Cutoff age for starting racing?

**wbks** · 6th December 2008, 16:26

I was at the mx track today and realised how much fun it used to be even though I haven't ridden in about a year because of my patella that just loves to shimmy its way around to the back of my knee. But the reason my KX is on sale is because I wanted to sell it to get some money to start streetstock. But seeing as my kx isn't selling fast I thought I kinda want to keep with mx for another year and then do streetstock the following year.

But now I'm wondering if there is some common cut off age at which most reasonably good racers started road racing? 'Cause I don't want to be that guy competing with himself and someone years younger than him for last place because he put off racing for too long and is now not going to ever manage top 3 in an average local race meet. Any opinions, people? Wish I could afford to do MX and streetstock

**Sketchy_Racer** · 6th December 2008, 16:39

How old are you?

**Tony.OK** · 6th December 2008, 16:56

I'm 36 and started racing this year in SBK.
You're never too old too learn dude.................same as other things in life, if you can still get a leg over, you can still (ahem) ride

**Coyote** · 6th December 2008, 17:08

You'll start off as the dude that's racing himself to begin with. But get over it. After a while you'll become good and you'll have an awesome time.

I don't race, but I do a bit of MX riding with my brother (who is a racer) when he's out practicing. I was lucky enough to start when I was 13 on a CRF150. I was hitting the tabletop in second gear and I wasn't getting enough air to put a flat palm under my wheels, whilst 5 year olds on their 65's were flying above me.

It was daunting, and I decided to do road riding since the surface was more predictable. My brother stuck at it and though he's not as good as the top guns yet, he doesn't get lapped (which is pretty farken quick). I'm also getting pretty good. Because of my wrecklessness, I can keep up with my brother until I crash and wreck the bike for the day. Only a matter of time before I break my neck.

**wbks** · 6th December 2008, 17:51

I'm 15. I just figured because all the top road racers started 125s when they were 13 and so on...

**jrandom** · 6th December 2008, 17:59

Originally Posted by wbks

I'm 15. I just figured...

**wbks** · 6th December 2008, 18:07

My point was if keep doing mx for much longer I won't have the advantage of starting young...

**sharky** · 6th December 2008, 18:20

My father-in-law started this year in his 60's.
In Europe they start pretty young but in Kiwiland probably not the case. Depends on your aspirations I suppose. World Champion? Then start now.

**wbks** · 6th December 2008, 18:29

Lol not enough dough to guy a late model rs125 and my own mechanic and coach to go to the track every weekend so no, world champ isn't an aspiration. I would like to hear Shaun's opinion on this one...

**lostinflyz** · 6th December 2008, 18:32

i beleive the god like Mr. Bayliss started racing in his early 20's.

you either got the skill or you dont to be a runner. In the end you have to start behind somewhere to know when you have reached the front.

**wbks** · 6th December 2008, 18:36

Yea there are always random 'mirracle' guys like that in sport. Jeremy McGrath, best sx racer in the 90's, only started even riding mx bikes when he was like 18. Most champs start mx at 4-5

**lostinflyz** · 6th December 2008, 18:38

some guys got talent. other put in the hard yards. they usually end up pretty close. the guys who put in the yards and got the talent are the gods of most sports.

**eelracing** · 6th December 2008, 18:45

Originally Posted by wbks

I would like to hear Shaun's opinion on this one...

Get down to taupo track tomorrow if u can coz Shaun is sposed to be there for the motott trackday.You can ask and watch the man in person,maybe it will help to make up your mind.