Nemesis
October 25th, 2010, 09:17 AM
Met up with a friend @ Anaheim Hills and we carpooled to Chuckwalla. The trip took us about a little pass 2 1/2 hrs to get there. I've never been to this track before and I've heard mixed things about the track. A few trackday riders (who are more than capable of racing & getting on the podium) said the track is smooth, wide & fun. While other people (racers) have said that the track flows too well making it a less challenging track.
A map of the track's layout:
http://richardsf1.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/ChuckwallaValleyRacewayMap.gif
Here's my impression of Chuckwalla:
What an awesome way to end the season riding and hanging out with local forum members from Socalmoto.org. Luv' you guys! :thumbup:
I didn't know what to expect from this track so I took the '09 CBR600RR. I couldn't have taken the 250 anyways since I crashed the weekend before in my race.
This was my first time @ Chuckwalla and my impression of the track wasn't all that great based on the first two sessions. I felt the track was REALLY bumpy for a "NEW" track. But the track flowed no doubt. A bit too much IMO because that made for a lot of C riders to ride in B pace, and a lot of B riders in A pace. If you know what I mean. As for the turns all I saw were double apex turns after turns then a couple Buttonwillow "Lost Hill" type turns followed by a STEEP banked turn.
Was I impressed? Not really.
However, that all changed after the 3rd session. :D My friend Rudy who's been there more than a handful of times and is wicked fast lead us out there to show us the lines. I was 4th in line but Rudy and company pulled away from me because I got held back in traffic. Despite the bruise/broken ribs, something clicked inside and I got my WSMC race face on! :lol: I started to pass people left & right then another friend (Stephen) who was behind me out braked me into a turn and that just even got me all pumped up. Determined to pass him, we were headed into a double apex turn. We apexed the 1st turn then he drifted wide to set himself for the 2nd apex but I kept on the throttle till I passed him and drifted slightly out then back in. Now, that was exciting! I poached riders after riders till I caught up to Rudy and I was determined to poach him :lol: but the damn checkered flag came out. Dammit! Just my luck :lol:
So, what's my final impression of the track? The track is only bumpy if you take the wrong line. The track flows REALLY well so it's not hard to learn the lines. But what makes it hard/challenging about a track that flows so well is finding ways to pass riders without sacrificing your speed. That's the challenging part.
All in all, this has got to be my all-time favorite track. I couldn't stop thinking about the turns after leaving the track. :thumbup: If you haven't gone to this track, I HIGHLY recommend that you go. It's worth the drive & money. I kid you NOT!
This track is perfect for the Ninja250. The straightaways aren't too long and there are 17 turns--short & long! The track is SUPER wide and plenty of run-off room. Next time out, I'm taking both the 250 & 600. I can't wait!
Btw, that first "Lost Hill" turn (T8/T9) can really bite you BAD so watch out! :eek:
A map of the track's layout:
http://richardsf1.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/ChuckwallaValleyRacewayMap.gif
Here's my impression of Chuckwalla:
What an awesome way to end the season riding and hanging out with local forum members from Socalmoto.org. Luv' you guys! :thumbup:
I didn't know what to expect from this track so I took the '09 CBR600RR. I couldn't have taken the 250 anyways since I crashed the weekend before in my race.
This was my first time @ Chuckwalla and my impression of the track wasn't all that great based on the first two sessions. I felt the track was REALLY bumpy for a "NEW" track. But the track flowed no doubt. A bit too much IMO because that made for a lot of C riders to ride in B pace, and a lot of B riders in A pace. If you know what I mean. As for the turns all I saw were double apex turns after turns then a couple Buttonwillow "Lost Hill" type turns followed by a STEEP banked turn.
Was I impressed? Not really.
However, that all changed after the 3rd session. :D My friend Rudy who's been there more than a handful of times and is wicked fast lead us out there to show us the lines. I was 4th in line but Rudy and company pulled away from me because I got held back in traffic. Despite the bruise/broken ribs, something clicked inside and I got my WSMC race face on! :lol: I started to pass people left & right then another friend (Stephen) who was behind me out braked me into a turn and that just even got me all pumped up. Determined to pass him, we were headed into a double apex turn. We apexed the 1st turn then he drifted wide to set himself for the 2nd apex but I kept on the throttle till I passed him and drifted slightly out then back in. Now, that was exciting! I poached riders after riders till I caught up to Rudy and I was determined to poach him :lol: but the damn checkered flag came out. Dammit! Just my luck :lol:
So, what's my final impression of the track? The track is only bumpy if you take the wrong line. The track flows REALLY well so it's not hard to learn the lines. But what makes it hard/challenging about a track that flows so well is finding ways to pass riders without sacrificing your speed. That's the challenging part.
All in all, this has got to be my all-time favorite track. I couldn't stop thinking about the turns after leaving the track. :thumbup: If you haven't gone to this track, I HIGHLY recommend that you go. It's worth the drive & money. I kid you NOT!
This track is perfect for the Ninja250. The straightaways aren't too long and there are 17 turns--short & long! The track is SUPER wide and plenty of run-off room. Next time out, I'm taking both the 250 & 600. I can't wait!
Btw, that first "Lost Hill" turn (T8/T9) can really bite you BAD so watch out! :eek: