Good time to start racing?

[2002r6]

I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times, but when did you guys/girls start racing?  I'm referring to skill level, really. Most people I talk to say that as long as you can go out there and be predictable, you're ok even if you're on the slower side. I was thinking about going down to Summit next weekend and doing the MARRC class on Friday and racing that weekend.

Am I slow?  Yes, for the most part. I've done probably 8-10 track days and ride in the intermediate group with both TPM and Nesba.  I was at Summit at the end of last season on a rainy weekend.  I rode Main for maybe 2 sessions, only one of which when the race line was dry.  Being my first time there, I didn't have a chance to get up to speed and sorta remember doing something like a 1:38. With a full day I'm sure I'd be a lot quicker than that, but I fully expect to be the slow guy out there.

This past weekend I was planning to do one day on JC and one on Main, but broke the bike after one session on JC and couldn't ride main the next day.  There was a WERA event going on there so I went to check it out.  Those novices looked pretty fast.

The only other tracks I've been on are Pocono East (best 1:18) and 2 days on Beaverun, where I did a 1:10.  Don't laugh.  What do you think?  

BTW I'd be running the LW classes.

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Dont worry about if you think you arent fast enough yet. If you want to race, just do it. Have fun. You'll only get faster with experience. Some people take to it right away, some takes a bit longer. Some people go all out and race like its life or death for a $5 plaque and some are just out having a good time and really arent concerned with points, contingency money or wood.

The only thing I really am concerned about beating on the track, other than finishing ahead of KBOlsen and buell_391 ;D ;D, is bettering my best lap times at the track.

Big difference you'll have racing from trackdays is you WILL get passed at any place on teh track and ALOT closer at times than you get during trackdays. Sometimes rubbing paint happens.

[cbr806]

Seriously, just race.  If you like - no matter where you're gidded on the sheet - start in the back.  Track time is what you need.  Keep a consistent line.  Don't change it if you know someone is coming up behind you.  They have been watching you and assume you'll keep doing the same thing.  If you're really concerned, leave room for a bike inside when you apex the corner & outside when you set-up the corner, until you get comfortable.

To get faster, work on braking later and getting out of the corners (on the gas) faster.

[tomdavid]

Start as soon as you can. I didn't get my license until I was 62 YO. I'm damn glad I didn't wait any longer, and yes I'm one of the slowest guys out there but I am consistent and getting faster slowly.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

With your level of experience, you'll know MUCH more all ready than some beginners do.  Go for it.  I envy you.  It's best at the beginning, when every sensation is fresh.  Have fun!

[gpstar1]

Yeah I agree with everyone else, HAVE FUN! Thats what its all about. I did track days for 3 years and went to race school with penguin getting great instruction from the woods brothers before I started to race. I did everything that your doing, I ran with TPM and I'm still an active member with Reduc. I usually run the same times you are at pocono east (1:17/18 ) My lap times at summit when I started out were in the upper 1:20's ( 1:28/29) This year I'm down to low 24's upper 23's. Don't worry give it time everything will come together for you. I learn something new and get faster everytime I get on that bike and race.

[PJ]

If you're really concerned, leave room for a bike inside when you apex the corner & outside when you set-up the corner, until you get comfortable.

It's the passing rider's responsibility to make a clean pass. And the faster guys will find a way around you. Personally, I prefer to see lappers on the racing line vs. somewhere else where you don't know where they're going or what they'll do next.

Go race. And have fun!

[2002r6]

thanks for all the replies.  i think i'll give it a go.  just don't laugh at the guy that's in the back.  i'll see you guys at summit july 4th weekend.

[Old808]

I agree you should go for it.  Those lap times won't win races, but I can almost guarantee you won't finish last either.  I was scared to jump in and didn't go racing until I was doing 1:12/13s at Pocono East (big bikes, not LW).  I  couldn't have been more wrong.  There are all kinds of people out there.  Very few people are so slow that they have nobody to battle with in a race.

[2002r6]

Those lap times won't win races, but I can almost guarantee you won't finish last either.

finishing the race would be great.  not finishing last would be a bonus.  i'm really looking forward to this now.  thanks for all the positive feedback.

[Jeff]

Speed comes with experience.

I suggest you start racing shortly after the 1 board goes sideways.  ;D

[spyderchick]

Everyone has it wrong. Don't go racing, it's dangerous. Just stand on the sidelines wishing you were out there. That's what life is all about. Why try when you might fail?

Is my reverse psychology working?  ;) I thought so.

Yeah, you need to go racing. I did it, I had fun, was dirt slow and didn't even finish last.  ;D Of course, you will fall into the racing vortex where all of your time and money is spent on one obsessive hobby, but hey, it could be bingo, and really, how much fun is that?   :o ;) ;D