Hi all,
With the teams of Aronen/Mantila and Lindgren/Kiskonen we took the 17:30 ferry on Saturday to Tallinn. After the traditional stop at the Sikupilli shopping mall we continued straight to the track located at Kihli, Türi. Because it was good weather we stayed for the night with our tent in the paddock. We didn't sleep very well that night, maybe we need some practice with camping.
The free practice showed some rough spots in the track from the Saturday's races and as a bonus a man made steep washboard of deep sand. We've been riding at the Türi track 2 years ago and then it was in a much better condition. Not only some changes that didn't do very well with sidecars but the track showed lack of maintenance. The top layer was worn out at many places and large rocks surfaced especially in the corners. Too bad because I liked the track as it was 2 years ago very much.
19 entries and the top teams of Estonia and Latvia together with our Finnish competitors didn't make it easy to look not too bad. A 18th time was the result. From the second row we started the first heat. Entering the first corner my goggles were covered with mud, due to irrigation of the starting area. I was just ripping away the tear off when I had to brake unexpectedly much harder. I couldn't pull the clutch in time and the engine stalled. While everyone else disappeared we stood kicking the Husaberg back to life. We tried for 5-6 laps to close the gap but never succeeded to come closer. Because of the long heat, 25 minutes and 2 laps, we decided to settle for last and just finish the race.
The second heat we could start from the first row because one team didn't show up. It was the most outward place and we followed the outside line in to the first corner. Some teams did collide and an Estonian team crashed in front of us. Luckily we could avoid them and get around with only a small delay.
Halfway 2 teams collided when entering a tight left corner and most teams behind came to a short halt. We had time avoid this and passed them via the outside line. But we did run out of luck quickly when the Husaberg engine decided to stall in an other tight corner before the first lap even was completed. Again last and even more work then in the first heat to close the gap due to the completely worn out track. I decided to just settle for a constant speed and see what crumbs we could pick at the finish. Due to the harshness of the track some teams had to pay it's toll and we finished at place 13!
With the Aronen/Mantila team we spend the night in Aegviidu, like the weekend before, and drove the next morning to Tallinn. We had some good riding, especially in the beginning of the first heat, but also some downs again that we must get rid of if we want to get better results. Also some technical issues with the bike we have to work out. At the beginning of the season it was the front suspension and now it's the rear suspension that bottomed at many places. The rear shock is for service and new settings at the dealer's workshop.
The jetting of the carburettor is not perfect yet but with a bigger main jet next time the engine will hopefully run a little bit stronger, especially in the lower end, at the next races.
Next weekend the long trip near to the Russian/Latvian border, Mežvidi.
Best regards,
Stephan
Results Türi (kv = sidecars)
Route 2-4.7.2011
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