http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsgWdS5vVYg&feature=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsgWdS5vVYg&feature=youtu.be)
As you can clearly see, the rider stalls his bike and gets hit by the bike with the camera. What you DON'T see, is the stalled bike was pushed right after the camera guy hit's him, and was then hit AGAIN, HARD, by another racer on the right side. Big crash.
This MAY have been avoided had the racer just had his hands in the air to warn the racers behind him he wasn't moving. Maybe he still would have been hit, who knows.
At least 3 racers were injured in this incident. 2 more than others, bike damage, race stopped, etc. PUT YOUR HANDS UP AND WAVE EM if the 2 board is up. Don't try to start the bike! If you do somehow get it started, you will likely be in a huge rush to lunch and might stall AGAIN. At that point they may have aborted the start, the marshal would have pushed his bike off.. OR.. they would have gone ahead with the start but at least the other riders behind would have at least had a CHANCE to avoid him with the warning.
I had a long talk with the rider that was stalled on the line. As well as 2 of his friends, one was not racing but has "raced for years".. sadly that guy feels it was all ccs's fault for not stopping the race to begin with having 2 bikes in the wrong grid position. The stalled bike rider was supposed to be in grid position "B" and another rider was there when he arrived (so they say).. so he was all flustered about that. He stalls the bike moving about, then instead of pushing it off the grid before the 2 board, keeps trying to start the bike (in supposedly the wrong grid position). BAM. bummer for all involved. At one point he had a hand up (so they said), but then as you can see it was not up at ALL during the launch.
So why would the grid marshal have stopped the start at that point? the guys would have been docked a lap for wrong grid position and they could have sorted it out after the race..
Too bad the long time racer had not given this guy some tips to keep him safe out there.. Stupid/ignorance WILL HURT YOU.
3-4 years ago I was on the front row of a ~60 bike grid (MWSS) and my bike DIED right at launch. While it fucking TERRIFIED me, I waved my hands furiously just knowing I was going to get pasted. Every bike made it past me safely. My leathers needed cleaning...
It was one of the scariest moments I've ever had. I'm just glad I reacted correctly.
I dread the day I have a bike stall Jeff. Can't imagine what it must be like just "waiting".. horrible. And i do feel for this guy in some ways as this entire incident was bad enough. But what was more incredible was one of his "crew" were POSITIVE someone else had to be at fault. Namely the grid marshal. Keep in mind this very rider crashed on Friday, had brakes lock up ON THE GRID of a race Saturday (causing a red flag because his bike couldn't be pushed).. then to complete the hat-trick, was at least PARTLY to blame for this crash on the grid. (that injured two other riders that hit him and damage to their bikes, and yet another red flag).
Sorry to hear what happened. Waving your hand does make a difference to the freight train of guys launching behind you. It's something that should be mentioned in every rider's meeting, no matter how obvious it seems.
Incidents on the start are always terrifying. I'm 'just' a safety crew member, but I would have thought the 'dos and don'ts' of what to do if you stall on the grid would be emphasized in any racing school worth taking. I am a bit disturbed at the involved racers reaction, I understand that mistakes happen and that in the 'heat of the moment' you may not think clearly... but to blame the grid marshal is ridiculous. I'm sorry, he wasn't just 'partially' responsible for the incident on the grid, he was absolutely 100% responsible. I've been to 'most' rider meetings and I know the 'other' org's race director at Summit ALWAYS makes a point of mentioning this at the rider meeting.
putting your hands up to notify the starter is always discussed in the rider meeting. This was a very new racer, he clearly NEVER had his hand up before the start to notify ANYONE.. racers behind OR grid marshals. When i suggested he do a few more track days to work out nerves.. his friend was even more infuriated.
Greg, last season during my first race weekend I stalled my bike on the front row of the rookies cup race. All I could remember was Rick Brewer saying if that happened to wave your arms like crazy and stay where you are. I did both and can tell you it was the longest 20 seconds of my life sitting there with bikes ripping by on both sides. I ended up getting sideswiped by one rider which spun my right clip-on forward. The spun clipon put the front brake on and after everyone was gone I ended up dropping my bike right in the middle of the track trying to get the bike off track. The biggest blow was to my ego, I felt terrible putting a bunch of guys in that position. Rick's words during our licensing clinic probably saved my life and someone else's that day. I'll never forget that lesson.
This was after someone stall a bike in one of the GT races.
When he was waved to get off the track, he laid his bike down, gently On the HOT race track!
I heard rumor, it was the same guy.
-X
The biggest fear of my life as a starter!! I practically scream this in every riders meeting.......1. Do not line up directly behind another rider, 2. If something isn't right when I go to the 2 board, you have 2 seconds to stop me from going to green flag by dramatically waving your arms. DO NOT try to fix it on the grid. We will stop the countdown to help you fix it or get off the track to avoid a tragedy.....
Xian, his wheel was locked up...from what I heard.
Okay, as the pit out guy standing at the wall watching the entire event at pit wall, I can say there was no stopping this from happening from ccs. :( I WATCHED the rider who"s bike stalled, pick up his LEFT HAND BRIEFLY, (like he was saying hi) and NEVER GOT IT ABOVE HIS HELMET. For less than a second. I thought he was saying he was ready, NOT THAT HIS BIKE HAD STALLED. Once I realized he was trying to RESTART HIS BIKE, (this happened in less than two seconds) IT WAS TOO LATE, THE GREEN was thrown. :( IF HE HAD RAISED HIS HAND OR HANDS ABOVE HIS HEAD, THERE MIGHT (would) HAVE BEEN TIME TO ABORT THE START. BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT HAPPENED. :( HE tried to restart his bike before letting anyone know his bike was stalled. PLEASE RAISE YOUR HANDS AND WAVE THEM WILDLY, LIKE YOU ARE TRYING TO BE SAVED! This was almost tragic, it was terrible, because when the first bike hit (in the video) the stalled bike, it turned to the right into another bikes path that had to be doing 40-50+ mph (or more) with his front brake locked up. The second bike that hit him was so violent it put the third bike into the wall and it was BRUTAL. That first bike which hit the stalled bike bent the footpeg and shifter at a 90 degree angle to the bike and bent the handle bar. What happened after that on the right side, was even worse. If your bike stalls before a start, PLEASE PLEASE WAIVE YOUR HANDS ABOVE YOUR HEAD! WE WILL WAIT OR HELP YOU GET YOUR BIKE OFF THE GRID. MAKE EVERYONE WAIT!!!!!! ITS WAY BETTER THAN THIS OUTCOME. I have had to do it once, I stalled on a start after the green, I got lucky and no one hit me (hard)... I was waiving my arms like I was trying to land an f16 on a dark carrier in the Pacific, cause I was scared :) I have never been so scared in my life, what a helpless feeling that was. WHAT IM SAYING IS, THE RIDER NEVER LET ANYONE KNOW HE WAS IN TROUBLE :(
Quote from: Xian_13 on March 11, 2013, 09:43:31 PM
This was after someone stall a bike in one of the GT races.
When he was waved to get off the track, he laid his bike down, gently On the HOT race track!
I heard rumor, it was the same guy.
-X
it was the same rider, but in his defense on that matter (from what he and his buddy said) the brakes were locked up. This is what had led to his crash earlier on Friday. They said the master cyl was faulty.. he tried to push the bike, but no go so he just laid the bike down.
Totally agree Jen and Robby. I gave them the benefit of the doubt when i first went down there to discuss what happened. I had one side of the story from pretty much everyone else that said he simply never moved, and never raised his hand. But his buddy was insisting he did, and that the grid marshal should have stopped anyway because he and the rider to his side were in reverse grid spots.. STUPID STUPID STUPID. That was what i was thinking in my head when he said that along with some other stuff, and i said so but in a more diplomatic manner. It was clear pretty soon that there was no hope for his buddy, that was ignorant AND stupid on this matter. The rider SORT of stated to me he raised his had, but he didn't push that fact much and i soon had my doubts.. After rider accounts, ON BOARD VIDEO and now the word of officials at the wall, we have the truth..
KEEP YOURSELF AND OTHERS SAFE OUT THERE. Show up for riders meetings, ask questions to experienced racers and officials. As King Kenny Robers said.. (in regard to roadracing) "you can end up seriously DEAD"..
Quote from: MELK-MAN on March 11, 2013, 10:04:04 PM
it was the same rider, but in his defense on that matter (from what he and his buddy said) the brakes were locked up. This is what had led to his crash earlier on Friday. They said the master cyl was faulty.. he tried to push the bike, but no go so he just laid the bike down.
That would explain it, sort of.
The question I had, is this not covered in the licensing school?
In the midwest, they run the school on the Saturday of all events..
When are the schools for the south?
Whatever the case, I hope others can learn for these riders.
-X
I was directly across from him at the start, at pit wall. He did raise his hand, like he was saying im okay and ready, about 10 inches above his left handlebar. NEVER waived, just lifted up, then down. I was standing directly across from him watching this. I then looked at his right hand, which was not wrapped around the throttle ready to start. His thumb was on the starter button as they all launched... After the crash (es) I jumped over the wall and went directly to him and grabbed the bike from him which was in the (race line). I told him to get into the grass and tried to get his bike out of the way because I wanted to clear the race line just in case the expert grid came through turn 9 before the red flag. Safety first for all the other racers. I want to say I learned alot from watching this. If I am to be a grid marshal or part of anything to do with ccs, I want to make it as safe and fun for everyone as possible, just as a racer would want. I do want to add, though, if you are a racer gridded behind the front rows, be prepared for anything. I have been at the back of AM grids, and I have had to avoid all kinds of mishaps. DO NOT align yourself behind someone in the row in front of you. ALWAYS LEAVE YOURSELF AN OUT, MEANING, GIVE YOURSELF A LINE TO TAKE. DO not assume all is well on a start or in the first turn or two. At Daytona, I was mid pack on a start, and we went into turn one and I looked to my left and there was a bike going to t-bone me. I stood the bike up and braked and he missed me and hit my #1 competitor in the rear wheel. I won the race because I was AWARE of my surroundings. DONT BE A VICTIM of other peoples mistakes. And what ever you do, do not make anyone suffer from yours! (right Greg!) lol (t8 at homestead) :)
still owe you one from T8 Robby.. didn't that Carona i gave you square us up ?? LOL !
Quote from: Xian_13 on March 11, 2013, 10:33:27 PM
That would explain it, sort of.
The question I had, is this not covered in the licensing school?
In the midwest, they run the school on the Saturday of all events..
When are the schools for the south?
Whatever the case, I hope others can learn for these riders.
-X
same. You have a license school prior to the event just like up there where you are. This rider was NOT a brand new rider. Am rider?? sure.. but not brand new. And they discuss grid issues in the RIDERS MEETING every event.. this guy is just clueless in my opinion , and really should go back to track days for a bit as i suggested to him at least for awhile.. (but fell on deaf ears).
Of course! and that was me being stupid, and not seeing PJ Jacobson on the 250 stalling in front of you. (in mwgp). I owe some other guys who followed me in there who missed me a few Coronas. I still have The helmet that has a tire mark on it from that crash from Grub (Matt) and Alex Minnaci, who both missed me by inches on both sides as we all ran off....it was hairy good times... ::)
To think for one minute when you "graduate" from racing school you are completely prepared and ready to race and make all the right decisions is foolish at best. There are so many dynamics in racing nothing can prepare you for every scenario. Caution and experience is the only path to success in this sport. Even at best, you can only hope things will work out well, because we do not do this because it is a Disney adventure, it is quite daring at the least.
Quote from: flyboy75 on March 11, 2013, 08:28:31 PM
Greg, last season during my first race weekend I stalled my bike on the front row of the rookies cup race. All I could remember was Rick Brewer saying if that happened to wave your arms like crazy and stay where you are. I did both and can tell you it was the longest 20 seconds of my life sitting there with bikes ripping by on both sides. I ended up getting sideswiped by one rider which spun my right clip-on forward. The spun clipon put the front brake on and after everyone was gone I ended up dropping my bike right in the middle of the track trying to get the bike off track. The biggest blow was to my ego, I felt terrible putting a bunch of guys in that position. Rick's words during our licensing clinic probably saved my life and someone else's that day. I'll never forget that lesson.
I clipped flyboy on the start. 2 other lw guys in front of me swerved one way, I had to go the other. Hanging off and still clipped his bike with my elbow. Next 2 laps was basically thinking to myself "why the hell am I out here?". 8yrs off from racing and the first race back, clipped someone on the start. Was pretty rattled for a bit. Not an 20 yr old kid anymore. :biggrin: Flyboy, I thought I clipped your arm and was hoping like hell I didnt break it or anything. Too bad I didnt have my gopro turned on for that race. I keep forgetting to turn the silly thing on half the time.
Hey everyone, that's my video that Greg posted (with my permission, of course). I'm the guy that clipped the stalled rider. Very unnerving incident and I suppose I was the luckiest out of all those involved on the start of that race as I was able to continue racing after that. The other rider that hit the stalled rider was ok physically. He was pitted near me and seemed to be in generally good spirits as he packed up his bike. I hope the rider I hit was ok as I never got around to seeing him after the incident. Perhaps I should have.
After reading a few posts in here and a lot of good points made, I reviewed my video to see if there was something I could have done different in that situation, but I had no visibility of that bike at all until the last split second. Not trying to push any fault of mine off of me, but I just don't think I had time to react any differently as I was coming up on that other rider that avoided the stalled rider very fast.
I don't think you could have done anything Jason, as circumstances were set in motion after it was certain his bike was not moving when the green flag flew. I pointed out earlier, had that stalled rider put his hands up..waiving.. the bike blocking your view would have swerved right away, as he would have KNOWN the stalled guy was not going to go. This would have given you TWO ROWS of distance to take evasive action, not a few yards.
Question....HYPOTHETICALLY let's say I accidently leave my bike in neutral at the start of the race only to realize it after the green flag drops (MAYYY have done this from the back row my first amateur weekend ::) lol). Is it better to start waiving frantically and hope for the best or drop the bike in gear really fast and try to get the start off?
I did the later and almost flipped the thing in a wheelie cause I dumped the clutch so fast. Luckily I was in the back row so it wasnt an issue, but I feel like this might be good to know for future reference. :lmao:
Quote from: supercarl on March 12, 2013, 12:44:42 PM
Question....HYPOTHETICALLY let's say I accidently leave my bike in neutral at the start of the race only to realize it after the green flag drops (MAYYY have done this from the back row my first amateur weekend ::) lol). Is it better to start waiving frantically and hope for the best or drop the bike in gear really fast and try to get the start off?
I did the later and almost flipped the thing in a wheelie cause I dumped the clutch so fast. Luckily I was in the back row so it wasnt an issue, but I feel like this might be good to know for future reference. :lmao:
it really depends on the situation.. and glad for yours it worked out mostly ok. This is where it comes down to preparation and focusing on the race start.
I don't think you would have time to think about what to do actually, and if the bike didn't go.. would you really have time to say "ok, it's in neutral, get it in gear".. You MIGHT be better served to already have in your mind that if you ever have any issue, to throw your hands up. That said, I am not sure what i would do if in that situation. I just might try to jam it in gear and feed the clutch as i am confident in my machinery, and would know that it had to be in neutral if i am not moving.. but who knows. I was in that situation in December at Homestead.. I got caught a little off guard but did get the bike into gear BEFORE the start, but wasn't totally prepared, thus bogged a bit when the flag did go. Fernando silva came from the inside row downward and clipped the back wheel of my bike while Nico F. got a great launch from row 2. I got hit from the right side and it broke the muffler hanger and hit my front brake lever folding it straight up. Fernando crashed but we really don't know why he veerred left in the first place.. luckily nobody ran him over but it was scary. In ten years of racing that was the first time i ever even mildly botched a start .. it happens.
You HAVE to have a steady routine that you just go through without having to think much. I drop my bike into first when the 2 board goes up, then with 3 fingers feed the clutch out a tad to ensure it's in gear. I won't put it into neutral unless Jennifer or Tim abort the start. Then i do my routine again.. I keep TWO feet on the ground and hold the bike footpegs behind my boots, but many start with one foot on a peg. In MX dirt bike racin, i see guys hold the bike with the front brake. I don't think thats a great idea, and i don't personally know anyone that does it in roadracing.
Alright I was just wondering. Didnt know if there was a specific response for this scenario. I have my routine down now so I havent messed up a start since then. Im a two finger clutcher and one foot on the ground guy lol. That first time I just had soo many thoughts going through my head I totally forgot to put the bike in gear. whoops!
Quote from: supercarl on March 12, 2013, 02:57:11 PM
Alright I was just wondering. Didnt know if there was a specific response for this scenario. I have my routine down now so I havent messed up a start since then. Im a two finger clutcher and one foot on the ground guy lol. That first time I just had soo many thoughts going through my head I totally forgot to put the bike in gear. whoops!
my opinion ? i wouldn't do two fingers on the start.. do THREE, then two or whatever works for you during the race. again. just my opinion, you get a better feed of the lever with three fingers on a road bike, and your fingers/hand won't fatigue quickly if you get a particularly long sideways board delay.. You have more of a chance of letting too much clutch lever out just using two fingers on the start.
Good to know, I'll give it a try the first few practice sessions this year and see how it feels!
Quote from: Woofentino Pugrossi on March 12, 2013, 01:48:22 AM
I clipped flyboy on the start. 2 other lw guys in front of me swerved one way, I had to go the other. Hanging off and still clipped his bike with my elbow. Next 2 laps was basically thinking to myself "why the hell am I out here?". 8yrs off from racing and the first race back, clipped someone on the start. Was pretty rattled for a bit. Not an 20 yr old kid anymore. :biggrin: Flyboy, I thought I clipped your arm and was hoping like hell I didnt break it or anything. Too bad I didnt have my gopro turned on for that race. I keep forgetting to turn the silly thing on half the time.
I was just glad no one was really hurt. It sucks to sit there and just wave your arms, but there's no other choice
Quote from: hamurobby on March 11, 2013, 09:52:32 PM
Okay, as the pit out guy standing at the wall watching the entire event at pit wall, I can say there was no stopping this from happening from ccs. :( I WATCHED the rider who"s bike stalled, pick up his LEFT HAND BRIEFLY, (like he was saying hi) and NEVER GOT IT ABOVE HIS HELMET. For less than a second. I thought he was saying he was ready, NOT THAT HIS BIKE HAD STALLED. Once I realized he was trying to RESTART HIS BIKE, (this happened in less than two seconds) IT WAS TOO LATE, THE GREEN was thrown. :( IF HE HAD RAISED HIS HAND OR HANDS ABOVE HIS HEAD, THERE MIGHT (would) HAVE BEEN TIME TO ABORT THE START. BUT THAT IS NOT WHAT HAPPENED. :( HE tried to restart his bike before letting anyone know his bike was stalled. PLEASE RAISE YOUR HANDS AND WAVE THEM WILDLY, LIKE YOU ARE TRYING TO BE SAVED! This was almost tragic, it was terrible, because when the first bike hit (in the video) the stalled bike, it turned to the right into another bikes path that had to be doing 40-50+ mph (or more) with his front brake locked up. The second bike that hit him was so violent it put the third bike into the wall and it was BRUTAL. That first bike which hit the stalled bike bent the footpeg and shifter at a 90 degree angle to the bike and bent the handle bar. What happened after that on the right side, was even worse. If your bike stalls before a start, PLEASE PLEASE WAIVE YOUR HANDS ABOVE YOUR HEAD! WE WILL WAIT OR HELP YOU GET YOUR BIKE OFF THE GRID. MAKE EVERYONE WAIT!!!!!! ITS WAY BETTER THAN THIS OUTCOME. I have had to do it once, I stalled on a start after the green, I got lucky and no one hit me (hard)... I was waiving my arms like I was trying to land an f16 on a dark carrier in the Pacific, cause I was scared :) I have never been so scared in my life, what a helpless feeling that was. WHAT IM SAYING IS, THE RIDER NEVER LET ANYONE KNOW HE WAS IN TROUBLE :(
That explains why my pinky toe on my right foot might possibly be broken, heh...
Just a pinky toe? Count your blessings sir!
Quote from: clarustnb on March 12, 2013, 08:19:53 PM
Just a pinky toe? Count your blessings sir!
For sure! As I said earlier, I was the luckiest in the incident as I was able to continue racing afterwards (had to replace the radiator).
Quote from: supercarl on March 12, 2013, 12:44:42 PM
Question....HYPOTHETICALLY let's say I accidently leave my bike in neutral at the start of the race only to realize it after the green flag drops (MAYYY have done this from the back row my first amateur weekend ::) lol). Is it better to start waiving frantically and hope for the best or drop the bike in gear really fast and try to get the start off?
I did the later and almost flipped the thing in a wheelie cause I dumped the clutch so fast. Luckily I was in the back row so it wasnt an issue, but I feel like this might be good to know for future reference. :lmao:
I say wave like a madman, reactionary would be to drop it into gear. Waving is easily accomplished and hopefully the next racer will notice. Attempting to drop it into gear is not a sure thing either and you are still dead in the water and most likely no one else will know you are dead in the water. Like you stated getting it into gear could put you in the situation of a rush start and certainly a wheelie. This year I had a racer beside me on the front row, pull a wheelie and flipped it. He was on a FZR400.
Quote from: MELK-MAN on March 12, 2013, 02:59:30 PM
my opinion ? i wouldn't do two fingers on the start.. do THREE, then two or whatever works for you during the race. again. just my opinion, you get a better feed of the lever with three fingers on a road bike, and your fingers/hand won't fatigue quickly if you get a particularly long sideways board delay.. You have more of a chance of letting too much clutch lever out just using two fingers on the start.
from my drag racing days I use all four fingers. it gives me much better feel of what the clutch is doing. I am a two feet down kind of guy again from drag racing and legs behind the peg allowing me to get my upper body canted forward over the fuel tank. I do feel a slight amount of drag on the clutch before the start, and I try to beat the two board getting the bike into gear.
The Ducati has a very different clutch actuation than the Japanese bikes I have ridden. They can be tough to start and thus my unfortunate event at starting. I put my hand up automatically but I would like it to be more instinctive. it isn't something that we practice. schools can only teach you so much. It has to be on the rider to do the right thing. Not all instructors are detailed at how to start a race or can descrive every little detail.
Quote from: majicMARKer on March 13, 2013, 10:02:28 AM
from my drag racing days I use all four fingers. it gives me much better feel of what the clutch is doing. I am a two feet down kind of guy again from drag racing and legs behind the peg allowing me to get my upper body canted forward over the fuel tank. I do feel a slight amount of drag on the clutch before the start, and I try to beat the two board getting the bike into gear.
The Ducati has a very different clutch actuation than the Japanese bikes I have ridden. They can be tough to start and thus my unfortunate event at starting. I put my hand up automatically but I would like it to be more instinctive. it isn't something that we practice. schools can only teach you so much. It has to be on the rider to do the right thing. Not all instructors are detailed at how to start a race or can descrive every little detail.
i'm with you mark. At least 3 fingers and as you do, 4 may be better. 2 fingers is asking for erratic clutch feed on the start.
I found the ducati to be very different to launch than the r6 as you state. It was mostly about feel, and using lower rev to launch, but still managed to get off the line first in a couple races. I was TOTALLY blown away at how Vito C and launch when he gets it right. Very impressive.
Quote from: majicMARKer on March 13, 2013, 09:50:34 AM
I say wave like a madman, reactionary would be to drop it into gear. Waving is easily accomplished and hopefully the next racer will notice. Attempting to drop it into gear is not a sure thing either and you are still dead in the water and most likely no one else will know you are dead in the water. Like you stated getting it into gear could put you in the situation of a rush start and certainly a wheelie. This year I had a racer beside me on the front row, pull a wheelie and flipped it. He was on a FZR400.
Thing isyou find out when the bike doesn't move at the green and it's already too late at that point...this is almost a worst case scenario...unless you are really lucky and see/have a neutral indicator led a split second ahead of tiem...then wave...otherwise it's over before you have a chance to do anything about it
btw absolute worst case in my mind...bike launches in first and you miss second and get neutral...did that once and ty bruce for missing me lol (on a lightweight first don't last too long lol)
I hit a neutral during this start and everyone flew by me fourtantly I was going fast enough not to be a sitting duck and just had to tap the shifter again... Just to see a red flag waving.. Second start of that race was better for me but still slow... I like the four finger deal... Gonna def try that at Jennings!
Quote from: twilkinson3 on March 13, 2013, 11:25:38 AM
Thing isyou find out when the bike doesn't move at the green and it's already too late at that point...this is almost a worst case scenario...unless you are really lucky and see/have a neutral indicator led a split second ahead of tiem...then wave...otherwise it's over before you have a chance to do anything about it
btw absolute worst case in my mind...bike launches in first and you miss second and get neutral...did that once and ty bruce for missing me lol (on a lightweight first don't last too long lol)
...and it is why I believe it should be instinctive to put a hand up if it all possible instead of trying to make a correction. Could it be avoided? Well yeah, but mistakes or missed shifts happen sometimes. Having it as instinct instead of a thought process cuts down on reaction time. We can't be trusted to always make the correct choice, so to me the best choice is warn everyone as soon as possible that there is a problem.
I usually have it in gear on the 3 board.I launch my bike from around 3k even the Sv and sometimes I do real good and other times not.
Quote from: apriliaman on March 13, 2013, 07:04:27 PM
I usually have it in gear on the 3 board.I launch my bike from around 3k even the Sv and sometimes I do real good and other times not.
Definitely the test and tune night at the local drag strip can be very helpful, but shit happens sometimes on the road race course.
Quote from: majicMARKer on March 13, 2013, 05:32:23 PM
...and it is why I believe it should be instinctive to put a hand up if it all possible instead of trying to make a correction. Could it be avoided? Well yeah, but mistakes or missed shifts happen sometimes. Having it as instinct instead of a thought process cuts down on reaction time. We can't be trusted to always make the correct choice, so to me the best choice is warn everyone as soon as possible that there is a problem.
Totally agree on that point Mark
On the subject of SV launches....north of 5k south of 7.5k on the tach, 2 feet down behind the pegs drag style chest over tank whole hand on the clutch...rest of the race I'm a 2 finger clutch guy
Quote from: flyboy75 on March 11, 2013, 08:28:31 PM
Greg, last season during my first race weekend I stalled my bike on the front row of the rookies cup race. All I could remember was Rick Brewer saying if that happened to wave your arms like crazy and stay where you are. I did both and can tell you it was the longest 20 seconds of my life sitting there with bikes ripping by on both sides. I ended up getting sideswiped by one rider which spun my right clip-on forward. The spun clipon put the front brake on and after everyone was gone I ended up dropping my bike right in the middle of the track trying to get the bike off track. The biggest blow was to my ego, I felt terrible putting a bunch of guys in that position. Rick's words during our licensing clinic probably saved my life and someone else's that day. I'll never forget that lesson.
I remember this quite vividly, I took the school the day before the rookies cup race and I saw that you had stalled on the grid. I came within a couple feet of you, needless to say I had to change my underwear for the next race! Rick did a great job of explaining the importance of throwing your arms up, you are much more visible and also you have less of a chance of having your arms getting torn off! Its much easier to avoid something that is not moving as opposed to a bike that is moving. Glad you made it through ok!