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Participatation to the Moto Morini Trackday, organised by the British "Morini Riders Club" at the Cadwell Park racetrack (England), Summer 2002. Participants: Klaas Vink, Karst Vink (=cousin), Marlies (=niece) and last-but-not-least Hans de Leeuw. The sole Dutch spectator/supporter was John Beumer. The bikes of the Dutch participants
At the end of the day, I rode three sessions in a row. I nearly felt guilty when I rode up to the fence once more, but the very friendly organisation allowed me on the track immediately with the words: “you made such a long and expensive trip, come on, ride !” Back to Marlies: when she registered, she asked Hans if she could be classed with the Morinis, because she was new and a little frightened it would be too fast for her. The organisation was inexorable (but very friendly). Morini class “only”, but also: Marlies was assigned to the “Medium Class” (or, the slow class). Very friendly again. During the “riders meeting”, the circuit, the flag code, riding onto and leaving the racetrack was explained, but also attention was paid to the need of “respect” for fellow-riders. In other words: don’t do mad things. If the organisation would notice anything like this, riders would be told to leave immediately. Fortunately none of this happened and it was a very pleasant day for all. Unfortunately, some fell off their bikes, but the Dutch delegation kept the rubber on the right side. Also Marlies felt more and more comfortable and after a session, she was asked very kindly "if all went well ?" Our bikes, four in total, were all stuffed into a van of 6.10 meters long and 2.40 meters high. This, to save some money (being real Dutch :-)). It was difficult, to load the van properly, but it appeared to be possible ! Hans had his very well handling and fast 400 cc (V 350) with him. With this bike he has ruled the Morini scene at Cadwell Park for a number of years. So before the racing, his words to his fellow-riders were very challenging. Karst with his V 500 with an original New York 501 engine, 39 hp at the rear-wheel. According to John Beumer, this bike has the best sound. It was also one of the faster bikes, because the English mainly race their V 350 bikes. Finally, my bike is the powerful V 550, 47 hp “Finch” Morini. Again, I explained that "Finch" is the translation of my family name "Vink" (Vink/Finch, like the little bird) into English. Next to the Finch Morini, I had the 245 cc Supermono. The colour scheme had been changed, since I rode this bike at Assen. The fairing and the side covers and also the low placed fuel-tank/spoiler were in new paint. The engine suspension which broke at Assen was reinforced and also the engine was repaired. Just before our departure, the machine was tested by Ruud Frederiks. Thanks to some adjustments to the engine, vibrations were reduced. Only a humble 14.7 hp was measured, something which I don’t like so far. But the lack of horsepower of this bike was known to me, after the Summer-races at Assen.
At Cadwell Park, I rode four sessions with the Supermono Morini, without any technical problems. The English liked the bike very much and I gained some more confidence in the future of this project. I discussed my future plans on this bike with John Beumer: I will try to win races with the Supermono at Assen in the small class (<250 cc). On the internet, I had read that the English - with the help of NLM)* - had brought a very powerful 501 to the start (2001). According to Hans, the bike was perhaps faster, its rider wasn’t. Well this year (2002), it was different. Hans had much trouble beating this bike. It was my pleasure to overtake this so-called 50 hp bike and to show the power of my 550. At the “bump”, a steep part of the circuit, my bike made a wheelie nearly every time. A wheelie is a special experience and it is very important to have your bike straight for the slope. Why I know about this: if you don’t have your bike straight for the slope, you will end up next to the track, because steering “in the air” has no effect (once is enough). The bump is followed by a chicane and a flat part. As Hans is very familiar with the short racetrack of Cadwell, it soon was clear to me that I could not keep up with him. Excellent riding (his steering & handling of his bike) in combination with a fast 6-speed gearbox made it difficult for me to beat him. For him there was also a “relatively unknown” part of the circuit followed by a long straight part. This part worked to my advantage. At the end of the straight part there is a left bend (full throttle !) going uphill. I very much enjoyed this part. Soon as Hans lowered his speed a little, I flew past him on his outside. Our NLM pilot)* did the same. It gave me a splendid kick ! I am sure we had a speed of roughly 175 km/h (± 110 mph) and then you do feel something on such a bike. Unfortunately, I found the grip on the track disappointing, probably caused by too smooth a surface of the tarmac. It does sound strange, as none of my fellow travellers had slipped at Cadwell. In other words: we stayed within our limits, but personally I prefer to see some marks on the rubber of my bike’s tyres. Even the rear tyre on the Morini of Karst, (make: Heidenau and identical to the tyre which caused so many problems for Harry Trip at Assen) kept in perfect shape. Because of our experiences at Assen, we might have to conclude that the tyre-pressure on Harry’s bike was too low, or that the suspension on his bike was not set correctly. Unfortunately after the racing at Cadwell Park, we had to leave more-or-less immediately to catch the ferry at Hull (1 hour by car), back to Holland. Before we drove off in our van, we bought some 30 photos off a professional photographer for a special price. That must have made his day as well.
Afterwards, back in Holland, I spoke to Club secretary Cornelius Smallenburg. Unfortunately Cornelius was not able to travel with us to Cadwell, due to the fact that he is (re)building his house. We came to the conclusion that all riders had lots of fun on their small Morinis on the short, but excellent racetrack. Surely the English would enjoy the presence and/or participation of Morini models like Corsarino and Settebello, models which never were imported in England. Perhaps Moto Morini Club Nederland can organise an arrangement for our members not only to make their acquaintance with Cadwell Park, but also with lots of very nice and enthusiast British Moto Morini freaks ! Best (& sportive) regards, Klaas Vink. (translation Dutch/English by TK/JS, Jan. 2003) )* Our "NLM pilot" probably is Alex Mayhew (on his Valentini 400?), son of NLM-owner Stuart Mayhew. More on the 2002 Morini Riders Day, see Morini Trackday on the site of the Britsh Morini Riders Club. Back to the indexpage. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
