Motorcycle Racing Forum

Racing Discussion => Racing Discussion => Topic started by: Jeff on July 20, 2006, 08:41:44 PM

Title: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: Jeff on July 20, 2006, 08:41:44 PM
I'm interested to hear from people who have taken several years off and returned.  How was the return?  Was it a dramatic reset? 

Do tell your stories!
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: weggieman on July 20, 2006, 08:45:19 PM
how about 15 years off and returned? not bad at all............ i only did one weekend but got faster every time on the track. with more time out there it would only get better.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: cheezer64 on July 20, 2006, 08:52:33 PM
  Left for 4 years..... having more fun now than I did in the past. Took some time to do some dirt riding and soul searching. Can't live without the competition.


                                                              Cheez
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: KBOlsen on July 20, 2006, 10:14:10 PM
This is encouraging, guys... keep it coming!
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: mdr14 on July 20, 2006, 11:11:49 PM
It appears I am on my first year off.... more by chance than design...

Does that mean I get to go amateur next year?
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: ahastings on July 20, 2006, 11:23:54 PM
raced in 1987-88 then took 5 years off, came back and raced from 93-95 then took 8 years off, came back in 2003 at the age of 41 and haven't stopped since. Finances is what usually makes me quit.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: tug296 on July 20, 2006, 11:42:59 PM
 I'm a Tug Boat Captain, so time is a precious commodity, stopped racing in 1986 to go back to work. Continued to work until 2000, then went back to racing.

I was racing a 1981 Honda CB 900F, it was outdated in 1982, but great reliability and did many 6 hr. endurance races and sprint races with no mechanicals until 1986, then broke cam chain on the white flag lap at Daytona after 5hrs and 55 min of racing, very disapointed and no $ to repair, just kinda faded away, back to the tug.

In 2000, got a deal on a new 99 Super Hawk, wanted the RC51, but low funds and could not afford.
I just wanted to do track days, but the bug bit hard and soon had the bike race ready.
Once again on a bike that would not be so competitive, so just for fun again.

In 2003, finished in top 10 in Super Twins points even after breaking collar bone and being out for some months.
Then was inspired and set a goal for 2004, make it to every race possible and go for points . Did make every race and ended up winning the Am. Super Twins Championship, and 3rd. in Formula 40 points.

It was easy to come back to racing, even after 14 years off, the butterflies felt the same as before.
Unfortunately my ribs were broken when hit from behind in turn 10 at Moroso in 2004, {I'll accept your aplology when ever you offer it} finished out that season and did the first 3 races of 05, they did not heal properly and now unable to tuck in without agony and can't breath.

So now docking and undocking Mega Yachts at Atlantic Dry Dock in Jacksonville Florida and loving it, as now semi retired and working kind of part time and hopefully will have time to go back to racing again soon. {MOTO ST?} as now the Super Hawk is legal for that big class?

Sorry to ramble, but you asked.




Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: h2o_motorsports on July 21, 2006, 12:07:04 AM
I ended up having a year off after my bad crash where I broke my ankle.  The year off wasnt so much because of the ankle but more because the bike was prety much destroyed.  The only thing that was still good on the bike was the frame and the motor.  Everything else was junk.  It has taken me a long time to get back up to speed.  It doesnt help that 3 months after I got back on the track the race track here in Hawaii closed.  The only racing I have done since March was one race over memorial day weekend at Infineon with AFM.  I just shipped my bike back to Wisconsin and will be home at the beginning of August.  The bike wont be there till the beginning of September.  I will be at the last Blackhawk race.  I cant wait to get out there with you guys!!!
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: msbrit1 on July 21, 2006, 12:11:40 AM
I'll let ya know next year.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: cardzilla on July 21, 2006, 07:52:51 AM
11 years off, back for one event in '04, divorced in '05, several miserable events in '06, back (hopefully) to form in '07.

I will say that I did notice a difference from the AMA/CCS to the current CCS.  I think it's on the right track now, but there was just a different air about it for the event I did in '04.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: laohu69 on July 21, 2006, 03:09:50 PM
I took off 20 years. I raced in the early '80's and started again in 2003. It was like apples and oranges though with the great difference in technology, tires, etc. I did do a little dirt racing (MX, harescrambles, flattrack) and drag racing during my exodus though. I found out in 1980 that I was not going to be the next Kenny Roberts though and then all the pressure was off and all I had to do was have fun.  :ahhh:
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: EX_#76 on July 21, 2006, 03:43:55 PM
Quote from: mdr14 on July 20, 2006, 11:11:49 PM
It appears I am on my first year off.... more by chance than design...

Does that mean I get to go amateur next year?

I belive the magic number is two years off.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: d_dog on July 21, 2006, 11:46:29 PM
Quote from: mdr14 on July 20, 2006, 11:11:49 PM
It appears I am on my first year off.... more by chance than design...

Does that mean I get to go amateur next year?

I thought it was three years out of racing, but it's up to the CCS officials.  I was out for six years and came back AM for one race and then got the boot up to EX.  :banghead:
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: catman on July 22, 2006, 12:50:23 AM
I took last year off to overcome a ill handling sv that when finally suspended correctly,  :banghead: :ahhh:started being  a poorly powered engine that only recently got repaired- the popcorn sound- making powerloss problem turns out to be a plugged vent tube off the gas tank. It was hard for previous mechanics to help me because it wouldnt do it till about the 4th lap of sprints races and to duplicate it,i took it to Dave Gersten at Hudson Valley Motorsports in Newburgh NY- He has an eddy (sp) current dyno and knows how to use it..Bike is finally ready to produce-but it will be relegated to "B" bike now because all thru that miserable start of my new favorite hobby, I bought another one with K3's help that sails! So a year and 1/2 off,gained a competent mechanic,a van so i can sleep right at the track ,a furniture store that can help finances and grabbed my first ccs trophies immediately on my return in the Mid atlantic region  7-1,2. Hungrier than ever but mondo busy w/starting up store,i intend to race much more next year! Cheers :thumb: NJ John
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: Super Dave on July 22, 2006, 01:33:28 AM
Never took time off, but I was asked to ride for some people, which made for a real change of pace.  And it made it so that even though I was close to some tracks, I never raced at them regularly.

Change the game.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: mx558 on July 23, 2006, 01:27:40 AM
11 years off, been breaking bones in mx, 1st race back at bhf last week and having blast !
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: Mark Bernard on July 23, 2006, 10:31:14 AM
I haven't taken any time off, and don't plan on it any time soon. Sorry, no help here......  :ass:
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: Team-G on July 23, 2006, 11:32:36 PM
Hey Jeff, if you're going to hop out for a year or so, can I use your RV?
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: Jeff on July 24, 2006, 08:27:59 AM
Quote from: Team-G on July 23, 2006, 11:32:36 PM
Hey Jeff, if you're going to hop out for a year or so, can I use your RV?

hehe... no...  actually if I take time off, the RV will be used far more than the 13 or so weekends I use it right now.  (and I will still be at the tracks)
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: jer271 on July 24, 2006, 09:35:56 AM
getting close to taking an unvolentary year off!!!!
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: Bubba on July 24, 2006, 10:13:06 AM
The fact that you have not used your saved tire money(from not racing) to buy a five or six hundred dollar ebay motor makes your time spent bench racing VOLUNTARY! :kicknuts:
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: G-reg on July 24, 2006, 10:46:55 AM
uh oh..

Here comes the start of weed-eater racing..  :ahhh:
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: Chuck on July 24, 2006, 02:23:33 PM
I'm taking time off now and all I can tell you is how much that sucks...

Hopefully I'll have a story about my return soon enough.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: G2G racing on July 26, 2006, 09:44:59 AM
I have taken off 2 years and had the option to come back as and ametuer.  But I went back as an expert.  the first weekend was a little nerve racking but after that I was good.  yeah my laptimes here not there but they dropped with each lap.  I took this year off also and might take another off next year.  Having kids limits my time on the track.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: mdr14 on July 26, 2006, 10:10:10 AM
gonna do the ol track day thing eh jeff?
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: Jeff on July 26, 2006, 10:33:29 AM
doubt that I'll be running too many track days...  I just have a LOT on my plate.  Thinking I'd probably look at doing a couple of team challenges though...
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: unforgivenracing on April 05, 2007, 08:05:37 PM
I left WERA in the Late 80's after a near-fatal to recover and before I could return I got called up for active duty.  I came to CCS for part of a season while getting a friend involved in the sport (13 yrs. after leaving it.)
  It was'nt too bad.  But not as much fun when you now have other responsabilities to think about.  I've been out of it now for 5 yrs?  Having trouble finding a afortable medical insurance plan.  Probubly only run one or two classes at local track if I do come back again.  "40, and supertwins"  Thats a big if. and still a few years away.
Quote from: weggieman on July 20, 2006, 08:45:19 PM
how about 15 years off and returned? not bad at all............ i only did one weekend but got faster every time on the track. with more time out there it would only get better.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: Court Jester on April 05, 2007, 08:57:38 PM
i broke my shoulder last year at mam and then after the dr.s cut on me before that and after i sat the rest of the year out. but i did used the saved racing money to buy 5 more bikes and a big stack of tires and your trailer. i can't wait to go flip on of them at black hawk next week. it'll be my first time on a wet track.
but if you're not gonna race and you'll be at the track, i'll take all the help and info you could offer.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: scottg22 on April 05, 2007, 11:59:59 PM
I took 2 years off.  After 96 Season, which I finished 2nd at the R.O.C. in a class and 2nd in 2 NE Regional Championships, I felt burnt out.  No racing in 97 & 98. Went to AMA Daytona in 99 to spectate and got the bug again,  dusted off the ole F3 for the 99 season which went ok. First weekend back was battling for tenth after racing at the front 2 years earlier, but it recharged the batteries and made it fun again.

17 regional championships, 6 CCS National Championships and 1 Formula USA National Series Championship later ....  still having fun riding - wrenching on the ohter hand....
<borat voice>    "ehh Not So Much"      </borat voice>

Scott Greenwood
CCS/LRRS #4
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: Fast4fun on April 06, 2007, 08:54:56 PM
Back after two years. Just like my first entry into racing, I bought the bike thinking it would be a street bike only and now I can't imagine how many days it will see the street. I attended the last three weekends last year and was slow as sh&& the first two but finally started to find a race pace the third and final weekend. Spent the winter making the necessary changes to do a full season. The best part is that this time I get to do things the right way... make only those changes that matter like suspension and technique. It was as fun returning as it was the first time I won a race. This sport is seriously addicting.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: barb_arah on April 07, 2007, 12:54:05 PM
Quote from: KBOlsen on July 20, 2006, 10:14:10 PM
This is encouraging, guys... keep it coming!
Hey Kim!  Are we going to see you at the races? 
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: racer52 on April 08, 2007, 09:58:42 PM
Hello, I raced in 1999 CCS at BHF only, on a 98 600 f3, had a blast I was 19 and broke. I came back bringing a friend into it in 2006, and won a track Championship, I think i got faster in the time off. I am hooked now and wont be able to take time off willingly :thumb:
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: hamurobby on April 10, 2007, 09:31:51 AM
I took 17 years off, I ran in the Florida region back in the late 80's and just started up again at the end of last year. Its like what they say about riding a bicycle, you dont forget! Like most aspiring racers at that age, I quit back then because the two jobs I was working wasnt enough to support my habit even at the bare bones level :whine:. I moved up from novice to expert this last race at Jennings :biggrin:, it only took 20 years ::).

Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: gpstar1 on April 10, 2007, 12:38:50 PM
I may have to take this year off, not sure yet. If I can get at least 2 races in this year I'll be happy. After I got back from Daytona this year my expecting wife and I have been in and out of the hospital 3 times and now she has been on bed rest for the last month or so. So all the weight is on my shoulders now for all the finances, just have to see what happens .
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: ew422 on April 10, 2007, 07:53:18 PM
Really sorry to hear that Chris.  Best wishes for your family. 
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: KBOlsen on April 10, 2007, 10:27:44 PM
Quote from: barb_arah on April 07, 2007, 12:54:05 PM
Hey Kim!  Are we going to see you at the races? 
Hey, Barb!

I confess, I've fully returned to my street-riding roots.  Already have a few road trips in the works but I'm sure you'll see me wandering around the paddock at a Blackhawk weekend. 

I would love to race again but unless I hit the lottery that won't be for at least another couple of years. 
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: gpstar1 on April 11, 2007, 12:15:25 PM
Thanks, Eric. Hopefully I'll get out to Summit this year sometime a get to race with you guys, but until then the family come first.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: tigerblade on April 11, 2007, 04:23:28 PM
I've been out since running the full 2004 Great Plains schedule (with broken back at the last round).  It's amazing that I came *this close* to being in a wheelchair for the rest of my life, yet I think about racing all the time.  I wasn't fast, but I had a great time.  It's hard being away.  I'd like to at least do some trackdays. 

I kind of feel like a football player who is coming back from injury and just needs that first solid hit to know he's okay and can resume.  Not that I care to crash, but that's the analogy that comes to mind.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: smoke on April 14, 2007, 10:48:00 AM
Thanks guys for all the info:  I've been out for a year now because of work. This is the first time in a year that I've posted on the board. I got the bug again. I'm coming back but I feel as if I can do this smarter.  I know what the real costs are and know what crap not to spend money on thanks to you guys. 08 will be my return.
Title: Re: Have you taken + 1 year off and then returned?
Post by: catman on April 15, 2007, 01:47:10 AM
+1 smoke welcome back- bring on the reflections!Catman :pop: