Race license

[klebs01]

I'm looking to start racing this year and am trying to plan my trackdays and races.  I was planning on taking the learning curves school on May 12, at BHF and then race that weekend.  I am planning on doing a couple of track days to get ready and noticed that the visionsports schools are on the days that I was going to be at BHF.  It looks like I would be fine just taking the skills and thrills class to get my license.  How are the Visionsports and Learning Curves classes different?  Does the LC class on the race weekend focus more on the race procedures?  Would it be worth while to take both classes?  And finally, If I did the VS class on April 11, and got my license, would I be able to take the Racer University class with out running a race?

[Super Dave]

I can probably help you out with this a bit.

I've taught CCS licensing clinics before, and I have my current program under Visionsports.  I can't say that I've been in a Learning Curves program before as I was licnesed before they were teaching for CCS.

When I taught CCS licensing programs, the aim was to teach the safety and ettiqute primarily.  Riding was included in a generalized way, but I was limited to the confines of time on the track.  In that way, yeah, you'll focus more off track time on the discussion of safety and all compared to executing it on track compared to what we do.

My Visionsports' programs are more riding oriented because we have a full day to ride and cover material.  Safety and ettiqute are incredibly important, but the riding aspect has a giant role too.  Everyone stresses safety.  But we will focus on individual riding.  If a rider or riders wish to receive their road racing license certification, we do work with those riders separated at certain times to focus on some of the more specific issues of safety and procedure that are required in road racing.  Passing a written test along with showing safe operation will allow you to pass the program and get your certificate to get a license.

I limit the Visionsports' Skills & Thrills classes to about sixteen riders with a staff of about four.  Definitely recommend entering early.  First, it costs less.  Next, it may fill up.  Finally, depending upon my staffs' schedules, I have reduced the number of students that we'll take.

Once you've been in one of my programs, I will do my best to help you afterwards.  Often, it's a function of you talking to me either via email, at the track, whatever. 

Can you take the Visionsports' Racer University without running a race?  No, I don't think it would be valuable.  Racing is different than a track day.  There are different stresses that come from different angles, and it's not fair to put you in the position of trying to replicate something that you're not familiar with.  On the other side, I've had licensed road racers in my Skills & Thrills' programs.  That can be done, but it doesn't work well the other way.

Does that make it as clear as mud?   

[klebs01]

Thanks for the reply. 

I just registered for the Skills and Thrills in April.

At this point, I don't think I could have too much instruction so I think I'll also do the LC course.

Now, if only the snow would melt.

[APP_Racing]

I took the Learning Curves Course and it was of great benefit.  Excellent instruction but mostly gave good sound advise on lines and rules along with some good bike safety tips.  This is after taking a Freddie Spencer course.

I haven't taken a Visionsports course yet, but plan to this year.  I have heard nothing but good things from new and very experienced riders about the program and "The follow-up support is the best". 

I am one that doesn't think you can ever have to much education regardless of your skill level.  You will likely find benefits in both.

[Super Dave]

Now, if only the snow would melt.

Don't remind me...LOL!

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

More snow on the way tonight and tomorrow! 

[imafrogg420]

I've taken both and I am also a newbie too. With only one season under my belt. So I would say taking both is your best bet. They both cover different but equally important material. I took the LCR first then Vision. the LCR was my first time ever on a track also so it was little sensory over load. But in the end a great experiance. Dave is a great guy, excellent teacher, and a complete genius when it comes to suspension. Good luck and hope to see you at the track.

[Helmsman]

I definitely recommend Visionsport school.  I took it early last year, and was very impressed.  It isn't as focused on race procedures as the LCR is, it is more about making you a better rider.  In someways, I wish that Dave would have spent more time on race procedures, or even had a "mock race" like LCR has, but I understand how his class is set up, and the more experienced people that were taking the class probably wouldn't want that.  Super Dave goes above and beyond with his class though, giving you help long after you take his class.  My PB lap time was Dave leading me a couple months after I took his class!

[Court Jester]

i'll be there with a close friend of mine april 11th. and super dave has been awesome thus far with helping me out with info and whatnot. heard nothing but good and it seems to be true so far.
i did the learning curves class. i was really new at the whole track thing then but i walked away with more usable info than i showed up with. it's well worth taking as well.

[klebs01]

Thanks for the replies.

It looks like taking both will be good. I can focus on my riding on the 11th and then on the race stuff at the LC clinic and not try to pack too much info into one day.

[quicknick]

do you realy need a licences to race?

[Super Dave]

Yeah, Nick.  You must successfully complete a certification school or have a recognized license from another organization.  Been that way for a long time.  I have been able to do MX races, a TT race, a dirt track race, and indoor racing events without having anything that said I could race.