How to know when you're ready to race?
- Thread starter jaybocc2
- Start date
sckego
doesn't like crashing
Could ride at a fast B-group pace without feeling like I was *really* pushing it. Didn't feel uncomfortable in close quarters with other riders or when being passed unexpectedly. Had more fun dicing it up with other track-goers than just cruising around by myself, and started feeling the desire for competition creep in.
If you feel affected by any of these issues, don't worry, you are not alone. Just call 1-800-AFM and sign up for the NRS school TODAY!
If you feel affected by any of these issues, don't worry, you are not alone. Just call 1-800-AFM and sign up for the NRS school TODAY!
#1Spies Fan
Well-known member
I went and did a few track days and would have my dad take lap times for me. I then went on the AFM website and looked at race times for bikes similar to mine to see where I could finish. Initially i would have been in last place but track day times are much slower than what you will do in a race.
I only did 4 days on the track (the 3rd days was my NRS) and then went racing. If you pass the NRS then that means you are ready but just be aware that racers are very very fast compared most track day riders. Also, remember to have fun when racing in your first year..the speed will come.
I only did 4 days on the track (the 3rd days was my NRS) and then went racing. If you pass the NRS then that means you are ready but just be aware that racers are very very fast compared most track day riders. Also, remember to have fun when racing in your first year..the speed will come.
Tally Whacker
Not another Mike
The key to knowing when you're ready to race is carefully examining your bank account and calculating how many tires you could buy if you eat only ramen for the next year.
Honey Badger
...iz a girl
Pretty much this :laughing
I was racing probably before I was "ready" in terms of pace - but I was consistent and safe for the faster people to pass, so being out there wasn't an issue. I only did a Saturday race until my pace was below the suggested times for the other classes.
"Ready" is a loose definition. Some people get out there and start going competitively fast very quickly. Others of us take a little longer. A few others are content to get out there, enjoy the competition, but aren't worrying about trophies. If you want to go out there and be winning in short order, that's a different criteria than being able to pass an NRS and grid up for the fun of it.
As long as you're safe, consistent, and predictable, chances are you're probably "ready" because those things don't come without a certain level of experience and skills, even at a slower pace.
Hahaha
Well, coming in last isn't fun, lol, but i'm fairly comfortable with the fact that i will not come in first either.
I just had a racer say this last weekend at BW that "if you're not ready by now you'll never be ready"
wow:nchantr:rofl:rofl:rofl
per buttonwillow times, i am a snail and will come in last place across the board for my bike.I was running A pace my first weekend at laguna and fast B my first weekend at BW.
I'm looking forward to getting out to THill for a ken hill 2 day school this month and seeing how i progress from there and i will probably sign up for the NRS after some additional feedback from PTT/KW coaches on my preparedness for racing (fact: im not prepared) and some (successful i hope) negotiation with the wife.
:rolleyes
If you are seriously asking and can afford it..
See above.
Does Flying low to the ground, Elbow to elbow with other like minded asphalt aviators sharing smiles, thrills and enjoying epic moments in life sound good??. :wow
See above
You will get faster over time and if you start now you will be faster sooner if you really apply yourself.. and even if you don't 100% you will fricking love it.
So if you are not a total riding rookie .... see above and DO IT.
My 2 cents. :teeth
If you are seriously asking and can afford it..
See above.
Does Flying low to the ground, Elbow to elbow with other like minded asphalt aviators sharing smiles, thrills and enjoying epic moments in life sound good??. :wow
See above
You will get faster over time and if you start now you will be faster sooner if you really apply yourself.. and even if you don't 100% you will fricking love it.
So if you are not a total riding rookie .... see above and DO IT.
My 2 cents. :teeth
Moose
Well-known member
+100
AFM is holding the last of their 3 2017 $99 NRS specials on September 2 at Sonoma, great way to get started
http://www.afmracing.org/getting-started/afm-nrs-program
Last edited:
easter bunny
Amateur Hour
I'll just add a big +1 to everything everyone here has said. I wasn't ready based on pace or times, but I dove in anyway. Just like the first track day where you realized how slow you were on the street, you'll start to drop lap times very quickly once you get the hang of it.
Nah, it's still pretty fun! I do it every round! :rofl If you'll be using that gen1 in the races you'll find a few more of us in Legacy.
Nah, it's still pretty fun! I do it every round! :rofl If you'll be using that gen1 in the races you'll find a few more of us in Legacy.
velazcod
AFM#986
thedub
Octane Socks
I eat ramen because I like the taste. :x
velazcod
AFM#986
I do too, but the real ramen, not this $0.50 microwave one :sob:
Honey Badger
...iz a girl
After yesterday's tire wear issues the shitty cheap ramen is going to be a far more common diet choice...
Shaggy
Zoinks!!!!
The 2:00pm session yesterday destroyed the left side of my tire. It was the ONLY session of the day with the sun out and the track actually absorbed some heat about half way through the session.
:mad
Honey Badger
...iz a girl
Mine started to tear on that session, so I tried adjusting things a bit, well, by 3 things weren't the same anymore and i ROASTED my poor tire - that I had put on fresh over lunch :mad
kostritzer
master bullshitter
If y'all would just race 450's, you could afford to eat the "good" ramen at least once a month! :teeth