DevilDawg

Alright. Here is where I check my miniscule ego at the proverbial door, open up what is in my head, and solicit the opinions of our racers here. For years I have quietly wondered if I could race. Not that I ever thought I was fast or anything, or that I would ever make money doing it. I just wondered if I could ever be just fast enough to keep from clogging an asphalt artery and run with others on the track. And, honestly, after my incident on the street this season, I am beginning to very seriously consider doing most if not all of my riding on the track. Part of me can't see being totally devoid of street riding, especially with the price of gas what it is. But I have this ever increasing desire to get to the track and have a go at it. Phobiaphobe stated in another thread that he felt inspired by some of the folks here. Having read his race reports, as well as those from bwhip and coversations with SOB, I feel that I have lived vicariously long enough. So I intend on spending the fall looking for and prepping a bike strictly for the track. Here is the cliff notes version of what is rattling around inside my brain housing group. What I would like is the opinions and testimoy of some that have travelled this path before.

I intend on spending this fall looking for and prepping a track only machine, preferrably of the 600 ilk, or perhaps an SV650. I have a smattering of track days behind me, but intend to attend at least a couple more before this season ends. I am scouting racing schools, and while on a restrictive budget at the moment, will be looking to possibly take one in over the winter months at a southern track late this year, or early '09. When it comes to machines, I am kind of looking the direction of a CBR600 or GSXR600, as those seem to be the most popular, and I would figure on replacement parts being somewhat abundant. The SV650 figures into that as well in my mind, but my mind hasn't been at the track as often as most of you, so feel free to pick that theory apart.

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read this, and 1000 thank yous to any who offer a response. I am getting pretty antsy to get to work on this, but metereing that enthusiasm with some doses of reality. Since the last name is De Sha and not Du Pont, funds aren't just falling out of the sky. But I feel it's time to change the way I enjoy the sport of motorcycling, and as they say, you don't know until you try.

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Godspeed #20.

ConqSoft

I have no personal experience, but many here say that the 600 class is a squidfest, so you may want to consider a bike that would put you into another class.

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SheepOfBlue

Yes you can. I am slow and did not take last on a track that really brings them in (Barber).

I hate zuk's but the SV650 is legal in a lot of classes and cheap. A 600 is legal in less classes and it's main class seemed to be the most crowded.

Calender he runs Baa-rber August 8th

Avoid Nashville unless someone can explain that it changed (dangerous)

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BobcatSig

DD -

You echo my very same sentiments. I would love nothing more to get into racing - of not for the pure thrill and enjoyment of it. I fully realize that I will get my ass handed to me in most if not all occasions. But like you, at least I'm out there doing it and enjoying it.

While I haven't had any unfortunate circumstances on the street that have pushed me to the track, I do find it more enjoyable on the track. However, I do find that motorcycling allows for that "escape" on the open road and in the twisties. Moreover, it is a great way to see the countryside.

As far as what bike to get or what class to run in - look at your local club level or sanctioning organization. What you've mentioned are all great bikes to run. For me, I plan to run a newer 600. I thought about the SV but due to the class structure in UtahSBA, the SV really isn't competitive anymore. While still a great bike and a terrific beginner race bike, I want something that I can be (somewhat) competitive on. But your local Org may be different and have an SV only (or similar class). Look it into it.

As for the 600 class being a squid fest. It is possible. Again, it depends on your local club or Org. For me, a 600 makes sense because it satisfies my need for speed but it doesn't have the propensity of high-siding or the monster power of a race-prepped 1000. Sure, the newer 600's are plenty fast - but with some schooling, they are definitely manageable (to an extent).

When it comes down to it, just flippin' go for it. I mean why have the regret? At least you are out there DOING it and racing, not just talking about it. All in all, it sounds like you're taking the right steps and are approaching it the right way. Kind of exciting, isn't it?

Heavy-Dee

Are you willing to travel to the races? Given the state of Nelson right now, the future of Fasttrax is up in the air.

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Epic Fail

DevilDawg

Bobcat, I am stoked at the idea of this. Just trying to keep my wits about it all though. Don't want to get too amped up in the event that I have to put something off. (Working through some personal domestic issues, and that always compounds stuff.) And like you, I agree about the theraputic side of of riding on the street. I can't see me totally divorced from riding on the street.

I intend on running in the local WERA events. I have spoken to them about the relevance of my previous racing school (which is LOOOONG since expired) and what they offer or recommend.

But I am going to give this my best shot. So what if I end up being a backmarker for the next several years. It will all be on the track, and that's where I want to be.

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Godspeed #20.

DevilDawg

That I am. I would go to BeaveRun, Grattan, maybe even down to Jennings and Barber. I have kin in FL where I could run Jennings, and I would do Barber just to do it. SOB raves about it. And hoping that with the upcoming change in ownership at NL, have a quality home track an hour from my back door.

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Godspeed #20.

Heavy-Dee

Well, as long as you're comfortable w/ the added expense. Part of what made FT "affordable" (ha ha) for me was the lack of travel expenses.

Really, it's not about if you can go race, it's about how bad do you want to, and/or how to do it the smartest?

Personally, the "600 squidfest" stuff is overplayed. It's not all bunk, but it's also not anarchy either. 600 is (I think WERA calls it C Superstock/superbike) the place to start unless you want to go vintage racing. That'd be cool, fun, and affordable as well.

The only better place to start would be whatever SV650 class there is. I don't know off hand. But, you can handle the 600 class. I'm sure of it. Maybe not at the national rounds, but certianly at the regionals. There will be guys that you'll never catch. But there will be plenty of guys to chase and beat.

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Epic Fail

DevilDawg

Thanks, Dan. I get what you're saying, too, about guys I'll never catch, and the guys that I can. I do have quite the competitve nature, but try and keep some sense about it. I am rally leaning towards the SV class, as I spent some time back in the day with a kid who ran that, and was fairly competitve in it. I saw how much fun he was having, and should have jumped in then. But hindsight....well we all know about that. The 600 class I am sure is like jumping in the deep end of the community pool, but I am looking at it from a cost standpoint. And there has to be more than a few guys like me getting in. Plus, me being a twins guy, like the idea of the SV.

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Godspeed #20.

SheepOfBlue

Go to a WERA race with a stop watch and notebook. In the notebook have a list of questions and objectives. Don't just roam. If you are interested in a class make a point of timing some people, counting the grid, etc. Not everyone but most folks would be thrilled to answer questions and give guidance (yes there is some folks that the goat whizzed on their Wheaties) Remember that come time to grid most folks are on so give them space.

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DevilDawg

Hmmm...I'd hadn't thought of that Sheep. That's pretty good info. And I'll mind the times and events takingplace before I harass someone. I have been lucky enough to be around both pros and amatures in Daytona at the 200, helped a time or two get some guys race ready. So that will help. But knowing what some times are in some classes would be nice to have. Good tip!

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Godspeed #20.

CBRVFR

Fixed that for you....


SV's are a total blast. I'd start there, as they are plentiful, inexpensive, and well supported.

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Heavy-Dee

You can surf mylaps and see what kind of times people are turning and compare them to other classes. I'd be willing to bet that the middle of the road guys wouldn't/aren't doing any differently on SV's than on 600's.

Food for thought.

Until you get your butt on the track, you won't know where you'll fall.

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Epic Fail

DevilDawg

True, HD. I need to get on the track some more this year. Unfortuantely, until I unearth a deal on an SV or 600, it will be on my 51. But at least it's something! I had half a thought to just track that, but I have a feeling it's going to be harder to get parts for. I found there to be a reducing aftermarket pool of parts for mine when I was fixing it back up after the accident.

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Godspeed #20.

DevilDawg

The more I think about all of this, the harder I am leaning towards the SV. They seem to be a slightly less expensive entrance to racing. Slightly.

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Godspeed #20.

SheepOfBlue

Ride the RC in novice. A small class and you just have to worry about being buzzed once by the oil burners. Great way to learn and figure out what you want to do BEFORE spending $$$

Oh in case you have not figured it the EB class in August is likely a terrible idea for you. Barber in August is brutal to a northerner

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DevilDawg

That is one of the schools I was looking at going to maybe later in the year. $400 isn't bad, compared to school slike Freddie Spencer and Schwantz. bwhip recommened Pridmore's STAR school. Not sure I can afford too many before the holidays, but then again, that would be a nice gift from Santa!

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Godspeed #20.

SheepOfBlue

Get feedback from Seamus and DoubleDan also as they have attended.

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ND4SPD

Glad to see this DD.

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BobcatSig

Pridmore's Star will probably be your best value. If can swing it, do it. Then, later, when you've got more coin or your completely sure you're a boy-racer, pony up the cash for Schwantz or Spencer's school.

That's my plan, anyway ...

DevilDawg

The only thing I could find on the STAR school though was dates out in Cali. Not sure I wanna trek that far across the country. By that time, my petrol bill will have make Schwantz' look affordable.

I am probably going to do a EBRC class if at all possible. Depends on how the end of the year goes. I am going to be taking in a STT track day at Mid Ohio in August, and try and see if I can make consistent lap times on the 51. I don't care if they are consistenly slow, I just want to take good lines and get into a rhythm. And if at the end of the day I am trimming them down, then WOO HOO!

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Godspeed #20.

DEPO

Hey.... even if you get your butt kicked..... (This Guy ), it is still a ton of fun and worth the experience.

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Shenders1

Do it man, do it. And post detailed reports of your exploits.

I live vicariously through you folks who actually do what I've always wanted to do...

Personally, I'd be really attracted to the SV650 - Relatively cheap, lots of spare parts around, etc.

RedRider

Mrs. Red said I could play at track days all I want(except our Grattan event this year ) but would not give the green light on racing.

seamus

Let us know when and where. There's enough of us spread out down here to at least relieve you of the costs of a night or two in a hotel.

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Richard Herald, The Gentle Giant

The nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools.
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