Would you give it up? Racing that is.

[lbk]

I'm considering a new job which I desperately need, completely fed up with my current job. However it pays less, and of course that leads to the one thing that would make it possible. No more racing.

So if you were in a position that you just really needed to get out of, and had an opportunity that seemed like a great fit, would you do it if it meant giving up racing?

I'm seriously considering it, not giving it up for good, but maybe take this step give it up for a while, then after I get back into a position later on picking it back up then.

[H-man]

Hey Dave,

Oooo... such a heavy question.  Well, I haven't been able to get as involved as some others who may respond, so you can weigh my response accordingly.

Racing is a part of your life.  An important part, but just a part.  Unfortunately, like most of us, the greatest portion of your waking hours is involved with work.  Therefore, if the job is definitely getting to you and the situation there isn't likely to change, then a change of job is in order.  It's for your own (and your family's) happiness.  As you noted, you can return to racing later.

Besides, you don't have to be totally absent from racing during the time.  Maybe do some cornerworking, track days or perfect the formula and market that tire sap ;)

  H.  

[davegsxrold929r]

hmm that would be tough., but yes i guess i would., also you can always save enough to do a weekend here or there to get the fix in...  and as you said it would not be forever....

[lbk]

Thanks guys, I'm probably putting the cart before the horse I haven't heard their offer yet, so maybe it will just work out. But I doubt it right now I work for a large company, and I want to move to a smaller company, that usually means less money for a similar position.

Anyway, track days wouldn't be an issue I could do those, but this year I kind of gave those up for racing, just because I preffered racing over track days. Also we just started riding dirt, so that's fun right now.

But yeah the biggest thing is just not having the lifestyle. I don't think I could go to the track and not race, had to do that last year and although it was good seeing people it just wasn't the same. Plus we have other things that we would want to do if we weren't racing.

But it is definitely the social aspect of racing that I fear losing the most. Well that and the thought of becoming one of those people that says "Yeah I use to race motorcycles" LOL

[Super Dave]

Ah, this is a good question...

I started racing motorcycles in 1987.  The fewest number of races I did was in 1992.  Still, that year, I did more AMA Pro events than club events.  My mom got cancer that year, and things kind of changed.  

Over a lot of years, I learned what I could skimp on...I've never, ever had a decent racing "budget", so I never had enough tires, enough brakes, enough spares...but I've managed to keep racing.

Still, if I didn't race, I'm lucky enough that I know some people that would love to put me on some bikes to ride for them some place.

But, I'm always troubled how racers just fall off the face of the earth.  Certainly, some amount of experience should lend you to some new guy...you spent the money, you understand some things, you know what NOT to do...Try not to drop out.

In 1991, my sponsor's promise of a bike for the full season fell apart because of rules and budgets.  But I got hooked up with one of the riders of the team that was still primarily supported and had a Superbike program.  While I was racing, I was also part of his program helping him out.  Needless to say, I learned more about things I needed to do, my individual value, and, even though I wasn't racing, I recognized that when WE finished well I was satisfied in a similar fashion to when I was actually on the bike.

That give you some ideas?

[Pierre - Team PMR]

Dave,

DONT give it up!!  You love this too much to give it up.  If its money you are worried about, sell hour toy hauler & van and go back to a simple 1 rail trailer.  That should free up enought cash to keep racing.

I dont make much money at all...in fact, I'm making less that HALF of what I was making before I started racing - but I always find creative ways of affording my racing fix.  

Dont give it up - find a way to keep doing it, even if its just once in a while (as long as you dont let it affect your family's way of life)

-p-

[spyderchick]

In life, you make choices. If this job will ultimately improve the quality of your life, you must weigh that against how much racing improves the quality of your life.

That said, racing in some form or another will not go away. If it's not your life long goal to be world champion, but just to ut a wheel on the track when the mood strikes you, abstainance will make the heart grow fonder.

And no, you don't have to give it up entirely. Come out and work corners, pit crew for a freind, or just spectate and take pictures. You can learn alot about racing while not being on the track turning laps. Observation can be used as a tool to improve your racing in the future.

Remember, when you are all set, you can come back with an improved perspective and lust for competition.

Good luck to you.

[KBOlsen]

Dave, I think I understand where you're coming from.  Sometimes we HAVE to take a "step back".  Even if we don't necessarily WANT to.  I haven't put a wheel on a racetrack since Memorial Day.  But I've still had a damn good summer!  

As others have said, just because you're not gridding for the start doesn't mean you can't remain part of the "family".  If your wallet won't allow you to race, there are still plenty of other ways you can participate.  Cornerworking is a great way to get a better perspective on problem areas (if, for example, you're having "issues" with a particular corner, spending a day watching the difference in how both the fast and not-so-fast folks navigate can be VERY helpful).  Being at the track and having the time to kick back and TALK to people... LISTENING to your mentors and getting new ideas... spending time with your friends... sure, you're still missing the adrenaline rush BUT...

(and I keep telling myself this) it will still be there when you come back.

[Super Dave]

... it will still be there when you come back...

Ah, very, very true...  
 ;D ;D

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

I work in hell, and race to remain sane.  This year, the money hasn't been there.  Still, I've found ways to stay active.  Lonny roped me into his endurance team for a few races, I've cornerworked, busted tires with Mitch Stien, and coached at some STT track days.  The truly addicted will find a way.
I can't leave my job.  The money pension and benefits are beyond what a person of my education would usually expect, so I just can't leave.  But I will always find some way to be at the track.  Maybe not the way I'd like, but I'll be there.
See you all at Blackhawk this weekend.  I'll be the guy in white with the flag in his hand!

[StumpysWife]

A good way to think about it is to be "in the world, but not of the world". Racing is a part of your world, but not it.

On the other hand, if you are hit by a dumptruck tomorrow, you may want to have raced today.  






Well, you'll figure it out.  

Absolutely no help at all,
Heather :D

[lbk]

Thanks for all the support everyone.

I have a variety of options so I'm lucky in that regards. It's not like I couldn't find a way to do it, it wouldn't be that much less money, but if I continued to race "other" things would have to go. Since my son doesn't get much out of going to the track I'd rather spend that money on the things that include him.

Racing is the one thing that costs the most, and if I took this job that would be "one" thing I'd have to give up. As opposed to giving up "multiple" other things and still be able to take the job and race. Also I wouldn't sell the race bike, or anything else for that matter, we can afford what we have even with the new position, but it's the money spent to continue doing it. Again what other things that would take away from.

Anyway we'll see, like I said I may be jumping the gun I haven't gotten an exact number from them yet, just the figure the headhunter threw out got me to thinking about this.

By all means I will remain around, and occasionally still just come to the track to hang out, no way would I lose touch with the friends we've made at the track. :D