Playing Catch Up #1 - Broody Barber

Yes it was. I don't care what anyone says. For some reason it feels like when one works in an office and rumours start circulating that the "company" is downsizing...nothing concrete or written but it's there - it's unsettling. I have been laid off from 11 jobs since I left school at 16, I've become somewhat of a psychic in these matters (even if I do say so myself - hence why I'm working for myself these days). Let's just say, and this is my opinion of course, that there was (and is) nothing wrong with the bikes or the racing... What the AMA needed was something along the lines of what IRTA does for MotoGP , just as the AMA Superbike Series is garnering more visitors WORLDWIDE. I was personally hoping that the series would streamline, take on FIM rules and be an equivalent to say the British Superbike Series. This really isn't rocket science. I just feel somewhat odd because I'm a global person and had this quaint thought that the AMA series would fully become the American equivalent to the BSB. We'll see, I'm a "there's no such thing as a glass" person so I go with whatever.

On a brighter note. Emily, my wife, joined me this race weekend to spend her birthday amongst the paddock.

Barber Motorsports Park is a wonderful facility. The folks that manage the track, Zoom Motorsports, do a wonderful job, the track workers are exceptionally helpful, security is polite and super friendly, in all, making our jobs easier and joyfull. Thank you to all for the wonderful job you do.

Oh, and sorry for the time it took to update. With Barber on one weekend, followed by Fontana the next,(a post - and images to my site - will be added in due course) there just isn't enough hours in the day to do it all.

Thanks for listening.

Chaz Wins The 200 - One More Cover Shot!

Just a quickie before I head off to Barber for more AMA Superbikes. Tooting my own horn here (well, I guess it is all about self promotion!) but I finally received my copy of Motorcycle Racer Issue #107 with my photograph of good friend and British Attack Kawasaki rider Chaz Davies on the cover. The first British rider to ever win the 200 (even if it was over a month ago). It never gets old really. I love this sport.See you after the Barber rounds (PLUS, it's my wife's birthday on Sunday too!)

Daytona - Sleep, Rain Dances And Chaz Davies

Well, it was with some trepidation that I headed off to Daytona for the first round of the AMA Superbike Series and the Daytona 200. In years past sleeping in the evening just hasn't happened with some folks who are less than thoughtful thinking that it is good fun to ride back to the hotel at 3am with straight through exhausts, The lack of consideration given to folks who might just be sleeping during those early morning hours has made this annual working trip to Daytona somewhat less enjoyable than it should be. NOT THIS YEAR!

Two factors were at play this year that made this the most enjoyable and productive trip I have ever had to Daytona ever. First, one factor I could control was the accommodations. I found a lovely house to rent in New Smyrna Beach (thank you D&C). I slept like a KING!Plus it was far enough away from the madden(ing) crowds and in a residential district that it made the evenings simply perfect. The second factor that was out of my control was the weather. It rained in the evenings that pretty much kept many off the road and as a result assisted in making the evenings even quieter! Hopefully it's rain in the evenings next year. As long as it doesn't rain during the days when there is practice, qualifying and then race days I'm happy. I'm in Daytona for the road racing only. Speaking of road racing, Josh Hayes won the Daytona 200, only to have it taken away due to a technicality (it is under appeal so who knows), however, the race win was given to Chaz Davies who was originally second. I was happy for Josh and I'm also happy for Chaz, but it's a shame that these things happen bearing in mind that both Josh and Chaz are good friends of ours. In fact during the whole week, with Hodgson taking pole for the 200 vs Chaz and then Josh winning and losing to Chaz it was a mixed emotions week one way or another. The upside, it was good to be at the races again....I'd just like to share a shot from Thursday's SuperSport race. The weather was rolling in and it just got darker and darker....Oh, and maybe it's time to review and re-write my "who has the best media hospitality" guide. Not quite sure where I'd put Daytona...Next up, we have some testing and then it's off to Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham in Alabama.

Rubber! Dunlop and Pirelli Tyre Test

It's really the last "event" of the season. The annual Daytona tyre test is where teams are invited by Dunlop (for three days) and Pirelli (for the following two days) to come and test and prepare for the 2008 season, moreover, it gives those teams that will be entering in the Daytona 200 (along with the Superbike teams, however, there is only one Superbike race during this event) the chance to tweak settings and so forth before the Christmas break. Normally the test is closer to Christmas, however, this year it happened during the last weekend in November, first weekend in December. As is the case, the weather on the first day was dodgy, and it rained. Thus not much happened until the last couple of hours in the day.However, during the subsequent days the weather was a lot better and all of the teams managed to get out on track and do their work....For me, I really do enjoy the trip to Florida for the tyre test. The teams are relaxed, there is a good friendly vibe as most of the riders are getting itchy feet (wanting the season to start again), and of course, there's the wonderful sounds and smells of bikes on track.....

Oh, and I am pleased to see Chaz (Davies) and Neil (Hodgson) back on this side of the pond for the 2008 season.. Yes, I am a little biased...

I hope all my readers had a safe Christmas, and I would like to wish all of you a safe New Years. So be good, dont' drink and drive and have a blast!

Andrew (and remember my my 2007 AutoMotoPhoto Review is now available!)