[Deavastator]

Hey fellow riders, I currently ride a Triumph Daytona T595 (955cc). I have been riding streetbikes for about two years now and am interested in possibly downsizing to maybe a Triumph D675 or another 600-750. I am really interested in racing on the track but for some reason I feel that it might be too late for me to race competitively because my research has shown most people start racing at around 10 and up on very small displacement bikes. I am 6ft and solid muscle of around 160lbs. How do you guys feel about it? I know nobody here has seen how I am as a rider because as far as I know, none of my friends nor family members use this forum. All comments will be greatly appreciated (i am 17 years old if anyone was wondering)

Riding Resume and bikes ridden there:

*VERY LITTLE TRACK EXPERIENCE ON WILLOW SPRINGS TRACK IN CALIFORNIA*

Southern California Twisties (BY THE ROCKSTORE)-Ducati 916, V-Strom 1000DL, Suzuki TLR1000

Northern Indiana, Michigan(some good twisties but mostly hilly areas) Suzuki GS1100G, Ducati 907ie, Yamaha R6, Suzuki GS500, Triumph Daytona T595(MINE )

I think there are a couple of other bikes I am forgetting to list but oh well.

 

[Darksheer]

...I'm assuming your referring to Moto GP or world Superbike...

...I think Wayne Gretsky once said:
"There have been those that had been given less ability but strived harder, and there have been those that have been given more but did less with it"

...Yes, it is a bit late for you, so-to-speak, however if you do have some amazing talent and push yourself constantly and get serious hours/days/weeks/months/years in, then who knows...
...Only you would have the best guess...

 

[R1100S-Rider]

Don't get a 600 or 750. Go for a SV650, you'll learn more and faster than if you would start on a 600.

Plus, racing a is EXPENSIVE! Parts for SV650's are cheap and easy to get. Plus they don't go through tyres like theres no tomorrow, even the fast guys don't.

 

[inpayne]

I'm going to start racing. Going to try and find a sv.

Troy baylis didn't start racing on the track till he was 25 or so, don't remember the exact age. Granted he did dirt as a kid, but fuck it. Just got to win, and have a huge amount of natural talent, and money.

 

[R1100S-Rider]

Nate Kern (races BMW Motorcycles) was never on a motorcycle PERIOD till he was 20. And today races for BMW as a full time Job. He just does CCS/ASRA, but will most likely be going to AMA with the new S1000RR next season.

He has raced in Europe, South Africa, all around the USA.

 

[OldSchlPunk]

Start with track days and progress from there. At your age, you'll never get to MotoGP, most riders that progress to MotoGP are already racing 125's or 250's at the world level at your age.

That doesn't mean you won't be competitive and should rule it out, it's just the averages are working against you. Mat Mladin was like 19 when he started racing. Jamie Hacking was 22 or 24. While they have extraordinary skills, you'll never know until you get on the track and get some instruction. Don't worry about actual racing just yet.

 

[Deavastator]

Nate Kern (races BMW Motorcycles) was never on a motorcycle PERIOD till he was 20. And today races for BMW as a full time Job. He just does CCS/ASRA, but will most likely be going to AMA with the new S1000RR next season.

He has raced in Europe, South Africa, all around the USA.

Thats really cool. That new S1000RR looks to be quite an amazing machine.

 

[Bpro]

I tried to race back in the late 80's at the age of 18....

...I crashed hard and ran out of cash...

...Played in the dirty bike race game for 20 years.

...Got my license and raced a 600 to celebrate my 40th. I am just getting started. I know several racers who for whatever reason didn't start until thier late 20's. They may not be a threat to win an AMA superbike race, but they have fun and win races just the same.

Look into the orgs that race near you and go for it. WERA and CCS are great choices for starting out.

 

[roadant]

LoL. Before I saw your age , I thought maybe you were 50 or something. You can totally go out and race at your local club. You shouldn't worry about being competitive though. Just go out and have fun and think about what you are doing. Willow Springs is a FAST track.

 

[Deavastator]

LoL. Before I saw your age , I thought maybe you were 50 or something. You can totally go out and race at your local club. You shouldn't worry about being competitive though. Just go out and have fun and think about what you are doing. Willow Springs is a FAST track.

Yeah i know I will enjoy it no matter what. Was also just curious about the competitive aspect. And willow springs is a pretty awesome track haha. Just too bad I don't live out in cali any more. But I believe there is a track down by indy which is near a college I may attend (Indiana University) so maybe it could play out quite well if I work hard enough my senior year and save up some cash. Probably going to sell my Daytona and car to get a newer smaller displacement bike (freshman in college can't have cars anyways i don't think), invest in some new gear, tires, haha all the stuff I need to make sure I stay safe, as well as have fun.

 

[Deavastator]

Oh and thank you all for your input! I will be checking out WERA and CCS and see if they offer anything relatively close.

 

[Stick N Move]

Get a AMA racing license and enter their events. You can also join a racing league too. But like others said... You better have TONS of cash laying around in the piggy bank in your room.

 

[stealthy1]

It's not too late. I will race you.

 

[Deavastator]

It's not too late. I will race you.

Ohh nice triumph man. I got its older brother

 

[DealsGapR6]

Typically, the riders that make it to the highest levels of the sport are groomed for it from birth. However, nothing should stop you from pursuing your goals. The unfortunate part about our sport is that many people that have the talent to succeed are never given the opportunity due to the extremely large amount of resources it takes to even grid up with competitive equipment week in and week out.

I felt I had what it took to be able to develop my riding to a professional level, and I was fortunate enough to have support from several others that felt the same. Looking back, I now understand how important it is for proper mentoring of young riders. I rode with a sense of urgency, because I felt I had to make up for the late start I was getting. My exuberance turned into crashes, and I eventually ran my race program into the ground by trying to do more than was possible. I now believe there are 3 keys for professional success. First you need to be the one in a million when it comes to riding talent. Lots of people are good, very few are great. Second, you need to have a massive financial backing. It's simply impossible to earn the kind of money as a kid that it takes to compete in the racing world. 3rd, you need a proper mentor. Riders with natural talent that far exceeds their experience level WILL self destruct. To have a chance at a long riding career, someone needs to protect you from yourself, and teach you when and how to take risks. You will not find a champion that didn't have a great mentor pulling the strings.

My advice is to buy an inexpensive track bike, and enter some WERA or CCS novice races. Research ways to minimize costs and cut corners in places that won't hurt you much. Ride within yourself, and enjoy the experience. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to get involved with race teams that have the resources you need. I was fortunate to be approached by an expert endurance team, and that's the type of opportunity that can get you lots of seat time, financial relief, and connections within the racing world.

My last bit of advice is to make sure you understand what you are risking when you race, and make sure you have contingencies in place if the worst happens. That includes destroying equipment, personal injuries that can put you out of work, and the huge financial strain that it can bring. Proper preparation in all areas gives you the best chance for success in a sport where the odds are hugely stacked against you.

 

[Bpro]

Yeah i know I will enjoy it no matter what. Was also just curious about the competitive aspect. And willow springs is a pretty awesome track haha. Just too bad I don't live out in cali any more. But I believe there is a track down by indy which is near a college I may attend (Indiana University) so maybe it could play out quite well if I work hard enough my senior year and save up some cash. Probably going to sell my Daytona and car to get a newer smaller displacement bike (freshman in college can't have cars anyways i don't think), invest in some new gear, tires, haha all the stuff I need to make sure I stay safe, as well as have fun.

Putnam Park is about 45 minutes from Indianapolis. Bluegrass will be about 2 hours, Mid Ohio about 3.5-4 hours.....Most of the WERA NC region tracks are within 6-8 hours of you and there are several racers in Indianapolis and Cincinnati. There is a ton of stuff up near Chicago.

 

[Deavastator]

Putnam Park is about 45 minutes from Indianapolis. Bluegrass will be about 2 hours, Mid Ohio about 3.5-4 hours.....Most of the WERA NC region tracks are within 6-8 hours of you and there are several racers in Indianapolis and Cincinnati. There is a ton of stuff up near Chicago.

Awesome stuff man. Thanks for the info.

 

[Tripped1]

Echo that.

WERA/CCS Lightwieght Twin. No monster throttles to save you. You have to out brake and out turn everyone. Oh yeah, its also the most fun you can have on two wheels.

My SV race bike was stolen, last time I had a dedicated track bike.

 

[636blurr]

considering their are a bazaar number of people entering iron mans after the age of 40s I see zero reason why a teenager would have any problem.

However to be honest, if at your age you are already thinking you are to old, you probably will not last long, mental is one of the biggest things to competing and doing well in any sport, if you do not have that drive, the disipline, and have already filled yourself with self doubt, its over before you began.

I had planned on starting racing myself next year however with the economy and other factors that just is not going to happen. Again, its in your head more than anything (the desire part) Tons of people were told they would never make it anywhere in many various sports and now do very well. @ 37 with a nearly 14 year hiatus I started training MMA/kickboxing again. Whats your excuse again? yer to old? lol
Jack Lalane should put the nail in the coffin of any Doubter.

 

[binx_19]

start with trackdays and maybe some small local races and work your way up, hit up some racing schools, porbably Nick Ienatsch's school based at Miller Motorsports Park.