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THE FAST TRACK INTO RACING Part 1 How you start depends on where you’re at now. If your under 16 there are restrictions on what licence type and therefore which classes you can compete in. Likewise over 16’s can start in different places. Partly it depends on if you have a licence to ride on the public road or not. Not to mention your own confidence, ability, finances and commitment will influence which class you choose. So, select whether you are a junior or an adult applicant, then contact the ACU (Auto Cycle Union, the governing body of motorcycle sport) on 01788 566 400 to get an application from and your on your way. You’ll also have to join a club to commence racing. Which one depends on the classes they offer, which series your eligible for and the machine you have. Location is less important as you’ll have to travel to a race circuit anyway. If you are younger than 11, contact the ACU for further details of how you can get involved in bike racing. Schoolboy motocross or minimoto racing are the best options for youngsters. Don’t worry about being on smaller machines, almost all top riders, including Valentino Rossi all started here. You’ll need a bike (obviously) and all the approved riding kit. Essentially approved riding kit means all your skin covered by one piece leathers, boots and gloves. Lastly you will need a full face helmet that carries a valid gold sticker. Fellow racers and club officials can advise you on what kit to buy. One way to get started is to buy a machine that is already being raced in your chosen class. Competitors regularly change bikes, so this could provide a fully prepared, good condition, competitive machine. If you convert a machine you already have it will require preparation. Consult the ACU handbook for the details of what you’ll have to do. Visiting a few race meetings to learn from other racers and officials before you start spending money will save you time and money in the long run.
Part 2 Track day’s, we have included these as road riders are increasingly using these as their first taster of track riding. Get good at this and the obvious next step is to take up the real thing. Firstly note you need a road licence to get on a track day, so if you’re under 17 this option isn’t open to you. If a track day is your first step on the racing ladder the following has been written to help make this run smoothly. Riding bikes fast takes a lot of physical and mental effort, more than most people realize. If you are ‘vanning’ your bike to the track you will still find that by the end of the day many people have given up due to fatigue. How much more tired will you be if after the track session have finished your 250 miles from home? Many people opt to stay in a local b+b’s the to avoid this. On the theme of hard work remember to drink plenty, and eat ‘little and often’. Don’t have a massive dinner either, it makes you feel sleepy for the session after lunch. That heeded you should now be on time and alert for the compulsory signing on and briefing session. Signing on doesn’t entail much, but the briefing session should be full of tips! Where will the marshals be? What should you do when you see a red flag? Where should you exit the track after a session? What does it mean if you see a rider with his left arm raised? All this and more should be answered in the briefing, don’t be afraid to ask questions if you want to. Speaking of sessions. You choose your own. Assess whether fast, intermediate or novice means you. If you’re not sure ask those running the day for advice. If you’re still not sure choose slower rather than faster. Once on track the first session should be lead by instructors, this is to allow those new to the circuit a few slower laps with which to learn the circuit. If its your first time at a track be aware that tracks being more ‘open’ than roads can lull you into thinking certain corners are slower than they look. Don’t go ten tenths as soon as the instructor waves you by. Once you start to race you’ll notice that it’s far easier to predict a rider line in competition. There is a degree of unpredictability in the lower end of track days as riders are rarely fully conversant with their and their bikes capabilities. Overtake swiftly and with plenty of room to spare in case should someone change line for odd reasons. Thus it goes without saying: Don’t trust other riders too much. How do you know they know what to do? Almost any bike can go on a track day. It doesn’t matter if it’s not the latest sports bike. Bikes don’t even have to be road legal. But it must be stressed that this does not mean worn out heaps are ok just because it doesn’t need to be legal. Tyres, chains and brakes all receive an extra hard time of it on track. You must make sure your machine is in good condition before you arrive. In all forms of racing you should remember any form of scrutineering is for eligibility only. Mechanical safety is your own responsibility. All that said track days for older new starters are the easiest means to whet your racing appetite. And don’t let anyone tell you ‘too old’ or ‘too late’. You can, with a healthy dose of luck and no small amount of skill to make it to the top.
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The Motor Cycle Industry Association Limited
1 Rye Hill Office Park, Birmingham Road, Allesley, Coventry, CV5 9AB Registered in England No. 1113282. |
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Tel: (024) 76 408 000 Fax: (024) 76 408 001 |
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