Tips For New Racers?

[R.C]

Anyone have any good Tips for someone who wants to start racing professionally?

I know about courses to take but what about all the things and costs people forget about..

Trailers, riding gear, parts, insurance, camping, cost of events... those kinds of things..

If someone would like to start racing how much money would they need to race in thier first race?

[sportbikepete]

You put a scary word in there, proffessionally. A friend of mine raced seriously last year doing CCS and placing really well and spent just over $30K. He did not win that much money either. I would not start out looking at it as a proffession.

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Anyone have any good Tips for someone who wants to start racing professionally?

I know about courses to take but what about all the things and costs people forget about..

Trailers, riding gear, parts, insurance, camping, cost of events... those kinds of things..

If someone would like to start racing how much money would they need to race in thier first race?

Lets see, teh first year I raced in SCCA (87) I think the owner ran a $80K plus just for me (well trashing two cars in 2 months didnt help ;D)

When I started racing bikes in 99 I think I spent about $7500 (including bike and all gear) and that was for the last 4 weekends at BHF. Once you got the big outlay of cash (bike, tools, gear), the amount you'll spend racing every year depends on the number of races you do and how much you crash and go through tires.

[sdiver68]

This is my first year.  By the time it is over, and at the pace I'm on, assuming I run 8-10 weekends I plan on, I'll end up going through about $15-20K.  This being a fairly low key effort (competitive Top 10's and even some wood in 3rd Weekend) with rides from a friend with a trailer to out-of-town events.

The first race...depends on what you want out of it.  Start out on a older/smaller bike that costs less and doesn't eat tires as much and I can see it being done for less than $5K but things would be spartan.

[actiontek]

When you say "professionally" you make us think you want to get paid to do it. No way will a newbie get a ride from a pro team. Unlerss you have a ton of money, a team (two bikes and all the equipmwent will set you back about $80K a season). If you are going to start out get a race school (so you can get your license), get a cheap race prepped bike, put it in the back of a truck or van, buy race tires/ or good take offs and get as much practice as possible. Even the wiz kids were racing for years before they got a ride. No one will sign you until you can show them you know how to win and not tear up equipment while doing it. Consistancy and smoothness is the goal. Also, staying out of the hospital. Good luck. IMHO

[Pam G]

Lessee...
GS500 or similar entry-level race-prepped bike:  $1500 min.
Leathers:  $300 min.
Helmet:  $200 min.
Gloves:  $100 min.
Boots:  $150 min.
Back protector:  $50 min.
Open flat trailer or 2 or 3 rail trailer: $300 (used)
Small enclosed trailer:  $1500 (larger trailer=more $)
Pickup truck or van for hauling:  various $, maybe $1k min.
Stands:  $70 min. front + $70 min. rear
Canopy:  $99 min.
Tires:  $268 for Bridgestone 090's for the GS500 (can last (2) 3-4 hr endurance races, depending on how fast you are, plus mounting)
Race license:  $100 (average, per organization)
Entry fees:  check organization, generally $65 for 1st race of the weekend, less for additional races.)
Cost of tools, toolbox
Spares (levers, engine case covers, handlebars, brake pads, chains, sprockets, bodywork if applicable, whatever else that can break or wear)
Don't forget regular maintenance costs, like oil changes, fork oil, other lubricants
Don't forget the cost of food & lodging or camping.

I'm sure there's some things I forgot.  It's not a cheap hobby!  It can run similar to owning & showing horses!

[r6_philly]

Lessee...
GS500 or similar entry-level race-prepped bike:  $1500 min.
Leathers:  $300 min.
Helmet:  $200 min.
Gloves:  $100 min.
Boots:  $150 min.
Back protector:  $50 min.
Open flat trailer or 2 or 3 rail trailer: $300 (used)
Small enclosed trailer:  $1500 (larger trailer=more $)
Pickup truck or van for hauling:  various $, maybe $1k min.
Stands:  $70 min. front + $70 min. rear
Canopy:  $99 min.
Tires:  $268 for Bridgestone 090's for the GS500 (can last (2) 3-4 hr endurance races, depending on how fast you are, plus mounting)
Race license:  $100 (average, per organization)
Entry fees:  check organization, generally $65 for 1st race of the weekend, less for additional races.)
Cost of tools, toolbox
Spares (levers, engine case covers, handlebars, brake pads, chains, sprockets, bodywork if applicable, whatever else that can break or wear)
Don't forget regular maintenance costs, like oil changes, fork oil, other lubricants
Don't forget the cost of food & lodging or camping.

I'm sure there's some things I forgot.  It's not a cheap hobby!  It can run similar to owning & showing horses!

Gatefees :p
Gas
Food and drinks for friends who come to help out
Gas for getting to and from the track
Electricity (pay the track or generator)
Tire warmers

Crash repairs: Bike, Gear, Leathers, AND HELMET

Entertainment expenses
DRINKS!!! hahah

Its not cheap, it will be less expensive if you are better, and it wouldn't be expensive at all if you have rich uncle who own a business ;) (I don't)

[KBOlsen]

I never had a hobby before... and this is rapidly making up for all those years!  ;)

[SliderPhoto]

I'm sure there's some things I forgot....

Photos of you draggin knee...
Photos of you draggin elbow...
Photos of you crashing...
Photos of your closest competitor crashing... ::)
Just kidding of course.  ;D

[am125ike]

Photos of you draggin knee...
Photos of you draggin elbow...
Photos of you crashing...
Photos of your closest competitor crashing... ::)
Just kidding of course.  ;D

ok, ok..serious......
im looking for something tight and uphill......
but other than that (as a new racer) someone, somewhere

please tell me how to get my elbow down  ;D

ive got the aaron yates clip on my cube wall (and jack,
the close-up poster is "on fyre" (you did good!)
(you DO good!! it's a great site you operate! and great photos!)
but i need to get my elbow down  
 ::) ......... and jack youve gotta be there  ;D
otherwise im just gonna  :'( ....cry ??

and just to verify, i wanna make it thru the turn :)
not elbow down, then ike down  ;)

any tips for this new racer ??
or should i just go ahead and go as fast as i can (like when my knee
first fell to the ground, sorta inadvertant  :o (which
kinda shocked me  :)

[SliderPhoto]

Trust? Confidence? Superior Equipment?

Could you believe the AMA guys were this low in turn 6 at RA, with those patches???


Don't try too hard Ike! As you probably found out, drag'n knee is fun, but it doesn't make you fast. I'd imagine drag'n elbow is the same, but it sure looks cool.

Well, there's always Photoshop! :P ;D

[r6_philly]

It helps if you have real long arms  ;D

But, I can see that to get your elbow down you must hang off your upper body. When you are in a turn, stick your head toward the apex, and make sure you are looking forward on the SIDE of your wind screen. You chin should be right above the inside clip on or even outward.

Not really a safe way to get around the corner, you may loose your outside grip and fall off the bike :)

I never done it, but thats how it seem to be done. hahaha... don't try until u are ready