Racing

**dpex** · 24th November 2008, 19:38

Mr Moderators, I can't see how to start a new thread in the racing section and so, no doubt, you'll both plonk this post over there and advise me on how to get there next time.

Meantime.

I've been thinking about this racing business. Even on track-days we all tend to race but, of course, with the benefit of being able to look around later and assert, "Who Me? I wasn't racing mate. Jus' doin' ma thing.' Yeah right....we weren't racing, eh?

As some will know, I have a '95 Yami 600 and a KR150.

The Yami is about as competitive with modern 600's as Shirrifs on a mobility scooter would be competitive against me and my Yami. I can live with that.

I weigh in at 102 kilos. So some 70KG wraith on a 150 is going to do me, regardless.

What I wish to ask is, why doesn't the racing fraternity have age and weight classes, or staggered starts.

For example: a race between owners of a bike age-group which fairly represented bike performance and left the results to rider skill.

Or weight restrictions classes. 150's/ 60-to-80 Kgs. 81-to-105 Kgs.

Or, another concept. Way back in my yachting days we had what were called 'Mark-Foy" starts. The slowest started first and then, by guaged time, the fasters started at later intervals. The net result being a huge deluge of boats crossing finish line at much the same time.

But then we could have handicaps, like golf.

Craig and his peers would be sratch. Dpex and his peers would get maybe a three year handicap for ten rounds of Pukekohe.

This sort of racing brings in the ordinary (like me) guy. One who will never aspire to anywhere near the heights of the top lads, but who wants to fairly race.

I've noticed, in my groups at various track days, that few nail me in the corners, but most nail me on the straights, on account of they're running seriously hot bikes which are a quantum leap up from my Yami.

'Ah, so why don't you buy a hotter bike?' I hear you ask.

Fact is. I don't want to. I love my Yami and, moreover, I can't afford something bigger,better, faster.

And on my KR, I sure as hell can't lose 30 Kgs. Shit, I'm hard pressed to stay at my current weight.

But what pleasure can an obviously faster bike/biker get from trashing the obviously slower?

Surely, some system of start-type or handicap would enhance the pleasure for all involved.

Granted, I was being facetious regarding Craig and his level. To put the likes of me in with him would be down-right dangerous for all concerned.

But I can't help thinking that this racing stuff could be better organized and thus attract a greater following.

But man, tack-days and racing is serious fun.

**jrandom** · 24th November 2008, 19:47

Just do what I'm doing. Slowly and painfully pedal/run/swim/lift/diet your way down to a competitive weight.

**R6_kid:Me** · 24th November 2008, 20:03

Racing is racing... fastest man around X laps of this track wins. If you're fat (like me) learn to use it to your advantage, or do something about it so that it's not so much of a disadvantage.

Nick Cole and Choppa are 'big' compared to some of the people they race, but have no trouble getting their hussle on when it comes to crunch time.

**discotex** · 24th November 2008, 20:31

Originally Posted by R6_kid

Racing is racing... fastest man around X laps of this track wins. If you're fat (like me) learn to use it to your advantage, or do something about it so that it's not so much of a disadvantage.

More mass inside the line might help you corner the bike faster for a given lean angle for the same reason hanging off does... Up to the point the added mass helps to overcome the tyres of course.

I'm sure the KB physics buffs can prove/disprove that theory pretty quickly.

**Clivoris** · 24th November 2008, 21:46

Originally Posted by dpex

But I can't help thinking that this racing stuff could be better organized and thus attract a greater following.

Yeah, it must be easy. Give it a go.

I hear what you are saying, but what you're suggesting amounts to another layer of complexity to a task that is already stretching those that can be bothered. I might be misrepresenting what you are saying, but it wont stop me from suggesting that you seem to be desiring a level playing field so there is a chance of winning, or at least mixing it with racers that are quicker. They may be quicker due to more powerful or better handling machinery. They may be quicker due to a God-given talent or anorexia. But they are quicker. It's racing dude. Get out there and do the best with what you have and have fun with it.

**AlBundy** · 24th November 2008, 23:13

Life sucks! We all have areas where we perform better or worse...

For every 100kg guy, there's a 60kg guy that has to wrestle a big bike around. Swings and roundabouts...

And stop screwing around on the kids bikes... Or stop complaining...

**FruitLooPs** · 25th November 2008, 01:29

Yeah the likes of Dave Jefferies weren't exactly feather weight but he could punt a bike around IOM like nobodys business. Up the skill, and the more riding you do you'll probably drop a couple kg anyhow.

**Gremlin** · 25th November 2008, 01:53

Most classes are racing ie, the fastest wins (as has been said). A more casual class is Clubmans.

On to organisation. 1, just how many bikes do you think there are? At one practise day, there was 1 superbike and 1 supersport (maybe 2) circulating in their group... 2, effort. A lot of time is soaked up already, people don't make a living off organising the racing as well.

Like everyone else... if you want to win... you'll have to do better. Faster, lighter, just like everyone else does. Buckets could be the other option.

**FJRider** · 25th November 2008, 04:52

Desire to win, and ability to win, are not the same thing. The classes of/in racing are many and varied. find a class that tickles your fancy... and go for it. ENJOY it. Coming last in any race is incentive to try harder in the next race. Desire to win usually increases the enthusiasim to try different things to improve your chances of a better placing. At the end of the day, regardless of your success...or lack of, enjoy what you do. And unless you are endangering the lives of the other competitors in the process, keep at it.

**mctshirt** · 25th November 2008, 05:44

More money = Go faster

Motor racing is simple mathematics.

**Storm** · 25th November 2008, 05:52

Originally Posted by jrandom

Just do what I'm doing. Slowly and painfully pedal/run/swim/lift/diet your way down to a competitive weight.

Sez the man with a GSX1400. I thought the big bike was so you could eat all the cream brulee's you wanted

In response to the OP, I agree with the idea that buckets might be a bit of you

**Wingnut** · 25th November 2008, 05:53

Whats with the need for coming first.

Is this tendancy towards racing due to an overwhelming desire to be the fastest or are you out the for pure enjoyment and fun.

To be honest, if I was obsessed with having to be totally competitive, I wouldn't be doing it. I cant afford to be totally competitive but I still enjoy getting out on the track - any track - as often as possible - and at the end of the day whether Im quick or not - I totally enjoy it.