GS500 Race Video, AFM Round 3 @ Sears Point

[burning1]

It seems that the track day corner doesn't get a lot of attention from the general GS500 community, so if you can forgive me for indulging myself, I'd like to post these videos in the general section. 

The camera is on-board Corey's Kawasaki GPZ550 (AFM #944). The first video is from the Clubman lightweight race. Corey passes me off the line in part 1. I eventually catch up to him at about 4:20 in part 2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElDLLVmotLs <-- Clubman Lightweight Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFps-AvNRwQ <-- Clubman Lightweight Part 2 (GS500 from 4:20 to 6:50)

This race was about 3 seconds off my best time this weekend, and probably 8 or 9 seconds slower than what my GS500 is capable of.

Corey also followed me around in practice:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxlnw9tdD5w

As mentioned in the other thread, this is on stock fork bodies with emulators, a Katana 750 shock, BT003RS tires, and a stock engine (including OEM filter, muffler, and jetting.)

Sears Raceway is located in Sonoma County, CA. The track is used for AMA racing and NASCAR events, and is fetured in several video games, including Tourist Trophy for the PS2.

[badguy]

Nice!  I thought about trying out racing once I got the SV track ready and got the nerve up.  If I ever get the GS running again I want it for street duty.

I wasn't expecting to see an SM out there...seemed like it was moving up pretty well.  Also, the rider that passed Corey around 6:30 in the second vid looked like a monkey hanging off that bike!

[saxman]

I was out there Saturday dropping off some parts to the guys at GP Frame and Wheel to be straightened. I really need to come out to check out one of the events. Looks fun.

[burning1]

Infineon is a very technical track, with relatively short straights. It's pretty popular with the Super Motard Crowd. Besides that, the AFM has rules permitting singles and twins to run down a class. 400cc and smaller singles can run with the Ninja 250s, giving them a bit of an advantage due to their extremely light weight. My pit partner Alex Florea won the 250 prod class on a motoard.

I'm kind of surprised by a few of the extreme body positions myself. It looks cool, but I'm kind of doubtful that it actually helps the rider go faster. I see a lot of club racers hanging off further than the MotoGP guys.

Saxman: We'd love to see you out there. The next round at Infineon is August 1st. Make sure you stop by to say 'Hi!'

In general, one of the things that surprises me is how much more potential is left in the GS.

My best laptime this weekend was a 2:02, which is the cuttoff time to ride my bike in the advanced group at track days. Keep in mind, that the 2:02 figure was intended for 600s and literbikes. But, looking at the pictures and videos I see places where I could easily gain some more time.

I have a few photos up on my flickr account if anyone is interested:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/afm857

Here's a picture of Corey and Myself:

[burning1]

For what it's worth... I'm tempted to buy another GS500, and slap a GS450 cylinder block and pistons on it so that I can race against the Ninjas in 250 superbike.

[lopee]

I thought the GPZ550 was a kawasaki?

[burning1]

I thought the GPZ550 was a kawasaki?

Right you are. Original post edited.