• The Witchkraft Files – WERA Round 1, Nelson Ledges

  This year Doug is going to do his own recap of each race event, in addition to my random nonsense.  Since Doug is always one of a social nature, he will be providing his recap of how each weekend at the track goes, with a spin and an added sense of humor.  Thanks Doug. 

  Saturday mornings are supposed to be relaxed – right?  Not this day although it was kind of slow.  Slow because it was 50deg. F, overcast and very damp.  Witchkraft Racing was up bright and early unpacking the trailer, getting set up for the weekend of practice and racing.  To start with the thank you's…m.c. design inc. (Marion Cornett) supplied the home brewed tasty coffee and cakes.  A good start for the weekend.
   
  The competition had shown up also.  We took stock of the fast guys – Sam Gaige, Nathan Dressman, Jeff Wrobel, Jeff Agnes, Blake Kelly, 2 or 3 guys from the NE region we don't see all that often, some regular North Central region riders that may be moving up and Matt Lynn, recent ex AMA pro who was chasing Kawasaki money as a privateer.  This was a combined NE and NC event so the paddock was nicely full but not overflowing.  As the weekend unfolded, the usual popular grids were well represented but overall entries appeared to be modest.
   
  We sat out the first round of practices patiently waiting for the track to dry out and the air temp to hit a balmy 55deg. F.  Actually the weather cooperated, it stayed dry and the sun came out some to warm the track surface and there was a nice breeze to keep us from putting on shorts and showing off our pale, chalky white legs.  Thank goodness for small favors. 
   
  Eddie was getting…I'll call it "getting ready".  He is always calm and thoughtful.  But when he is focusing on what he wants to do on the track, he sits down to think, then he gets up and wanders our pit a little bit.  Sometimes he jets off on the Zuma to do…we have no idea but it is good for him what ever it is.  Eddie has a habit of opening a container of water, sports drink or energy drink…has some of it and sets it down somewhere.  So as the day progresses, we have partially full bottles all over the place and Eddie to thank.  It is a positive feature of our rider. 
   
  The next thank you is for "G" (Gina Kraft).  She is Eddie's better half..  When he is deep in thought, G gives him just the right amount of attention, just the right amount of space and just the right kick in the pants to send Eddie out on the track.  Her motivation is priceless.  And the really cool thing is… Eddie listens (I want to think).
   
  So as not to get to wordy… Eddie practiced, we tweaked the bike to where he felt good on it and sent him out for the MW Expert Solo 20 race on a well worn front tire and a new rear.  He had a good start, plugged into a group of riders and settled into a quick pace.  And then he started picking off riders in front of him.  In his usual method, he stepped up the pace, then would pass cleanly and set off after the next one.  Eddie had some good dices on his way forward but no one could slow him down for long.  So after 17 laps he was in second and closing on the leader, Sam Gaige.  Not enough time or laps so he settled for second.  An awesome result for his first race of the season after a rocky start to last season.  Oh yeah, the front Pirelli looked great.  We ran it all weekend – nearly 80 laps!
   
  Sunday woke up colder than Saturday but warmed up quicker and we unveiled the bare legs.  Joe was the first to set the color tone – bright white..
   
  We sent Eddie out in the second practice session and he came back with the rider report on the track and bike.  More discussion and tweaks, fresh rear tire, race gas and we were set for the sprints.  Grid positions were not our friend this weekend but Eddie made the best of them.  With good starts and smart riding he moved through the pack.  Matt Lynn was the star of most of our races as was Sam Gaige – especially the MW SS Expert race.  Sam won it with Matt right on his rear tire the whole race.  Eddie carded a well earned 4th.  The other 3 races had their highlights but the grid positions and traffic prevented Eddie from getting the clear track he likes.  We had top 10 finishes and the points that go with them.
   
  So we packed up after having a very successful first round.  Witchkraft Racing is putting a really fast bike on the track and an incredibly motivated rider on top of it.  This season is starting out fantastic.  More to come.
   
  Cheers, Doug

  Monday, May 4th, 2009 | POSTED AT: 12:55 PM
  FILED UNDER: Race Reports

  

Have Your Say:

* We don't spam. Your email address is safe and secure.

About This Entry

• You're currently reading "The Witchkraft Files – WERA Round 1, Nelson Ledges," an entry on Witchkraft Racing.
• Published: 05.4.09 / 12pm
• Category: Race Reports

• 
  • MotoAmerica
  • Nelson Ledges Safety Fund
  • Roadracing World
  • Witchkraft Motorsports
  • Witchkraft Racing Products
• 
  • Arai Helmets
  • Ballistic Performance
  • Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers
  • Dynojet Research
  • Evol Technology
  • GoPro Cameras
  • Hoffer Performance
  • Honda East of Toledo
  • Millennium Technologies
  • Motion Pro Tools
  • Moto Everything
  • Motul Lubricants
  • NGK Spark Plugs
  • Pirelli Tires
  • RS Taichi
  • Spiegler Performance
  • World Wide Bearings
  • Yoshimura R&D