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Written by Justin Marm on May 09, 2007 at 09:05
Despite having an extremely challenging weekend, team owner Justin Marm and fill-in rider James Vanderhaar rode to 2nd place in the heavyweight supersport class during the 4-hour endurance at Barber Motorsports Park this past weekend aboard the Fast by Ferracci MV Agusta F4 1000R. The weekend did not start out good as Marm received news of a death in the family of team captain Phil Caudill. During the drive from Philadelphia, PA to Leeds, AL Marm attempted to get a replacement rider but none were available on such short notice. In conversation with fellow endurance racer James Vanderhaar of Team L.O.C., they decided that he would ride one stint, allowing Marm to remain in the race for the maximum allowed time. The plan was for Marm to start the race aboard the 5150 MV. Vanderhaar would ride the L.O.C. Yamaha R6 the first and final stint. Marm would stay on the MV up to the 2-hour point or until the second tank of fuel ran out, at which point Vanderhaar would take over. As soon as Marm rested for 30 minutes, he would signal for Vanderhaar to pit and resume riding duties until the end of the race. This all seemed simple, but neither rider realized just how physically exhausting it would be to turn consistent fast laps for that length of time. A rear tire problem during the beginning laps of the race created a problem for Marm that caused him to ride conservatively and cautiously for the first half of the race. “We discovered after the race that the rear Dunlop D.O.T. spun on the rim and lost air pressure during the opening laps. From that point on, the rear was stepping out under neutral throttle too often and rear drive was greatly decreased exiting corners. All this made the bike extremely physical to ride, which wore me out much quicker.” At the halfway point of the race, the rear tire stepped out, causing Marm to low-side exiting turn 8. After getting the bike picked-up, returning to the pits, changing the rear tire, & refueling, Vanderhaar took to the track for his turn on the MV. “I went through turn eight the same as I had every lap. I was aware of the decreased rear traction and just before I was getting on the gas, the rear stepped out. It was as if someone bumped me from behind, I was just sliding on the ground. Luckily there was no damage and I was able to return to the pits without loosing too many laps.” Vanderhaar still had one remaining ride aboard his LOC Endurance R6 so he piloted the MV for less than a full stint, but long enough to give Marm a much-needed break. Marm completed the remaining 1.5 hours, turning consistent lap times, bringing the 5150 / Team moto-heaven.com 2007 MV Agusta F4 1000R to the finish with a result of second in class, twelfth overall. “I haven’t ridden a 1000 in over a year and to ride the MV was fun. The bike handles great and has amazing power. Getting off the L.O.C. R6 onto the MV is quite a change and it took a few laps to acclimate myself to the power and torque difference,” explained Vanderhaar of the experience. “The second rear Dunlop felt good, but at that point I was physically drained and just wanted to complete the race in one piece to remain in the championship chase. This weekend has shown me how important Phil Caudill is to the team and to keeping things running smooth throughout the weekend,” said Marm.5150 / Team moto-heaven.com gained a few new sponsors just prior to the weekend as well. Marm and Caudill will finish the season wearing Suomy Helmets and the new Puma Moto race boots as well as using pit and race gear from BLACK + GRAY.
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