Lots and lots of fun 
I've been kind of just using whatever I can to keep myself and the bike going since my crash last month. Dusted off the backup suit, backup helmet, and backup bodywork and headed out to Buttonwillow Raceway in central CA.
My confidence really wasn't all there since it was only the second time I had run the track in the clockwise configuration and I was still healing from when I went down. I missed the first session in A since I was getting some new BT-003's shoehorned onto my wheels. The tire guys seemed kind of surprised that I was running after hearing about my crash during last month's race weekend. My first session out was a total shock. All the other guys had a session to warm up a little, so by second session they were going all out and killing it, while I was still orienting myself to the track. Had a few pucker moments since the track is narrower than what I am used to racing on and it's 20+ turns. Think something like VIR Full. I was really lost and my confidence was nowhere. I could tell from looking at my AM pics that I was really tense and not riding loose like I usually do.
One of the guys I was pitted with had a technical that knocked him out for the day, so he was nice enough to give me his Intermediate group sticker. I spent the morning riding with the slower group and getting my bearings back. It was kind of fun, but really unsatisfying.
By afternoon, I was feeling a little better and starting to get into a groove. I went back out into Advanced group with my friend Troy and got to dice it up for a few laps. I really got cooked on the backside of the track, because that's where Sport Rider magazine does all their bike testing and he has way more saddle time on that part of the track. On the front part of the track, I would catch back up to Troy and close the gap. This went on for a few laps and by the time we were done, I was grinning ear to ear. I got beat, but I have more to look forward to next time I'm there.
I will probably only do one or two more track days this year before I finish out the season since I've already done so many. It feels so good being out there, it's undeniable. Makes me feel like I never want to pack up and go home...
