Got what it takes???

[Clarkie]

oops must have side effects like can't spell.

So how did you go? You going to AZ next month?

[dirkterrell]

I
BTW, Josh Graham won his Novice class championship running one set of street tires for the entire season. (not recommended for normal humans)

I saw Kevin Schwantz ride a pretty much stock FJ 600 against a guy (don't remember who it was) on an RZ500, The RZ had a serious power advantage on the FJ and would pull away on that long back straight at Road Atlanta but Kevin would pass him in the turns. Near the end of the race, Kevin passed him in turn 12 in the most amazing display of riding talent I think I have ever seen. He was off the track with the back end of the FJ coming around. I thought for sure Kevin was going to tumble hard but he managed to keep it under control. I swear, it looked like he passed the RZ going sideways.

So, no, you probably don't need to spend a lot to go racing in the novice class. Spend your money on training.

Dirk

[brian38]

So how did you go? You going to AZ next month?

Went in the back of my truck like my first post said

Had a good time things went really well. Did ok for the first time on a new bike.

[hcr25]

^^Clark saves his money for his ever-expanding trophy case

When are you going to get on a real bike Clark? (KAWI)

Wrong, i have seen him use the trophy plaques for the base for his trailer jack. That is one of the best uses for the dust collectors ever!

[Clarkie]

Wrong, i have seen him use the trophy plaques for the base for his trailer jack. That is one of the best uses for the dust collectors ever!

that one's a Daytona plaque, that's all that weekend was good for

[Sortarican]

Thanks for the info Joe and Casey.
Not racing isn't so much a money thing for me....
More of a I'm too slow, too old, and take too long to heal up thing.

But I think it would be a blast to do some track vacations around the country from time to time.
Since it looks like this course would qualify me to ride a good number of them, I'll probably take it sometime this year.

[dragos13]

just run sportsman and novice classes until you get the hang of things. trust me, speed will come. as for healing up, i do appreciate my youth when it comes to crashes.

what people should do to get their feet wet, is just apply for a one day race license. run a weekend with the club and see how you feel about it. most of you guys have track ready bikes, so its not a huge issue. you may just find it the most fun you have ever had, willing to give up everything else to make it to the track. if not, then atleast you can say you did it.

if the race scene intimidates you, like it does many who dont have the experience, then sign up for a weekend and do corner work. gives you a first hand look at the race weekend, get front row to the action, and GET PAID. this sport has places for racers and spectators alike. with a new track coming next year, the travel expenses will be even cheaper.

[Ghost]

I second all of that. It will change your life in a fantastic way

Yes, it will set you free of all worldly concerns that revolve around money as you'll soon have none of it.

I forget the author, but the quote is fitting:

"The only way to make a small fortune in racing is to start with a large one."

I'm not trying to discourage anyone from racing, it can be a great experience; but it can be very, very costly and people really need to plan out a full budget and try to get a clear idea of the expenses involved: including bike prep, travel, lodging, HEALTH INSURANCE, and other misc expenses like entry fees, race schools etc.

MRA has a lighter scedule than WERA or some of the other "Club" (sub-AMA) level organizations so that can help, but even running take-offs and sharing rooms & expenses they do still add up--and all of this is ignoring crash damage to your bike and, worse, to YOU.

Not to make an example of Bob, but as anyone who knows him can attest, his accident was expensive in ways far beyond the damage to his bike. So you may want some sort of out-of-work (AFLAC-style) disability coverage too.

And, lastly, you don't have to go for the most cut-throat class out there, especially if you're on a budget. Sportsman on something like an SV650 (which you can run in Lightweight as well) is cheaper to get into and with smaller grids, it's less intimidating and, with less riders it's easier to learn.

Again, I'm not trying to dissuade people from racing, but before you jump into it do some serious homework and get as much planned out and budgeted as possible. It sucks to get midway through a season and be completely out of cash.

-=-

....lol, now I need just need someone else to pay for me and I'm in for 2008!

[Sortarican]

.... with a new track coming next year, the travel expenses will be even cheaper.

The high plains track was one of the things that got me thinking about getting my race license.
Figured I'd take this year and my 10 free track days (thank you PMP and SpiderBob) to get my times up and maybe race the 2009 season.

[dragos13]

The high plains track was one of the things that got me thinking about getting my race license.
Figured I'd take this year and my 10 free track days (thank you PMP and SpiderBob) to get my times up and maybe race the 2009 season.

thats what I like to hear

[mayhem]

If you complete the Race School course can you get your Competition License and/or AMA membership somewhere down the road?
I might be into taking the course but probably wouldn't race until next year (or even the year after).

I'd also like to do some track days at other facilities around the country.
Is this race school (without License or AMA membership) recognized as meeting most tracks training requirements?

hey sortarican, you must have your ama card to even take the race class..once you purchase your ama card the website will let you print a temporary good for 2 months...after the race class you can get your race license whenever...just an fyi.......39.00 for a year membership, regular or competition.i just verified this last week. as i am also taking the race class to race this year (hopefully).......

[1ofTheBoys]

Thanks for the info Joe and Casey.
Not racing isn't so much a money thing for me....
More of a I'm too slow, too old, and take too long to heal up thing.

But I think it would be a blast to do some track vacations around the country from time to time.
Since it looks like this course would qualify me to ride a good number of them, I'll probably take it sometime this year.

I started out racing last year on an '01' R6 that I picked up fairly cheep. It was already set up for race but did not have a lot of fancy equipment on it. This bike worked well for me to start out on.

I too thought I would be too slow and I ended my first race a lap and a half behind everyone else. That was ok because I learned quite a bit in that one race. That was the last race I finished last. Each race I was faster and faster and that's all it took. I only raced Sportsman last year but will race 3 classes this year.

I had so much fun last season that over this winter I have sold one of my street bikes and am converting the other to a race bike. I already own the bike so there is not a huge expense in converting it over especially when you find people selling good used parts.

[pilot]

I started out racing last year on an '01' R6 that I picked up fairly cheep. It was already set up for race but did not have a lot of fancy equipment on it. This bike worked well for me to start out on.

I too thought I would be too slow and I ended my first race a lap and a half behind everyone else. That was ok because I learned quite a bit in that one race. That was the last race I finished last. Each race I was faster and faster and that's all it took. I only raced Sportsman last year but will race 3 classes this year.

I had so much fun last season that over this winter I have sold one of my street bikes and am converting the other to a race bike. I already own the bike so there is not a huge expense in converting it over especially when you find people selling good used parts.

There you have it folks. A model for success. And it's not like OOTByz won the lottery to do it. Just plain old sticktoitiveness.

[GNGSXR]

About 3 years ago i started doing corner work for the MRA. I had absolutely no interest in ever actually racing in an event. I was there to just help out and get an up close feel for the races. After corner work for a day i decided that yes, my life will not be complete unless i am out there racing as well. I was hooked.
I ended up buying a 2006 GSXR 750 for a good price. Probably not the best choice due to the fact i will be in the novice gto class racing against the 1000s. i wish would of got a used 600 or 1000 to be more competitive but no worries. the smaller displacement will just make me work even harder.
I took the MRA race class early last year and spent the rest of 2007 going to as many open track days as i could and doing corner work to not only help out but to study all the different riding styles/lines out there.
I primarily ran take offs picked up from different MRA racers. I would corner work for the day and spend the money i made buying take offs from racers at the end of the race day, haha. I dont think i will run take offs during the races but still plan on using them during practice sessions or track days.
This year will be my first race season. i am planning on racing in the novice gto and maybe sportsman once or twice.
Its very easy to race on a budget. Take offs, having a truck that runs off of E85 to haul your bike and crap around, checking various websites for used generators/take offs/tire warmers/used parts etc.
It will take some sacrifces depending on your current lifestyle though. I have a full time job and i am a full time mechanical engineering student here in the springs. I most likely wont have much of a social life with this race season in an attempt to focus my $$ on racing instead of dropping hundreds of dollars each weekend at a bar.
There arent too many people racing out there with an infinite budget unless you are one of those ducati riders with a 60 foot RV and a spare 1098 in your trailer .

[pilot]

Starting to sound like living in Colorado Springs, being it will be part way between the two tracks, will be the budget minded position.

[Sortarican]

.... Just plain old sticktoitiveness.

What's that?.....something you put on your tires?

.... focus my $$ on racing instead of dropping hundreds of dollars each weekend at a bar.

Everyone needs a hobby that keeps them off the streets and outta trouble.

.... There arent too many people racing out there with an infinite budget unless you are one of those ducati riders with a 60 foot RV and a spare 1098 in your trailer .

Moneys not that big an issue, plus I'm used to getting by with hand-me-downs and used/rebuilt equipment whenever possible.

And the 60' trailer/Ducati comment?.....who could that be referencing I wonder?

[GNGSXR]

Starting to sound like living in Colorado Springs, being it will be part way between the two tracks, will be the budget minded position.

exactly.
so if you are just starting out in racing take this advice. Buy a used race prep bike and move to the springs.

[pilot]

exactly.
so if you are just starting out in racing take this advice. Buy a used race prep bike and move to the springs.

Besides, more churches to pray for wins in and when you get them more strip bars to pick up a fresh supply of umbrella girls.

[Sortarican]

Besides, more churches to pray for wins in and when you get them more strip bars to pick up a fresh supply of umbrella girls.

And I know a preacher down there that can get us meth for cheap.

[N1KSS1KS1x]

It's gonna be money and time off work that will be my down fall for running the seasion. I'm gonna throw down my support for the mra and join up and run as many as I can though.
What kind of help can a first time racer get from venders. I'm thinkin none to very little. Any of you guys with take offs that would hook a brother up that would be fanfuckintastic.

[dragos13]

that is great to hear, the more members the better.

you can get lots of help your first year. put together a resume stating your experience with bikes, and goals for your novice year. also talk about how you can promote their company, ie to friends, family, get togethers, etc. any way you can make yourself look like an investment, not a cost. also approach places of employment, bars that you like to hang out at, shops that you frequent, and anyone else you can think of.

as for tires, you might want to get ahold of mark at vanmar. if you are going to be running takeoffs, they will have the most to choose from given they have the most racers. if you have friends that will join with you, the tires guys will usually give you a better hookup.

[lovinCO]

that is great to hear, the more members the better.

you can get lots of help your first year. put together a resume stating your experience with bikes, and goals for your novice year. also talk about how you can promote their company, ie to friends, family, get togethers, etc. any way you can make yourself look like an investment, not a cost. also approach places of employment, bars that you like to hang out at, shops that you frequent, and anyone else you can think of.

Don't forget to mention the contingency $$$--a way to get FREE tires.

[D Berns R6]

I have michelin take off's if you need some $20 each or $35 a set....

[Matrix]

hey sortarican, you must have your ama card to even take the race class..once you purchase your ama card the website will let you print a temporary good for 2 months...after the race class you can get your race license whenever...just an fyi.......39.00 for a year membership, regular or competition.i just verified this last week. as i am also taking the race class to race this year (hopefully).......

This was really good question but I am not clear on the answer. Does the AMA card and/or race license get you past the mandatory rookie classes at most tracks? Like many on here I think I have aspirations of racing in the years ahead but for now I want to gain experience on tracks I have never been to before. I also dont want to loose the first day or part of day going through the new track rider orientation because I am not 'qualified' even though I have a half dozen track days (I know not a lot) under me. Thanks in advance for the input.