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Posted by Brad Puetz
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Wednesday, 21 February 2007 |
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Page 1 of 3
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Race track junkie - Brad Puetz ~ Photo supplier - Gixxer George
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Christmas in Southern California is a very strange thing. Sunny warm weather, sandy beaches, and a mysterious absence of the flakey white stuff. This is especially the case for a Canadian native who is normally back home during the holidays throwing back a few too many wobbly pops while trying to rekindle some old high school flames.
This year was going to be different with my Christmas present coming in the form of a Suzuki GSXR 750. Time to call mom and tell her to put away the ice fishing poles and maple syrup, I'll be going riding this Christmas! |
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Although the GSX-R750 is unchanged for 2007 it was still on my list of most anticipated bikes to ride this year. The last 750 I'd ridden was the 2003 version which I raced for a half a season. I bought the bike to go Superstock racing in the AMA but when the rules were changed I promptly ended up selling the bike and buying a 1000 to compete in the newly formed 1000cc Superstock class. I can honestly say I was pretty upset about the rule change because I was starting to fall in love with the 750. |
Fast forward 4 years and here I was back at the track which I competed in my first AMA race . . . . California Speedway . I always feel a little uneasy at this track. Although the instructors at Fastrack always remind us how safe this track is and the ample run off it provides, it doesn't change the fact that in the last few years racing there I've had a few too many chances to check out the excellent infield emergency center the track provides.
Five fractures in the last four years at this place and I'm starting to think the track was built on Elm Street because it's been a bit of a nightmare for me! |
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Sunny California turned out to be just that, and the weather was perfect for a day of testing at the Fastrack track day in Fontana . I felt very comfortable on the bike right from the opening laps. Suzuki GSX-R's just seem to fit me with nothing feeling out of place. The ergonomics of the bike are very good and it's an extremely easy bike to tuck in on. After taking a few laps to get re-accustomed to the track I started to push the pace pretty good and the GSX-R responded like a champ.
Coming off the banking at Fontana there is a quick series of right-lefts which force you to muscle the bike with some pretty good body-English. The Suzuki handled it easily and was dead stable through the transitions with all the nimbleness of a smaller 600. |
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