Article from 1tail.com - Thank you Patti!

Annette Robb - A Hired Jockey Kicking Butt and Taking No Names
Patti Smith for 1Tail, Wednesday, October 31, 2007

California, USA - Annette Robb aka "Bumble Bee", mother of two, has now been officially racing for the past 2.5 years. She used to crewchief for an old boyfriend, for 5 years and decided to take the leap and jump into the rider’s seat. She loves the sport and the camaraderie that comes along with it. She feels it’s a “great community and wanted to be directly involved.” Now, it’s a serious passion and, Robb`s doing everything in her power to become an NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle rider.

When asked how many other women raced around her area, her reply was “about 6.” Why it was still a 1-digit number, especially in California, she stated, “Women seem more intimidated by the machines and the guys. They lack the self-confidence to participate more actively. There are a few women rider groups in our area, such as Plush Racing and NorCal Chic Riders, that were formed to get more ladies involved in the motorcycle community from a hands-on perspective. They have track days to show these potential new riders safe practices in a safe environment. When a woman feels safe the intimidation subsides. With local companies like Go Moto, which caters specifically to women riders, the level of interest and confidence is bound to skyrocket.

When asked how she specifically felt about her sport, Robb emphatically stated, “It`s sooooo much fun, I LOVE IT. Regardless of what you do for a living, everyone needs an escape from the day-to-day drudgery and, I found mine. There’s nothing else out there like this. It’s you, your machine and the environment and, for those 8 seconds, nothing else matters. I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT I CAN BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS INDUSTRY.

How was her first run? “It was exhilarating. I was racing my old street bike – an ‘03 Kawa ZX6. Having crewed for such a long time, I had no fear whatsoever I felt REALLY comfortable. I’m extremely competitive, which pushes me to perform better. My first run was a 12.78, in the ¼ mile on a 636cc bike. Every time I went out, for the first couple of weeks after that, I cut a .10 off of my times – eventually, reaching a time of 10.75, at 131 mph. At that point, you really start to push yourself, your skills and your machine.” Unfortunately, in June of 2005, she pushed herself a little too hard and flipped her bike at the track but, her desire to succeed healed her wounds and mended her spirit and, when asked by the ER tech if she’d race again, her instant reply was, “absolutely!” She was off the track long enough to repair her bike and, a month later she was out racing and riding like nothing had happened.

Due to financial reasons, in October 2006, she had to get rid of her street bike and was without a motorcycle for about 9 months. As Luck would have it, this put her in a position to be a “hired jockey” for her friends Eddy and Paula Palmer of the NorCal Dragrace Association. As she explained, “Instead of being a lone racer, I had the opportunity to ride for one person – one team.” When the offer came, she had to ask, “Why me?” "The response that I received was `because I know you can do it`", but, even with such an amazing opportunity, I had to discuss it with my family. One has to understand and accept the reality that all racers face, which is that every time you line up we intentionally put ourselves in harm’s way. If anything should happen to me, it would affect my family, permanently, and that’s something they need to understand, too.” What do her kids think of their mom’s racing? “My son is fairly removed rom it. It’s not something that he actively participates in or has an opinion about. My daughter, on the other hand, is very involved and, actually, races, also. There is a saying in racing circles which states, ‘The families that race together stay together’, and we are no exception.”

For those uninformed about drag-racing and, interested, Annette points out some differences between street bikes and drag bikes. Street bikes, for the most part, are stock and street legal, whereas, most drag bikes are not. The variances in bike set-up largely depend on the type of racing you do – i.e., Street E.T., Pro E.T., Super Comp, Super Gas, etc. Almost every event you race will have it’s own set of rules designed to make the class fun and competitive for all. Know your machine, your set-up and always have fun!”

Her latest time and personal best-to-date is an 8.90, with a top speed of 149.5mph. Thus far, her best 60’ time has been 1.28 seconds. She is currently racing an ’86 Suzuki GSX-R with a 1340cc motor and 13.5:1 compression. “It’s like riding a rocket but sooo much fun, In fact, we’ve made that the team’s motto – ‘LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!” she stated, laughingly. Robb credits the owner of her ride, Eddy, for being a huge part of her success, to date. “He is a phenomenal teacher – always very good about telling me what the bike should do after we make tuning changes which, ultimately, helps us perform better.”

Recently, the team participated in a local event, The West Coast Motorcycle Challenge at the Sacramento Raceway. “We were very excited and optimistic. Essentially, going into this event, we were the underdog but we managed to rise through the ranks and take home 1st Place in the Super Comp Category. For those that are learning about drag racing – a Super Comp is an 8.90 time index, which means you have to run as close to 8.90, without breaking out. We had a lot of fun and walked away with the win. Now, that’s a great way to end the day!” she stated. “We are working very hard to put together a strong, competitive season for 2008, and plan on bringing home 1st Place, as frequently as possible!”

Annette Robb, Eddy and Paula Palmer, and NorCal Dragbike would like to thank their sponsors: AEC Cycle (Sacramento, CA), AERIS-West (Sacramento, CA), Pac-West Trailers, (North Highlands, CA) and Natinal Down Syndrome Coalition (Roseville, CA)

The team is currently seeking additional sponsors for the 2008 season. Annette may be reached at bumblebeezx@yahoo.com. To check out what she’s been up to, visit: NORCAL DRAGBIKE ASSOCIATION AT http://www.norcaldragbikes.com/, http://bumblebeezx.blogspot.com/ and at www.myspace.com/bumblebeezx.

To check it out at the source go to: http://www.1tail.com/sa/news/s/default.htm?g={0BB984A8-7A2A-49D4-B38C-564A53347581}

To the finals - she went!

Everytime my daughter gets out there and races, it brings me so much pride! She has found something that she enjoys, much like mom, but really for her own reasons!

She made it to the semi-finals the last two Wednesdays in a row and last night (10/24/07) she made it to the finals! WooHoo!

She ran good and had some luck thrown in there too but overall she kept the pedal down and her eyes on the prize!

She got one qualifying pass:

• 16.01 @ 84.45 mph with a .215 reaction and 2.49 60' time

As she entered eliminations she was cool, calm, collected and ready...

• 16.06 on a 16.00 dial-in WINNER
• 16.16 on a 15.97 (but she got a bye run) automatic WINNER (thank goodness on that run)
• 16.01 on a 15.97 dial-in WINNER (her opponent red-lit)
• 16.14 on a 15.97 dial-in (hole shot win) WINNER we are on to the FINALS
• 16.01 on a 15.97 dial-in had she cut a better light she would have walked away with the win

Overall, she got a great runner-up trophy (her first drag racing trophy at that)! I will post a pic soon! I am SUPER SUPER proud of her...it took me 2 years of racing to get a trophy! You rock princess! She ran her personal best reaction time of .033 and I believe her personal best 60' time of 2.45! WooHoo!

I love you baby, you rock!

Rock & Race @ Redding Dragstrip!

Come one...come all! Let's have some fun at Redding Dragstrip this Saturday, October 27th. Gates open at 6pm!

Wednesday Night Drags – October 17, 2007 @ Sacramento Raceway

Well Sara has found her element - Wednesday nights thus far! She admittedly said she likes racing in the evening better! I am so proud of her, she is doing so good!

§ 16.21 @ 84.63 mph with a .189 reaction and a 2.61 60’ time (qualifying pass)
§ 16.13 @ 84.13 mph with a .132 reaction and a 2.57 60’ time (1st rd) WINNER on a 16.15 dial in
§ 16.39 @ 80.03 mph with a .169 reaction and a 2.52 60’ time (2nd rd) WINNER on a 16.10 dial in {hole shot win}
§ 16.07 @ 84.26 mph with a .046 reaction and a 2.50 60’ time (SEMI-FINALS) on a 16.10 dial in {she broke out}

Regardless she made it to the SEMI-FINALS twice now! ROCK ON!!! She also learned a little more about bracket racing too! Its all about seat time and she is LOVING every minute of it!

I am so proud of her (WOOHOO!!!) and really appreciate Jason allowing her to beat on his truck week after week. THANK YOU!

In addition, I like to say CONGRATS to my girl Alicia of Go Moto for winning in the finals against her husband Ira! Good Job girl, display that Trophy you earned it! WooHoo!!!

TRUCK DRAGS – October 14, 2007 @ Sacramento Raceway

My pride continues to grow as my daughter, Sara, continues to get better and better at her new adventure! Jason and I had been working with her in hopes of getting her ready to run Truck Drags on October 14th. It was a great weekend of racing, both Saturday and Sunday!



Big thanks to Fred for organizing this event, it was fun and a lot of trucks showed up to run. Even a few volkwagens and el camino’s came out…although I still haven’t figured out the correlation between them and the TRUCKS… It was a TRUCK drag, but whateva!

They gave them numerous practice runs, starting around 10 am. Giving her plenty time to get comfortable and ready to roll.

§ 15.38 @ 88.36 mph with a .257 reaction and a 2.38 60’ time
§ 15.78 @ 92.07 mph with a .247 reaction and a 2.54 60’ time
§ 15.56 @ 88.02 mph with a .195 reaction and a 2.44 60’ time
§ 15.98 @ 90.04 mph with a .264 reaction and a 2.57 60’ time
§ 16.03 @ 84.62 mph with a .209 reaction and a 2.50 60’ time
§ 16.02 @ 85.47 mph with a .127 reaction and a 2.52 60’ time
§ 15.99 @ 85.16 mph with a .137 reaction and a 2.50 60’ time
§ 16.03 @ 83.85 mph with a .174 reaction and a 2.50 60’ time

So lots and lots of practice passes! And she is pretty darn consistent….how does she do that? So now we break for a quick lunch and we’ll jump into the action a little after 1pm.

Unfortunately, she broke out 1st round and was eliminated with a:

§ 15.92 @ 85.24 mph on a 15.98 dial in

Yikes, so darn close. Her opponent was off by a lot on his run vs. dial time too! Oh well, that’s racing but she was hot when she went out. She cooled down a bit and we bought into Jackpot… let’s see how we do here!

Not so good…

§ 16.07 @ 84.82 mph on a 15.90 dial in

She needed that pass on the previous round, darn it! Ah well, it was all good fun and great practice… Not to mention her first competition! Good Job princess! She is excited for the next race…

Pics from West Coast MC Challenge!

West Coast Motorcycle Challenge – SUPER COMP WINNER!

We brought home 1st Place! What an amazing weekend (yet again)! I want to extend HUGE thanks to Charlie for putting on the event and having such a great turnout. Last but definitely not least… to my crew, without you this would not be possible in more ways then the obvious! I love you all (Eddy, Paula, Sara, Arianna & Lucas)!

Despite the weekend starting out wet and dreary, it ended with AMAZING glory! Friday I opted to stay home cuddled in a warm blanket with my buns firmly planted on the couch…NICE! ;) Saturday started with excitement and anticipation of a great day and it was nothing less then SPECTACULAR! It was cold and foggy when we got to the track at 8am, but the sun came out and blessed us with a beautiful day!

From what I understand each class was fairly well rounded out! Top alcohol had an exceptionally big class for the type of bike and amount of money/effort that goes into making these puppies run! Street ET/Pro ET were very big as well! Both Super Gas and Super Comp had a fair number of competitors!

We were VERY optimistic going into this competition and registered for Super Comp (which is an 8.90 index) which means we had to run as close to 8.90 as possible. We started the day out with two qualifying passes…



§ 9.29 @ 146.62 mph with a .283 reaction and a 1.53 60’ time
§ 9.01 @ 147.17 mph with a .343 reaction and a 1.41 60’ time

Our first pass lead to some mechanical issues, which we fixed! Now as usual my reaction SUCKED…and this was not a good time to have my 60’ times so crappy either BUT we did qualify 2nd in our index so I’m not going to complain!

At this point we talked about making some changes to help with reaction and my 60’ time. We opted to make some minor but significant adjustments. As usual, Eddy prepped me for the recourse and THANK GOODNESS he did! Now anyone who has drag raced a motorcycle/dragbike themselves will tell you many times a challenging run doesn’t feel as bad as it looks…well apparently that was the definition of this next run…which just so happened to be my 1st round elimination run…

§ 11.39 @ 134.56 mph with a .157 reaction and a 1.300 60’ time

Ok so reaction time was much better and 60’ time was where we need to be BUT… it hit SUPER hard off the line and all I can tell you is it headed for the cones, I got out of it long enough to straighten her out and get back in it. From what I’m told and from seeing my daughter’s reaction it must have been one heck of a scary thing to watch. Now let me follow that up with this… it didn’t feel that bad! I was pissed to say the least when I exited the track and said a few choice words as loud as I could in my helmet. But to my amazement when I got to the time slip booth the gal handed me the white slip! “WHAT? Are you sure???” I was shocked and at first thought “there is no way I drove around her…” (yes my competitor was a chic, Jessica from Utah). But apparently Jessica red-lit and I was so busy having fun on the track I never saw the win light come on. Anyway, I was excited! Then Eddy brought my poor baby girl to me and she was in tears, my run had scared her very badly. So it was time for me to have "the talk" with her, the one that reassures our loved ones that despite the danger we as riders take on every time we get on that track that she needed to trust my ability and my comfort zone. I felt terrible! I’m sorry I scared you Sar-bear, you know that is never my intention! But hey we won and I’m ok! After the run, several people came up to me including Eddy to ask if I was ok?!?! Again, it didn’t feel that bad, sorry for scaring everyone! From what I’m told you could read the bike number (which is on both sides of our wheelie bar) both sides clearly (at one point), I was leaned over VERY far and just all over the place. I’m told many people were ready to run to help me (even the EMTs), as they thought for sure I was gonna wreck. But we pulled it out and still won the round!!! ;) Now we are on to 2nd round and I’ve got the crazy/fun ride out of the way… (hahaha) let’s get down to business! We reversed and compensated for some of the changes we made on the previous run, so let’s have some fun…

§ 9.04 @ 148.92 mph with a .287 reaction and a 1.45 60’ time

So again, I was expecting the yellow slip and the gal gave me the white! What? Are you sure??? So not enough adjustment to get me in the 8.90’s, but enough to get us to the finals! YUP you read right… my opponent broke out (8.87 in an 8.90 index) now in these circumstances I always hope that was a best pass run for my opponent (it helps soften the blow…I know from experience)! The amazing part was he tree’d the crap out of me with a .003 light (BEAUTIFUL) but he broke out by… you guessed it .003!!!! We make a few more adjustments, some which were just hard to believe… like running 4.5 pounds of pressure in the back tire! But Eddy you’re a genius because it was everything we needed….

§ 8.904 @ 147.74 mph with a .225 reaction and a 1.28 60’ time

This run felt AMAZING from launch to finish, everything was in synch and it was truly amazing! As I came around to the time slip booth I see Eddy grab the time slip from the gal and wave me threw. All I can think at that time is “how sweet, he doesn’t want me to be disappointed” I mean the run felt great but I was running a bike that just looked like an 8 second bike (standing still)! So I get back to the pit, park the bike, begin to take my gear off and I hear Eddy clear his throat (enough to get my attention) and as I turn around he displays the WHITE time slip! Are you kidding me??? WOOHOO!!! Seriously I think people in Georgia could have heard me scream!!! What an amazing feeling! Then as if it can’t get any better, he shows me the time… an 8.904 on an 8.90 index. This was by far the sweetest, not only did it bring home the win for our crew but it was our best E.T. and best 60’ time! We are elated!!!!

In addition, my girl Alicia of Go Moto won first place in Pro E.T. category, I am so proud of her. She widdled down a huge class and kicked butt all the way to the Winners Circle! Sorry guys…sometimes a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do! ;) CONGRATS Alicia, I love ya!

We received many, many CONGRATS and we appreciate every single one of them! THANK YOU! I will have pics soon!

For those that did not make it out, please mark your calendars for May 2008! I understand we are going to have this event twice next year, which will be great! It was SSSSSOOOOOO much fun and such a great turn out! In addition to the bike drags, there were pit bike races, ATV races, stunt bikes and as usual great fun! Thanks to everyone who made it possible! ;)

Till next time…keep the rubber side down (at least for awhile) and be safe!

Bumble Bee

She made it to the semi’s last night!

My daughter, Sara, raced in the Wednesday Night Drags last night to get some much needed seat time in preparation for Sundays Truck Drags! As you may recall last week was her first time in the truck without a rider accompanying her. So as nervous as I was she did fantastic! Jason has been very patient in teaching her the do’s and don’ts of drag racing a truck/car, I have NO experience in that category. I’ll stick to two wheels, thank you very much! As soon as we got to the track, Jason threw her in the truck and she was off and running! Her first hit (qualifying pass) was:

15.92 @ 84.5 mph with a .176 reaction and a 2.47 60’ time

She patiently waited her turn till the next run which was her 1st round hit:

15.97 on a 15.92 dial in. 84.4 mph, 0.70 reaction and a 2.52 60’ time (WINNER, WINNER)

She must have intimidated her opponent because he red-lit! So now we are on to 2nd round… ROCK ON!!!

15.95 on a 15.95 dial in (NICE)!!! (WINNER, WINNER)

She actually ran a 15.959 that’s how close she got it… YOU ROCK GIRL! 85.13 mph, .042 reaction (killin’ em on the lights girl…) and a 2.56 60’ time. FANTASTIC! Her opponent (which was a mustang BTW) dialed a 13.20 and ran a 14.10. Now we are on to the SEMI’s….

16.13 on a 15.93 dial in…

OOPS she red-lit this time. Just a tad too anxious, watched her roll just enough as the last amber lit up. If she had held it a split second longer I’m positive her light would have been a teen or better. Her opponent was dead on his dial in; he ran a 15.052 on a 15.05 dial in. But if she would have tree’d him it would have made all the difference! Anyway, she ran 84.01 mph, -.064 reaction and a 2.58 60’ time.

It was a FABULOUS night, she learned a lot, had a good time, and went to the semi finals! I am a VERY proud mom and am tickled that she gets to experience this at such a great age!

Thanks to my friends Eric and Steve for letting me use your bikes for a quick spin. They are fun, but Steve you need a SUZUKI bro! ;)

Also HUGE CONGRATS to Ira for winning Wednesday Night Drags, don’t get too carried away with your cup now ya hear! ;) Alicia, send me a pic of Ira from last night, so I can post it!

Till next time… well you know how I roll! ;)

Another step to independence...

Well we are trying to get Sara ready for the Truck Drags on October 14th @ Sacramento Raceway! As of lately she has been making passes in the truck with a passenger, but last night marks the first time she made a solo pass! WooHoo! YOU GO GIRL! She did very well and beat a Honda, even better! She's still learning all the do's and don'ts of drag racing but for the most part she knows a good more then some of the guys I've seen run out there! I'm very proud of her and look forward to her progressively getting more confident and getting better overall!

All you guys...look out. She's gonna kick your butt....one day! ;)

Pics from the Go Moto BBQ 9-29-07

FINALLY...

I am truly a blessed individual, I have a beautiful daughter who is amazing in so many ways and a great son who is charming and cool, I have amazing friends, I have a phenomenal desire to race and I have the support of a GREAT crew, and I also have a huge passion for bikes in general and get to enjoy that more and more, recently. All these things help me to be who I am and achieve the goals we set. Thank you to all who are a part of that!

I know I always take time out to thank Eddy and family, but I really can’t express how much I love and respect them. They had faith in me to do well and that in turned fueled my desire. Eddy you’re a FANTASTIC teacher and person. You’re always patient with me and always help me to perform better. Thank you! Paula I appreciate you allowing him to come out to the track so frequently! Thank you!

This weekend ranks up there with some of the best! My daughter had an opportunity to go out of town, which left mom with a free weekend! Friday night I went out to the track for no other reason then just to go. Watched some racing and then went and hung out with a friend. It was the start to a great weekend. Saturday, Go Moto had a BBQ at there shop, which seemed to have a great turnout. NorCal Dragbike Assoc. was out there representing our crew and what we do! Thank you Alicia, for letting NorCal Dragbike come out and share in your event, it was great fun! Alicia also had a dyno guy out there, so lots of people got their bikes dyno’d. That was cool to see and hear! Several riders came by (guy and girl) to check out the event and it seemed as though there was a fair amount of store purchases happening too! Hurray! Photos to come...

Saturday night was Grudge Fest @ Sacramento Raceway and we decided to go have some fun! We’ve been having some problems with the clutch slipping, but did not get the new clutches in on time so we went with some stiffer slightly longer springs. Eddy is ALWAYS really good about telling me what the changes will do, so I know what to expect. We knew the new springs would make it hit harder off the line…but I didn’t realize how hard till we got out there. The first two passes hit really hard, we made some adjustments through the night and got it down to what I call “Manageable Chaos”. All good…

• 11.29 @ 142.69 mph with a .270 reaction and 1.31 60’ time (shitty run, hitting super hard of the line, good 60’ time)
• 11.12 @ 141.25 mph with a .168 reaction and 1.38 60’ time (again still hitting hard, had to get out of it, but consistently good 60’ time) Thanks Dave for your tip, it really helped me!
• 9.35 @ 147.41 mph with a .263 reaction and a 1.38 60’ time (we made some adjustments and its manageable now. 60’ time still consistent – GREAT!)
• 8.97 @ 149.57 mph with a .271 reaction and a 1.39 60’ time (WOOHOO! Finally my 8 second pass! We again made some minor adjustments on this pass, we were still spinning and still doing a little dance but it was an overall great run. Again, consistent 60’ time)
• 9.09 @ 148.77 mph with a .170 reaction and a 1.30 60’ time (Best 60’ time yet, but the track just didn’t have the support we needed. This pass did a lot of dancing but ironically it was FUN, I wasn’t in the least bit intimidated or scared.)
• 9.35 @ 147.01 mph with a .318 reaction and a 1.49 60’ time ( I was cold as was the track. Again we were doing some dancing, although this time I'm fairly sure you could have set a beat to it, but it was FUN!)

Overall, we learned A LOT and had a phenomenal night! I learned a TON more about riding and improved my skills by a good amount! I LOVE RACING and with every pass that passion grows that much deeper!

There were several people who came by to give congrats and inquire about the bike/runs, etc. Thank you, your support is overwhelming! Eddy you looked like a kid in a candy store every time someone came by to say something, I’m so glad I could do this for you/for us… so glad I could pull out that 8 second pass! Thank you again for the opportunity!

Sunday was a completely lazy day for me which rounded out a fantastic weekend in the best way! Till next time… keep the rubber side down (at least for awhile) and be safe!

BB