I have collect 445 points in the amateur class this season. The rule book says 400+ puts you up into the expert class. I guess my questions are:
-Does this put me into the expert class if I don't fight it?
-I run middle weight and have been racing for 3 years. Should I go to expert? I would think it would be a bit safer not so much the "meat grinder" but I would have no chance of finishing well.
-I would think just racing and practicing with experts would make me a safer racer?
-Did anyone change recently and can give me some input?
Thanks
I'll let you know next year.
I sent CCS a email asking about points etc. Here is what I got back from Eric Kelcher.
"The total points for all classes (not the overall points that are used for regional championships) regardless of PI is used by the computer to generate the advancement list. There are other criteria used as well; official recommendations, class championships, rider requests, and ROC finishes."
What I get from the responce is that the computer makes a 'recomendation list' of people that made the cut, and CCS looks at the list and makes the final decision on the move to expert or not.
If it were me, if I made the cut I would take it. I'm not winning anything as an amatuer so, what is the difference if I go to Expert status. I still wont be winning anything.
"The total points for all classes (not the overall points that are used for regional championships)"
Huh?? Adding up all the class points doesn't equal your overall points? I am confused.
once you hit 400 total points you make the list to go expert. congrats
Quote from: Spooner427 on October 23, 2007, 01:03:58 PM
"The total points for all classes (not the overall points that are used for regional championships)"
Huh?? Adding up all the class points doesn't equal your overall points? I am confused.
Not all classes count towards overall points in a region (the points used to determine the top 10 in each region). For example Formula 40 points do not count in overall points.
Ok so if I made 445 in the overall regional then I made enough to go....
So now who has gone from the "meatgrinder" to the expert class. I can only assume it has better racers who won't be trying to kill you are bounce you off in the corners.
i thought it was adjusted points at the end of the season
i could be wrong
You will still have the meat grinders since most of the time they run EX and AM together. Don't worry about moving up you rode good enough to run with the EX. See ya next year
Quote from: Spooner427 on October 23, 2007, 02:37:46 PM
Ok so if I made 445 in the overall regional then I made enough to go....
So now who has gone from the "meatgrinder" to the expert class. I can only assume it has better racers who won't be trying to kill you are bounce you off in the corners.
Let me fix that for you " better racers who are better at bouncing you off in the corners" Just kidding. In the expert classes riders are prob. more predictable but also much more aggressive. With 3 yrs of experience you should be ready unless you've only done a couple races a year.
**RCR531**
Yeah I did think about that. I would still have to run with the meatgrinders just hopefully only the slow ones....
**ahasting**
When I get passed by the expert guys it SCARES me but for the most part it's like taking off a bandaid very quick and then it's over. In amateurs they linger there sometimes or go wide at you.
I am starting to think I might try and get held back 1 more year. I have ran every BHF race for the 3 years and some of the other tracks(BHF is our main track in midwest). My fastest time at BHF this year was 1:16.5 but mostly I run 1:18's and looking at the experts lap times they are out of my reach.
I don't know BHF, but just doing a quick look at laptimes Mid 16s should put you close to midpack expert. And you should be still improving so i am sure you can expect to improve on that. The problem is a lot of guys don't want to go expert untill they can run near the top, but it is like starting over when you go expert with a few exceptions.
Quote from: LilJayRR on October 23, 2007, 09:54:47 AM"The total points for all classes (not the overall points that are used for regional championships) regardless of PI is used by the computer to generate the advancement list. There are other criteria used as well; official recommendations, class championships, rider requests, and ROC finishes."
What they mean is that for the Expert 'bump' it's the total of ALL points you've earned in ANY and ALL classes you've raced in.
The Overall Regional Points Championships that determine the Top 10 Expert number plates for next year use a different calculation, they incorporate Performance Index and exclude points earned in certain classes - but that has nothing to do with your situation.
If you are getting scared out there with experts, maybe you shouldn't move up just yet. There is always a pucker factor, but you should never be scared. I plan on moving to expert next year and treating it like I'm a first year novice again. just anxious to get to the track and learn what I can....
Spooner,
My take of racing is that the goal of any racer is to get to expert status. An expert rider is measured more on ability and smoothness and not so much the outright speed. A slow rider on a fast bike will be erratic, a fast rider on a slower bike will be smooth. I suggest to not measure by points but more on ability.
I was never placed on the points upgrade list but requested the bump after two years. It was the best change I coud have made. Racing against more talent is so much more satisfying and the rider improvements have been great.
Mark
Quote from: Spooner427 on October 23, 2007, 02:37:46 PM
Ok so if I made 445 in the overall regional then I made enough to go....
So now who has gone from the "meatgrinder" to the expert class. I can only assume it has better racers who won't be trying to kill you are bounce you off in the corners.
Last year I had a bunch of podiums and finished Mdwest Am. 2nd Supertwins, 4th HWSB, and 5th HWSS, and was moved to Expert on podiums rather than points.( I didn't really keep track of points.)
I went to the white plates this year, but only one weekend, and then I realized I was burned out. My finishes were top 10, and I ran pretty good for my times @ BFR, all variables considered in a completely different bike, and I'll stop mumbling to find the point. It depends on your goals as someone else pointed out. I knew that in order to approach the podium with Experts I'd need LOTS more work on the machine and my fitness. Time, energy, and money all mixed together with an intense focus that I did not have at the time. Consider a couple things for Expert running especially in the MWs; Fuel and tires. As you pull an Emeril and BAMMM, kick EVERYTHING up a notch, you're gonna need a higher state of tune in all depts of your program; race fuel, more tires, dyno time, brake work, fitness level HAS to increase to run with the likes of Hall, Girard, and Edgar. :-) Improved Safety pretty much depends on you. Try it. I bet you'll like it.
I am on the fence. If I stay back for 1 more year I will have to go up next year which is fine. Hopefully the crazy fast guys in amateur will be force up and then it will be a tighter knit group at the front. Going up won't be bad just wish it would get me totally away from the meat grinders, otherwise I feel I should just stay and run with them.
If you have run that many races for the past 3 seasons I believe you should move up. Moving up is a step towards improving your riding and racing skill. I have NEVER seen a rider move to expert and not go faster. I'm sure you will also enjoy the pride and sense of accomplishment of earning your white plate as well. Enjoy your successes.
Quote from: Spooner427 on October 25, 2007, 03:27:13 PM
Hopefully the crazy fast guys in amateur will be force up and then it will be a tighter knit group at the front.
there are crazy fast amateurs every year...
take your bump
Dude, spooner, I'm taking the bump . you and I normally ran close to the same at BFR so at least you'll have me to go at it with out there.
I haven't talked with Billy yet but I'm almost positive that he'll be running white plates next year too.
It's going to be a great time regardless of standings. :thumbsup:
**LMsports**
It is an accomplishment to get the white plate and I ride my bike on the street so I will be able to ride with a bit more pride.
**gntbldr**
Glad to hear other peeps I know will be there with me. I have tried to email Billy but he doesn't answer. I have his number and will probably end up just calling him when I get time.
move to expert ...you won't regret it