Thinking about racing...

[seattlesucks]

Hey,

I'm going to do as many track days next year as I can, and possibly try to do a race or two by the end of the summer. I know everyone starts as a novice, but where is a good place to go after that? I'm a big guy at 6'6" and would be racing at about 265, 270lbs... That's a pretty big disadvantage over a guy who is 150lbs... Would any class be better than another one considering that?

[skidmarx]

Probably open twins would be a good bet. There have been a few physically large, and still competive racers out there - but you're right - with about every 7 pounds requiring another horsepower to haul you around, you're in a hole out of the box. Maybe notch it back to have fun, and not die trying to win...

[jeff191]

125gp?

[Wubbie]

I think it depends on what your looking to do. If your looking to start racing for fun as well as to be mildly competitive I say race what class you want. I'm novice right now but at 6'2 and 200lbs I seem to manage just fine. I would def get a new suspension first thing to help with the weight issue. I'm on a 05 r6 and have run that stock untill next week and trust me it's a little sketchy in some corners if you get on it early enough :D

[Hypnotiq]

Suspension is key. I'm 6'2 and 215 and I'm having fun out in novice. Mario Alvarez is a decent size guy and turns pretty good laps too. A big twin would probably be better class depending on what you're goals of racing are. If you want to win 600 classes, you'd definately have to trim down. :)

[Mr Sunshine]

Suspension is key. I'm 6'2 and 215 and I'm having fun out in novice. Mario Alvarez is a decent size guy and turns pretty good laps too. A big twin would probably be better class depending on what you're goals of racing are. If you want to win 600 classes, you'd definately have to trim down. :)


Ya down to 152lbs so you can compete with Sully.

[tjones23]

Really, does it matter that much? Of course with a smaller bike with less HP, accelleration out of the corners might suffer some, however from what I've seen and experienced it really makes little difference. What makes all the difference is getting as much quality track time as possible. You should make every decision with that ultimate goal in mind.
I'd say that starting out you just want to have fun and finish every single practice session and race just to get through the novice period as quickly and safely as possible. Unless you truely enjoy pain and suffering, it'll prove to be a frustrating, expensive and not a whole lotta fun experience to go with a big bike, especially something you take a loan out to obtain. I'd stick with a used already race-prepped supersport SV, or an older F2/F3/GSXR-600. These can be had for easily under $3000, nearly 100% ready to go off the truck. Then spend your saved money on good safetly equipment and tires more than anything else. Whatever you do ensure you get the most track time possible, as that is what ends up being the best differentiator. Crashing, getting hurt and/or having to fix broken stuff drains resources and reduces on-track time quite quickly.

Best of luck,

tim

[Mr Sunshine]

Really, does it matter that much? Of course with a smaller bike with less HP, accelleration out of the corners might suffer some, however from what I've seen and experienced it really makes little difference. What makes all the difference is getting as much quality track time as possible. You should make every decision with that ultimate goal in mind.
I'd say that starting out you just want to have fun and finish every single practice session and race just to get through the novice period as quickly and safely as possible. Unless you truely enjoy pain and suffering, it'll prove to be a frustrating, expensive and not a whole lotta fun experience to go with a big bike, especially something you take a loan out to obtain. I'd stick with a used already race-prepped supersport SV, or an older F2/F3/GSXR-600. These can be had for easily under $3000, nearly 100% ready to go off the truck. Then spend your saved money on good safetly equipment and tires more than anything else. Whatever you do ensure you get the most track time possible, as that is what ends up being the best differentiator. Crashing, getting hurt and/or having to fix broken stuff drains resources and reduces on-track time quite quickly.

Best of luck,

tim


This all true and very well said.

I would like to add to make sure that track time is quality track time. This means you are always working on something and you have a path to decreasing our lap times while doing that safely.

[chd]

Ditto -- In addition, I'd have to say my riding improved the most after doing a few of the Keith Code schools at Laguna Seca... a great org if you ever have the time/money.

CD