they walk through the doors. Ok, so no home cooked meals everytime but the same great feeling of family and friends that go along with it! That makes me think of something new to write about... food! Man I'm hungry thinking about home cooked dinners.... lol
With support from Mike Jones and his service dept. at Engle Motors to a long time and very loyal customer Jim Doyle, the 2nd round of the ASRA Pro Series was better than I would have expected. Now I am not at all happy with 2nd in the ASRA Natl. Pro Thunderbike race, but I was content with being on the pole and leaving with the championship lead. Spending time with BMW riders and future ones was really my highlight. Call it what you want for those that read this with their own agendas and opinions, but we are all motivated by different aspects. Mine is people. The more the better, and it brings the level of energy to your riding. Try it sometime, you may see a difference....! Thank you Engle Motors for giving me the support that showed our strength on the track!
I know I am not getting into too much of the actual on-track fun I have had showing what our BMWs can do, but I will say I am loving that BMW HP2Sport more and more! The R1200S's still have the duties of going for our Natl. Championship, but the HP2Sport is giving us even more credibility with wins in the 600 and 750 Superbike/Supersport classes within the regional CCS Pro races.
I was really looking forward to getting back to Summit Point Raceway, surprisingly. It's really not the track itself, but the awesome turnout we always have of BMW riders and families of BMW riders. The BMWBMW.org club out of DC and Morton's longtime support was, for sure, a great mix for another successful weekend. Little did I know how fast we would go!!!!!!!
With the newly repaved circuit, we were all expecting better feel. The place is bumpier than ever and the "cages" (cars) were let on too soon after repaving and have pretty much ruined many of the turns. Oh well, that actually suited our 3-inch plus wheelbase! ;) Right away we were in the hunt for classes I did not think we could win with a stock suspension setup. All I can say is, neither did the competition! With wins on the HP2Sport against very, very good competition, we can only go better with the right set-up. 750 Superbike, 750 Supersport, 600 GP, and Thunderbike were the wins of the weekend. 600 Superbike and 600 Supersport netted a 2nd and 3rd place finish!
There are 2 stand-out riders everyone knows in that neck of the woods, Brain Stokes and Mike Himmelsbach.
Shoot, be right back...
BACK, friggin days later, ok so this will be a bit short. There is a lot to do to get ready and head back up to WV for the ASRA National. Rather short handed this season and with a limited budget, but we are still out to prove we can get it done! The BMW family of riders have been ultra-supportive each season and this year it is even more appreciated. With some great tracks coming up, be sure to come hang out with us and enjoy the sound of the Boxer going flat out against some of the best riders/ machines around!
I did want to mention some names if youse do not mind. BMW MC of Atlanta, Morton's BMW, Jerry Duke, Kevin Weber, Tom and Gerry from Sidestandup.com, Engle Motors in KC, MS, BMWBMW.org out of DC, Jim Doyle, Ralf Walkowski, and so many others have and are making this season a front-running one! Thank you!
June 9th will be a stellar day ripping around the track on the West coast with some great BMW riders and enthusiast. Ralf Walkowski from the PelicanParts.com board has put together an awesome trackday at Buttonwillow Raceway (still some space available). Then from there, I look very forward to riding with everyone who can make the BMWXPLOR.com event in VA., it is a ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains and I am going to break out the streetbike and enjoy some roads and lunch with everyone! (Also, a few spots have been added, as it is a full event!)
The first three race weekends were close enough to where I call home that I could recharge. The drive to Kansas on my own was SO boring, I was annoying myself! The break I took from driving when I stopped at the BMW MOA office in St. Louis was great, though. Ray, Vince, and the gang were busy as ever doing all they can for us MOA members. Knowing that the race in Topeka was pretty far west and the budget is what it is, I found myself without my full time techs. That's where Engle Motors of Kansas City, MS, stepped up. I really didn't think there was another dealer out there that could rival the genuine and amazingly warm welcome that Morton's BMW in Frederickburg, VA, offers to everyone. Well, there is, and their success comes from those principles. Everyone feels like they were just invited over for dinner when they walk through the doors. Ok, so no home cooked meals everytime but the same great feeling of family and friends that go along with it! That makes me think of something new to write about... food! Man I'm hungry thinking about home cooked dinners.... lol
With support from Mike Jones and his service dept. at Engle Motors to a long time and very loyal customer Jim Doyle, the 2nd round of the ASRA Pro Series was better than I would have expected. Now I am not at all happy with 2nd in the ASRA Natl. Pro Thunderbike race, but I was content with being on the pole and leaving with the championship lead. Spending time with BMW riders and future ones was really my highlight. Call it what you want for those that read this with their own agendas and opinions, but we are all motivated by different aspects. Mine is people. The more the better, and it brings the level of energy to your riding. Try it sometime, you may see a difference....! Thank you Engle Motors for giving me the support that showed our strength on the track!
I know I am not getting into too much of the actual on-track fun I have had showing what our BMWs can do, but I will say I am loving that BMW HP2Sport more and more! The R1200S's still have the duties of going for our Natl. Championship, but the HP2Sport is giving us even more credibility with wins in the 600 and 750 Superbike/Supersport classes within the regional CCS Pro races.
I was really looking forward to getting back to Summit Point Raceway, surprisingly. It's really not the track itself, but the awesome turnout we always have of BMW riders and families of BMW riders. The BMWBMW.org club out of DC and Morton's longtime support was, for sure, a great mix for another successful weekend. Little did I know how fast we would go!!!!!!!
With the newly repaved circuit, we were all expecting better feel. The place is bumpier than ever and the "cages" (cars) were let on too soon after repaving and have pretty much ruined many of the turns. Oh well, that actually suited our 3-inch plus wheelbase! ;) Right away we were in the hunt for classes I did not think we could win with a stock suspension setup. All I can say is, neither did the competition! With wins on the HP2Sport against very, very good competition, we can only go better with the right set-up. 750 Superbike, 750 Supersport, 600 GP, and Thunderbike were the wins of the weekend. 600 Superbike and 600 Supersport netted a 2nd and 3rd place finish!
There are 2 stand-out riders everyone knows in that neck of the woods, Brain Stokes and Mike Himmelsbach.
Shoot, be right back...
BACK, friggin days later, ok so this will be a bit short. There is a lot to do to get ready and head back up to WV for the ASRA National. Rather short handed this season and with a limited budget, but we are still out to prove we can get it done! The BMW family of riders have been ultra-supportive each season and this year it is even more appreciated. With some great tracks coming up, be sure to come hang out with us and enjoy the sound of the Boxer going flat out against some of the best riders/ machines around!
I did want to mention some names if youse do not mind. BMW MC of Atlanta, Morton's BMW, Jerry Duke, Kevin Weber, Tom and Gerry from Sidestandup.com, Engle Motors in KC, MS, BMWBMW.org out of DC, Jim Doyle, Ralf Walkowski, and so many others have and are making this season a front-running one! Thank you!
June 9th will be a stellar day ripping around the track on the West coast with some great BMW riders and enthusiast. Ralf Walkowski from the PelicanParts.com board has put together an awesome trackday at Buttonwillow Raceway (still some space available). Then from there, I look very forward to riding with everyone who can make the BMWXPLOR.com event in VA., it is a ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains and I am going to break out the streetbike and enjoy some roads and lunch with everyone! (Also, a few spots have been added, as it is a full event!)
posted by nate_kern at 8:50 AM
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