I know its seems as though there are always newbies asking questions, so I figured hell why not jump on in! I will be running "My very first Race" at jennings in 2 weeks. The crazy thing is...I have no idea what to expect! I will be in the "meatgrinder" 600 classes and know it will be intense! Any pointers on what to do or expect?
Relax, think, ride and have fun! Have all of your ducks in a row before you get there and things will be much easier.
Make sure you go to the riders meeting so you know what's going on. If you have any questions, the WERA officials love to help out. Have fun!
have all of your sh!t filled out when you go to registration. have all your documents with you, forms, license, etc. then no one will be pissed at you when you back up the line.
Thanks guys! I will be in my provisional shirt in the rear with the gear! I am figuring that 1:24's will put me mid pack with a decent start...?
in my first year of racing, i found that i could run fast alone, but had a hard time finding a way past other racers in some spots i was used to track-days and with making clean passes not to say that race passes aren't clean, but it took me a bit to learn how to force my way past guys then i had a few hard lessons in learning how to lead races it definitely a head game as others have said - have your bike, gear and paperwork squared away don't show up at the track needing to give the bike an oil change or some crap like that come ready to race once you get out there - race with your head, not your balls - you'll last longer race YOUR race - don't worry about what the other guy may or may not do hit your marks, ride with your intensity and for God's sake - be consistent racing is a whole 'nother animal welcome to the addiction
http://www.mylaps.com/results/showrun.jsp?id=919312&perclass=1 http://www.mylaps.com/results/showrun.jsp?id=919302&perclass=1 BTW, I have no idea what the conditions were like at Jennings on Jul 13, 2008. Assuming it was dry then if you can run 1:24's in traffic it sure looks like you'll be about mid pack. :up:
For sure do the solos. Also, be patient in your first few races re: passing people. Overtaking people who are only a little slower than you are is a skill that needs to be developed over a little bit of time. If everyone who raced the 600 novice class took just that one bit of advice to heart, we wouldn't call it the meatgrinder. When you catch a person, try to see it coming when they're still a ways out there and make a plan. It's easy to just go as hard as you can and forget that when you get to the person, you're not just going to magically be in front. Your plan may or may not work, but it will be a learning experience. This is not to say that it's bad to be aggressive. Aggressive os ok, as long as it's tempered with a little reality. If you have been comfortable braking at the 5 marker, braking at the 2 in order to pass a guy probably isn't going to end well for anyone, especially since you haven't yet seen what it's like to brake at the 4, or the 3. Most of all though, relax and have fun...it's awesome!
You were running pretty good yesterday! I was running the same times as you. The guy on the KWS GSXR1000 was moving along pretty well also. Seth Starnes came past me in turn one and he was so leaned over that I let up because I thought he was crashing
Watch the starter and how he starts the race. You wanna know how he/she works before your on the grid. Leave your pits on "3rd call for race ...? And show respect for the National Anthem. (lot of people dont)
When you are sitting on the grid and you are nervous remember one thing that most people tend to forget... breathe.
Good call! It's really easy to keep working on your bike, especially when you're rushing, but resist the temptation.
I thought that went without saying. What gets me is men not removing their hats and then giving dirty looks when you remind them.