Hello all! I am new to racing and will be at Firebird unless we have some more fires here ( I pray we don't) So I look forward to meeting some of you there. I have heard one of the best parts of this sport is the people you meet so I am looking forward to meeting and riding with all of you. See you at Firebird
Marc
Hi Marc!
Welcome to racing. Most of the people in this sport are great. Hanging out at the paddock chatting with your neighbors is definitely one of the best parts of the sport. Definitely ask questions at the track & keep the rubber side down ;D
Thanks for the welcome dwilson!
Marc
Welcome to the circus Marc.... :o Hope you have a good time! ;)
QuoteWelcome to the circus Marc.... :o Hope you have a good time! ;)
Thanks Buell I just hope I don't end up in the freak show. :D
QuoteThanks Buell I just hope I don't end up in the freak show. :D
Too late! ;D ;)
Welcome to your latest addiction. Some of the best people in the world are here!
Now go out, get some new credit cards and have fun!
QuoteWelcome to your latest addiction. Some of the best people in the world are here!
Now go out, get some new credit cards and have fun!
>:( Credit cards BAD! >:(
Too easy to get in huge debt too fast. Probably a large reason for many people getting out of the sport before ever really being in it for any length of time. I have known too many people that have fallen into this catagory. Paying as you go (as much as possible) will probably result in you staying with us longer. I raced for 4 years, then had to stop for 2 1/2 years due to the MASSIVE amount of debt I accumulated. Having learned my lesson the hard way, I returned and have paid for everything as I went along. Much better at the end of the season knowing that I don't owe a dime for any of the racing I did this past season! ;D
(By the way KB, I realize you were just being funny! :))
Yeah Mike... I's just being facetious!
Seriously tho, Howlin... don't be surprised if, after your first weekend, you find yourself struck by the realization that you have far too many "unnecessary" possessions that suddenly are cluttering up the place... and eBay becomes the number-one visited site on your web browser (well, eBay and the CCS BBS!).
Thanks guys I am really looking forward to next weekend out at Firebird. First race and all. Thanks for the tips! Please keep them coming. I am smart enough to know that if can learn from someone elses experience your journey may be smoother.
Marc
#1 most important place to spend money? Tires. If your tires suck, your day sucks. On a lightweight bike, the goodness can go away before the tire wears out. Replace them if you even THINK that you need to. A $400 set of tires is cheaper than a $500 set of bodywork, a $1000 set of leathers, a $10,000 motorcycle, or a $100,000 medical bill. (You do have a good insurance policy without racing exclusions, right?)
#1 way to improve your bike? Suspension. Get a Penske or Ohlins shock. Install front and rear springs that match your weight and the intended mission of road racing. Have your forks done by a tuner IN YOUR AREA who offers TRACKSIDE SUPPORT. For what you will invest in suspension, ($1500 to $2000 for all new stuff) you need and should expect trackside support.
#1 accessory? Tire warmers. Your competition uses them, and you will need them too. They're more expensive, but get the ones with a thermostat. If you can keep the tires on one heat cycle all day, they will be grippier longer.
And burn your credit cards now, before you even start...
I believe I have all of that covered except the tire warmers. I will have to re visit that one based on your input. When I decided to do this my plan was this was going to be cash and ride no credit. So far I have done that. Thanks again for the advice. It really helps!
Marc
Cash and ride is a good thing. Bad credit cards. I would have to dissagree with Chris on his number one choice for spending money. Tires are important I must strongley agree... but spend your money on good quality saftey gear! To me, thats most important. I.E. Good gloves, boots, back protector, padded shorts, among others. Just my 0.02$.
I have leathers good gloves and a back protector. The suspension has been done at race tech. I basically bought this bike from a racer so it is all set up and so am I. I have just put on new Diablo Corsas and I am ready to roll. Having done numerous track days I didn't think the Super Corsas would be the best bang for the buck considering my speeds. By the way who here will be at Firebird?
Marc
Safety gear is a biggy! Med insurance is a biggy! if you race, you WILL crash!
Got the insurance. The gear. Honestly to all out there my biggest fear about this was being a hazard to any of my fellow racers. After the last track day at Buttonwillow I have realized that I am a safe and predictable rider so I will be out there to have fun and go as fast as I can.
Marc
Sorry if I sounded preachy - wasn't my intention. What kind of bike are you on?
Not preachy at all!! Any advice is welcome. So thank you. I am riding a 95 CBR600 F3.
Marc
Diablo Corsas. I don't ride the street, and I haven't been doing track days. I don't think I've seen Diablos offered for sale by the race tire distributor at the track. That's OK, because it sounds like you've been running them for a few sets and know how they work.
But... I think that those are sporty street tires. When you wear them out, go see the tire guy at the track. (Go see him anyway. Your tire guy can help you with tire choice, air pressures, suspension settings... He's your most important new friend at the track. Oh, and tire guys like beer...)If you like Pirellis, go see the Pirelli guy. But you'd be better off buying race-specific tires fresh off the tire truck at the track. Consider this for the future.
QuoteHonestly to all out there my biggest fear about this was being a hazard to any of my fellow racers.
Marc
You will be a hazard. I have walls full of trophies, regional championships, Daytona Race of Champions wood... And I'm still a hazard to many of the fastest riders. Just get used to the fact that you will be passed by guys going 500 times faster than you think a bike can go. It will surprise and scare the hell out of you. Stay cool and hold your line. Don't let it discourage you. Frightening as it is, it's a part of racing.
Thanks K3. I will stop by the tire vendor. Check out what he has to say. I have talked directly to the Perelli guy. ( I am a Marine but I also work at Cycle Gear) I will still give the tire vendor a yell when I get to the track.
Thanks again
I should be at Firebird on Saturday only since I have a motocross race on Sunday but feel free to stop by if you get a chance. I will have a Black and Yellow or Blue and Flourescent Yellow (haven't decided if I want to use the new bodywork yet) TZ125 Expert #76. I went through my first season last year and can probably answer many questions you may have.
John
Thanks for the invite. I have a black and yellow Honda F3 #222. I will try and look for you but I will be easier to find. Just look for the guy with the deer in the headlights look.
There's lots of deer in headlights look, like this :o
I got one of my friends on the track this year, a track day, race class & 2 races. I told him the first race is kind of like someone swinging a baseball bat real close to your face ;) People just flying around you. I remember looking to my right in a right turn and with a foot between my tires and the edge of the track, someone passed me in that space. I'm glad no one can hear me screaming inside my helmet, can they??? 8)
In the immortal words of Ed Key, "My advice is worth exactly what you paid for it." ;D
We'll be expecting a race report on the board when you get back. Those tales of virginity lost are always soooo entertaining! :-[ ::) ;)
Will do K3! Keep in mind I am a Marine so don't expect complete sentences or anything. ;D
This will only be my second race event myself, my first was Sept 27-28 when CCS was at Firebird Main. I definately agree with the advice given, keep your gear in top shape so it isn't a concern. There is enough other things to worry about. I won't be there Saturday since it is my daughter's birthday, but I'll be there Sunday. Once the green flag drops it's amazing how much quicker your lap times will be then during track days. I am on a Red and Black SV #613.
Also, to anyone who hasn't been on Firebird East since they re-sealed it, be careful. I've done a track day on it and I can't say many good things about the sealing job they did. All those nice pavement seams like exiting the carousel were tar snaked and sealed and were like ice. The ripple areas such as Turn 1-2 are just sealed, they didn't actually fix the pavement.
Alan
My cuz was a Marine. FAST Company. Did some things during Desert Storm that he can't talk about. Sweetest, most generous guy you'd ever want to meet. Proud new father. Married a sweetheart of a divorced woman with two awesome kids and a psycho ex. Treats her boys like his own. Ex doesn't act nearly so psycho since he figured out who she married. To meet him, you'd never know what a bad idea it would be to piss him off...
Nothing but respect.