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Barber Mancation 2012

Today is Wednesday. Chris (Broome) and I have been hanging out at Barber Motorsports Park all week, beginning this past weekend with the JDSA school and then getting ready for the WERA Grand National Finals this upcoming weekend. The dubbed "Mancation" started with taking the Jason DiSalvo Speed Academy this past weekend, which was awesome. I had been hearing good things about the school for awhile from other friends and racers who had taken it. Both Chris and Richard (Harris, STT owner) were guys who really got me to take it, after seeing how much both of their riding had progressed since working with Jason and company. Taking the school was an eye-opener in regard to techniques that I wasn't doing. I had gotten into some habits that had worked for me, but really hadn't opened up the potential to go faster, safer. Chris is part of the crew for Jason, working with students and doing filming work so he really knows everything they teach in the classes.

The school was a two-day school and Brian (Stokes) and Jason were the instructors. I've known Brian for a few years and his experience and help was great. I would say the only frustrating part is unlearning some of the stuff I'm doing on the bike and having to consciously think about these new techniques and apply them correctly. I'm not there yet, but I can already see the benefits of doing things this new way. I'm pretty excited about it, specifically the ability to take weight off my wrist and make riding a little bit easier. We spent a lot of time with both Jason and Brian, doing video sessions both days and getting some really good one-on-one attention. Both Jason and Brian are down to earth and easy to talk to, which is great. I would highly recommend the school to anyone looking to improve their riding on the track.

Given the school was this past weekend and the GNF is starting this upcoming Thursday, Chris and I stayed down here in Alabama since it didn't make sense to go all the way home just to drive 12 hours back here. Chris and Jason are good friends, so the they forced me to go golfing with them on Monday, which was an ugly display. Jason won, Chris was a close second and I was a distant third. I'm not a golf fan. :) The worst part is we're supposed to golf again today, before checking into the track tonight to get underway for the weekend. I'm hoping to improve, as that's the only direction I can go is up. :)

Doug and Marion are on their way down right now to help out for the weekend, which will be a big help. Dad is swamped with work right now so he won't be able to make it. I'm bummed about that, but whatcha gonna do. It's not the same without him here, but we'll have to make it work. My goals are pretty simple – go faster than I've gone here before. Last year I struggled with another brand's tires and my wrist being worse than it is now, so I'm hoping being back on Pirelli's and having the wrist be a touch better will help us find some time. We'll see. It's time to put my head down.

More updates to follow. Thanks for reading.

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012 | POSTED AT: 8:11 AM
FILED UNDER: General