It was about 8.45am and we stopped at the McDonald's just outside Johor Circuit for a quick breakfast. It was about 9.15am when we reached the gate of the circuit and got our visitor passes. There is no need to display this pass, just remember to return it to the person at the gate before you leave.
We hurried to the pits and quickly went to to the administration office just beside the pits to pay for our sessions. Eric went first because the car session is at 9.30am! Each of us took about 3 rounds sitting as passenger in his car. Quite an exhilarating experience and I took it as an opportunity to learn the track. Rule of thumb quoting Edwin, if you can't see where the track is leading to, prepare for a right turn. For a pretty much stock Audi A1, Eric mustered a respectable timing of around 2m 20s. Not bad for a first timer.
Here are some shots of his car.
The last photo shows one of his front brake calipers, the paint was bubbling when he came back into the pits. Apparently, the high temperature paint was not high temperature enough to take track abuse.
Next up was the bikes session. There was a huge bike crowd because a racing team was there to practise, the crowd tagged along to practise with the pros. Before we started, the racing team's manager came over to brief us on track safety rules. This is especially helpful for any first timer, we are all at the track for fun and bikes are expensive. So follow these simple guidelines.
1. Fold in your mirrors if you can, if not, don't check back for fear that you are obstructing anyone, experienced riders will overtake you safely, so do not be worried, just follow your own line and ride.
2. Before entering the pits, raise your left hand or left leg, so riders behind you know that you are entering the pits and will not overtake you on that side.
3. Ride within your limits. The track is for everyone to have fun. Don't perform any dangerous acts that might endanger others.
That's about it, simple guidelines that everyone should follow. Before I forget, I set my cold tyre (Pirelli Diablo Supercorsas) pressures at 29psi front and 26psi rear. Now for some photos!
Edwin had the unfortunate accident of dropping his bike. He entered the last turn with too much entry speed and went into the gravel trap. Just when he was about to come to a complete stop, the front tyre hit a medium sized rock and caused him to lose his front. Some minor scratches to the right of his CB400 and cracks in the headlight assembly. He escaped unhurt, just a bruised ego and some holes in his pocket haha.
We rested for awhile and then Eric and I went out to buy lunch from McDonald's for everyone. Not exactly a healthy breakfast and lunch but it was the most convenient!
Rafie, Yi Yang and I rested a little and went again for the 1.30pm session! Rafie went again despite both soles of his ancient boots coming off. Patch it up with masking tape and he was good to go. Crazy bugger.
This time, Yi Yang crashed at turn 6. He entered the turn a little to fast and grabbed a handful of brakes. According to a rider who was following behind him, his rear tyre was chattering as he entered the gravel trap, causing him to drop the bike. Windshield broke and some minor scratches on his right fairing. He walked away unhurt. Another bruised ego and hole in pockets heh.
Rafie posted the best lap time of 2m 11s amongst the riders. Pretty damn good for a first timer. The rest of us averaged around 2m 16s.
Nonetheless, the important thing is that we had fun and everyone was unhurt. Next trip is to a Go Kart circuit in Plentong! In the meanwhile, I'm looking to buy some stuff, maybe a new helmet or some accessories. Till then, ride safe!
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