Jun
We're in the middle of our testing phase for different motorcycle disciplines. So after flat track and circuit racing… here we are for a 'Standing Start' weekend!
We don't have our usual look…
We don't know much about dragsters…
Our motorcycle is completely (and I mean completely) unsuitable…
And yet we arrive with our eyes wide open and smiles at the max!
The rules of a standing start
The rules are very simple: get from point A to point B as fast as possible.
The starts are given in pairs, a real duel.
The race distance? It depends on the track; this time it's 200m. It's short, it doesn't forgive a lapse in concentration at the start, but it allows the more agile bikes with less horsepower to stay in the race (whereas they would have time to fall behind over 400m).
Every second counts, from reaction time to report switching time!
Everything needs to be optimized and worked on.
A good start, a linear trajectory, maximum acceleration…
Technically, a timing cell is installed at the start and another at the finish to calculate the time and speed at the finish line. Upon returning to the start, the race official gives us the details of our times.
This is where it gets interesting; more than a duel, the standing start is also a race against oneself. Each race is an improved version of the previous one.
A better start, stronger acceleration, greater efficiency when changing gears!
Dragsters
After spending two days in this environment, I realized that the term 'dragster' encompasses much more than just one category. Between the super street twins, the demos, the top fuels… there's something for everyone!
Our day of discovery
We're finally going to see what Gaby is made of!
And to take on some badass, mustachioed riders who've maxed out their bikes! (aka Mr. Poirot!). We're obviously riding the smallest engine size, 250cc, we're not exactly intimidating anyone… But as I mentioned before, the goal is definitely to push our limits, improve, and optimize the machine's performance… And you'll see that we're doing pretty well!
D-1 Goldy Pilot:
First steps on the track, obviously I didn't listen to the briefing about the starting lights. I'm going to improvise. Kevin tells me 'when it's green you go for it' ok.
I find myself directly in a duel with Mr. Poirot. His souped-up Triumph roars beside me. As for roaring, Gaby's no slouch either!
I concentrate. We're both approaching the start. Frowning, the first white light comes on, then the second. I give it a touch of throttle, ready to pounce… Orange light, time is flying! Green light at last! GO GO GO!
Gaby's going full throttle! I'm hitting top speed, I shift into second in a flash, I can hear her revving. The finish line is approaching, I shift into third, leaning over the handlebars for better aerodynamics! I can see Poirot in the distance… Well, I'm not going to beat him this time! Back at the start, the marshal gives me my result: 95 km/h… Not bad!
During the day I reached speeds of up to 97km/h (a mega record!) and beat a CB750 (which had a bad carburetor setting, but I still won!)
D-2 Pilot Pigeon:
It's even hotter than yesterday this Sunday, the track is steaming hot, and Gaby is itching to get going! Pigeon is giving us thunderous starts, with absolutely breathtaking reaction times. Other custom motorcycles have joined the competitors, including a white Harley Davidson customized by Bastard Choppers, a real beast that leaves everyone else in the dust! As for speed, Gaby remains true to form; we won't break our record and we're not even close to our ultimate goal: 100 km/h over 200 meters… But the thrill is definitely there!
This weekend has immersed us in the very particular world of standing start racing, with its good atmosphere in the paddocks but the winning on the track!
A truly immersive experience, for which we thank Florent from SteelBikeConcept. He's the one who initiated the custom motorcycle track days! He wanted to combine his passion for drag racing with his work as a motorcycle customizer, bringing together these two worlds that only ever meet in his workshop. He took advantage of a round of the French Drag Racing Championship to add a "fun" category, with the only requirement being to race a customized bike! And you can be sure that everyone felt their inner racer ignite!
So a big thank you for his investment, motivation and determination!
Photo credit: David Marvier, Go check out his work!