How to get started in Motorcycle Road Racing.
The majority of teenage road racers will have started their careers in either Mini-Moto or Motor Cross - there are many local clubs situated all over the country - and the cost of both is reasonably low.
A 2nd hand Mini Moto can be bought for under £500 - and running costs are minimal. Similarly, a 2nd hand 80cc Motor Crosser can be bought for a similar amount - although the overall cost will be slightly higher as more protective clothing will be needed.
Having decided to make the "jump" to racing full size motorcycles - the questions everyone asks are:
- "What bike do I race?"
- "How do I know if I'll be any good?"
Firstly ........ what bike do I race?
The most popular entry level is probably the Aprilia RS 125 Challenge. The series is extremely competitive - and if a rider can run in the top 10, then he or she will almost certainly attract attention of media sponsors ! Remember that Chas Davies, Casey Stoner, Tommy Hill, Craig Jones and Cal Crutchlow all raced in the Challenge in 2000 - a real vintage year for the series - and it's no less competitive now. However, there is a great variation in the level of skill in that series - and riders should certainly not be deterred by the pace of the front runners (they will almost certainly not be beginners). Clubs such as Bemsee also run a Production 125 class at some of their meetings - and this gives less experienced riders the opportunity to race in a less frenetic class than the Aprilia Challenge.
An Aprilia RS 125 can be bought secondhand for around £1200 - £1500. It's best not to buy a new machine for your first season racing, as a 2nd hand race machine will already have all the necessary modifications to transform it from a road to race bike. A second hand bike will probably have a range of spares, sprockets, etc.
Running costs are relatively cheap too - budget around £100 per race entry, 1 set of tyres will last 2-3 meetings too.
It's important to ensure you have good quality leathers, helmet, boots and gloves - don't buy these second hand - you don't know where they've been !
If a production based 125 is not your ideal, some novice (teenage) riders go straight to 125 GP machines, or if older, perhaps a 400cc supersport class - however the speed of both are considerably higher than a production 125cc machine. There is an argument from "purist" racers that a GP 125 bike is the only way to start - well that's fine if you've got someone to set it up for you - if you haven't, then don't go near one - you'll spend all your spare time on setup, changing pistons, etc, etc. A production 125 still needs some basic loving care - but no more than any other 2 stroke road bike.
How do I know if I'll be any good ?
Basically, you don't...........
If you're thinking of entering the Aprilia ChallengeÉ.. DON'T be put off by the fast guys at the front - remember that they had to start somewhere. I know of many riders who didn't score a single point in ANY races in their first season - but are now riding at National level. Some people can go fast straight away, others can take a season. The most important thing is to enjoy yourself and relax on the bike - don't try too hard, you'll end up tense and make mistakes............
Make sure you attend a race school training day - and if possible get as much track time as you can - most clubs allow under 16's on track at some time during their official practice days. Unfortunately, most Track Day organisers insist on full road licences these days - so that option is not normally available. The best way to arrange practice is to talk to your local club.
Having someone with some experience of racing in your chosen series is also valuable - a team mate to gauge your lap times, or perhaps a mechanic who really understands your particular bike set-up will always help too. Don't be tempted to bend the rules either - there's lot's of rumours of cheating in the Aprilia Challenge - most are unfounded, and a good rider will always emerge after a few races.
|
|
