First Race Weekend Meeting Spot

For new racers, would it be possible to set up a specific area or have a person be available at the front gate to assist people with getting set up?

I remember my first weekend and I ran around trying to figure out what I needed to do and where I needed to go which involved a lot of stress and uncertainty.

 

or ask another racer

 

This was last year at Grattan. What I did was follow everyone else up and stand around the registration desk for a while while no one helped me or explained what I needed to do. I waited in line and then asked my questions while everyone was behind me.

I think signs leading up to the registration desk and then a specific spot for new racers (race school) would help. I think some sort of WERA liaison at the front gate would be even better. Maybe some racer could volunteer to get there early and help new people out.

 

It wasn't until after I got somewhat settled that I felt like asking people for help and suggestions on how to fill out the forms.

Everyone was helpful after being handed the proper paperwork but it was unsettling to get to that point.

 

My first weekend....I asked the guy pitted next to me about a hundred questions before unloading anything. lol He and his wife told me all I needed to know.

 

Some people are more comfortable doing that. I still think either an official greeter or clear signage would be extremely beneficial, even to non-first weekend racers.

 

AFM has a "mentor" program which works well. New racers who WANT to can be "paired" up with a experienced racer so all those questions get answered. Also builds great friendships

 

Signs would be difficult. These tracks are rented... If they were even allowed, the signs would have to be posted then taken down the same weekend. Maybe only a couple of signs but its still hoops to jump through. Perhaps the people running the entrance could ask if anyone in the vehicle was there for the race school....then if so, they could inform them of the registration tower or radio to someone to follow up with them.

Man...thats a great idea. I would be more than willing to help out with this. I'm sure many others would too.

 

I mean temporary signs (concrete blocks, rebarb, and a wood board). Not billboards or permanent plaques that are posted on the buildings. Not running the show I don't know but that doesn't seem like a lot of work to set up to me. Making the signs or making the signs nice yes, but not physically putting them up.

What it comes down to, in my mind, is I shouldn't have to ask everyone around me where to go to get started. It should be clearly labeled or made apparent where I need to at least walk towards t. Specific questions, yes I don't mind going to the guy next door but i think some of that can be answered before hand new racers can spend time worrying about the more important things (everything else! ).

 

The first couple of weekends are intimidating....I can attest to that. It really is up to the racer to ask if he doesn't know...part of the preparation. Add it to the packing list...a questions to be answered list. lol

 

I mean, this is racing, not little league baseball, someone isn't going to hold your hand the whole time. If you need something ask, there are a hundred people there that are willing to help you out.

 

I like helping the new guys out. It gives me something to do because if I'm not riding I'm sitting in a lawn chair staring off into space. I'll be more than happy to help someone out if they need it. I'm Novice #116, if you are racing in the south and need help come find me.

 

24 years? :wow: You get pay good for this right?

 

Are you gonna be at Summit April 2nd and 3rd? I wanna give you a free case of beer for your hard work bro. I'm a beer man so take your pick. :up: