Ducati Sporting Club UK > DesmoDue Race Series > DesmoDue - General Questions and Chat > Qualifying?

[NBs996]

all seems perfectly calm to me!

We'll need to be careful out there chaps... we'll only have a very short time to warm up the tyres and then get in maybe 2 full speed laps. Should mix the grid up a bit tho!

[Rattler]

Originally posted by ChrisBushell
Boys,

Calm down, you will be given a practise session at every event and your fastest lap will define your grid position, just like any other race series.

Given Nick's point about tyre-warming up time, how long will we get to practice for a qualifying lap time?

Seems like 1 out lap, 1 qualifying lap and then 1 more to try to recover from the one you just screwed up!!!!

[dickieducati]

sounds about right...........

just make sure you dont get stuck behind me on your quick lap!

[Rattler]

Originally posted by dickieducati
sounds about right...........

just make sure you dont get stuck behind me on your quick lap!

I wouldn't be able to tell - I'll have my eyes closed !!!

[dickieducati]

Originally posted by Rattler

I wouldn't be able to tell - I'll have my eyes closed !!!

excellent! you sound like the bloke on the R1 who hit me at brands on friday

[fil2]

is there such a thing as a warm up lap.....im treating the first corner as a warm up then flat out...the diablos warmed up v quickly for me.....


Phil



[Edited on 29-3-2005 by fil2]

[WeeJohnyB]

I can't see why it would be any different to any other New Era race, so you'll get 10 minutes during which time you may get 6 laps in depending on the circuit, you'll need a couple before you put the hammer down, unless your brave/mad/good at sliding, especially if it's anything but 70+degress and dry and sunny. There is strategy involved in getting a good time and therefore grid position - do you go out first or last, do you want a clear track or stick behind a fast guy to pull you round, where will the traffic be that will hold you up, can you put in a good lap then hold up your major competitors, it's all 'legal' and boy does it go on. I guarantee for the first couple of rounds everyone except the experienced guys will be sitting at the back of the holding area waiting for everyone else to go out - get your race head on early - push the other bar stewards out of the way and get out there.

Warm up laps are different for the race, I'm not sure if DD have agreed two, but you get one or two depending on the circuit. Some take you out of the holding area and around the track to the start for a practice start and a second lap, other circuits like Donny and Oulton take you the wrong way up pit lane, do a U turn and set up on the grid for the practice start and round to the grid for real and then it's all over in about 10 minutes. Either way, it happens to me every time - I can't believe how quickly people go in the 'warm up' lap.

WeeJohnyB

[TP]

I just got all nervy and flighty reading that!!

Thanks WJB

[the old man]

WeeJohnyB got it right. New Era run either 'open' practice slots - 10 minute slot open to any solo class; about four or five of these, or 'closed' practice slots for specific classes (they don't mix sidecars with solos - not sure they're even running three wheelers these days). My guess is we will be in 'open' slots with everyone else - so you will be out there with everything from GP125's to 190bhp Probikes. My preference is to let a couple of the sessions go first to help clean the track so I usually aim for the third of fourth slot, then go for it.

You're right about the warm up lap, but then everyone wants to get as much heat into their tyres - your average club race is only 6 - 8 laps (depending on circuit length) and for most people the first three corners prety much decide approximately where you will finish - loose touch with the leading group in those first corners and you will never catch up, stay with them and you can get a tow.

Cadwel woodland circuit is a bit different, 'cos there are no straights to speak off - it's all corners and a bit intense!

[domski]

Also at Cadwell Woodlands, you should squeeze in about 10 or so laps in practice/qualifying, so there isn't such a need to try too hard too soon. 3-4 laps to warm up, and then 6 laps at your quick pace.

And remember, you don't win anything for breaking lap records in qualifying (apart from pole).

Better to ride at 90-95% and stay onboard, than go flat out and go home before it all starts!!