On the track – with a stuck speedometer

He knew the technique early

« I don’t even know how I would need to present me. Lithuanian, Baltic champion, » the cup said for him when the modesty of Kayus took the top. True, the 21 young man brought only a few-the most important. The remaining houses at home on the shelf and from time to time resembles the path that has gone through in a relatively short time.

« When did I take an interest in motorcycles? My parents are farmers, so as a child I met the technique. I was able to drive both a passenger car and farm machinery, » the two -wheeled vehicle, according to K. Žibutis, was in their yard when he was only five. As Sister Henry and his older brother Carol’s gift, the family’s barn was back home.

« Come here! » – The young man joked, and at that time he was planted on a motorcycle during the forcibly, he no longer touched him.

At the age of sixteen, Kay acquired a Category A1 driving license, allowing motorcycles to be driving more than 50 but not exceeding 125 cubic meters. cm and power – 11 kW. A new motorcycle purchased for his parents’ money and his own savings, and no need to look for a special motorcycle outfit.

IMPORTANT: The trail is a beastly speed, so you need to focus on yourself, not on your back or speedometer. Photo by K. Žibutis Personal Archive

« It turns out that my sister also drove a motorcycle in his youth. While living abroad, he bought a overseas, and when he returned to Lithuania, he hung it in the closet, » the leather garment, according to K. Žibutis, is perfectly fits.

Two years later, the young man acquired the right to drive a Category A2 vehicle and purchased his semi -British British.

« I bought a new, beautiful helmet, gloves, because until then I was wearing thicker work, and motorcycle shoes. I realized that I had a whole set – clothes, guards, motorcycle. On the track.

While you lower your eyes to the numbers on the speedometer, the image around changes. It can cost a lot.

Unexpectedly – first

In Kačerginė, Kay met Dom Kunce, the founder of the Reidora Racing team. He offered to join their group and test forces on the track.

« The event was two days. Saturday was for training, Sunday for competitions, » K. Žibutis said that the first day was the attention of the organizers.

Experienced motorsport lovers wondered that the Kajus, who had been on the city streets until then, had a great control of the motorcycle on the Kačerginė track and achieved a good speed result with an unprecedented motorcycle.

« Maybe I could participate in the competition then? » -Inspired by praise, he started the next day in the start-up Street-Sperbike 600 class and took first place. The taste of the victory was even more accumulated by the young man. The Kajus also successfully appeared in other competitions. Not only in Lithuania, but also in Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia.

« Nine competitions and the same number of cups. In the first year I participated, wherever I could. I found out that there are even two organizers of the competition, » K. Žibutis finished with a triumph with 2022. In the first standings of the first championship, he became the « Street-Supterbike 600 » class champion, the second to the highest podium, which, as the Kajus says, slept.

« I’m talking to a friend, counting points, I’m glad, and he says to me, ‘You didn’t attend Latvia!’ It turns out I did not see that competition – the last round of the championship, where the motorcyclist could still score fateful points was canceled due to poor weather conditions. « It cost me gold, but I didn’t complain, the year was really good. »

Expensive and dangerous

In the 2023 season, the Kajus spent the Kay not on the track, Sweden. Motorsport, he says, is not cheap, requires a lot of costs. From motorcycle transport, starting fees to tires that you have to change more than once during the season.

« The rear tires require maybe five, two front tires, but here it is very saving, » the motorcyclist estimated that the tire kit costs around 400 euros.

Of course, you can also save, but it is not recommended. Cheaper tires are briefly serving and are not as reliable.

« Once I saved and fell on slippery coating, » K. Žibutis was pleased that the track, where motorcycles were 100 km/h, during the race. speed, and in the straight line, both he and the motorcycle remained healthy. The young man paid off a few crushing, and the two -wheeled vehicle was one folded detail.

« Looking at the speedometer is not recommended. During my first race, I even put it on it. While you are dropped in numbers on the speedometer, the image around changes. It can cost a lot. I am not talking about finances … – For the same reason – security, K. Žibutis says, Do I feel excitement on the track?

Tradition: Kay with other athletes washed with champagne splashes with other athletes on the podium. Photo by K. Žibutis Personal Archive

Physically exhausted

Road Race Race is the most prestigious world of motoring. Athletes compete here on an asphalt -coated round track or specially blocked on the city streets. In contrast to, say, motorcycle crossing. It takes place on the nature track with natural or specially made obstacles – ups or descents, long springboard, waves and unexpected turns.

« In the past, I thought that the highway racing, unlike motocross, would not require a lot of physical fitness. Sitting on a motorcycle, and that’s it, » but after the first race, K. Žibutis realized that he was wrong.

Every time he climbed off his motorcycle, Kay feels as if he had ran several kilometers, and the next day, the sore muscles forced him to question, pressed the steering wheel of a two -wheeled vehicle or played in the gym. By the way, he often comes to the gym not during the motorcycle season. The trainers, like running, help him to maintain physical shape and prepare for the upcoming competition. They are scheduled for May this year.

“I have an enduro motorcycle for off -road. I thought I would train with him in winter and prepare for the season. When I returned to my race motorcycle after the Enduro motorcycle, I realized how different they were. Enduro is a comfortable and a race motorcycle is small, sitting on it. Then it hurts both the back and the neck, ”the young man shared his experience.

Support team

Before each competition, the Kajus follows a certain plan. The first point contains rest and sleep.

« Of course, two days before the race, it’s hard to fall asleep, I’m worried. Still, to be 100 percent spicy, quality sleep is necessary. On the day of the race you need to drink plenty of water with vitamins and trace elements because it’s hot, sweaty. Food? Flying on an empty stomach.

The support of relatives and friends, according to the young man, is crucial. Not only at moments like in Kačerginė, when I had to seek help for a motorcycle, but also when you want to share joy.

Support: Kay is happy because every time you end the competition has something to hug. Photo by K. Žibutis Personal Archive

« My parents are sick at home. Dad does not show excitement, and my mother asks every time I do not plan to finish. I remember when I came home with my first cup. One minute my mother rejoiced and her tears in her eyes. She worries and I understand why. Enjoying the Natural Geography at the University of Klaipėda, the motorcycle is not excluded by the motorcycle.

The technique, like humans, is aging, so it goes without saying that with a new motorcycle to compete a little easier. True, such a purchase would cost a lot of money. Currently, Kay cannot afford it.

« That’s why I compete with what I have and believe, » – K. Žibutis has no doubt that his tandem and the current motorcycle are very much.