A beginner's guide to racing

[johan]

So...

I've finally decided I've got enough experience, and money, to move on to a more serious riding style.
I've sold my road bike and I'm now preparing my track bike. I'm going to try my luck in VMCC winter series, clubmans.
Being a total beginner when it comes to racing, I'm looking for advice and maybe even a mentor who can follow my progress, or the lack of, and guide me.
I don't even know if this is a silly thing to ask for. I've got no history of bike riding/racing. But I've got the passion and the dedication.
I'm not really asking for anyone to spend time on me, just someone who's at the track when I am, watching me, and come with suggestions to what to do and don't, to help me improve.
If you're interesting, please get in touch with me, and see what I can offer in return.

I'm relative new to NZ, moved here from Sweden, so I don't really have any close riding mates, yet. But from what I've experienced so far from the NZ bike community, there's a wealth of knowledge and generosity. Hopefully I can be a part of it.

I'm probably going to MotoTT's next track day at Taupo, with my 996 and van.

Best regards,
johan

[enigma51]

So...

I've finally decided I've got enough experience, and money, to move on to a more serious riding style.
I've sold my road bike and I'm now preparing my track bike. I'm going to try my luck in VMCC winter series, clubmans.
Being a total beginner when it comes to racing, I'm looking for advice and maybe even a mentor who can follow my progress, or the lack of, and guide me.
I don't even know if this is a silly thing to ask for. I've got no history of bike riding/racing. But I've got the passion and the dedication.
I'm not really asking for anyone to spend time on me, just someone who's at the track when I am, watching me, and come with suggestions to what to do and don't, to help me improve.
If you're interesting, please get in touch with me, and see what I can offer in return.

I'm relative new to NZ, moved here from Sweden, so I don't really have any close riding mates, yet. But from what I've experienced so far from the NZ bike community, there's a wealth of knowledge and generosity. Hopefully I can be a part of it.

I'm probably going to MotoTT's next track day at Taupo, with my 996 and van.

Best regards,
johan

Come and have a chat when you at the motott will introduce to some people that will help you out

On a personal note I will start off by just doing trackdays first before just jumping head first into racing

[johan]

Come and have a chat when you at the motott will introduce to some people that will help you out

On a personal note I will start off by just doing trackdays first before just jumping head first into racing

Thank you Enigma51, I really appreciate it!

~j

[Grub]

I'm relative new to NZ, moved here from Sweden, so I don't really have any close riding mates, yet.

Hey Johan, we'd love to see you at the VMCC Series but before that you might like to join us on the Cruisy Wednesday Night Ride which will run at least until the end of daylight saving.

There's usually between 15 and 25 bikes there.

[Kittyhawk]

Start doing track days and get the feel for the bike as well as track, learn the limits etc....

Im about to get into racing as well but its on hold till my shoulder comes right...

See ya at the start line some day!!

[koba]

Come say hi at a vic club meeting.
I'm on streetstock 132. Black and purple.
Although I may have a diferent bike by then.

[johan]

Thanks guys!

I've been doing as many track days as I could this summer. Things are progressing and I've build up my confidence and understanding for the bike.
I'll continue to do the track days for sure, but was hoping to get some experience with racing.

If you see me at the track, now you know where I'm coming from, come and say hi, I'd love to see the faces of the names on this site. I'll try to look up you guys too

Cheers!!
j

[YellowDog]

You are a brave man Johan.

Take it easy and make sure you have fun.

I know many who have entered racing for enjoyment and it has taken over their lives.

Good luck.

[oyster]

Here in the south we have a structured way of bringing new riders into the sport, the focus strongly SAFETY.
Typically a new rider, even if they have their own bike, is put on a club owned RG 150 Streetstock bike and for the first meeting gets a one on one induction and basic tuition. We usually run a class purely for training. If the rider is riding safely they can then graduate to Streetstock racing, but still under the supervision of an on track coach. If there is any doubt, the rider will wear a High Visibility vest to alert other track users their "newbie" status.

Although you are from the North, quite a few rider from up there have traveled down for this, and this year sees even more coming for our programme.

Go to www.motorcyclingcanterbury.org.nz for dates and contacts, and how to join our club.

[GaZBur]

Here in the south we have a structured way of bringing new riders into the sport, the focus strongly SAFETY.
Typically a new rider, even if they have their own bike, is put on a club owned RG 150 Streetstock bike and for the first meeting gets a one on one induction and basic tuition. We usually run a class purely for training. If the rider is riding safely they can then graduate to Streetstock racing, but still under the supervision of an on track coach....

The Otago Club does this too. If you are from down here ride (ride do not race) to your nearest bike shop and get a Club Membership form. I know we have a few really quick younger guys in the club and I assume they came through this process. Brilliant idea!!!

If you cant get to a Bike shop PM with your email address me and I will email one to you.

[oyster]

Sorry I overlooked you Otago guys in our little "promo"
Yes, Otago Motorcycle Club also has a programme for induction / training of new road racers. And very good too.

[johan]

This is very interesting to read about. The clubs I've approached here up North haven't offered any thing like it.

Cheers!