New to CCS Racing

[Howlin_Mad]

Hello all!  I am new to racing and will be at Firebird unless we have some more fires here ( I pray we don't)  So I look forward to meeting some of you there.  I have heard one of the best parts of this sport is the people you meet so I am looking forward to meeting and riding with all of you.  See you at Firebird

Marc

[dwilson]

Hi Marc!
Welcome to racing.  Most of the people in this sport are great.  Hanging out at the paddock chatting with your neighbors is definitely one of the best parts of the sport.  Definitely ask questions at the track & keep the rubber side down ;D

[Howlin_Mad]

Thanks for the welcome dwilson!  

Marc

[Mark Bernard]

Welcome to the circus Marc.... :o  Hope you have a good time!  ;)

[Howlin_Mad]

Welcome to the circus Marc.... :o  Hope you have a good time!  ;)

Thanks Buell I just hope I don't end up in the freak show. :D

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

Thanks Buell I just hope I don't end up in the freak show. :D

Too late! ;D ;)

[KBOlsen]

Welcome to your latest addiction.  Some of the best people in the world are here!

Now go out, get some new credit cards and have fun!

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

Welcome to your latest addiction.  Some of the best people in the world are here!

Now go out, get some new credit cards and have fun!

 >:( Credit cards BAD! >:(

     Too easy to get in huge debt too fast. Probably a large reason for many people getting out of the sport before ever really being in it for any length of time. I have known too many people that have fallen into this catagory. Paying as you go (as much as possible) will probably result in you staying with us longer. I raced for 4 years, then had to stop for 2 1/2 years due to the MASSIVE amount of debt I accumulated. Having learned my lesson the hard way, I returned and have paid for everything as I went along. Much better at the end of the season knowing that I don't owe a dime for any of the racing I did this past season! ;D

     (By the way KB, I realize you were just being funny! :))

[KBOlsen]

Yeah Mike... I's just being facetious!

Seriously tho, Howlin... don't be surprised if, after your first weekend, you find yourself struck by the realization that you have far too many "unnecessary" possessions that suddenly are cluttering up the place... and eBay becomes the number-one visited site on your web browser (well, eBay and the CCS BBS!).  

[Howlin_Mad]

Thanks guys I am really looking forward to next weekend out at Firebird.  First race and all.  Thanks for the tips!  Please keep them coming.  I am smart enough to know that if can learn from someone elses experience your journey may be smoother.

Marc

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

#1 most important place to spend money?  Tires.  If your tires suck, your day sucks.  On a lightweight bike, the goodness can go away before the tire wears out.  Replace them if you even THINK that you need to.  A $400 set of tires is cheaper than a $500 set of bodywork, a $1000 set of leathers, a $10,000 motorcycle, or a $100,000 medical bill.  (You do have a good insurance policy without racing exclusions, right?)
#1 way to improve your bike?  Suspension.  Get a Penske or Ohlins shock.  Install front and rear springs that match your weight and the intended mission of road racing.  Have your forks done by a tuner IN YOUR AREA who offers TRACKSIDE SUPPORT.  For what you will invest in suspension, ($1500 to $2000 for all new stuff) you need and should expect trackside support.
#1 accessory?  Tire warmers.  Your competition uses them, and you will need them too.  They're more expensive, but get the ones with a thermostat.  If you can keep the tires on one heat cycle all day, they will be grippier longer.
And burn your credit cards now, before you even start...

[Howlin_Mad]

I believe I have all of that covered except the tire warmers.  I will have to re visit that one based on your input.  When I decided to do this my plan was this was going to be cash and ride no credit.  So far I have done that.  Thanks again for the advice.  It really helps!

Marc