New Racers

[HondaRC51]

 :) hey do u guys or gals have n e tips for a up and comer in motorcycle racing. i am only 16 and hoping to get racing soon. im going to go to MMI in arizona to become a race mechanic but i wont to race.

[dwilson]

The best way I can think of to prepare for racing is like this...

Every winter go to your local bike shop and give them ALL your money.  When you get paid, sign your checks over to the parts manager.

During spring & summer borrow a truck and trailer, drive all night to the middle of no-where (that's where the track is), get up at 6:00 am and give ALL your money to the registration desk.  

If this sounds like alot of hassle you can try this instead, make a fire & procede to throw $100 bills in your fire (5 at a time) until your poor.

[dwilson]

No seriously, what ever track is near where you live, go there when they do races.  Just walk around and talk to people.  Everyone there will be happy to tell you about there bikes, what to do, etc...  You should also look into being a corner worker, those are the guys that pull the down racers off the track & do the flags.  You might need to be 18 but I'm not sure.

[Dave_Alexander]

I'm not sure if they still do or not, but MMI use to give course credits to students who did cornerwork for CCS.  Look into it.  The CCS Southwest region is based (sorta) in Phoenix at Firebird Raceway.  Head on out to one of the events and speak with the people there.  Racers are always happy to talk about their bikes and racing to anyone who'll listen.

[Litespeed]

Unfortunately we don't return to Phoenix for racing for quite a while since it's too hot there or something.  You can also find a lot of the racers at the track day events in the area and learn most of what you would find out on a race weekend.  The bonus is that the people should have a lot more time to talk and are generally in a little more friendly outgoing mood since they aren't wearing there race face that day.  The nearest ones i know of are at the new track with TeamAZ, look at www.teamaz.com for the information.  If I get back in time I will be there working one of the corners but you can stop by and say hi when i'm near my bike, which should be an RC51 wearing race skins that don't even look close to being done yet.  I was going to have fresh paint but got stuck going out of town (country actually) for work so I won't have any time to paint them but will hopefylly have all the holes patched.

[Decreasing_Dave]

 If I get back in time I will be there working one of the corners but you can stop by and say hi when i'm near my bike, which should be an RC51 wearing race skins that don't even look close to being done yet.

John, are you and Billy going to be in Vegas??  We'll be there w/toyhauler in tow.

Hope to see you there.

D. Dave

[HondaRC51]

hey do u guys ever come out to Road Atlanta.i live right next to it.in two weeks i will be going to the AMA Superbike race there.Ill try to et a job there as a corner worker this summer.But im going to get a job at a motorcycle shop already so. About how much do u guys think it would cost for me to start racing.Ill check into that extra course credits with MMI.Oh ya i live in Braselton,Ga.If n e body has AOL instant messenger you can talk to me at RC51SuperbikeAMA.................. ;D :o :D

[dwilson]

I just got into racing last year and was on a hard core budget.  I spent $1,500 on bike, $500 fixing it and prepping it, $1,200 on safety gear.  It may be tempting but DON'T skimp on the safety gear.  Your young, that means you could spend along time paralyzed...  Spending $2,000 on a bike will get you on the track but if you want to try to win something it's gonna cost lot's more.  You'll also need to pay or a race class, licensing fees, track fees, etc...  Between tires, oil, food, etc I pay about $350 per weekend.  

[HondaRC51]

thats the one thing that im going to spend the most on would be saftey gear.i might be young but im not stupid.

[Super Dave]

:) hey do u guys or gals have n e tips for a up and comer in motorcycle racing. i am only 16 and hoping to get racing soon. im going to go to MMI in arizona to become a race mechanic but i wont to race.

MMI won't teach you what you need to be a "race mechanic".  You'll learn diagnostic stuff and all, which is great, but no speed secrets.  

Often, that comes from experience in working a racing enviornment. There are lots of little tricks that some of us old racers do out of habbit that we don't think about.  Things that they don't teach in AMI, MMI, etc.

You say you're an up and comer in motorcycle racing... are you going to race or just be a mechanic?

[Decreasing_Dave]

 Between tires, oil, food, etc I pay about $350 per weekend.  

$350 PER WEEKEND !!!!!!!!!!

I wanna race where you do!!

I'm spending close to $1,000 per weekend!!!

That grand per month would sure buy some cool stuff.  But racing rocks!!!

See you on the tracks.  I'll be the one with the empty pockets...less weight, I'll go faster. ;D ;D

[dwilson]

$50 gas & tolls (from Philly to Summit Point)
$50 food & drink
$50 entrance fees for me & girl friend
$200 race entries

I guess I also need to factor in consumables...

Gas = $10 (pump)
Oil = $20
Tires = $100 ($200 per set, replaced every other weekend)
Practice day = $75 (I haven't been doing these due to work schedule but have to start)

How do you spend $1K Dave?