The Derby track is only moderate size by 1/5th standards and really closer to being a 1/10th track. The reason you can race 1/5th round it is because its been made a sensible width.

However, It is extremely bumpy in every kind of way. The surface has the appearance of being laid by hand and is covered in small texture type ripples and holes and this has been laid over some not very flat hardcore. The result is an undulating, ripply surface that tests the handling to the limit. Its the only track we have raced the bikes on to date where you can have an accident in a straight line and completely unprovoked.

But…

It is extremely grippy and being exactly the right sort of size for a bike it is actually a pleasure to ride around. There is a big compromise however between speed and stability. High rake angles and soft, compliant suspension are what are needed combined with a smooth driving style.

Personally I rarely use full power and only drift the rear when absolutely necessary.

On a bad day you risk smashing your bike up (Trust me I have) but on a good day with a good bike it can be one of the most rewarding tracks to ride around. (Trust me it was, after I’d rebuilt the bike!)

Ian

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Setup Number: xxx
Name: Mark Bennett
Chassis: NF502 chassis no. 2

Date: 08-07-02
Time: 16:00
Place: Derby
Weather: Warm dry

Object of test: Document current setup

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Modifications:

Complete front fork assembly lowered 4mm

Rear swing arm in lowest possible position

Batteries in highest position

Rear seat body mounted in standard location

Ride height set with batteries parallel to ground.

Front forks at max rake position.

silicone steering system with 12mm free movement

Crash back fitted with silicon tube around the spring increasing stiffness

Rider figure lowered so that head is only just clear of tank and arms go well
down inside fairing. Done to lower weight and reduce rider wobble.

Rear shock has 4000 wt oil, hole drilled in cap and stiffer and longer rebound spring. Set
so that it is not quite doing anything at normal ride height.

Top shock mount using the forward hole

Front forks with seal and small amount of silicone oil. Steel fork legs

13x2 Peak motor running 69x14 standard gearing

Steering damper running benwell setup using 1.5mm silicon + grease

Crash bar mount in rear location

Kit front tyre + Nouva Faor treaded rear.

Rider trimmed to reduce weight as much as poss. Not easy but every little helps.

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