New Racer - Advice on Classes

[casper3043]

Looking to start my first season racing this year and am super excited. I will be riding an 07 R6, stock motor with your typical bolt ons and DOT tires. From all the classes available (overwhelming amount to read through), which would be recommended for me to be competitive? I would use the term "competitive" loosely, as I'm not out there for points or trophies. Just trying to get a feel for a race setting and having fun without completely getting humiliated. Generally speaking, I know I can enter Supersport, Superbike (probably not ideal), GP, GTU, and Sprints. I've read that some 600's race in other classes due to small grid, but not 100% sure. I didn't read anywhere about race length in those classes, so I'm unclear about that.

Lastly, I don't have a transponder. During race school I saw some racers renting one for the weekend. Since I'll only be doing 2 race weekends this year at BFR, is that my best option?

Thanks in advance!

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Basically anything in middleweight you'd be legal for. Most of the superbike class is supersport machines anyways. People have run 600s in heavyweight. My guess half the field in hw is mw bikes.

Hell my first year I think I finished last every race. Hehe. Was lapped twice in an 8 lap a number of times. Hell theres times I'm still getting lapped even with white plates. Hehe

[Doxgon22]

Good Morning!
     Rob was right.  Anything middleweight is your best place to start.  I would also suggest the Rookie's Cup race, as this is other racers with less than one season's racing experience.  But the heavyweight and unlimited classes are also an option due to the "lower turnout".  Be aware that you are racing against "faster" motorcycles in these classes.  Best part is, if YOU are having fun, that's all that matters.

[franikk]

I get passed all of the time, but I always have a smile on my face.  There are really fast  guys in SS and SB and for Amateurs, they are fast.  So my definition of Amateur and their differ, but I have a smile on my face!

[schwags13]

Welcome to racing! I also just got licensed last summer at RA and ran two race weekends.  My goals were, #1 don't crash and #2 don't finish last.  it was a success. Like the other guys said, as long as you're having fun, that's what counts.

Transponders: I would at least buy the battery powered transponder if you're planning on doing two race weekends. Cost is about $80 bucks. To rent is $35 for the weekend. Two weekends in, you basically bought it. If you think you will become instantly addicted, like I did, buy the hardwired transponder. They never go bad "theoretically", and cost around $150 bucks I believe. See you out there for Blackhawk.

Jonathan
Daytona 675R
MW #113 AM

[bruce71198]

For some stupid reason I have more transponders than I personally have ever purchased. I could be persuaded to part with one or two. PM me for details.

[Redlining52]

The two heavyweight classes are mostly filled with 600s, people riding 750s are few and far between these days.