https://forum.cmraracing.com/blog.php?695-Tom-Anderson Central Motorcycle RoadRacing Association Forum en Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:43:59 GMT vBulletin 60 https://forum.cmraracing.com/images/misc/rss.jpg https://forum.cmraracing.com/blog.php?695-Tom-Anderson https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?9-Taylor-Myers-wins-close-race-in-F5-Solo-30-at-TWS Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:09:34 GMT In what appeared to be the closest race of the day for the overall win in Solo 30, Taylor Myers and Nick Doolan battled from the drop of the green to the wave of the checker. Back and forth action in the infield section of the TWS chicanes and down the front straight gave spectators a real show... In what appeared to be the closest race of the day for the overall win in Solo 30, Taylor Myers and Nick Doolan battled from the drop of the green to the wave of the checker. Back and forth action in the infield section of the TWS chicanes and down the front straight gave spectators a real show from these talented youngsters!
In round 1, Nick Doolan provided wet-weather instructional course for everyone as he battled (at the end) with Linz Leard to grab the overall win there. This weekend, Taylor Myers brought his Hondsakiha (Honda RS frame, Kawasaki engine, retro Yamaha paint scheme) and his determination to win with him in order to properly battle Doolan with similar machinery in dry conditions. Taylor and Nick looked like one motorcycle when watching from the infield or stands as they thrashed through turns 1 and 2. To many, they appeared to be so much faster mid-corner than the other Solo 30 combatants, one may argue that they were a pair or liter bikes in a sea of SVs.
Though the lead changed many times during the race, and some paint (and fiberglass) was sacrificed by both young men in this battle (so much for new fresh paint jobs!), Taylor Myers was the one to emerge victorious. With about a half second gap to Nick Doolan in 2nd, and Nick's ability to run in front just as well, Myers' win was anything but comfortable.
As is always the case with these two young men, after the race they shook hands and exchanged their versions of the race in good humor as well as healthy camaraderie.
Look for these two at Eagles Canyon to continue this battle. In addition, you'll find these two as team mates as the SMRC Race Team owners provide the pair with another RS framed CR85 engine platform for endurance.
Photo of Taylor Myers and his RS65

YouTube video of the race:
http://youtu.be/HT_eIToofPc ]]> Tom Anderson https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?9-Taylor-Myers-wins-close-race-in-F5-Solo-30-at-TWS https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?8-A-blast-from-the-past-Mike-Myers-returns-to-CMRA-racing-action Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:08:45 GMT "The" Mike Myers, predominate former sprinter and endurance racer of the CRRC legends, AMA, and WERA in the '90s, mentor to Colin Edwards, side-kick to Joe Prussiano, and all around good guy, returned to the CMRA last weekend at TWS. Mike teamed up with Gale Tynfield and Chris Lombardo to try their hand at F1 class racing in the latest CMRA Endurance round aboard a 2009 R1 Yamaha under the team name "BT Racing". Mike in particular, who hadn't ridden a superbike in over 20 years in anger, was able to throw down the fastest laps of the team Saturday as he came to grips with the unyielding horsepower from the Cross-plane engine, and marveled at the incredible difference in tire and suspension technology with SCRC Bridgestone tires and Ohlins suspension.
After simply riding the R1 from the trailer to the paddock, Mike (after a couple of descriptive expletives) said, "That thing is mental! I just had it in first gear and moved the throttle a quarter inch and it took off like a rocket!". He went on to say, "If I would have had this thing in the '90's, NOBODY would be able to touch me in the AMA. I thought my old superbike had power, this thing is incredible!" This observer believes that the biggest lesson learned is to cover the speedometer; even though speedometer error is seriously in play, it does work wonders to the mind when the racer looks down and sees 192mph indicated! My guess is the Mike will have that covered next race.
Unfortunately, the R1 the team raced is the property of Mike Boyce, a CMRA member and team-mate to Gale Tynfield of BT Racing, and was built for him in the suspension department. As this is the case, the bike was anything but ready to go when it was delivered to the track for practice Saturday. The suspension was way off from the team's ability to use it, and much time was spent getting it dialed in during the "short" endurance practice session. "Short" because the team would rather have had a whole day just to dial the suspension in.
Mike had thrown his leg over Andy Galindo's ZX-6R on Friday for a couple sessions with Lone Star Track Days, and was very pleased with the ZX as he rode around the 2.9 miles of TWS. Another epiphany to Mike was that ride, when he got off the bike after his first session he said, "That is easily the fastest I've EVER gone on a motorcycle, and definitely the fastest I've gotten around this track. My old F2 was nowhere near as good as that thing, and maybe half as fast." Gale rode his R1 and Ducati 1098 on Friday with great results as well, and Lombardo sailed around on his R6. None had a clue what to expect on Saturday aboard the big Cross-plane R1.
As the team members collaborated and finally reached their mechanical ability to tune the suspension, John Hutchinson and Brandon Spradling from P1-Racing.com and South Central Race Center came to see if they could turn the suspension woes around. A few turns on the adjusters, some test laps around the track, and the steed was deemed "It'll do" by the team by the end of practice.
The team went in to this endeavor carrying the attitude, "No fuss, have fun, ride smooth." As Gale started from the back of the pack in the large grid endurance race, nobody could argue that he wasn't smooth. Gale turned some nice laps during his first stint, and most importantly, he kept the rubber side down. Each team member did a great job with their respective stints, turning consistent and crash-free laps. All did a fantastic job, and by the end of the 6 hours found that they had solidified themselves 13th overall, 5th in SBA in the 28 team field.
Some of the final thoughts and comments gleaned from Mike Myer's return were so telling of our sport and the technology involved. As a sponsored rider, Mike rode some of the best machinery available at the time. Most of the modern day suspension technology and tires of this era really started in the '90s with the advent of production cartridge forks and tire compound developments. Mike's comments about how the tires performed without a tire change on this high horsepower liter bike for 6 hours, the incredible forces generated and mid-corner grip of the tires, and the unbelievable acceleration and braking of this motorcycle were the most telling.
It was great to see Mike back on the grid. It was most fun seeing his reaction as he climbed off the bike every time he rode it! Mike's whole support team- his wife Traci, son Taylor, Daughter Mikaeli, and of course Alyssia, Gracie, and Hayes Edwards, made sure to cheer him on with only a few jabs about not racing thrown in for good measure!
We hope to see Mike return for some more cameo rides, after the results gained at this event, this team may actually be one to watch out for!
Left to right: Chris Lombardo, Gale Tynfield, Mike Myers

Left to right standing: Alyssia Edwards, Candace Newton, Traci Myers. Sitting left Chris Lombardo, sitting right Sherri Tynfield. All enjoying the day in the BT Racing pits at TWS!
]]> Tom Anderson https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?8-A-blast-from-the-past-Mike-Myers-returns-to-CMRA-racing-action https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?7-Ring-d-ding-ding-ding-2-strokes-take-top-three-in-Solo-30 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:07:54 GMT With an anticipated poor forecast from the weather department everyone was watching the skies on Saturday morning at Eagles Canyon Raceway. Despite the doom and gloom coming from local forecasters, Taylor Myers, Nick Doolan, and Ryan Warren all gave spectators and fellow racers a heckuva show... With an anticipated poor forecast from the weather department everyone was watching the skies on Saturday morning at Eagles Canyon Raceway. Despite the doom and gloom coming from local forecasters, Taylor Myers, Nick Doolan, and Ryan Warren all gave spectators and fellow racers a heckuva show on Saturday!

Friday's practice hosted by Lone Star Track Days gave the "minis" a solid afternoon of practice in beautiful weather conditions. During that time Taylor Myers and Nick Doolan did their fair share of dicing making much of the practice look like races. Saturday practice was slightly different, the pair were neck and neck circulating the shortened ECR tarmac in weather conditions that nobody had complaint about. The difference? Ryan Warren was also out there on his KTM powered GP chassis ring ding'ing around and looking solid too.
When the time came for the warm-up lap, if Warren was "solid" in practice, Myers riding was something a lot more than that. After lining up for the race, a rocket launch incited by the slightest flinch from Mr Phillips' flag hand got young Taylor right out front in to turn 1 passing Warren and Doolan in the process. As the trio came down the hill out of turn 3 & 4 Myers flew down and back up the ECR cut-through with a little more than a second lead, late braking in to the sweeping left down hill and finally back up hill in the hard charging right hand sweeper. As Myers was finding his brake markers for the final hairpin left on to the front straight, the rest of the field was battling their way to the fast line through the exit of the uphill right hander. As the first lap completed; Myers, followed by Doolan then Warren, zinged by the concrete barrier in full expansion chamber song with Myers having a good lead, Doolan in second, and Warren in third.
The battle was on for the first couple of laps, but Myers lead from the start never shortened. As a matter of fact, Taylor got the "big gap, slow down" sign from the elder Myers ("The" Mike Myers) from pit wall and proceeded to drop his lap times and widen the gap. I guess it's true, you have to slow down to go fast. Either that or the pre-teen wasn't listening to his Pop... nah, couldn't be.
Behind Myers the race was raging with the next two riders, and what a race it was. Nick Doolan, who has a race win and a second place finish to his season, was hot on Myer's trail until Ryan Warren caught up with him. This pair of racers had to get through some traffic to finally tuck in behind Myers in the 30 minute race, and once they got clear the two jumped in together to showcase what the young CMRA talent pool has to offer.
Nick Doolan made Warren work for it for several laps but he did eventually get by and solidified a gap betwixt him and 3rd place Doolan. While Warren and Doolan battled, Taylor Myers was edging out more and more of a gap as his lap times continued to drop. The three worked through traffic and the relatively slower F6&7 bikes and their lap times ended up approximately on par. The triumvirate finished a respectable, clean race over the Solo 30 field.
The sweet sound and smell of two stroke GP chassis machines eventually quieted to give way to the F4 races to follow. There was no doubt however that the machines completely dominated the field and found no equals in the F5 (and smaller) classes to be sure.
With Doolan finishing 1st, 2nd and now 3rd in this series, Taylor Myers with two wins in hand, as well as Ryan Warren back in the mix after a couple of early season disappointments; this series is the one to watch for sure!
With Myers and Doolan training at the Texas Tornado Boot Camp and also training on dirt bikes between CMRA events, Warren is going to have his hands full. As the elder racer in this trio, we'll see if he can take the youngsters to task in the following rounds. Given Doolan's wet weather prowess and Myers' impressive win this past weekend, he certainly will have his work cut out for him.
As many spectators and fellow racers noted, this Solo 30 race series is a great venue for young and tenured racers alike. The race distance, the variety of machines, and the venues, provide some of the best racing within the CMRA. Encourage everyone you know to get in on this series and see what it's all about! ]]> Tom Anderson https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?7-Ring-d-ding-ding-ding-2-strokes-take-top-three-in-Solo-30 https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?6-Two-stroke-Triumviate-Take-Top-Three-in-Solo-30 Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:07:06 GMT During another action packed race, Taylor Myers, Ryan Warren, and Nick Doolan showed everyone what a finely (and finally), well dressed, GP chassis, 2-stroke, proper race bike can do at Hallett's grand course.
The weekend started on Friday with practice, or the lack thereof. Nick Doolan had a really hard time with his RS65 and only got a couple of laps, literally. With his Pop Steve McNamara, and his fleet of recruited mechanics, the real race was on to find a solution for Nick's locked up power plant. Enlisting the help of Mitch Williams, Mike Myers, and two-time World Champion and MotoGP star Colin Edwards, resources and wrenches came together to pull an all-night miracle in the Oklahoma paddock. Gaining practice for Nick was now going to be the challenge as Friday night ended and the team could only look forward to Saturday practice.
When the green flag dropped for the Solo 30 race, the three GP pilots perfumed the air with bean oil and gasoline products of combustion and never looked back. Taylor Myers took the lead and would not allow anything else to materialize for the other racers. As this seems to be a trend for the young Montgomery Texas racer, Ryan Warren put his helmet under the paint to try to run with the white Yamaha livery clad speedster. Stretching out more gap lap after lap, Taylor secured another win as he pulled off his hat-trick during this fourth Solo 30 round. Taylor and company lapped the field twice during this race, but the three ended on the same lap to finish Myers, Warren, Doolan in 17 laps.
Myers' riding and racing is reminiscent of his mentor and his father. Smooth, predictable, and an uncanny ability to have complete control of the motorcycle no matter the conditions. Late braking and carrying a ton of corner speed with an early throttle keeps the Texas Tornado Boot Camp protege' up front early and often. This young man has the talent and has shown his ability by decimating the field for the last three races. While not yet an F5 "Tornado" like his mentor, he is definitely a funnel cloud!
Doolan is not the one to give up any laps to his friend and team mate Myers. Despite all the problems and after long hours of hard work from his Dad and friends, Nick placed a respectable 3rd to stay atop the field in Formula 5. "Nicky D" is just nine points ahead of the elder statesman Warren, and 24 points in front of Myers. After opening the series with a win in the slick conditions in Angleton, you can bet that Doolan is going to bring it on for the remaining rounds to best Ryan and Taylor for the rest of the season. While this young man has the ability to win a championship without winning another race, it's a sure bet that winning the rest of the races this season is exactly what he will set out to do.
The same can be said about Ryan Warren. Determination seems to be this young man's modus operandi. A capable mechanic, it's not unusual to see Warren turning his own wrenches prior to races and while tuning his bike. Easy to surmise that Ryan, being the most experienced road racer among the three, will have plenty in the bag for the two younger racers.
Following this 3 for the rest of the season is going to be a great show! Undoubtedly this Solo 30 series will come down to the last race to see who finishes first through third. Every one of these young men will gladly relegate the others to lesser finishing positions when given the chance, and it's safe to understand that is going to happen with a simple mistake by any one of them. ]]> Tom Anderson https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?6-Two-stroke-Triumviate-Take-Top-Three-in-Solo-30 https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?5-Smokin-!-Solo-30-Two-Smokers-Give-Exciting-Performance! Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:06:19 GMT I don't know if there was anything more interesting going on during this Solo 30 race last Saturday, and neither should anyone else. While we're keenly aware that there are more racers on the grid in various classes during this competition, the top three in F5 and overall put out effort that resulted in a race worthy of comparison to Moto2 or Moto3!
During the 30 minute race the lead was swapped and bandied about by the trio of Doolan, Warren, and Myers several times. The start was something other than a shared event however; Nick Doolan got a rocketing start and had a considerable lead over Myers and Warren. Friday's LSTD practice showed Doolan with a 2-second per lap advantage over Myers and that confidence clearly shown through as the young racer cleared the course with a sizable lead on the first lap. This all changed when the race reached approximately the 5th or 6th lap on the 1.3 mile Cresson "short" course though as lapped riders came in to the picture. A small mistake, a hesitation during overtaking, or slight line corrections caused the gap to diminish and allowed Warren and Myers to begin the battle for the front of the pack.
Warren showed his strength right away by making strong moves to gain the lead and then begin a disappearing act when lappers came in to the picture. Ryan made some nice passes in traffic and eventually on Doolan to gain the lead. It seemed that once he reached the front, the deal was done and it left Myers and Doolan alone to deal with second place. This was not to be the conclusion however as once again traffic and small mistakes brought the trio together about 20 minutes in to the 30 minute race. Overtaking and regaining positions between Warren, Myers, and Doolan was the order of the moment and there was little doubt that the excitement was nowhere near the end.
While Ryan shucked and jived to stay up front, Nick and Taylor pieced together fast lap after fast lap to make his life difficult in the lead. As Warren ran defensive lines, Myers would make sure he knew who was sticking a wheel in at almost every corner by running his red RS fender up to Ryan's inside leg as Warren shut the door to mid corner and corner exit. While that was going on, Doolan was attempting to take Jorge Lorenzo's nickname away from him by making several nice passes and pass attempts 'round the outside of the pair in front of him.
These three racers are incredible. Myers is the consummate humble competitor. Quiet, polite, and a very intelligent racer, who is smooth as glass with the senses of a winning racer. He's the racer who looks slow on track until he passes you or trips the clock for lap times; that's the point when you realize exactly how fast this kid is moving, he is smooth as glass. Nick "Nicky D" Doolan has really come along this season as he learned how to win races and run up front with his RS. Many remarked how smooth he looked and fast on track. Nick is learning quickly how to brake late and carry speed while finding that throttle sweet spot to exit the corner. Then there's Ryan Warren. This young man has honed this craft of racing to a fine edge. Finding the clean passes and protecting his position makes this young man an incredibly competent racer who will not be beaten easily. With Doolan aboard Mark and Ryan Andrews' old RS125 now and damn nearly winning his first race this past weekend, one can surmise that if Warren and Myers join that series with Doolan next season that it would be the race of the weekend to watch for the "big" bikes!
It isn't hard to imagine, even if you have never witnessed, the scene along hot pit as the three Fathers of the top three riders nervously pace and "pit race" for their sons on track. Anyone can see Mr Warren, standing with his arms crossed and a wry smile under his mustache as Ryan zing'd by in front. Mike Myers along side Mr Warren muttering with his English accent, "C'mon Tayla..." as Taylor shows a wheel at the exit of the last turn to Ryan. Of Course Macman, with the other two, proudly willing Nicky D along as he lead the first few laps with nervous anticipation of what will surely be an epic completion to the Solo 30 overall finish. But the best thing to witness with all three of these role models to their progeny; is the end of the race, with engines off, bikes on stands, and helmets doffed, the hugs (no matter how the teenagers and twenty-somthings may resist) and words of, "Hey, I'm proud of you, good job, I love you" agree so naturally.
With that, does it really matter who won the race? Well, yeah! In a nail biter finish, as Taylor Myers pressed forward to within a half bike length to Ryan Warren and Nick Doolan looming to overtake them both, Warren crossed the finish line in position 1 as the checkered flag waved. The flag came as somewhat of a surprise to the racers it seemed; I'm sure with all of the action and back-n-forth overtaking for the lead that it didn't feel like 30 minutes. I'm sure it felt like 5.
After a quick look back to make sure it was he in the lead, Ryan Warren began fist pumps of joy and a bow of the helmet during post race exuberance. Warren took his first win of the season over the younger two racers whom he'd been chasing and battling so far this season, and the other two made him earn it.
So it stands, Doolan and Warren with one win, and Myers with three. Now the fun begins. If anyone (but the three racers) can predict the outcome of this class by the end of the season it would be magic, or ESP, or something.
Below photo of Nick Doolan aboard Taylor Myers' RS during the mini endurance race, courtesy of Linz Leard of Nine- Seven Images. Thank you Linz!
]]> Tom Anderson https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?5-Smokin-!-Solo-30-Two-Smokers-Give-Exciting-Performance! https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?4-Interminable-desire-meets-consistent-fluidity-in-Solo-30-race-at-Hallett! Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:05:22 GMT I'm going to smack Taylor Myers with a nickname; I don't think he's got one and something just came to mind. While attempting to find a Muse and articulate something fitting of his performance at Hallett, I was struck.The most oft used and abused adjective for a fast rider is "smooth". Sometimes I'm not sure what "smooth" is because it's used as a synonym these days for "fast" and so many of the fast racers I see don't look "smooth". To call Taylor "smooth" just doesn't seem to fit. He IS smooth, but this season he's found another layer to that; a smoother smooth and more emulates fluid. Right then is when I was struck, he moves through the courses we race like a fluid, but not water, something more solid if you will...
Remember those games before we all had video games and computers where you had to move a couple milliliters of Mercury through a maze? If you don't, the key to making it through the maze without breaking the Mercury up or having to retrace the course was to be steady, use all of the course without cutting corners too sharp, concentrate, focus, and get through the maze quickly to beat a time. There ya go. That is exactly what "Mercury" Myers did in Hallett.
If you don't know Taylor Myers yet, this is the young man that you want your kids to hang out with. He's the good influence, articulate, polite, funny, and smart- on the track and off. His personality shows in his racing too; smart, calculating, safe, and courteous. He speaks well, gives proper recognition to his supporters and friends, and has a real appreciation for what he has. Like so many other young racers and his colleagues, Taylor races because he's surrounded by his family so it's a true family effort that influence and shape who Taylor is.
On this race weekend, Mercury Myers gave no quarter which may not reflect my description of him above. None was asked, but surely none was given. From the flinch of Jeff Phillips' green flag hand until he showed the checker, Taylor was out front. Way out front. With an incredible launch and some incredible corner speed in the first few turns, Myers decimated the pursuing racers Nick Doolan and Ryan Warren in the F5 class. Taylor broke the throttle stop and busted off some incredible (and consistent) lap times to set the hook and reel in the win with a 1:37.4 fastest lap time; 4 seconds faster than Doolan's fastest lap and 5 seconds faster than Warren's. His lap times and race was so consistent in fact that if overlapped with the F4 race Mercury Myers would have finished in the top 5 only 4.5 seconds off fast-dude Brandon Altmeyer's lap time average and faster than the 5th place racer's lap average.
Because the three primary players in Solo 30 F5 are so entertaining and I like them all so much, I usually try to give equal billing during these little race reports. I did a terrible job of that this time and must apologize to Nick and Ryan- both of those guys rode their hearts out and do so every single event. These races are consistently very, very entertaining to watch and you never know who's going to end up on the top of the pile at race conclusion. This Solo 30 race results however begged for a spotlight. What difference does this race result make in the grand scheme of the season? Absolutely nothing with regard to what happens next round. The Hallett round will be forgotten by the three racers in question.
Next round in Cresson is a completely different day and (I'm sure) will yield the same exciting show that is par-usual for the F5 Solo 30 race. No doubt Nick Doolan will pull the pin on his RS to show Mercury Myers "what's up", and Ryan Warren will no doubt go for a repeat of his last performance to put the younger two racers in their "place" which he prefers to be somewhere adrift of him as the checkered flag flies!
But from Hallett, the day, the race, and the moment belongs to Taylor "Mercury" Myers. After a brief recap from his ever verbose Pop, CRRC and AMA fast guy Mike Myers who had an understandably hard time finding words this day, I got a couple words in with Taylor. "How was the race T?" He replied, "It was good". That's about all I got out of him. Call it being a teenager, call it being a male human, call it frustrating to those who really want to get a perspective on how the young man feels about his results, or call it appropriately humble and benevolent. It was "good" indeed.
With the obligatory "thank you" to the folks, products, and organizations who help Mercury Myers do what he does- SCRC and Bridgestone Tires; The Man Uncle Dave Schrader; "The" Mike Myers; The MacMan; Lone Star Track Days; of course his Mom and equally talented Sister; and Colin Edwards & The Texas Tornado Boot Camp- Taylor has gotten great at giving podium speeches to mention all of the above while now injecting a little humor too!
So, about the nickname, God I hope it sticks. Why? Because when Taylor is racing MotoGP in the future, I get to be the guy that gave it to him. ;)
Link to the Hallett video onboard Taylor's machine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DauhL...ature=youtu.be
Photo courtesy of Linz Leard Nine-Seven Images!
]]> Tom Anderson https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?4-Interminable-desire-meets-consistent-fluidity-in-Solo-30-race-at-Hallett! https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?3-quot-Mercury-quot-Myers-and-quot-Nicky-D-quot-2-smoke-the-competition-at-ECR-in-the-rain Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:04:06 GMT Eagle's Canyon, sometimes coined with the moniker of "Buzzard's Gulch" for unknown reasons, has never seemed to be a racer's favorite track in the wet or cold conditions. For the Solo 30 race on Saturday however, two young racers found a way to enjoy it among a field of others who may or may not share their enthusiasm.
During Saturday's practice the rain did fall. It was obvious that the two young racers were a bit worried about the weather and how they'll perform, but both seemed optimistic. Taylor had never raced in the rain (officially and purposefully), and Nicky D had his first race in rain and garnered a race win in the first race of the season but hadn't seen rain since then. The best comment heard all weekend came from Taylor when he did the first 3 laps in practice on his Bridgestone rain tires mounted on his RS chassis machine, "I like the rain, I'm not going to crash!!!" he exclaimed. Seemed to sum things up for the pair as Nick had similar comments after his Pop pulled him in after a few laps on the wet tarmac. The two young men ran the rest of the practice without incident, and much to the chagrin of both of their dads, "got a 'lil racy" when they found themselves on track together too.
As practice ended, the pair of competitors and friends headed back to the pits to dry for a bit before preparing for the race. Both dads were prepping the bikes and getting things set while the two racers thought about the coming race. Thoughts and comments about strategy and performance needs quickly turned to reality when the 2nd and 3rd calls were announced. It's race time.
As the group of racers splashed around the track for the warm-up lap, it was obvious that Nick and Taylor planned on putting on a great show. Nothing looked slow or cautious in the warm-up lap, nobody should believe that the race would be anything less. Upon the drop of Jeff Phillips' hand from "2" to flying the green flag, Mercury Myers bolted off the grid and out front in to turn 1. Doolan had a little stumble at the start and got caught a bit in to turn 1 in traffic and had a bit of trouble getting through the pack to chase Myers during the first lap. That was all Taylor needed, an unimpeded trip for lap 1 to put a big gap on his pursuers.
Being a 30 minute race and one of the last rounds for the season, Doolan only needed to finish the last races in order to clinch a championship. Whether his adolescent mind had this thought in the forefront or if he was just listening to those who counseled him, Nick rode a very responsible, smooth, and uneventful race to finish 2nd overall. Nick rode a very smart race and did exactly what he needed to do; finish the race without incident and gain some valuable experience in the rain. After all, he has the number 1 plate and a trip to Barber for the GNF to think about; there was no reason to try to push luck in the rain.
For Myers it was a very different story. Taylor needs to win races in order to position himself well for the end of the season. Win he did. Taylor once again lapped the entire field on his way to a incredible victory overall in Solo 30! After a rocketing start and smooth corner speed on the soaked ECR pavement, Taylor gained and maintained a comfortable lead from the first lap and then picked off the field one by one over the next 20 or so minutes. An incredible performance from the youngster who once again showcased his talent under difficult conditions. Myers wowed spectators with his performance once again, and showed everyone that he's one to pay attention to for the future.
With the unfortunate absence of Ryan Warren, the usual 3-way battle didn't ensue. I know that all 3 young men prefer to have their peers on track to compete, but it just wasn't going to happen for this event and may not again until next season. While this race was eventful and exciting to watch, it would like have been more so with Warren on the grid. Speedy recovery Ryan!
The last couple of rounds are upon us unfortunately, be sure that if you're going to watch one race during a weekend at TWS that this is the one you see! ]]> Tom Anderson https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?3-quot-Mercury-quot-Myers-and-quot-Nicky-D-quot-2-smoke-the-competition-at-ECR-in-the-rain https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?2-Season-Finale-Solo-30-TWS Sun, 02 Dec 2012 05:01:30 GMT At what is rumored to be the final Solo 30 race for the CMRA, two racers put on what could be the most exciting race of the weekend. Taylor "Mercury" Myers and Nick "NIcky D" Doolan were nose to tail, back and forth, on the 1.8 mile TWS short course for the entire 30 minutes.

Friday practice gave two RS65 mounted racers a chance for a final size-up before the season ending race on Saturday for Solo 30. All season long these two now seasoned racers have been battling back and forth at every event in all kinds of conditions. "Nicky D" and "Mercury" Myers could possibly be the ultimate show in club racing today, each with a bright racing future to come. Nick, fresh off a National Championship title from Barber, was ready to race Saturday after a very good day Friday at practice aboard his RS125 and RS65 Honda GP chassis machines. Taylor did the same as he was astride a new (to him) RS125 along with his RS65 during practice Friday. Both young men were riding exceptionally well, marking their ability to let everyone know that they are indeed very talented road racers, and a rising set of stars in the sport.
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Saturday practice was no different than Friday. Both boys were flying, demonstrating that the cool air and well prepared bikes were ready to rumble. Both lads posted lap times that surpassed their previous race lap times and would be a second-plus faster than the previous lap record for the F5 class. A barn burner in the making! As the boys took the grid, both boys received the obligatory (and embarrassing) hugs and sentiments of adoration from their respective fathers, as their mothers nervously looked on. As a matter of fact, observations were made that Traci Myers may actually be hiding in her Suburban, unable to watch Taylor circulate the high-speed course that is TWS! No proof of that fact however! ;)
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As Jeff Phillips dropped the 2 minute board and flew the green flag, both boys rocketed off the line. Taylor would live up to his mythological nickname as he was the God of Speed for this start. A truly remarkable launch which has been status quo for Mercury Myers this season in every race he's entered. Undeterred, Nicky D was able to reel Taylor back in within the first 2 turns, carrying corner speed through turns 1&2 that would rival many liter bike pilots! In to the first turn 3, the racers were neck and neck, making it a will of courageous effort to see who would brake later and take the advantage over the other. Taylor won this time for the first lap but wouldn't always be so good. Nicky D demonstrated a "never give up" attitude and would cause Taylor to work extra hard this day if he wanted to finish up front!
Nick was relentless. Fluid and fast. Silky smooth with excellent throttle control and corner exit. A pleasure to watch. His Mother, Cheryl, gave nervous advice as she watched Nick 'round the circuit, as his Dad Steve rendered words of encouragement. Both watching Nick's every move, every corner, every lap. Thoughts of wonder, worry, and faith in ability could be heard uttering from the two as they proudly watched Nick do-work.
The Myers camp was a bit different. Traci is never comfortable watching her offspring demonstrate his racing prowess. To be honest, neither is his Pop, Mike. Though the elder Myers racer has had a significant and remarkable career in road racing himself, with a notable set of races in the CRRC and AMA of years ago, watching his only son turn the course is not an easy feeling. Understandable to be sure.
This day however would be a great day with an ending to the race that saw each youngster finish the race without incident or injury. The race was a barn burner too, as advertised. For the first 10 minutes or so it was clear that nobody was going to be anywhere near this pair come race conclusion. They had stretched out a lead so significant that they started picking up lappers prior to the half-way mark.
Backmarkers... what a dirty word this has become to the road racing vernacular. I don't know why, it just has. I think it's due to the complaining and gesturing from top level racers on TV that did it; has to be that because they are a (essential) part of racing and will always be a factor in the longer races. So about 12 minutes in to the 30 minute race the pair of front runners were well in to lappers. This was not a bad thing, it was a great thing! Why? Well because with every back marker, with every corner, with every pass, opportunities to learn were had along with some exciting racing. As the lead changed hands during almost every lap between Myers and Doolan, parents got more uneasy and spectators got to see more action. Neither racer reacted like some of the notable professional racers do on TV, each of them handled each situation like the consummate professional road racer should. Each young man should be commended for having a cool head and great racing technique!
The draft played a big part on TWS' loooong front straight, and the final drive out of the final chicane was essential to the rider who hoped to win this race. Through determination, Taylor ended up in the final 5 minutes of this race with enough of a gap and good enough of a drive from the final turn, and after more successfully navigating lapped traffic, to secure a win if he maintained his pace. He had to maintain his pace because Nicky D did NOT give up. Ever. Nick continued to demonstrate why he won a National, and with successful completion of this race, will be class Champion. He was there, all the time. How "there" was he? Well, he was fast enough to break the class track record by more than 2 seconds. Taylor was more than 2 seconds faster than the previous track class record as well, but Nicky D busted out a few tenths faster to best Taylor's time, even though Mercury Myers ended up winning this race.
The gap between the two from Taylor in front to Nick adrift 6-8 seconds was insurmountable as both racers were on similar pace. Taylor maintained a pace that was consistent and fluid, solid, smooth and fast, just like his nickname-sake Greek mythological character.
In the end, the two racers went back to being typical 13 year-olds, running around the pits, playing, and thinking about whatever 13 year olds think about. They teamed up to ride the mini endurance race and overcame obstacles there as well as the first bike's engine blew. They did continue and finish the race however on the other bike and a great time was had by all.
Congratulations to Nicky D for his class Championship and National Championship! Well done young man!
Congratulations to Mercury Myers for a fantastic season, winning almost every race he entered in F5 and providing incredible competition for Nick! Another job done well!
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...110_175559.jpg ]]> Tom Anderson https://forum.cmraracing.com/entry.php?2-Season-Finale-Solo-30-TWS