Annie and John talk about race school and Annie’s first race weekend on the way to the race track at Talladega. You can listen to the podcast below or read the summary beneath that or both.
Normally we would provide a transcript, but the transcript was a little funky and editing was too difficult since John only has one hand. So you get a summary!
The conversation revolves around preparations for a racing event at Talladega GP. John and Annie discuss the upcoming races, including a licensing school, mock race, mini race, and superstock race. John provides guidance on the mock race, emphasizing the lack of classes and the need to avoid crashing. They also talk about the weather, which is expected to be sunny but chilly. Additionally, John shares personal experiences and injuries, highlighting the challenges of racing. The conversation concludes with a list of sponsors supporting their racing team.
Outline
Podcast Recording and Initial Setup
- John confirms they are recording podcast number three and mentions driving out to Jennings and back.
- John and Annie discuss their current location, which is Georgia, and their destination, Talladega.
- Annie explains the purpose of their trip: attending the first races of the season and participating in a licensing school.
- John and Annie discuss the upcoming events, including the mock race and the mini race, and the challenges of racing without classes in the mock race.
Licensing School and Mock Race Details
- John explains the mock race at the end of the licensing school, emphasizing the importance of completing it without crashing.
- Annie expresses mixed feelings about the licensing school but is excited about getting her license.
- John and Annie discuss the differences in racing classes and the challenges of racing with faster bikes.
- Annie mentions the transition from a 300 to a mini after the mock race.
Upcoming Races and Practice Sessions
- John outlines the busy schedule for the weekend, including race school, mock race, mini race, and Superstock race.
- Annie expresses excitement about the upcoming races and practice sessions.
- John and Annie discuss the weather forecast for the weekend, noting it will be sunny but chilly at night.
- John shares a personal injury story, explaining why he won’t be racing this season and the complications of his recovery.
Personal Injury and Recovery
- John details the injury he sustained during practice, including being high-sided off the bike.
- John explains the initial treatment and the challenges of the healing process.
- John describes the upcoming surgery to fix the injury, including the removal of a floating piece of bone.
- Annie jokes about the physical demands of loading and unloading the motorcycle, emphasizing the importance of strength.
Emotional Support and Racing Experience
- John expresses nervousness about Annie racing, despite their excitement for the event.
- John shares past experiences of racing with Annie, including the first time on the mini and the first track day on a full-size bike.
- John reassures Annie about the support and coaching they will receive at the track.
- Annie acknowledges the nerves but emphasizes her own excitement and readiness for the races.
Track Specifics and Strategy
- John and Annie discuss the specifics of the Talladega track, including turns, straights, and key features.
- Annie recalls previous experiences racing at Talladega and the challenges of the track.
- John and Annie talk about the importance of finishing the mock race to proceed with the rest of the weekend’s events.
- John emphasizes the need to focus on finishing the race without crashing, rather than winning.
Sponsor Acknowledgments
- John and Annie thank their sponsors for their support throughout the season.
- John highlights the importance of each sponsor and their contributions to the racing team.
- They also acknowledge individual sponsors, including Cheryl Capelli, in memory of Steve Capelli, who inspired John to race.
Final Thoughts and Future Plans
Annie reiterates her excitement for the upcoming races and the challenges they will face.
John and Annie discuss future plans for racing and the potential for more sponsorships.
They express gratitude to their supporters and listeners for their continued interest in their racing journey.
John shares personal anecdotes about their racing experiences and the lessons learned.
