Morgan reports on his first race at Virginia International Raceway
Mike Morgan - Aug 27, 2007

I’m very confident in my ability to learn tracks quickly and I study every track to maximize improvement. The Team and I are increasing the number of national rounds in which we participate and Virginia International Racing (VIR) is a new track for Rim Racing and Engineering this year. My goal for VIR, August 18 & 19 was to qualify in this ever growing class with all of its very fast riders. 

 

Getting to the track is half the battle and we had a few unexpected problems on the way to VIR.  The mountains in Virginia provided some challenge for our rig. We were nearing our destination, but while descending on one of the steeper grades, our brakes failed.   We made it to the next town and breathed a sigh of relief. Repair was slow and it took most of Wednesday afternoon to get us back on the road.  Unfortunately, I had to finish fixing the rig after we arrived at VIR. Not only had our arrival been delayed but we had to overcome yet another distraction. 

 

As I transitioned to motorcycle racing, I had a little trouble just before qualifying which is not the time to have issues.  In morning practice I had a low side in turn one.  It was completely my fault! I stayed on the brakes to long.  It barely did anything to the bike, but I took a hit to the shoulder. Were it not for my Komodo leathers, boots, and gloves, things may have been much worse. The leathers did a great job! 

 

There was no time to worry about my shoulder. Out for qualifying I went. After a few laps I came in and looked at the monitors to learn that I had done a 1:35.  That was too close to the cut off times and now my shoulder was beginning to hurt. So, with the support of my Team, I sucked up the pain and went back out. I was able to manage a 1:34, good enough for 31^st on the starting grid, so I sat out Saturday morning’s practice to rest my shoulder. 

 

I wish I could have really put my bike and Dunlop tires to the test while racing.  During the race I was unable to push very hard.  VIR has a lot of direction changes and it takes a lot to muscle the bike around.  It was disappointing to see racers, that I had beaten at Mid Ohio, motor away in the opening laps of the race.  I was unable to transition on the bike the way I needed to. 

 

I remain confident that I could have done much better without the injury, but we will get them next year.  I did the best I could and was able to finish the race in 26^th out of 33^rd. It was hard and now I’m resting up to try and will be ready for Atlanta.

 

Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Racer, number 811, Morgan rides a stock 2006 Suzuki, GSXR 600, modified for racing.  Check back here for his personal account of progress throughout the season. Mike supports his racing passion by working full time for Kenwood.

 

Mike’s remaining 2007 race is as follows: