Since being a finalist in the Kawasaki Zero to Hero Challenge, Robert Parker has found new motivation for speed. Robert says, "Before Zero to Hero I would watch pro racers and their increasingly fast numbers and think I would never be in that league. But since riding the ZX-14R and working with Rickey Gadson, I now feel like I have a chance to beat these same guys!"
After the Zero Hero to event Robert purchased his very own ZX-14R and is now on a path for speed. The first thing he did was replace the stock exhaust with a Brock's Performance Alien Head Exhaust System and added Roaring Toyz swingarm extensions. "My goal for 2012 is to simply get use to the ZX-14R and perfect my riding, and then of course decide on what direction to go, nitrous or turbo charging? " said Robert.
Robert headed to the MIROCK Summer Bike Fest to ride his new bike and ride one of the Rickey Gadson school bikes. "I had a great time checking out the pro bikes and talking to Rickey Gadson and Chris Jones about Rickey's new 2012 ZX-14R turbo bike. MIROCK has a great atmosphere and I look forward to heading back to the next event in August." reports Robert.
Robert ran his new ZX-14R in Crazy 8's even though he didn't get a chance to install the Brock's Performance Clutch Mod or an air shifter. Despite foot shifting Robert made it three rounds before giving it away to the big red montser.
Photo by Teesphotoshop.com
In the 5.60 class Robert was running one of the Rickey Gadson school bikes. However he did not fair as well in this class. In the rush of doing a one day race, Robert forgot to charge up the air shifter before his first round and it cost him the race despite qualifying with a 5.67. Robert said, " I know it was a mistake on my part but, just like life some times you have to learn the hard way by making mistakes. This, will be that mistake I won't soon forget."
Photo by Teesphotoshop.com
All in all I look back at the race as a great experience to take back home and get prepared for the next time. I'm not at all discouraged but more fueled to go back and take a win.
In the next few months I plan on attending the the Mirock series and the Manufacturers Cup even though the series/championship is already under way. I want to get accustomed to the level of competition so that I can figure out what class to run and have the new ZX14R setup for the start of the 2013 season.
How has the Zero to Hero Experience Impacted your life:
Since the Zero to Hero Challenge I have gotten more attention which has opened the door to racing at a professional level. I have gotten support from Rickey Gadson, Brock Davidson, two local bike shops and hopefully a few more to come. I've been getting asked by fellow riders at local tracks to help teach them what they should be doing during a pass, some are even asking me to run their bikes in order to get a faster ET. The attention has been excited and humbling all at the same time. I am grateful to Kawasaki and all the people that continue to help and support me in my quest for Pro Rider Status.
