Keigwin's Laguna day was off the hook

[DirtyD]

Rode at Laguna yesterday with KATT and it was just an amazing day. Left the triple digit temps of Sacramento to enjoy the 70-80 degrees of Laguna Seca. There was a slight breeze during the middle of the day but I would never call it "windy". Despite a few crashers, my run group didn't lose a minute of track time. The track conditions were perfect as usual, Laguna is just a world class track. Blake Young was there testing the CRT bike that they hope to race in upcoming motogp races here in the states. He was fun to watch for the couple of seconds I could keep him in sight. E-boz was also there testing Brammo's e-racebike. Wow those electric bikes have gotten so much faster. I remember a few years ago the e-bikes were slower than a ninja 250... not anymore. I was having trouble hanging on to his rear wheel as he rocketed out of every turn. My 1k was a little faster at the end of the straights but the Brammo was a little faster out of the corners. Had a chance to talk to both Blake and Eric. Both were friendly, nice guys. Lastly, sorry to any riders out there that I may have startled with an aggressive pass. I was determined to finally break into the 32's and my fancy Qstarz GPS lap timer was telling me that it was possible if I could just combine my best splits into 1 clean lap. The Qstarz was also telling me that I was occasionally breaking Laguna's 140 mph speed limit through T1. Not bad but I still don't have the huevos to hold it WFO though there. I think the bike could handle it, not sure if I could. What a great day. Thanks Lance, Linda, and all the Keigwins crew.

 

[abhijitz]

You are badass Dan ... When is your next Thill or Sonoma ride?

Keigwins always puts on a great show ! Best trackday providers out there.

 

[carotte]

its always the two of you on these threads...lol

<3

 

[afm199]

Rode at Laguna yesterday with KATT and it was just an amazing day. Left the triple digit temps of Sacramento to enjoy the 70-80 degrees of Laguna Seca. There was a slight breeze during the middle of the day but I would never call it "windy". Despite a few crashers, my run group didn't lose a minute of track time. The track conditions were perfect as usual, Laguna is just a world class track. Blake Young was there testing the CRT bike that they hope to race in upcoming motogp races here in the states. He was fun to watch for the couple of seconds I could keep him in sight. E-boz was also there testing Brammo's e-racebike. Wow those electric bikes have gotten so much faster. I remember a few years ago the e-bikes were slower than a ninja 250... not anymore. I was having trouble hanging on to his rear wheel as he rocketed out of every turn. My 1k was a little faster at the end of the straights but the Brammo was a little faster out of the corners. Had a chance to talk to both Blake and Eric. Both were friendly, nice guys. Lastly, sorry to any riders out there that I may have startled with an aggressive pass. I was determined to finally break into the 32's and my fancy Qstarz GPS lap timer was telling me that it was possible if I could just combine my best splits into 1 clean lap. The Qstarz was also telling me that I was occasionally breaking Laguna's 140 mph speed limit through T1. Not bad but I still don't have the huevos to hold it WFO though there. I think the bike could handle it, not sure if I could. What a great day. Thanks Lance, Linda, and all the Keigwins crew.

The Brammo has always been a rocket, it's a dependable rocket now. The bikes you saw that were slow were probably Zero's. They are slow.

 

[horsepower]

Rode at Laguna yesterday with KATT and it was just an amazing day. Left the triple digit temps of Sacramento to enjoy the 70-80 degrees of Laguna Seca. There was a slight breeze during the middle of the day but I would never call it "windy". Despite a few crashers, my run group didn't lose a minute of track time. The track conditions were perfect as usual, Laguna is just a world class track. Blake Young was there testing the CRT bike that they hope to race in upcoming motogp races here in the states. He was fun to watch for the couple of seconds I could keep him in sight. E-boz was also there testing Brammo's e-racebike. Wow those electric bikes have gotten so much faster. I remember a few years ago the e-bikes were slower than a ninja 250... not anymore. I was having trouble hanging on to his rear wheel as he rocketed out of every turn. My 1k was a little faster at the end of the straights but the Brammo was a little faster out of the corners. Had a chance to talk to both Blake and Eric. Both were friendly, nice guys. Lastly, sorry to any riders out there that I may have startled with an aggressive pass. I was determined to finally break into the 32's and my fancy Qstarz GPS lap timer was telling me that it was possible if I could just combine my best splits into 1 clean lap. The Qstarz was also telling me that I was occasionally breaking Laguna's 140 mph speed limit through T1. Not bad but I still don't have the huevos to hold it WFO though there. I think the bike could handle it, not sure if I could. What a great day. Thanks Lance, Linda, and all the Keigwins crew.

You are a beast, Dan. That track has your name all over it: Power, grip, and the guy with the biggest chingonies through all the blind spots.:banana:banana

 

[dammyneckhurts]

And? Did ya do a 32 !?!?!

 

[sbk62]

"I was determined to finally break into the 32's"

Shameless self-sensationalizing-ego-stroking plug aside, how'd you manage to stay within the noise limitations? I can't crack a 37 without getting flagged for >93 DB?

 

[afm199]

Good stuff. Now think about throwing away that lap timer so that you start making passes with concern about the riders you pass instead of your lap times? So that you don't have to make those six inch passes that we STILL hear complaints about. Seriously dude, if you want to race, go racing. Don't impress us with how bad you are at a trackday, there are five guys in most of our A groups who kick your ass every lap. None of them have your rep for close passes either.

 

[ILOAD2]

Good reading.haha Thanks

 

[Noah's Dad]

Good stuff. Now think about throwing away that lap timer so that you start making passes with concern about the riders you pass instead of your lap times? So that you don't have to make those six inch passes that we STILL hear complaints about. Seriously dude, if you want to race, go racing. Don't impress us with how bad you are at a trackday, there are five guys in most of our A groups who kick your ass every lap. None of them have your rep for close passes either.

opcorn

this could get interesting...

 

[DirtyD]

"I was determined to finally break into the 32's"

Shameless self-sensationalizing-ego-stroking plug aside, how'd you manage to stay within the noise limitations? I can't crack a 37 without getting flagged for >93 DB?

We all have a goal for our limited time on the track. Mine was to finally run a lap time that a certain Canadian ran last year or the year before. If it sounded like ego-stroking, what can I say? Other riders talk about trying to break 2 minutes at Laguna, is that ego-stroking? What does the number matter? A 32 is nothing to brag about when 18 year old kids can run 27's on DOT approved tires on their 600's.

As for staying within the noise limits, it was a combination of stock exhaust (which I always run) and running 4th instead of 3rd between T5 and T6. And, by the way, it was a 90 dB day. It helps that I was riding a 1K and don't weigh much.

 

[DirtyD]

make those six inch passes that we STILL hear complaints about.

Is there any way you guys could ask those riders who are complaining to come talk to me directly? I think in all the years I've been doing trackdays I've only had one or two riders say anything negative to me (not counting instructors) while dozens have followed me to my pits to say nice things (or find out if I was a girl).

I've hosted 6 or 7 trackdays over the years and always make an announcement during the rider's meeting that I don't want to hear any complaints. I always say "We're all adults, go talk to the other rider if you have a problem with them." I'm open to criticism and would love to hear from any rider that is unhappy with my riding. When all I hear is good things (except from a third party) it's hard to know exactly what I need to change. I make maybe 1 pass every trackday that I wouldn't consider "nice", often followed by a "sorry about that" hand gesture. I think that's about average. We all make the occasional mistake.

 

[foot]

Hmm. I wasn't at Laguna, but I've ridden with Dan at several trackdays and I seldom see cleaner passing. Fwiw, I'd sooner be passed by him 6" close than by your average trackday goer with a 6' cushion.

 

[afm199]

Is there any way you guys could ask those riders who are complaining to come talk to me directly? I think in all the years I've been doing trackdays I've only had one or two riders say anything negative to me (not counting instructors) while dozens have followed me to my pits to say nice things (or find out if I was a girl).

I've hosted 6 or 7 trackdays over the years and always make an announcement during the rider's meeting that I don't want to hear any complaints. I always say "We're all adults, go talk to the other rider if you have a problem with them." I'm open to criticism and would love to hear from any rider that is unhappy with my riding. When all I hear is good things (except from a third party) it's hard to know exactly what I need to change. I make maybe 1 pass every trackday that I wouldn't consider "nice", often followed by a "sorry about that" hand gesture. I think that's about average. We all make the occasional mistake.

Obviously your "nice" standards differ from theirs. I'm saying this as a friend. In all fairness you're riding much more politely than a few years ago.

 

[afm199]

Hmm. I wasn't at Laguna, but I've ridden with Dan at several trackdays and I seldom see cleaner passing. Fwiw, I'd sooner be passed by him 6" close than by your average trackday goer with a 6' cushion.

DirtyD is a very good rider. That's not the issue.

 

[abhijitz]

I have been passed and lap'ed by Dan several times. Some were < 6", but i have never felt he was aggressive. Maybe, since i am used to close racing in the 250 class.

In all honestly, the cut-off times for A group by trackday providers need to be modified. Some folks just think that they qualify for A group with their high times and then freak out with these close passes, which in essence are clean or a right A group guy will never complain about.. Just my 2 cents.

Now, Dan - When is the next backwards day? :teeth

 

[afm199]

I have been passed and lap'ed by Dan several times. Some were < 6",

Ouch. You're not doing the man any favors. :laughing Of course we'll have to eliminate all the 250s if we change lap times. But A, B and C groups are to accommodate all riders, not just a very fast few. The lap times are set to try and get riders into three approx equal groups, which allows the provider to get enough riders to pay for the track and make some money. If you set Sears Point laptimes to under 1:50 for A group, the faster riders will love it, but the provider won't be in business long.

Of course if DirtyD is uncomfortable with slower riders he could start a business providing trackdays or even, gasp, go race, instead of playing racer with slower riders.

 

[Zerox]

Of course if DirtyD is uncomfortable with slower riders he could start a business providing trackdays or even, gasp, go race, instead of playing racer with slower riders.

Always been a mystery to me why someone as fast as him is afraid to actually race. He could win so many trophies. :teeth

 

[DirtyD]

Always been a mystery to me why someone as fast as him is afraid to actually race. He could win so many trophies. :teeth

I spent 10+ years racing motocross 20-30 times a year, so I've gotten the racing bug out of my system. I still ride motocross almost every weekend but will only race special "endurance" events that are held about once a year (like the Hangover Marathon at Sandhill). I realized years ago that you get so much more track time riding practice than you get racing. It's also easier on your wallet and equipment, and much safer. Although I won't deny that crossing the finish line first, and/or getting the holeshot is certainly a really good feeling. Motocross has so many classes (beginner, novice, intermediate, and pro) that anyone that devotes enough time to the sport will eventually win some races. Winning is always fun!

I did consider joining the AFM a few years ago when some friends started racing (Kevin, Jamie, and Jeff). I went to a handful of races to root them on and check out the scene. I left telling my wife "If I ever talk about racing, remind me of today". Too many crashes ended in red flags. In motocross i saw about as many red flags in 10 years of racing as I saw in 1 day at Thunderhill. Imagine the frustration of having your race cut short, possibly just after making a pass that now doesn't count. And, as often happens in racing, one rider's mistake often collected other riders. I would hate to be the bowling pin when the ball comes thru T3. Also, 3 out of 3 of my friends got hurt during their racing careers (one was seriously injured) and they have all quite racing now.

Lastly, I recently became 100% self employed, am 46 years old but don't own my own home, and don't come from money. My point is: I'm not rich. Have you seen my 87 Mazda truck? And racing competitively on a fast motorcycle (racing slow bikes just doesn't appeal to me for some reason) in the AFM is not a cheap proposition. I would be foolish to spend ten grand racing motorcycles when I still rent.

 

[DirtyD]

Of course if DirtyD is uncomfortable with slower riders .

I never said that. At any given track day 33% of the riders should be in the A group (as Ernie pointed out). I think there are a handful of riders in the B group who don't like getting passed that should probably switch places with a handful of riders in the A group that are running significantly slower than the group average, but that is neither here nor there. I've ridden dozens of open track days and have never had a problem being on the track with slower riders. Motocross practice is rarely broken up into fast/slow groups so I spend 30+ weekends a year riding with riders of every imaginable skill level. It's kinda fun.