Class selection

[macgyver46]

I will be racing CCS Florida this coming season, I have a 04 600RR race bike. I am definately primarily racing Amateur Super Sport, but I was thinking about running in another class maybe gt or gp classes. I was just wanted to know other peoples opinions and recommendations about the classes who have experience with them.

[RUFFSTUFF]

Good question... I'm a newbie too, on a R6, so I'll piggyback this one...

[TommyG]

GT classes!!! TRACK TIME TRACK TIME TRACK TIME!!

[Jeff]

You can play this 2 ways...  

1st way, play it as someone who has never raced before and go the route you're on.

2nd way, consider the comments below and make perhaps a better decision...

Middleweight Supersport is the PREMIER class of CCS.  Every new racer on a 600 jumps into that class.  It is a crowded and tough class to compete in at the AM and EX ranks.

Consider that on most every track in the US (less Road America and Brainerd to name two), a 600 will be strong competition against a 750 or 1000.

There are far more 600's than 750's, so the Heavyweight classes have less racers in them (historically).

There are even FEWER 1000's on the track, so the unlimited classes have even less.

As Tommy mentions, the GT classes (GTO/GTU) give you more track time which will be beneficial to you in the long run.

Personally, I'd tell you to re-think MWSS as a starting class.  If you're doing good after the first few weekends and want to try your hand at the competition, go for it.  Otherwise, consider another class.

Also, don't get hung up in the supersport/superbike thing either.  The people running superbike in the AM ranks are HIGHLY unlikely to have a full superbike setup, and are even less likely to be able to take advantage of any high end setups...

Just my $.02 from a good bit of experience..

[roadracer162]

I agree with Jeff on all counts. My personal experience comes from riding/racing an antiquated 14 Y/O FZR600. It lacks the power and refinement of the newer 600 class. The MWSS class is mass confusion having upward of 40 or more entrant in the Florida region. It is busy and congested although the organizers do a good job given the situation. A two wave start is usually called for.

The talent in the amateur ranks is pretty diverse from expert fast to dog slow.

The GTU and GTO class will be your best selection if all you're looking for good experience. In the amateur ranks it isn't about the bike but more about the rider in the GTU class. I did take my FZR from the 21st starting spot and made it to the 9th even after running off the track avoiding a downed rider.

I stuck with two races for the weekend because I am old and out of shape. But more importantly I have found that when I get tired concentration will wane and more mistakes are made.

Mark

[lbk]

Tack another one on there, I actually started on a 750 because I specifically was trying to avoid the Middleweight class, of course then I got smart and just went lightweight. LOL

But if a 600 is what you have, I add another opinion that going to Heavyweight or other classes is a good option.

[CCSRacer114]

As a Florida Region Amateur you should look into the Amateur GTU class.  You get more laps under race conditions than any other class.

Don't foret about Middleweight GP... it's run second to last race of the day and is an Expert and Amateur 2 wave race... You may well learn more here than in any other race and as it's the end of the day, there are fewer entries.

You can always race up a class too (e.g. HWSS).

Enjoy and see you at Homestead in February.