The Moonlight Sprint is a key feature of this years RUBiS Jersey International Motoring Festival.
Terry Thuillier reveals just what it’s like to take part…
THE sprint is held over a quarter of a mile on the north carriageway of Victoria Avenue from east to west and is timed from a standing start, which provides plenty of action for spectators and competitors alike. It looks relatively easy, but to get a good time there is a technique that requires practice.
The gearing on the bike is very important, with good acceleration required low down and a good top speed.
After bringing the bike up to the line, it is carefully positioned behind the timing beam by an assistant who wedges the back of the rear tyre with a wooden chock. Once the bike is in position and the light turns green, the rider has one minute in which to start his run. During this time, the rider must be careful not to nudge the beam, as this will start the clock running.
The engine is revved to near maximum and the clutch released. If the clutch is let out too quickly, the front wheel will lift right up and result in an unwanted wheelie, which will not produce a good time. However, a little lift is acceptable, and to minimise this, the weight of the rider needs to be well forward.
It is also very important to line the bike up correctly and to have it perfectly upright, otherwise at the launch the back can step out and the bike swerve madly, causing the rider ‘a moment’ and losing precious time.
The start is very important. There is a saying among sprinters: ‘The clock is going fastest when you are going slowest.’ A couple of tenths lost or gained at the start can make half a second difference at the end. Often riders will be seen with their legs out at the start – this is to help them with the balance of the bike, until second gear is engaged some 50 metres or more down the road.
The next most important part is to get the gear changes just right, because a missed gear can easily occur. This is best avoided by changing just below the maximum revs. Once into second, the rider needs to get well tucked in behind the fairing or right down on the tank in order to minimise air resistance.
The more powerful bikes achieve times of 12 to 14 seconds and terminal speeds of over 100 mph, but there are a number of different classes and times vary accordingly. A timing beam 64 feet from the start line and further along the run provides the rider with useful information when analysing his runs.
The finishing line comes up very quickly and it is necessary to shut off and brake rapidly so as not to miss the turn-off before First Tower. To do the ‘ton’ on Victoria Avenue during the Moonlight Sprint, even for a fleeting moment, gives the rider a great buzz and he is often left with a feeling that he would love to just keep going!
Festival organiser Steve Salmon said: ‘The Moonlight Sprint is always a big draw at the festival, with people old and young attracted to the sounds, the speed and indeed the smell of the tyres! This special section of the event is always a favourite and we look forward to seeing bikes old and new in 2013.’
The Moonlight Sprint is the first event of the three-day Jersey International Motoring Festival on Friday 7 June.
