Start of the 2025 Track Season

With a rider performance upgrade of a 30 lb reduction from this time last year and a goal of riding the whole session, every session. I started in the Relaxed Group on Sunday and moved into the Fast Intermediate on Monday. With four groups, splitting the Intermediate Group into two groups (slow & fast). This created 15 minute sessions, but also eight sessions (til 6pm) instead of seven (til 5pm).

Did I ride the whole session, every session on both days?

Yes. Riding in the slower groups allowed me to rest when I got behind a slower rider. Passing wasn’t a problem. I was told I’m a little fast for the Fast Intermediate Group. In my defense, I was averaging 2:08 lap times. That seems to be a good benchmark for the season on the RC51. I only rode the R1 for one session. I will ride the R1 more next time. However, I was having fun on the RC51; just like old times.

Data: 2:04.1 (2022) vs 2:05.7 (2025)

How can I have slower slow points and faster top speeds? I can hear a voice in my head say, “Because you had better direction.” The only performance mods since 2022 are, the headers match the exhaust ports and the lack of coolant in the oil.

On Monday, the second day, I felt like I was putting in a lot of work, but not seeing any results. Until, I told myself on the last session of the last day, “Laptimes don’t matter. You need to see more of the track.” This second part, seeing, which is scanning the exit apex, entry apex and back to where I am, when I go to the brakes or decelerate for turns. This slows down the mind and thus the feeling, but the laptimer says otherwise. I wanted to peek down at the laptimer after exiting turn 12, but I knew that was focusing on the outcome, not the process.

Eyes are the keys to speed. I wrote a whole newsletter (reminder) about this. When we get tired, our eyes drop (less scanning). I should’ve been the most tired on the last session of the last day, however with the right focus, I got the fastest time of the weekend.

What about my other goal of providing service? It seems like you don’t have to go out looking for it, life presents opportunities in front of you. I helped unload several bikes, gave a first timer some pitting location advice.