CRA ROUND 3: BUTTONWILLOW RACEWAY PARK
Ashten Bush
Race Report
CRA Round 3, 2023
Big thanks to 1 of One Designs for those sick looking graphics!
Practice and Qualifying:
CRA Round 3 at Buttonwillow Raceway was another successful weekend for Bush Racing, with its ups and downs. Prior to the weekend, I had never ridden at Buttonwillow. In order to ensure a successful weekend, I rode the track day on Friday to learn the track. My dad rode too, because he deserves some fun after all the effort he put forth.
After a full day of getting to learn the circuit, I was ready for qualifying…
I rode very well during qualifying on Saturday morning, setting the P1 Amateur time, being a 2:06. This put me at the front of the grid for my 5 different races to come.
Saturday Race Results:
Feel Like a Pro 400GT: I had a great launch that put me straight to the front of the amateur pack, and I held this position for the first 3 laps of the race. Unfortunately, due to either myself or a mechanical issue, I had a false neutral at 90mph, putting me out in the dirt. I finished outside of the podium.
Twins Grand Prix: I raced the Twins race on my 400 to see if I could keep up with the fast guys. I was having launch control issues with my bike, which messed up my launch. This put me in the back of the pack. I was reeling in a few riders in front of me when I experienced another false neutral, ending my chance of gaining any positions back.
Saturday was not the best day of racing, but I evaluated my day as a whole, and I came to a conclusion for what I needed to improve on. Let me tell you, Sunday was a much better day! Here are some action shots from Saturday!
Sunday Practice and Race Results:
Saturday evening, a couple super fast riders gave me some tips to improve my race craft, and they sure did help going into practice. Big Thanks to Alex George, Nayden Balladares, and Nayden’s dad, Alex!
Sunday practice went well, because I was getting faster and faster in places I was previously struggling in. I was also very confident with my tire grip, thanks to Eyes Up Motorsports. They kept us dialed with fresh Dunlops throughout the weekend! I ended practice with some positive energy going into Sunday’s racing…
Feel Like a Pro Amateur 400 Superbike: I had an amazing launch putting me way up in the front of the amateur pack. I was riding smoothly, but the second place rider caught me, because he had a better drive through the sweeper. I was able to draft him on the straight, and we passed each other in these places back and forth for the entire race, until… I passed him for the final time on the last lap, and I held first place across the checkered flag!
Ruffians Lightweight: My launch was quite fast, but the rider next to me put down a very fast start, putting me behind him into turn one. I rode a strong race, so I was not passed by anyone behind me, but I was not quick enough to catch the front racer. This earned me a solid second place!
Feel Like a Pro Amateur 400 Supersport: I had a great launch, putting me in the top amateur spot entering the first corner. I rode an amazing first 2 laps, setting a PB lap time of a 2:03, and I created a gap between second place and I. All was going great until, then again, I had another false neutral on the down shifts, putting me in the dirt. The second and third place racers were able to pass me before I made my way back onto the track. I was determined to recover what I had lost, and I threw down some solid laps before the checkered flag. I was able to catch the second place rider, but the top sitter was too far gone for me to make a move. I was a little discouraged about my mistake, but I made a serious comeback for a solid podium spot.
That wraps up round 3 with CRA at Buttonwillow Raceway! I am quite happy with how I did, being that this was my first time riding the Buttonwillow circuit. There are definitely big improvements to be made, and I will always continue to work to be faster and stronger!
Huge thanks to Reparto Veloce for dyno-tuning my bike prior to this event! We picked up some mid-range power, and it was definitely noticed on track!
Most importantly, I need to thank my Dad for everything he does for me and my race program. I wouldn’t be writing this race report if it weren’t for you, Dad.
I would also like to thank all my amazing sponsors for their services towards the Bush Racing program.
BellissiMoto
Reparto Veloce
1 of One Designs
Boxo Tools
Motion Pro
