We arrived at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio for the Lima Half Mile AMA Pro Flat Track Race.
After showing our race credentials and being directed to our spot in the paddock, we set up our pit area. The weather was warm with temperatures expected in the high 80’s, and no rain in the forecast. We were again honored by the assistance of VETMotorsports, who supplied a pit crew member to us for the day. It was great to meet and work with Darrell!
That’s also an Ohlins monoshock mounted on a custom designed and fabricated racing frame. You can actually buy a street-legal version of this bike called a Street Tracker on the Bonneville Performance website.
In our opinion, there are no better brakes than these!
At Lima it is necessary to cover and protect anything that could be damaged by flying bits of pea gravel, which is what this type of “cushioned track” is made of.
We use the “little red wagon” to carry the starter and a few tools with us to the staging area in case they are needed. Reminded me of the famous Dodge drag truck from the 1960’s!
The greatest negative factor for the day was a small magnet in the ignition coming out of its position hole during a timed practice run (see photo), causing immediate loss of power (no magnet, no ignition) and ending Jake’s chances at posting a faster lap time. Even though eventually fixed, it caused ripple effects for the rest of the day. By not gaining a faster lap time, his positions in the following heat races were not favorable, which lead to him needing to compete in a more competitive semi-final, which knocked us out of the main event race… all from one tiny magnet! Flat Track racing at this Pro level is not for the faint of heart!
Once we identified the ignition problem, and were able to JB Weld the magnet back into place, we were back in business and ready to go!
Our sponsors are very important to us as they make this level of professional racing possible. We encourage our followers and supporters to support our sponsors as well: Triumph Motorcycles, Castrol, Freedom Road Financial, GE Capital, Web Cams, Wiseco Pistons, Beringer Brakes, Cometic gaskets, Dunlop Tires, Motion Pro, Saddlemen and more! Thank you!
This year’s Charlotte Half Mile takes place on July 30, 2016 and will kick off a new, three-year deal with the AMA at this world-class venue!