El_Diablo_R1M
BARF Racer
Buttonwillow Raceway Park | May 29–31, 2026
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Before diving into the race weekend recap, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the incredible businesses and individuals who continue to support this racing program:- BARF – Bay Area Riders Forum
- Tellus Coffee
- O'Malley's Sports Pub
- Fred's Place
- MouraScape
- Race Pace Motorsports
Friday – May 29, 2026
Preparation and Travel
Friday was dedicated to preparing for the second round of the AFM Championship Series at Buttonwillow Raceway Park. I spent the day organizing equipment, inspecting both race bikes, and packing the trailer to ensure everything was ready for a successful weekend. Fortunately, both motorcycles checked out well and required only routine preparation before hitting the road.One of the highlights heading into the weekend was securing support from Oscar Fernandes and Race Pace Motorsports. Oscar was able to provide three sets of Michelin race tires at a generous discount and committed to supporting the program trackside for the remainder of the season. In addition, Race Pace Motorsports will be mounting and dismounting my tires free of charge throughout the year. This kind of support makes a tremendous difference in keeping a privateer racing effort competitive and sustainable.
O'Malley's Sports Pub also stepped up once again by providing plenty of hydration supplies, including a full case of water and a few Long Drinks to help recover after long days in the California heat. Small gestures like these go a long way during race weekends and are greatly appreciated.
Weekend Investment
As many of you know, racing is a passion-driven endeavor that requires significant commitment and resources. For transparency, here is a breakdown of some of the major expenses associated with this round:- Truck Fuel: Approximately $250
- VP Racing Fuel: $155
- Three Sets of Michelin Race Tires: $1,375
- AFM Registration and Race Fees: $380
Saturday – May 30, 2026
Finding My Pace Again
Saturday began with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. I had not ridden at Buttonwillow Raceway Park since Round 1 of the previous season, and I wasn't sure how quickly I would regain my rhythm around the circuit.Fortunately, AFM assigned me to a practice group based on my recent pace and results, which placed me alongside some very fast riders. This proved invaluable. I spent the early sessions following experienced competitors, studying their lines, braking markers, and corner exits. The confidence started building quickly.
One of the biggest confidence boosts came during qualifying. Despite my teammate having participated in Friday practice and having considerably more recent experience at Buttonwillow, I managed to qualify ahead of him. It was a small victory, but one that reinforced the progress we've been making since Round 1.
Middleweight Supersport
Saturday's individual racing schedule consisted of Middleweight Supersport, one of the most competitive classes in AFM competition.I qualified 9th on the starting grid and was eager to see what I could accomplish. Unfortunately, I did not get the launch I wanted and immediately lost four positions heading into Turn 1.
Rather than panic, I focused on settling into a rhythm and reacquainting myself with racing conditions at speed. Racing is very different from practice or qualifying, and it took a few laps to get comfortable.
By Lap 3, I had worked my way back to my original starting position in 9th place. Over the final three laps, I continued pushing forward, making clean passes and steadily closing gaps. When the checkered flag flew, I had recovered two additional positions and crossed the finish line in 7th place.
Honestly, I wish the race had been longer than six laps. I felt like I was just getting into my stride when it ended.
Team Endurance Victory
The day concluded with one of the most rewarding events of the weekend—a 75-minute endurance race.I compete as part of Calderon Racing Team in the Team Championship. Alongside my primary 2006 Yamaha R6, I also campaign my 2000 Yamaha R6 in the Legacy class as part of the BARF Racing program.
Our three-rider team executed a clean and consistent race, and after 75 minutes of hard competition, we brought home 1st Place in the endurance event.
Standing on the top step of the podium was an incredible feeling and a great way to cap off Saturday. I was proud to represent Tellus Coffee, O'Malley's Sports Pub, Fred's Place, Race Pace Motorsports, BARF, and MouraScape during this victory.
Sunday – May 31, 2026
Legacy And MW Superbike
After enjoying some MotoGP Sprint racing and a well-earned Long Drink under the moonlight Saturday evening, it was time for Sunday AFM competition.The morning warm-up sessions felt fantastic. The "Old Girl"—my 2000 Yamaha R6—was working beautifully, and I felt confident heading into the Legacy Superbike race.
I lined up 8th on the starting grid and once again struggled slightly off the launch, giving up a couple of positions before reaching Turn 1. However, I remained calm and focused on executing my race.
For the first few laps, I concentrated on finding rhythm and bringing the tires up to temperature. Once everything was fully working, I began attacking.
Using some of my strongest sectors around the track, I steadily closed the gap to the riders ahead. One by one, I worked through the field and eventually climbed all the way to 4th place.
By Lap 6, I had established a comfortable gap over 5th position and was preparing to bring home what would have been one of my strongest finishes in the class.
Unfortunately, racing can be brutally unforgiving.
As I continued pushing near the limit, fatigue began setting in and small mistakes started creeping into my riding. Earlier in the race, I had received a warning exiting Sunset Corner when the motorcycle became unsettled over a series of bumps.
Attempting to avoid those bumps on the following lap altered my line slightly and forced me into a tighter apex. As I entered the final corner on the final lap, I encountered another bump while lightly trailing the front brake. The combination of uneven pavement, front-end unloading, and the motorcycle becoming unsettled resulted in a loss of front grip.
The bike tucked the front and I crashed.
The most painful part?
I could already see the checkered flag.
After fighting from outside the top ten to a comfortable 4th-place position, I lost it all in the final corner of the final lap.
That is racing.
Because of the injuries sustained here, I was unfortunately not able to race in the Legacy class later in the day.
Looking Forward
The positive takeaway is that both the motorcycle and I escaped relatively unscathed.I sustained injuries to both hands, with my left hand taking the majority of the impact. I suspect there may be a couple of minor hairline fractures, but overall I am fortunate that the injuries appear manageable.
The motorcycle was also surprisingly straightforward to repair and troubleshoot after the incident. It picked up a few battle scars and a little extra character, but nothing that cannot be fixed.
I am currently working closely with Oscar Fernandes and Race Pace Motorsports to make several improvements to my 2006 Yamaha R6, including suspension upgrades and setup changes that should help improve overall performance moving forward.
The goal is to recover quickly, complete the necessary repairs, and hopefully be back on track for Round 3 next weekend. We will continue evaluating both my physical condition and the bike throughout the week before making a final decision.
Closing Thoughts
Round 2 was filled with highs and lows.We earned a 7th-place finish in a highly competitive Middleweight Supersport field, captured a 1st-place endurance victory with Calderon Racing Team, and demonstrated front-running pace in the MW Superbike race before suffering an unfortunate last-lap crash.
Most importantly, we continue learning, improving, and building momentum throughout the season.
Thank you again to BARF, Tellus Coffee, O'Malley's Sports Pub, Fred's Place, MouraScape, Race Pace Motorsports, my teammates, friends, and everyone who continues to support this racing effort.
The season is still young, and we are excited to see what the remainder of 2026 has in store.
We'll keep you updated on the recovery process and preparations for Round 3.
See you at the racetrack.
