I want to race

[IsleOfSamTT]

Hello,

My name is Sam and I have just joined the forum to try and get some information on competing in amateur road racing over here.

I know I will ask questions and the normal people will say 'try reading and searching things' but it would be good to just have some information on here right in front of my face.

Just a few questions if that's ok.

1. In the UK you need what's called an ACU race licence. I take it I can't just use it over here so what is the NZ equivalent? Any rough price and links?
2. Does anyone have any advice on the best club or race series to join with taking cost, atmosphere and general plus points into account? Again any links would be appreciated.
3. What would you say is the best circuit in NZ to do a track day?

All advice is appreciated,

Sam

[IsleOfSamTT]

So, I know how to get my licence which is awesome. I just read one of the stickies that was really helpful.

But, my other questions still stand.

Any help would be appreciated.

Sam

[quickbuck]

The best club is the Victoria Motorcycle Club in Wellington, but for your convenience I would say join the Auckland Motorcycle Club. There are Winter Series' run at both ends. Also Pacific Club run a Summer Series in the lower North Island.... There must be one in Auckland too, just that I don't notice as I am in the lower half of the island.



Best track is personnel preference, but Hampton Downs is not too far from you. Taupo is only 200 miles away too. Manfeild is a little drive but at least still in the same island.



What class are you wanting to race?


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[IsleOfSamTT]

Thanks for the reply and info.

I'm not to sure re racing. in the UK it was 600cc that were pre 2000. I'd love to get into team endurance racing for the social aspect and more track time. Do you have any information or links on race series?

I wouldn't have a problem waiting til the summer to get started because it would give me enough time to get set up. I've only Ben here a few weeks.

I'll have a look at Hampton downs and Taupo.

Again quick buck I appreciate the information.

Sam

[nodrog]

If you are into lots of racing, with a social aspect and like to race old shitters, take a look at the NZCMRR.

[IsleOfSamTT]

If you are into lots of racing, with a social aspect and like to race old shitters, take a look at the NZCMRR.

Thanks nodrog. I was thinking abit more along the lines of buying a zx6, lock wiring the sump plug, fitting rear sets and mounting some race fairings. :niceone:

[jellywrestler]

Thanks nodrog. I was thinking abit more along the lines of buying a zx6, lock wiring the sump plug, fitting rear sets and mounting some race fairings. :niceone:

you'll also need to put some numbers on...

[Billy]

you'll also need to put some numbers on...

AND a whole shit load of other stuff.

[Drew]

Best track in the country is an easy one. Ruapuna in Christchurch is the most technical, has the most turns, and a very scary turn one that you approach on the limiter in top.

[quickbuck]

Links:
www.vicclub.co.nz
www.pacclub.co.nz

Google for others, those are the ones off the top of my head.
Vic Club run a 90s Carbie class, so that might be what you are after.... I race Formula 2 and welcome the competition.

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[Rcktfsh]

Round 1 of the Hamilton Motorcycle Clubs winter series kicks of at Hampton Downs next Sunday, club level meeting that caters for newcomers. Come out and have a look it will give you a good idea of how things work over here.


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Rocketfish/WinterSeriesPosterWeb.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/Rocketfish/media/WinterSeriesPosterWeb.jpg.html)

[IsleOfSamTT]

Links:
www.vicclub.co.nz
www.pacclub.co.nz

Google for others, those are the ones off the top of my head.
Vic Club run a 90s Carbie class, so that might be what you are after.... I race Formula 2 and welcome the competition.

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Thanks quickbuck. I'll have a look. I'm not a fan of carb bikes having turned up to a track day one day and I let the fuel run too low and it clogged up the carb which meant I couldn't start my bike. I had to sit there all day and watch my mates go round!!! Gutted!

[IsleOfSamTT]

Round 1 of the Hamilton Motorcycle Clubs winter series kicks of at Hampton Downs next Sunday, club level meeting that caters for newcomers. Come out and have a look it will give you a good idea of how things work over here.


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/Rocketfish/WinterSeriesPosterWeb.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/Rocketfish/media/WinterSeriesPosterWeb.jpg.html)

Blimey Rcktfsh, I'll be there most definitely. It's not too far from Auckland. It will be great to see the different classes I could potentially enter. I'll bring my camera!

[quickbuck]

Thanks quickbuck. I'll have a look. I'm not a fan of carb bikes having turned up to a track day one day and I let the fuel run too low and it clogged up the carb which meant I couldn't start my bike. I had to sit there all day and watch my mates go round!!! Gutted!


Um, don't be running out of fuel here. It will cost you $400 if you do.
Also filters prevent that sort of thing happening.

Nothing wrong with Carbs.... Provided you keep them balanced.







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[HenryDorsetCase]

Best track in the country is an easy one. Ruapuna in Christchurch is the most technical, has the most turns, and a very scary turn one that you approach on the limiter in top.

that YOU approach on the limiter in top. I've rolled off about at the end of the grandstand or if I am feeling brave at the end of the pitwall.

[Drew]

that YOU approach on the limiter in top. I've rolled off about at the end of the grandstand or if I am feeling brave at the end of the pitwall.

Ya ought to have a crack on a sidecar. Go through the kink with the throttle pinned to the stop. Mind, I've not done that on our chair with it running properly.

[Grumph]

Best track in the country is an easy one. Ruapuna in Christchurch is the most technical, has the most turns, and a very scary turn one that you approach on the limiter in top.

If you're on the limiter in top approaching it - you've got the wrong gearing on.

Correctly geared, you should still be accelerating through the kink, then throw the picks out. Count another 5 if you're on a chair as they of course stop a bit better....

[Drew]

If you're on the limiter in top approaching it - you've got the wrong gearing on.

Correctly geared, you should still be accelerating through the kink, then throw the picks out. Count another 5 if you're on a chair as they of course stop a bit better....

Gearing the Ducati taller for the straight meant it was all wrong through the carousel and chicane before it. Something else that slows ya down through that chicane, is Steve Briggs on a KTM Superduke and hitting the back wheel thereof.

[Kickaha]

you should still be accelerating through the kink, then throw the picks out. Count another 5 if you're on a chair as they of course stop a bit better....
I'm still working up to that

[Drew]

I'm still working up to that

They squirm a bit through the kink eh? Puts the shits right up ya when Lovell goes the long way round at the same time.

[IsleOfSamTT]

They squirm a bit through the kink eh? Puts the shits right up ya when Lovell goes the long way round at the same time.

What circuit are we talking about here? I take it they do track days? Any rough idea of price?

[Drew]

What circuit are we talking about here? I take it they do track days? Any rough idea of price?

It's a fair old distance from you, to Christchurch mate. We're just hijacking your thread.

Pukekoe is a better track for my money, than Hampton downs. Both are in your neck of the woods. No run off room round a good chunk of it though, so it's not for the faint hearted.

[Drew]

Oh yeah, track days are all around the $100 mark. Test days (a different affair run by the track instead of a club) are more regular.

[IsleOfSamTT]

It's a fair old distance from you, to Christchurch mate. We're just hijacking your thread.

Pukekoe is a better track for my money, than Hampton downs. Both are in your neck of the woods. No run off room round a good chunk of it though, so it's not for the faint hearted.

Thanks for that. I'm sure I will do it at some point. I'll refer back to this thread when the time comes, lol.

Is anyone heading to Hamilton next weekend at all?

[nodrog]

Oh yeah, track days are all around the $100 mark. Test days (a different affair run by the track instead of a club) are more regular.

You must be getting old like me. Trackdays are more than a hundy these days. Test days are $100 at puke and taupo.

[Drew]

You must be getting old like me. Trackdays are more than a hundy these days. Test days are $100 at puke and taupo.
So it would seem.

You're not thinking of those 'rider training' days are you? Where you get trained to ride by some unknown 100 year old like.

[IsleOfSamTT]

You must be getting old like me. Trackdays are more than a hundy these days. Test days are $100 at puke and taupo.

That's not too bad. They are normally £100 ($200) so that's good news. I think I will start off with a Trackday and then do a test day to see what sort of pace I'm doing. I take it they issue you with transponders or do you have to have your own?

[Drew]

That's not too bad. They are normally £100 ($200) so that's good news. I think I will start off with a Trackday and then do a test day to see what sort of pace I'm doing. I take it they issue you with transponders or do you have to have your own?No transponders or time keeping at test days that I've been to.

Most people take their own lap timers.

I wouldn't worry about your pace at a test day. There's some fucken squids that show up to them with no clue how to ride. If you're a racer, just get a day license and race at a club meeting.

[quickbuck]

You will have to have your own lap timer for a track day or test day. Test days have cagers there so not as good as track days. Cagers sometimes drag stuff onto the track that isn't so good.

For a race meeting you can hire the transponder, or buy your own if you are going to do a lot of racing.

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[ellipsis]

I want to race

......so does Shaun...

[Drew]

I want to race

......so does Shaun...

Yeah, this new chap seems to realise he has to pay for it though.

[nodrog]

So it would seem.

You're not thinking of those 'rider training' days are you? Where you get trained to ride by some unknown 100 year old like.

Last track day i went to about 5 years ago was $150. Last race meet I went to was $180 for 2 days.

Dont get me started on those $280+ rider training days, you can learn more useful things if you google "squids" on you tube.

[IsleOfSamTT]

Yeah, this new chap seems to realise he has to pay for it though.

Haha, absolutely. It all adds up and a lot of extra costs are things that people over look or forget.

Unlike the UK there is a large 250cc enthasis over here I found. I think it would be a good starting point to race 250's. It is something that would be most affordable to get me going.

Has anyone raced 250's recently?

[Pumba]

....Has anyone raced 250's recently?

AMCC runs a pretty successfully Hyosong 250 class. Although I recon it must be boreing as sin going round Hampton Downs on one of those. If you are not anti small capacity racing I recommend you pop into the Buckets section on this Forum. racing once a moth at Mt Wellington go kart track. Race meeting there this weekend.

[Mental Trousers]

Clubs (North Island, active in road racing, distance from you, closest first)

Auckland MCC
Hamilton MCC
Pacific MCC
Victoria MCC


Tracks (distance from you, closest first)

Pukekohe - no racing, no ride days. Test days run by the track company only
Hampton Downs - track days and racing all year round
Taupo - nobody goes there in winter, otherwise lots of racing, track days, test days
Manfeild - track days, test days and race days all year round. Cold as fuck in winter and the Winter Series and sometimes it's under water


There's a Hyosung Cup that runs and is very well supported. Otherwise the Production Lites is the 250 class that dominated by the Kawasaki's. The 250 racing is ridiculously competitive with lots of entries.

[IsleOfSamTT]

Clubs (North Island, active in road racing, distance from you, closest first)

Auckland MCC
Hamilton MCC
Pacific MCC
Victoria MCC


Tracks (distance from you, closest first)

Pukekohe - no racing, no ride days. Test days run by the track company only
Hampton Downs - track days and racing all year round
Taupo - nobody goes there in winter, otherwise lots of racing, track days, test days
Manfeild - track days, test days and race days all year round. Cold as fuck in winter and the Winter Series and sometimes it's under water


There's a Hyosung Cup that runs and is very well supported. Otherwise the Production Lites is the 250 class that dominated by the Kawasaki's. The 250 racing is ridiculously competitive with lots of entries.

That's awesome. Thanks for the club and track info. I don't fancy racing on a tight kart track, lol. Plus I'm 6 foot and 100kg so It would be like an elephant on a kiddies bike.

I guess it's rife with people because it's the cheapest way to get into it. I guess I have a little to think about. At least I have a it of time til spring. I'll head down to Hamilton next weekend and see what it's all about.

Maybe the retro carb'd class (I've forgotten the year specifications) seems like a good option.

[IsleOfSamTT]

Hampton Downs is only an hour from Auckland. It looks like a good circuit to start things off. The track days are not that expensive at $150 I prepared myself to pay $200.

Have people raced at Hampton before? Any knowledge? Lol

[Mental Trousers]

Buckets race on cart tracks a lot but sometimes get out on the track 2 @ Taupo and Manfeild.

Post Classics is probably what you're thinking of, unless it's the Vic Club only Carbs classes.

Raced at HD?? I estmated I've done over 2000 laps of the place since it opened, many of those racing. I should probably be faster by now :doh:

[IsleOfSamTT]

Buckets race on cart tracks a lot but sometimes get out on the track 2 @ Taupo and Manfeild.

Post Classics is probably what you're thinking of, unless it's the Vic Club only Carbs classes.

Raced at HD?? I estmated I've done over 2000 laps of the place since it opened, many of those racing. I should probably be faster by now :doh:

I will have a look at both of the ones you have mentioned.

2000 laps! What's your best time? Lol. It was on the website you should be doing a 1.25 if your half decent. :msn-wink:

[quickbuck]

Haha, absolutely. It all adds up and a lot of extra costs are things that people over look or forget.



Unlike the UK there is a large 250cc enthasis over here I found. I think it would be a good starting point to race 250's. It is something that would be most affordable to get me going.



Has anyone raced 250's recently?

Yup, I have raced a 250 Production bike for the last 3.5 years. It is a National class too.... No longer called Prolite MT.

Anyhow, I could be convinced to sell the whole package.....
I am 6ft and 100kg too, and managed to get quite a few wins at club level. Also got top 10 nationally too.... Although the 50kg fearless kids are very fast on them.

250 Hyosung cup is also a great class up your way.







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[IsleOfSamTT]

Yup, I have raced a 250 Production bike for the last 3.5 years. It is a National class too.... No longer called Prolite MT.

Anyhow, I could be convinced to sell the whole package.....
I am 6ft and 100kg too, and managed to get quite a few wins at club level. Also got top 10 nationally too.... Although the 50kg fearless kids are very fast on them.

250 Hyosung cup is also a great class up your way.







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Haha, yeah. I couldn't think of anything worse than being overtaken by a skinny 16 year old lad. Especially if they are like Jack Miller who just won the moto3 race just now as I write this. I haven't ruled it out yet. I'm just looking at all the options. I've been on the Auckland Motorcycle Club web page and they have many race classes. I like the look of the Formula 2 and also the Red Baron Formula 3. I'd love to race a vTwin. An SV650 would be class or 'primo' as you say, lol.

[Mental Trousers]

Yup, I have raced a 250 Production bike for the last 3.5 years. It is a National class too.... No longer called Prolite MT.

They keep changing the fucken names of things dammit!!!

[quickbuck]

Haha, yeah. I couldn't think of anything worse than being overtaken by a skinny 16 year old lad. Especially if they are like Jack Miller who just won the moto3 race just now as I write this. I haven't ruled it out yet. I'm just looking at all the options. I've been on the Auckland Motorcycle Club web page and they have many race classes. I like the look of the Formula 2 and also the Red Baron Formula 3. I'd love to race a vTwin. An SV650 would be class or 'primo' as you say, lol.


Na, Fair Play to them as you would say... It isn't that bad being passed by them.... Usually they quality better so that doesn't happen anyway...

I wouldn't actually go F2 though, because the fast guys are really fast and if you aren't fast yet you end up looking silly.
Yes, Pro Twin is a great class for bigger lads, or you could go F3 on them too.... SV 650 or ER6 if you prefer Kawasaki.

All food for thought.
Best to get to the track and talk to people.

Yes, Jack had an awesome ride.







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[Mental Trousers]

Haha, yeah. I couldn't think of anything worse than being overtaken by a skinny 16 year old lad. Especially if they are like Jack Miller who just won the moto3 race just now as I write this. I haven't ruled it out yet. I'm just looking at all the options. I've been on the Auckland Motorcycle Club web page and they have many race classes. I like the look of the Formula 2 and also the Red Baron Formula 3. I'd love to race a vTwin. An SV650 would be class or 'primo' as you say, lol.

I race against the SV's all the time in F3/Superlite (same thing just a different name) and I'm running a 450cc triple. The SV is an easy bike to learn on but after a season most guys start to improve pass the abilities of the bike and then start looking for horsepower and that shit starts getting expensive.

[IsleOfSamTT]

Na, Fair Play to them as you would say... It isn't that bad being passed by them.... Usually they quality better so that doesn't happen anyway...

I wouldn't actually go F2 though, because the fast guys are really fast and if you aren't fast yet you end up looking silly.
Yes, Pro Twin is a great class for bigger lads, or you could go F3 on them too.... SV 650 or ER6 if you prefer Kawasaki.

All food for thought.
Best to get to the track and talk to people.

Yes, Jack had an awesome ride.







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Yeah, F2 seems like it would get expensive and I may look a little silly to start off with. Haha. The Red Baron F3 sounds good to me.

[IsleOfSamTT]

I race against the SV's all the time in F3/Superlite (same thing just a different name) and I'm running a 450cc triple. The SV is an easy bike to learn on but after a season most guys start to improve pass the abilities of the bike and then start looking for horsepower and that shit starts getting expensive.

Yeah, it is natural to want to have more power and go faster I guess. What series do you race in?

[quickbuck]

They keep changing the fucken names of things dammit!!!




Yeah, 2012 wasn't that long ago....
;)





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[Mental Trousers]

Yeah, it is natural to want to have more power and go faster I guess. What series do you race in?

It's not that, they find the limits of the bike much quicker. Whereas mine I'm really only starting to get into it's full capabilities after 2 years.

Whatever series is going. I mostly only race at HD and Taupo as they're day trips.

[IsleOfSamTT]

It's not that, they find the limits of the bike much quicker. Whereas mine I'm really only starting to get into it's full capabilities after 2 years.

Whatever series is going. I mostly only race at HD and Taupo as they're day trips.

Oh I get you. They are easier bikes to ride and you don't necessarily have to be in exactly the right gear with the torque they have.

I dunno yet. The VTwins are fairly expensive on TradeMe for example. I'll just get myself to a few race meetings and keep on saving.

I start a new job tomorrow but I'm still staying up for the MotoGP, lol

[Mental Trousers]

Unless you're looking for a Post Classic racer bikes in this country are ridiculously expensive. It gets worse if you want to fiddle them. Best thing to do is go visit your relatives back in the UK and fill up your suitcase with good bits on the way back.

[del-solider]

Was thinking of getting into racing myself, wouldn't mind doing a round of the hamilton motorcycle club winter series in the clubmans class. What sort of lap times would I be needing to do to not be totally embarrassed?

[Mental Trousers]

Was thinking of getting into racing myself, wouldn't mind doing a round of the hamilton motorcycle club winter series in the clubmans class. What sort of lap times would I be needing to do to not be totally embarrassed?

Better hurry up then. You've got 3 days.

The Clubmans Junior class is probably what you're looking for. It's truly a Clubmans class - nobodies raced before and none of them are worried about lap times.

[quickbuck]

Was thinking of getting into racing myself, wouldn't mind doing a round of the hamilton motorcycle club winter series in the clubmans class. What sort of lap times would I be needing to do to not be totally embarrassed?



HD right? All depends on what size bike you intend to ride, but a 1:30 for a 600 would need a little improvement... A 1:50 for a 250 likewise.... F3/ Superlight / Protwin somewhere in between....
Wouldn't recommend racing anything faster than a 600/4 in Clubmans myself, even if you ride a Thou on the road.



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[del-solider]

HD right? All depends on what size bike you intend to ride, but a 1:30 for a 600 would need a little improvement... A 1:50 for a 250 likewise.... F3/ Superlight / Protwin somewhere in between....
Wouldn't recommend racing anything faster than a 600/4 in Clubmans myself, even if you ride a Thou on the road.



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Sorry should have said, I've got a zx6r track bike. Have only done a few Trackdays on it after since deciding to sell up and get track only bike. Doing constant 1.21s with the odd 1.20. Wanting to jump in and give it a go but don't wana be holding people up

[Mental Trousers]

Sorry should have said, I've got a zx6r track bike. Have only done a few Trackdays on it after since deciding to sell up and get track only bike. Doing constant 1.21s with the odd 1.20. Wanting to jump in and give it a go but don't wana be holding people up

In that case Clubmans Senior. You'll fit right in and not finish last.

[Mental Trousers]

HD right? All depends on what size bike you intend to ride, but a 1:30 for a 600 would need a little improvement... A 1:50 for a 250 likewise.... F3/ Superlight / Protwin somewhere in between....
Wouldn't recommend racing anything faster than a 600/4 in Clubmans myself, even if you ride a Thou on the road.



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F3/Superlite - 1:17 is mid field

[quickbuck]

Sorry should have said, I've got a zx6r track bike. Have only done a few Trackdays on it after since deciding to sell up and get track only bike. Doing constant 1.21s with the odd 1.20. Wanting to jump in and give it a go but don't wana be holding people up






Yeah, 1:20s should be easily alright for Clubmans Senior. You will be a little slow in the corners at first, but the only way to improve is to get out there.... Get tips from guys who race too.....

Caution: you think Track Days are addictive.... Racing is something else!





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[quickbuck]

F3/Superlite - 1:17 is mid field



Not in Clubmans.... ;)





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[IsleOfSamTT]

I think that Clubman B (or the junior series) would be the one for me. I'm heading down to Hamilton on Sunday so it will be good to see first hand what sort of machinery people have and the atmosphere of the whole event.

[quickbuck]

I think that Clubman B (or the junior series) would be the one for me. I'm heading down to Hamilton on Sunday so it will be good to see first hand what sort of machinery people have and the atmosphere of the whole event.

Just a hint from experience:
You will find it hard to improve being at the front of a slow pack.
Bigger improvements come when you race with faster riders.......

But hey, I am sure the organisers will put you in the right group if you qualify too quickly.

Good on you got stepping up and giving it a go though.

[ellipsis]

...you will be best prepared by turning up with the bike and having fun meeting nutters like you...any more than that is a bonus...:niceone: