ManxGP IoM- Day 9 – Aug 27th- Blog by Alan Boyter at Vendetta Racing
We must be getting quite good at this as we actually had a lay in this morning. Our fantastic cooked breakfast was served at 9:30 then we chilled in the conservatory until about 11am where we decided to hit the town and get Maria Costello’s book (fastest woman round the TT circuit, http://www.costelloracing.com) so we could get it signed as she is just along the paddock from us. We then got back to the pits for a quick check over the bike and a slight modification to the screen…
Allo Allo Allo - whats going on here then ...
We had been looking over pictures of Steve tucked in down the Solby straight and it was obvious that the current double bubble screen was still too low for his large frame, lets be honest, he’s as aerodynamic as a portaloo, so we had to do something to help get the air over him smoother.
another fine practice run for Steve
There are a couple of bike spares shops here in the paddock so we got hold of a mini screen which was designed for classic racers. we fitted it and it gave us an extra 2 inches in height so we’ll see if it makes a difference tonight.
Practice was another success with both laps into the 104mph now, there was 5 seconds difference between the 2 so they are very consistent, 5 seconds may sound a lot but when a lap take 21 minutes and 44 seconds, 5 seconds is nothing. The speed through the speed traps were up as well, both the Solby and the grandstand speed traps were way past 140mph!
Steve heading up the mountain
The mini screen was a success too which was great to hear, apparently it has reduced the buffeting no end. It also looks like I’ve found the source of a small oil leak as well, since we’ve been running the no.1 bike there has been a very small leak at the back of the motor (half a teaspoon for 2 laps) which i’ve been struggling to source but some ‘instant gasket’ round the joining seems today has cured it. On the downside the quickshifter has decided to stop working and the pit lane limiter doesn’t appear to work either!
now you see them, now you dont
Looks like another busy day tomorrow as these parts need fixed, a new chain needs fitted, its the last day of practice and then Ladies land at 1pm….it never stops here!
Jasons advice of the day: See Graham, turn right…
TTFN Alan
