Description
Words by Foxy
As with any track-day there’s plenty of preparation needed. So, I woke up early to get myself mentally ready and the bike all lubed up. Two cups of coffee and a thunder storm later I was raring to go. Brands Indy is my favourite track to date, probably because it was my first. I met Jay at 2.30, the sun was beating down. We took the M25 it was a smooth, effortless ride there.
We pulled into Brands and my excitement was clearly showing. Through the car park, under the tunnel and into the pit garages, I could hardly believe I was there again. After the usual filling of the forms and getting my wristband (for the fast group!!!), I thought I might be out of my depth. A prep talk later and the first group were ready to go!
Twenty minutes later we were called to the pit lane, my stomach and heart were perturbing. All I could think about was Paddock hill, for me personally, the best bit! I looked ay Jay and grinned like a woman possessed. Clicked the Blade into first and we were off. Out of the pits, into Paddock Hill bend, down Hailwood Hill towards druids. What a gut rush! Out of Graham Hill onto Coopers and chuck it left into Surtees, right onto Clearways banked over through Clark Curve and onto Brabham straight… F**k!!!
The sessions went quickly; as there were only two groups, we went out every 20 minutes. The third time out seemed amazingly long, around 30 mins… R1 fan was there timing us, I was pulling in 1.04’s, which for my fourth track day is pretty impressive! My lines were accurate. There is always room for improvement. I had a hairy moment coming out of Clerk Curve when Jay and Iain came round the outside of me. Thinking I’m not having any of that, I gave it a hand full and my arse end slid out. The tyres were like butter. I managed to stay on track (Just!).
Feeling extremely satisfied with mine and the bikes performance, I didn’t bother with the last session. It was cut short due to the amount of crashes. We waited to see our photos and got a copy of the disc, (Thanks again Jay). I’m looking forward to doing the GP Circuit next month and the Indy again in August. The ride home was calm and the sunset something to behold. The perfect end to the perfect day.
