2013 L ・ O ・ C ROUND-1

April 14, 2013
weather sunny
Maximum temperature during the day is around 20℃
Cherry blossoms bloomed before April,
but
Even after April
Daily temperature difference.
Yesterday, it was a little cold in the morning and evening. . .
but,
I've been feeling great since this morning!
My heart is also naturally cheerful.
Astride my beloved aircraft, which has just returned from repair.
Depart at sunrise.

From Shuto Expressway Yoga Interchange towards Ginza
After passing through Mukojima, I entered the Tokiwa Expressway for a while.
Get off at Taniwahara Interchange,
Heading towards Shimotsuma on National Route 294 for a while.

I came to Tsukuba Circuit in Ibaraki Prefecture.
The first round of the 2013 MCFAJ Clubman Road Race was held.
[L・O・C]
LEGEND OF CLASSIC
HISTORIC MOTORCYCLE ROAD RACING SERIES

Today I'm rooting for Mr. Kubota, a fellow racer from [L・O・C].
Senior A class
My entry is a 1964 Velocette Thruxton.
Mr. Kubota, a private builder
Engine assembly, tuning, processing of exterior parts,
Frame, cowl painting, etc.
This beautifully maintained velo set
Almost all of the machines were finished by Mr. Kubota's hands.
Passion for British cars and deep insight
Even among his fellow tiger riders, he is in a class of his own.
It is something I aspire to be.
we are the leaders
He will blow you away today too! !

MCFAJ Clubman Road Race is held four times a year.
(Tsukuba Circuit 2 races, Fuji Speedway 2 races)
The course is held on a daily time schedule.
The competition will be divided into various classes, with qualifying rounds (time attack) and finals.
There are about 60 L・O・C participating vehicles each time.
There are two running slots for the course.
Early morning, gate in before 6am
After 7 o'clock, the sound of engines warming up echoed throughout the race track.
Vehicles and equipment will be inspected before starting.
Shortly after the inspection
Gather in front of the L・O・C secretariat tent.
Riders meeting begins.
Rules, manners, and precautions while driving
Check the meaning and type of each flag and
You will receive detailed explanations about the regulations from the secretariat.

Riders meeting is over
Start the engine in the warm-up area.
Check status.
always
Tsukkomi alone, lonely alone
A series of old man gags
Making everyone laugh, freezing everyone,
Look at everyone's reactions
Mr. Kubota burst out laughing even more...
I'm serious this time.
You can feel the intense tension.




There's something in the paddock that you can't usually see in the city.
Rare machines are everywhere. .
Every machine is well-maintained from top to bottom.
The passion of the riders for this day is clearly felt.

Always greet me in a friendly manner
Mr. Mugasa from Animal Boat
HONDA CB77
Participated in Junior A class.
The machine is always in good condition,
Riding is smart and cool!
I bet it's fast today too.

and
My favorite senior and rival.
This person is a true race lover.
TRIUMPH T140
Mr. Ozawa entered Heavyweight B.
He truly has a refreshing smile every time I meet him.
with up handle
Super aggressive and exciting riding form
It stands out during the race! !

Riders and motorcycles waiting to start on pit road.
Just looking at it makes my heart flutter.
It echoes all at once with the signal for the engine to start.
vintage bike exhaust note
A mix of high and deep bass
The paddock was different from other classes.
You will be surrounded by a unique atmosphere.

A momentary smile peeking through the helmet just before starting the race
without a pause
turn on the gas cock
Start the engine.
A sharp eye pierces the start signal.
Amidst the loud noise, I concentrated so as not to lose consciousness.
The tension is at its peak! !


Single-cylinder torqueful exhaust sound
It felt good from the start from the final corner.
Velocette accelerates down the home straight.
The machine that I put on my hands
I was able to lap up the laps smoothly.

From the look on his face when he returned home safely after the race,
The sense of urgency from earlier has completely changed.
Filled with relief, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment.
I could see a refreshing look on his face.

Mr. Kubota will continue to be more and more enthusiastic,
Tsukuba circuit with this machine
Surprisingly, he was able to get on board this time.
Qualifying time, past personal best time,
Furthermore, in the final, he set a faster time than in the qualifying round.
I had a good result, coming in 2nd place in my class.
I have so much to do.
No matter how busy you are and you don't have time
I have not missed a single event since my first entry.
Mr. Kubota's attitude of always doing his best
I'm impressed.
The vehicle inspection passed sticker that has been stuck on the front cowl
It looked proud and shining.

I met up with a fellow tiger rider for the first time in a while,
Watching races together and running along the way
It was a refreshing and exciting holiday.
Come on, let's go hard again
I'll work hard on making a leather jacket! !
[Harada]