History of Kihtay Racing
Ever since I was a kid I had a fascination with mechanics and how things worked. I guess I have my dad to thank for that. After all, I was his little shop helper. As I grew older I enjoyed going fast. While out dirtbiking, my dad wanted to enjoy the scenery, whereas I just wanted to go as fast as I could.
Eventually, I got my drivers license. Same rules applied, I just want to go faster and faster. Being raised with common sense, I took my need for speed to the track! I began drag racing, making my car faster, and setting better times. Shortly into it, I set some records and got noticed nationwide. I gained a few sponsors, allowing me to go even faster! |
I spent almost every weekend for years out at the drag strip. Constantly tuning my car for maximum performance. I had even put a cage in it to meet NHRA standards, as well as those of the salt flats! Then one day, travesty struck. Pulling into a parking space, I hear a ting noise. I pull my valve cover only to see my rockers free floating and valves had smacked. As simple as that, racing got put on hold.
What is a girl to do to itch her need for speed? The only logical thing- buy a street bike! I had an eye for vintage bikes with a love for their simplicity yet aggressive stance. I found a mint 1975 Yamaha RD350 two stroke that I rode (and still ride). After a few freeway trips, and side of the road spark plug swaps, I decided it might be a good idea to get a newer bike to ride on the freeway and of course a bit faster.
Searching for that ideal bike was easier then I thought. I saw a Ducati and instantly fell in love. I sat on it, and it just felt right. I knew it was the one. Searching Craigslist, I found a Ducati Monster 620. That bike was so much fun, it was so nimble and light! One day I decided to race the RD350 against the 620. The 620 lost, and was soon replaced with a larger displacement S2R1000 Monster.
Shortly into it, the S2R1000 started to feel slow- a common problem I have found myself constantly coping with. So while I was working at MonsterParts, I threw it up on the lift and installed some beefy Fast by Ferracci pistons! I had also done quite a bit of weight reduction as well, along with some amazing BST carbon fiber wheels. On the corner scales, it weighed in at 364 lbs with fluids, compared to the stock weight of 392 lbs DRY!
While my bike was down for the count, my friend let me borrow his Ducati 998 for a few months. This was an eye opening experience! My first fairing bike with even more power. After giving it back, I knew I needed more! Shortly after, I purchased a Ducati 1198. This bike is simply amazing! It is light weight, and the way the torque kicks in reminded me of my turbo'd car.
It had always been my dream to go to the Bonneville Salt flats! I just never had imagined myself to be going out there on a bike! With becoming more involved in the Ducati community and bike scene, it became my goal to take a Ducati out to the salt flats. Unsure of how I was going to execute this, I began to research and ask around. With the word out there that I was wanting to race, one of my friends, Jeff had approached me with an opportunity to race his Ducati 749 out at the salt flats! Of course I agreed! Continuing in my research, I reached out to Kerry Alter for advice, only to find him interested in me riding as well. After a group meeting, we all joined forces to create the Force of Phoenix Land Speed Racing team.
While working out details of our endeavors, Jeff told me to come along and try out road racing. He provided me with a Ninja 250 to learn all the basics on. It was a most humbling experience with so much more to teach me about riding and pushing my own abilities. It was hard work the first time out, with so much to work on with body position, the lines, late braking, and keeping the throttle pinned wide open. But I was hooked. Next track day, he was bringing the 250 out for me to ride again. While impatiently waiting, I decided to tape up the 1198 and take her for a spin. I don't think I've ever had more fun in my life!! I knew the bike, I felt comfortable on it, and had so much fun with it! I decided it was not a good idea to try and take out my main squeeze for track days though. After talking with some of my fellow racers, the opportunity came up to purchase one of their race ready Ducati 848s.
I must say, I have quite the passion for Ducati's and racing! Speed and going fast is just in my blood! I have been very fortunate to partake in many opportunities in life such as years of drag racing, road racing, one of the first to test the Sora Electric bike, as well as hands on experience working on Ducati's and various bikes. Now my biggest opportunity is right around the corner to attend and attempt world records at the Bonneville Salt Flats August 28- Sept 3rd, so stay tuned!
What is a girl to do to itch her need for speed? The only logical thing- buy a street bike! I had an eye for vintage bikes with a love for their simplicity yet aggressive stance. I found a mint 1975 Yamaha RD350 two stroke that I rode (and still ride). After a few freeway trips, and side of the road spark plug swaps, I decided it might be a good idea to get a newer bike to ride on the freeway and of course a bit faster.
Searching for that ideal bike was easier then I thought. I saw a Ducati and instantly fell in love. I sat on it, and it just felt right. I knew it was the one. Searching Craigslist, I found a Ducati Monster 620. That bike was so much fun, it was so nimble and light! One day I decided to race the RD350 against the 620. The 620 lost, and was soon replaced with a larger displacement S2R1000 Monster.
Shortly into it, the S2R1000 started to feel slow- a common problem I have found myself constantly coping with. So while I was working at MonsterParts, I threw it up on the lift and installed some beefy Fast by Ferracci pistons! I had also done quite a bit of weight reduction as well, along with some amazing BST carbon fiber wheels. On the corner scales, it weighed in at 364 lbs with fluids, compared to the stock weight of 392 lbs DRY!
While my bike was down for the count, my friend let me borrow his Ducati 998 for a few months. This was an eye opening experience! My first fairing bike with even more power. After giving it back, I knew I needed more! Shortly after, I purchased a Ducati 1198. This bike is simply amazing! It is light weight, and the way the torque kicks in reminded me of my turbo'd car.
It had always been my dream to go to the Bonneville Salt flats! I just never had imagined myself to be going out there on a bike! With becoming more involved in the Ducati community and bike scene, it became my goal to take a Ducati out to the salt flats. Unsure of how I was going to execute this, I began to research and ask around. With the word out there that I was wanting to race, one of my friends, Jeff had approached me with an opportunity to race his Ducati 749 out at the salt flats! Of course I agreed! Continuing in my research, I reached out to Kerry Alter for advice, only to find him interested in me riding as well. After a group meeting, we all joined forces to create the Force of Phoenix Land Speed Racing team.
While working out details of our endeavors, Jeff told me to come along and try out road racing. He provided me with a Ninja 250 to learn all the basics on. It was a most humbling experience with so much more to teach me about riding and pushing my own abilities. It was hard work the first time out, with so much to work on with body position, the lines, late braking, and keeping the throttle pinned wide open. But I was hooked. Next track day, he was bringing the 250 out for me to ride again. While impatiently waiting, I decided to tape up the 1198 and take her for a spin. I don't think I've ever had more fun in my life!! I knew the bike, I felt comfortable on it, and had so much fun with it! I decided it was not a good idea to try and take out my main squeeze for track days though. After talking with some of my fellow racers, the opportunity came up to purchase one of their race ready Ducati 848s.
I must say, I have quite the passion for Ducati's and racing! Speed and going fast is just in my blood! I have been very fortunate to partake in many opportunities in life such as years of drag racing, road racing, one of the first to test the Sora Electric bike, as well as hands on experience working on Ducati's and various bikes. Now my biggest opportunity is right around the corner to attend and attempt world records at the Bonneville Salt Flats August 28- Sept 3rd, so stay tuned!