Race report Walldürn 2024
Walldürn
14–16 June 2024
Walldürn
In mid-June, we went to the Odenwald, more precisely to Walldürn airfield. The Odenwald Klassik is now the last remaining airfield race in Germany. This time we were again represented by Josef, Andy Florian and our new team member, Pascal. Another track day took place on Friday. Each driver had four 15-minute turns to get used to the track and the conditions.
Unfortunately, Saturday got off to a very rainy start. The track was wet and the first qualifying sessions took place in wet conditions. As we knew that the sun was due to come out at midday, we decided to skip the first timed practice sessions. Only Josef piloted his Aprilia RRV450 through the rain. We could rely on the weather forecast and after the break the sun finally came out and the track dried out completely.
As the timekeeping system had been having problems all weekend, not all times could be documented. This included Andy's times. As a result, he was unable to set a time in the Superbike class. However, as the problem was known, a time was added by the timekeeper. Andy therefore started his race in the Superbike class from 9th place.
In the Top Twin class it was dry and the timekeeping had also worked again in the meantime. Andy, Josef and Florian therefore had another 15 minutes to burn a good lap time into the tarmac. At the end of the qualifying session, Andy posted a 52.944 (8th on the grid), Josef a 56.478 (19th on the grid) and Florian a 58.744 (27th on the grid).
For Pascal on his Honda CBR 600, the second qualifying session in the Supersport 600 class was all to play for. He rode to 5th place on the grid with an incredible 51.721.
Andy also started his first Superbike race on Saturday afternoon. From 9th on the grid, he was able to hold his own against his more powerful rivals for the entire race and finished in 9th place.
Pascal also started his first race on Saturday. Starting from 5th place, Pascal was able to make up three places in the first few metres. He came through the first bend in 2nd place. He was able to hold on to this second place for a long time. Unfortunately, he lost second place due to lapping. Nevertheless, he was able to finish the very exciting race in 3rd place.
Sunday started with great weather and some spectators had already found their way to the airfield. The first race of the day was the Top Twin class. Andy started from 8th place and Josef from 19th place, while Florian did not take part in the race for health reasons. Here, too, the spectators were treated to a very exciting race. After 15 minutes and two laps, Andy finished the race in 5th place and Josef in 15th.
After the lunch break, Andy took part in the second Superbike race. Unfortunately, this was not as successful as the first race. About halfway through the race, Andy skidded over both wheels in the second bend and quickly cold-formed his Ducati. Thanks to good safety equipment, nothing happened to him. However, one thing became clear: the damage could not be repaired quickly, so Sunday was over for him.
Pascal then started his second race. This was also set to be as exciting as the first. After a dream start, Pascal drove through the first bend in first place. Unfortunately, he lost first place again on the second lap, but was able to keep up with his rivals. In the end, he crossed the finish line in 4th place. However, he benefited from a time penalty imposed on the car in front of him and therefore moved up to third place. Josef then went into his final race. Here, too, he piloted his Aprilia RS660 to a very good 15th place in a strong field of riders.
After the race is before the race. The "Cathedral of Speed" in Assen, the Netherlands, awaits him at the beginning of July. One week after the MotoGP, we will attack again and try to collect as many points as possible. Hopefully Walter will also be back in the action there. Unfortunately, he had to miss the previous events for health reasons.
Motorsport greetings from the Fun Racing Team Calw
