Questions about racing

**placidfemme** · 2nd April 2007, 15:19

Right now I'm starting to like the look of track racing. I know its a bit pre-mature seeing as I still havn't got my ass onto a track yet (working on that).

However, I have some questions. I've read Frosty's thread on what you need to get into the basics of racing: (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=3032)

But there are some terms I don't get:

What are the Forumla classes for (F* etc). Do the different F numbers stand for different types of bike (ie sports, sidecars, motards etc) or do they stand for cc ratings (ie 250, 400, 600 etc). And what are these classes: Sports Production & Production Superbike?

Also I think I've gathered enough to know that Clubmans (or just the word "clubmans") is for real newbies into the racing scene? Is that correct?

If the above is correct then does that mean if I wanted to do some racing, I would start at clubmans level? Or would I be able to jump right into a F* class? (Not that I would... but could I?)

Also what are the bike/cc restrictions (if any) for the clubmans?

Seeing as a lot of racers in the WSB started off on 250's and worked up. Would you recommend getting into bucket racing? What exactly does the term "bucket" racing mean? Does bucket mean shitty old bike or what? (No offense... I just really don't know)

Also, I've seen a lot of talk about "pit bitches" and those who help the racers etc. If your entering racing on a smaller level (newbie group... clubmans or whatever) would you need to have a pit crew?

I know... random silly questions... but if you don't ask you don't find out

Thanks in advance

PF

**cowpoos** · 2nd April 2007, 15:23

you can easly take the lights etc off your bike and race it in clubmans or streetstock...both awesome starting points...the F's mean formula...ie...formula 1... and buckets is a matter of opinion...I don't really think its a worth while starting platform...but other do...it will teach you race craft no doubt...but I think its suited to the more mechanically minded and competent... go clubmans chicky!!!

**placidfemme** · 2nd April 2007, 15:31

Originally Posted by cowpoos

go clubmans chicky!!!

Thanks

So clubmans is open to any cc bike?

Also would you recommend me volunteering to be a "newbie" pit bitch to learn some things first (like bike set up etc)

**placidfemme** · 2nd April 2007, 15:42

Originally Posted by Joni

Buckets teach you lines, and race technique without depending on HP, so some people say it teaches you more actual race technique than the bigger bikes do... I know of racers that say starting in buckets helped them 100% get where are today, and that includes Dom Jones who is currently racing in the US Superbikes...

Its all a matter of opinion.... but I say take confidence and skill into account when you make the decision...

Well as mentioned in my first post, I havn't been on the track yet. And due to financial reasons it'll be at least another month or so before I get the chance to fang it (or at least try to LOL) around a track. I was thinking of doing one of Frosty's Trackdays, because he obviously does racing and so maybe once he's seen how good/crap I am he could help advise me on whats the next best step to take to enter into racing...

I'd like to decide what I wanna do before I go upgrading my bike incase I decide to take on racing I'll need to adjust my "next bike" idea to suit (if that makes sense). As an example, if I don't do racing I want an R6 for road joy riding, but if I decide I'd rather do racing cause its more fun (or whatever) then I'll need to decide on a bike that is for racing in the class/formula I'd be entering in...

*lost my track of thought cause the boss was blabbing away about something*

**Joni** · 2nd April 2007, 15:43

I removed my post - reckon Kick can put it better than me... but hey what the hell PC.

edit - just remember you cant ride a 250 as a bucket...

**cowpoos** · 2nd April 2007, 15:54

Originally Posted by placidfemme

Thanks

So clubmans is open to any cc bike?

Also would you recommend me volunteering to be a "newbie" pit bitch to learn some things first (like bike set up etc)

yeah...just enter in clubmans....no restrictions on cc's etc...its all about getting people on the track!!! and I'm sure you could rope one of the handy andy's on this site to help you prep your bike ready to race...learning to pit bitch is a good idea....but I reckon just do it!!! you will soon learn what to do on the day as you see and ask other people..its not really that hard

**Riff Raff** · 2nd April 2007, 16:23

Hey chicky get yourself down to the track for club racing to see what it's all about.. Hang around the pits, ask lots of questions and enjoy watching the racing. That will give you an idea if it's something you want to do, and then go for it!

**MadDuck** · 2nd April 2007, 16:30

Theres damn heaps of KBers racing (and their hard working pit crews - we dont call them bitches to their faces ah???

) that will be happy to answer your questions but sometimes its best to go along and see how it all works in the flesh.

**FROSTY:Me** · 2nd April 2007, 19:38

My suggestion to you quite simply is forget RACING for a lil while.
Go out and do at least ONE or two track days just to get a feel for what its like to be on a racetrack.
A track day is a non pressure way of getting laps with little or no pressure on yourself.

**cowpoos** · 2nd April 2007, 20:07

Originally Posted by FROSTY

My suggestion to you quite simply is forget RACING for a lil while.
Go out and do at least ONE or two track days just to get a feel for what its like to be on a racetrack.
A track day is a non pressure way of getting laps with little or no pressure on yourself.

yeah way to encourage people into the sport tony!!!!!!!
There is nothing wrong with going straight out in clubmans...its just like a trackday!!!.....gezzzzzz!!

**FROSTY:Me** · 2nd April 2007, 22:44

Originally Posted by cowpoos

yeah way to encourage people into the sport tony!!!!!!!
There is nothing wrong with going straight out in clubmans...its just like a trackday!!!.....gezzzzzz!!

Check the person asking the questions riding experience mr poos.
---Its person specific.

**cowpoos** · 2nd April 2007, 22:50

I don't think it really matters at all tony...clubmans is just like a trackday feild...as long as she can ride a bike and go around corners,use her brakes etc...whats the difference???

but anyway...

**Drunken Monkey** · 2nd April 2007, 23:22

I see what Frosty means poos, although your intentions are good, racing can get pretty serious and one bad first time is enough to scare someone off for life. Me, I'm scared off for other reasons. I don't feel safe without a roll cage, so track days are as close as I'm going to get to racing on a bike...

**Kickaha** · 3rd April 2007, 06:42

Originally Posted by cowpoos

. and buckets is a matter of opinion...I don't really think its a worth while starting platform...but other do...it will teach you race craft no doubt...but I think its suited to the more mechanically minded and competent

just because you're not man enough for them,ever heard of Craig Shirrifs or Andy Bowell?

Buckets are a cheap way of going racing but up there they only run on Kart tracks, most bucket guys here tend to run more than one bike and enter other classes as well, as we run bigger tracks, cheap to buy, cheap to run and give you a taste of proper racing with little outlay

Originally Posted by cowpoos

There is nothing wrong with going straight out in clubmans...its just like a trackday!!!.....gezzzzzz!!

they must ride like a bunch of poofters up there then, because clubmans is nothing like a track day here