Tom's Race Report from Las Vegas

9/17/04 - 9/19/04 Classic Course

The stolen wallet story is well documented now so I'll skip that. It meant I only had one session Friday before the F-40 race. I raced that race on Pat's 999r. Got a terrible start cause I thought it was a 2 wave for me so I had my hand up (and head up my ass!!, where it was for this whole weekend)! When I did get going, I pulled this huge wheelie (I think a gear change is in order Pat) and headed out last. That bike is sweet. Every time I get on one of those Duc's, it reminds me how they were race bikes they put lights on not street bikes you turn to race bikes. Finished 2nd then ran into the pits so we could change the numbers and transponders so Pat could race the very next race on his bike and me on mine. The next race was GTO, and my first on the new CBR1000rr. Definitely need to get better at starts on this bike, but I had starts down on the RC51. The power is different so it will take some time. Not sure where I finished; I think it was 6th. It was just good to get some laps in on the new bike. Friday night was my downfall! We were at the casinos (did manage to win $460) waiting for the girls to get into town. I had 1 too many sasperilla's, got to bed way too late, and kept my head in my ass all day Saturday. Got 3 warm-up laps then started my races at the back. I got some points, but should not have been on the track. LESSON LEARNED!!! Sunday was a little better, even though I didn't have much reference from Saturday. Started to get comfortable with the track with the last race. It was not one of my best race weekends, which disappointed me. I was looking forward to it so much and doing well to start off the second half of the season. I did learn to ride through adversity, so I got something from it and I wound up with 3-2nds, 1-3rd, 2-4ths. Also got to race 4 different bikes. Thanks to Mike for all the work since his bike was broke, Steven for coming up Saturday and giving a hand, the "girls" for some better looking company than my teammates. Thanks to Desert Truss for supporting our team, all the listed sponsors (please use their products) and Dale Keifier for getting our Michelins under us. See you at Firebird Main!!!!!

Tom Savoca

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