Tuesday, October 15, 2013

3rd Annual Yamaha Owner's Appreciation Days

In 2012, practically to the month and date, was when Z2 Trackdays asked me to join their crew. In 2011, the event was my makeshift bachelor party, as I married my wife three days later. This marks my 3rd year in attendance, but my first time working the event instead of attending as a customer.

I wasn't sure how this year could be more memorable than the first two, but you know what, I decided that if it couldn't, that maybe it would be for the best. :)



The event didn't go without trying to make an impression on me though.

This event was so popular, that as soon as registration opened up, it sold out within the hour, each of the four groups available racking up their own waitlist for both days. What this meant that people signed up for any group they could find an opening in, whether or not it was the appropriate group for them.

Net result?

A good amount of speed and skill deficit out on the track.

Fortunately, the track ambulance parked by us at the grid never left their spot throughout the weekend, meaning that despite the number of incidents, every rider was able to drive themselves home like they arrived.

The physical toll on me though was unprecedented - I am TIRED. With all the crashes, mechanicals, running out of fuel, etc. that occurred, the rest of the grid crew and myself were tested in making sure we kept the track downtime to a minimum, as we planned out every rider and bike recovery out on the track.

Z2 Trackdays is due back in Sonoma in a week's time, and this will be a much-needed week's of rest I intend to use up.

All the Yamaha Owners who attended the event better have been appreciative alright!