Race Report: Nelson Ledges – Moto Series

On June 2nd, an abbreviated 419 RACING team headed to Nelson Ledges Raceway for the Moto Series race organization’s second round of the season. #592 rider Jon Crawford and #728 rider Jerry Reeves constructed a “make-shift” endurance bike out of a barrowed track day SV. Owing to the fact that this was the team’s first ever try at an endurance race, the investment and preparation was kept to a minimum.

Jon was able to ride during a morning practice session to work any last minute bugs out of the bike and with a fresh set of race compound slicks mounted; it was ready-to-go for the 3-hour endurance race in the afternoon. Jerry arrived mid-day with his ultra-fan base (wife and sons) just in time to pull his #728 race bike out of the trailer and participate in a 10-lap sprint race. After a few laps into the race his times were not far from his normal race-pace lap around the Nelson Ledges road course. Finishing mid-pack in expert lightweight group was a respectable result given the amount of practice prior to the race (none).

The official endurance race started and Jon took the first stint. Without any previous endurance experience, it was a question as to how long each rider should be on the track. Jon had a great start and was able to create a 20 second lead over the field by the end of his first 40 minute stint. The first pit stop went well for being completely unrehearsed and Jerry was back on track quickly for his first stint. He was flagged by the crew to come in around the 38-40 min mark and another rider change was made.

The last two sessions were shortened, as the total race was slightly abbreviated due to a late start and a required finish to respect sound ordinance laws near the track at 6:00pm. Both riders had solid second sessions and were able to keep increasing the gap on the competition. By the end of the 2 hour and 40 min race, the 419 RACING team developed a lead of 2 laps over second place!

Given the success and pure fun that the team had from participating in an endurance race, it is sure to be something that happens again in the near future.

419 RACING would like to extend a huge thanks to all of the sponsors that made the endurance race a success. We could not have done it without support from the following: Autolite, Fram, Jazz Motorsports, Spears Racing, Vortex, Motion Pro, Pit Bull, Galfer, ARP Customz, Dynamite Designs, Amsoil, KG Clutch Factory, and Sportbike Tire Service.

Extra thanks go to the friends and family that supported the team during the race. From race strategy, re-fueling, fire extinguisher holding and cheerleading; all of the crew did an amazing job and is welcome to help at future endurance events.

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