What to expect for first race

[sryan296]

Just remember it's your first race and you've got alot to learn. there is no shame in starting a few rows behind everyone else if your not comfortable. and definatly go pee at first call

[Scott]

Expect to be SHOCKED at how fast some of the guys you are racing against are.  I did some track days (thought I was reasonably fast), and when I did my first race and was lapped by the leaders it was incomprehensible to me how fast they were going.  Can be a touch discouraging but speed comes with time.

[r1owner]

Expect to be SHOCKED at how fast some of the guys you are racing against are.  I did some track days (thought I was reasonably fast), and when I did my first race and was lapped by the leaders it was incomprehensible to me how fast they were going.  Can be a touch discouraging but speed comes with time.

Good point!  Scott's fast even without a properly working front brake!

[raedmonson]

I appreciate all of the advise. I'm looking to have fun and do something that I have always wanted to do.
Thanks.

[laohu69]

Expect to get beaten. As was mentioned above there is a big difference between "fast" on the street / track days and FAST  at the races. When I first started back racing I had a few goals (besides being safe and not a hazard to myself and others on the track).
Weekend #1- don't wreck. No other goals for that weekend.
Weekend #2- don't get lapped (along with the not wrecking thing too).
Weekend #3- don't come in last place.
Weekend #4- evaluate previous weekends and assess where to concentrate my efforts to start getting faster.
Of course HAVE FUN was in there every weekend. Don't worry if you're slow to begin with and don't worry what anyone else thinks about your lap times. As long as you are riding safely and having fun that is all that matters. 

[tstruyk]

my advice...

1.  go with someone who has done this before.  there is alot going on and having someone there to guide you in the right direction is a good thing.
2.  dont be afraid to ask questions, folks at the track are happy to give answers and advice.
3.  Ride your race, its easy to get caught up following someone and forget what you are trying to accomplish... ride your race.
4.  This is for fun, if you think a pass is sketchy, it probably is.  you'll learn what is clean and what isnt with time.
5.  Dont try to figure it all out at once... go with it, let it happen.
6.  racing for 15th place with 3 other guys is just as fun as racing for 3rd with 3 other guys...
7.  have your bike READY TO RACE when you get there... dont think "its only a 5 min fix, I'll do it there".

As for what to expect?  everyone's first weekend is different.  Things happen fast, keep your head on straight and you'll have a blast.  and if you see someone crash/ing... dont look at em!! 

[catman]

All good advice-i wish you safety -ask the tire guys what pressure to use,and use it-pay attention to where the rubber meets the road-i always loved that jingle NJ JOHN