Track Days with the 6R
In these photos the ZX-6R is track-prepped: wearing race bodywork (purchased used from a friend leaving 600 racing and spray-painted to match the tank and wheels), lights & mirrors off, coolant replaced with water, and other minor details. At Mosport, the tail section wasn’t yet fitting properly (see how it sticks up?) but by Shannonville it was modified to fit.
Mosport, May 2002
Just completed our set-up at Mosport, my first track day. The day was hosted by the Ducati Owners Club of Canada, and they run an excellent event.
Friends Pat and Alan of Team Shoulder Check. Pat's bike, left, is a CBR-600 F2.
Slowest person on the track, but what fun. And by the end of the day I was a couple of seconds better than at the start. It's addictive.
Shannonville, June 2002
June 24, a lot of Ottawa riders attended a Shannonville track day hosted by Pro-6 Cycle. This is a group of fellow instructors with the Ottawa Safety Council Motorcycle Rider Course. I'm second from the left.
Funny, it sure felt like I was leaned over a lot farther. Photos are very humbling.
The style needs work. Another 12" to get that knee down, and the photo tells me I need to move my bum a lot farther off the seat. Next time.
About to be passed like I'm not moving at all. Time on track is very good for balancing your ego. But what a rush. I'm looking forward to the next one, in a month or so.
Mosport, May, 2003
Monday of the may long weekend, another great day by the Ducati Owners' Club of Canada. More photos to follow.
Shannonville, June, 2003
General track day run by McBride (Toronto) on FABI at Shannonville. This was a small group so lots of track time. Unfortunately, no one to run the camera when I was riding, so it's pit photos only.
Shannonville, July, 2003
General track day run by Wheelsport (Ottawa) on FABI at Shannonville. Again, a small group resulted in lots of track time until torrential rain ended the day mid-afternoon.
The practice is slowly taking effect. Lap times are coming down a couple of seconds per day and the confidence is building.