Almost time to go racing!

bwhip · 03-23-2007, 12:05 AM

Next weekend, March 31 and April 1, I begin my foray into the wild and wacky world of amateur roadracing, and I can't wait.

A few friends of mine from here in Idaho and I will be heading down to Miller Motorsports Park, to compete in the "Masters of the Mountain" (MOM) series they have there.

I've spent much of the winter prepping my bikes (and myself) for racing season. I've already been getting a taste of just how expensive this passion of ours is.

Man, it's a good thing I found relatively cheap used bikes!

In the past couple of months I've had to buy tires, case covers, a transponder, entry fees, oil changes, number plate vinyl and numbers, a slipper clutch (okay, I didn't have to buy that, but I did anyway), tire warmers, boots, paint for the inside of my trailer, and more. Add the travel costs, entry fees, gas and race fuel...

I sure hope I like racing! [I think I will]

This Sunday a couple of buddies and I are going to zip down to MMP for some practice at an open track day they're having there. It'll be great to get back out on the track again, and to practice for next weekend's races.

The classes I'll be competing in:

Open Twins (me on the RC51 against other RC's, Ducs, etc.)
Novice GTO (on the CBR600RR - I'll be competing against novices on 600's and literbikes)
Amateur GTU (on the 600, against novices and experts on 600's)
Formula 40 (me on the RC51 against other gray-haired nuts on all kinds of bikes)

Now I'm just hoping for good weather. It's been beautiful down there the last few weeks - in the 60's and up. Current long-range forecast for next weekend shows highs in the 40's

, lows in the 20's, and a chance of precip.

Being a novice, I had to pick a three digit number. Most of the ones I liked were taken, and I really didn't have any specific favorites or anything meaningful, other than my wedding anniversary date or something (which would have been 109). I finally settled on 231, because it was the only three digit number available that was made up entirely of podium positions.

DoctorFell · 03-23-2007, 12:56 AM

Bikes're lookin' sexy, Whip. Lap some newbs for us.

SheepOfBlue · 03-23-2007, 07:35 AM

Good luck.

ND4SPD · 03-23-2007, 08:05 AM

Well, at least you'll look good on the starting grid.

quick26 · 03-23-2007, 08:12 AM

wow sounds like you are going to have a blast and spend a small fortune doing it

tigerblade · 03-23-2007, 09:35 AM

Which class is first? Formula 40 will be a great place to get your feet wet.

bwhip · 03-23-2007, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigerblade

Which class is first? Formula 40 will be a great place to get your feet wet.

Actually, Formula 40 is last for me on the day, but I think Twins GTO will also be a good way to start. I'm also told there are some VERY fast guys in Formula 40 on Gixxer Thous and such.

In order:
11:10 AM - Twins GTO & Classic
1:35 PM - Amateur GTU
2:50 PM - Novice GTO
4:40 PM - Formula 40 GTO

Weather forecast now says it'll be in the 60's! I hope this one's right and yesterday's was wrong.

bwhip · 03-23-2007, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoctorFell

Bikes're lookin' sexy, Whip. Lap some newbs for us.

You got it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

Well, at least you'll look good on the starting grid.

They do give out poseur points, don't they? I'm hoping to get a few of those, for sure.

bda116 · 03-23-2007, 09:57 AM

This is why I decided not to race. Didn't want to get beat down by another .orger.

Good luck man. I might head out that way to watch a bit with my son.

tigerblade · 03-23-2007, 10:01 AM

'whip, if you're anything like me, you will be nervous as hell until the flag drops. Then the butterflies magically go away by T1 or T2.

Just try to fight off the red mist this first weekend and have a good time.

RedRider · 03-23-2007, 10:11 AM

Good luck 'B! Ride safe...you have a job and family that needs you.

bwhip · 03-23-2007, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bda116

This is why I decided not to race. Didn't want to get beat down by another .orger.

Good luck man. I might head out that way to watch a bit with my son.

Yeah, right, Mr. fastest-lap-time-of-the-.orgers-at-the-inaugural-Miller-Labor-Day-event.

Hope to see you and your son out there next weekend and beyond.

CBRVFR · 03-23-2007, 10:14 AM

Have a great time, Brian - And don't forget, the two most dangerous places on earth are between Chuck Schumer and a camera, or between an 18 year old racer on a 600 and a plaque.

bwhip · 03-23-2007, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigerblade

'whip, if you're anything like me, you will be nervous as hell until the flag drops. Then the butterflies magically go away by T1 or T2.

Just try to fight off the red mist this first weekend and have a good time.

I'll try not to do the Pedrosa T-Bone on anyone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedRider

Good luck 'B! Ride safe...you have a job and family that needs you.

Thanks. Very true - all of these bills to be paid for motorcycle parts and accessories, too!

bwhip · 03-23-2007, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

Have a great time, Brian - And don't forget, the two most dangerous places on earth are between Chuck Schumer and a camera, or between an 18 year old racer on a 600 and a plaque.

I thought it was between Rosie O'Donnell and a cheeseburger?

Thanks!

ND4SPD · 03-23-2007, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigerblade

'whip, if you're anything like me, you will be nervous as hell until the flag drops. Then the butterflies magically go away by T1 or T2.

He's lying, it takes at least 2 laps.

Pete · 03-23-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwhip

I thought it was between Rosie O'Donnell and a cheeseburger?

Nope, it's BDA and Tigerblade.

bwhip · 03-23-2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Nope, it's BDA and Tigerblade.

tigerblade · 03-23-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Nope, it's BDA and Tigerblade.

phobe · 03-23-2007, 11:17 AM

Bonne chance, mon frere.

Do a pop-a-wheelie for us.

Purpdust · 03-23-2007, 11:56 AM

wow, looking good

gt702 · 03-23-2007, 12:37 PM

Congrats and have fun. I'm sure you'll like it, I did when I went amatuer racing for a few years.

Be sure to practice some starts so you get off clean when the pressure is on.

Heavy-Dee · 03-23-2007, 12:38 PM

Good luck Whip! Can't wait to read the report!

CBR929RE · 03-23-2007, 02:24 PM

on man 4 races. thats gonna be one really really really really long writeup.

can't wait to read it. don't forget to have fun out there

TornadoB8 · 03-23-2007, 02:53 PM

Have you been practicing your starts?

bwhip · 03-23-2007, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TornadoB8

03-23-2007, 12:05 AM	#1
bwhip Every ride a gift... Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Idaho, USA Bike(s): 1098S-SXV550-849-Ruckus Posts: 4,086	Almost time to go racing! Next weekend, March 31 and April 1, I begin my foray into the wild and wacky world of amateur roadracing, and I can't wait. A few friends of mine from here in Idaho and I will be heading down to Miller Motorsports Park, to compete in the "Masters of the Mountain" (MOM) series they have there. I've spent much of the winter prepping my bikes (and myself) for racing season. I've already been getting a taste of just how expensive this passion of ours is. Man, it's a good thing I found relatively cheap used bikes! In the past couple of months I've had to buy tires, case covers, a transponder, entry fees, oil changes, number plate vinyl and numbers, a slipper clutch (okay, I didn't have to buy that, but I did anyway), tire warmers, boots, paint for the inside of my trailer, and more. Add the travel costs, entry fees, gas and race fuel... I sure hope I like racing! [I think I will] This Sunday a couple of buddies and I are going to zip down to MMP for some practice at an open track day they're having there. It'll be great to get back out on the track again, and to practice for next weekend's races. The classes I'll be competing in: Open Twins (me on the RC51 against other RC's, Ducs, etc.) Novice GTO (on the CBR600RR - I'll be competing against novices on 600's and literbikes) Amateur GTU (on the 600, against novices and experts on 600's) Formula 40 (me on the RC51 against other gray-haired nuts on all kinds of bikes) Now I'm just hoping for good weather. It's been beautiful down there the last few weeks - in the 60's and up. Current long-range forecast for next weekend shows highs in the 40's , lows in the 20's, and a chance of precip. Being a novice, I had to pick a three digit number. Most of the ones I liked were taken, and I really didn't have any specific favorites or anything meaningful, other than my wedding anniversary date or something (which would have been 109). I finally settled on *231, because it was the only three digit number available that was made up entirely of podium positions. __________________ My Gallery*

03-23-2007, 12:56 AM	#2
DoctorFell I'm wacky times. Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: The moon. Age: 24 Bike(s): 1995 CBR F3 Posts: 273	Re: Almost time to go racing! Bikes're lookin' sexy, Whip. Lap some newbs for us.

03-23-2007, 07:35 AM	#3
SheepOfBlue Your tax dollars at work Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,814	Re: Almost time to go racing! Good luck. __________________ When the past is allowed to fade to nothing then only chaos is left.

03-23-2007, 08:05 AM	#4
ND4SPD I'm BATMAN!!! Join Date: 12-12-2006 Bike(s): Trek Posts: 8,381 Images: 25	Re: Almost time to go racing! Well, at least you'll look good on the starting grid. __________________ "This is your life - are you who you want to be?" Learn all you need to know about Mac OS X "Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door"

03-23-2007, 08:12 AM	#5
quick26 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Elizabeth City, NC Age: 25 Bike(s): 06 TRX 450r Posts: 1,613	Re: Almost time to go racing! wow sounds like you are going to have a blast and spend a small fortune doing it __________________ I am not post whoring, I am providing an abundance of useless opinion.

03-23-2007, 09:35 AM	#6
tigerblade Just curious Join Date: 12-15-2006 Location: The MIL Age: 35 Bike(s): SV650S Posts: 2,114	Re: Almost time to go racing! Which class is first? Formula 40 will be a great place to get your feet wet. __________________ Seems that doomsday's come early this year

03-23-2007, 09:57 AM	#9
bda116 Done. Join Date: 12-17-2006 Bike(s): . Posts: 2,113	Re: Almost time to go racing! This is why I decided not to race. Didn't want to get beat down by another .orger. Good luck man. I might head out that way to watch a bit with my son. __________________ "Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant. The Koran should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on Earth." - Omar M. Ahmad, founding chairman of CAIR.

03-23-2007, 10:01 AM	#10
tigerblade Just curious Join Date: 12-15-2006 Location: The MIL Age: 35 Bike(s): SV650S Posts: 2,114	Re: Almost time to go racing! 'whip, if you're anything like me, you will be nervous as hell until the flag drops. Then the butterflies magically go away by T1 or T2. Just try to fight off the red mist this first weekend and have a good time. __________________ Seems that doomsday's come early this year

03-23-2007, 10:11 AM	#11
RedRider Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 49 Bike(s): 929 Posts: 2,601	Re: Almost time to go racing! Good luck 'B! Ride safe...you have a job and family that needs you.

03-23-2007, 10:14 AM	#13
CBRVFR Godspeed, #20 Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 56 Bike(s): VFR750 SV650 TZ250 Posts: 5,242	Re: Almost time to go racing! Have a great time, Brian - And don't forget, the two most dangerous places on earth are between Chuck Schumer and a camera, or between an 18 year old racer on a 600 and a plaque. __________________ "...the TV also never took away the screwdriver and shoved it up the repairman's ass." Our own Mr.2nd Amendment, explaining the difference. Perfectly. Rich Herald, the Gentle Giant

03-23-2007, 11:17 AM	#20
phobe circa 1970 Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 26 Bike(s): 600RR, 125R Posts: 4,731	Re: Almost time to go racing! Bonne chance, mon frere. Do a pop-a-wheelie for us. __________________ Cum hoc, ergo propter hoc

03-23-2007, 11:56 AM	#21
Purpdust Join Date: 12-19-2006 Location: AB-Canada/Rome Italy Age: 34 Bike(s): gsxr 750 Posts: 1,554	Re: Almost time to go racing! wow, looking good __________________ "And he added that excessive consumerism prompted Canadians and Americans to chase low prices and send manufacturing jobs to China" Mr. Jarislowsky

03-23-2007, 12:37 PM	#22
gt702 Gear Driven Cams Join Date: 12-18-2006 Bike(s): Some Hondas and a Kwacker Posts: 1,175	Re: Almost time to go racing! Congrats and have fun. I'm sure you'll like it, I did when I went amatuer racing for a few years. Be sure to practice some starts so you get off clean when the pressure is on. __________________ Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one. Albert Einstein

03-23-2007, 12:38 PM	#23
Heavy-Dee The Murph Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 31 Bike(s): 2004 GSXR 600 Posts: 2,776	Re: Almost time to go racing! Good luck Whip! Can't wait to read the report! __________________

03-23-2007, 02:24 PM	#24
CBR929RE Christmas baby meatball Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: at home Age: 28 Bike(s): 01 R/B/W CBR929RR Posts: 3,549	Re: Almost time to go racing! on man 4 races. thats gonna be one really really really really long writeup. can't wait to read it. don't forget to have fun out there __________________ Seamus FTW

03-23-2007, 02:53 PM	#25
TornadoB8 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: KC Age: 45 Bike(s): 2005 600RR Posts: 996	Re: Almost time to go racing! Have you been practicing your starts? __________________ CCS#27 Dunlop, Vortex, Vesrah, Silkolene