Yep, same here! I left racing far too late to make something of it, which is a shame.....but I am so grateful that I have done what I did, it is truly an incredible thing to be involved in.
Hey Robin, hope all is well! Just giving you an update of how I'm getting on, I done some more digging and spoke to my acu about the road racing. I require to have 10 signatures on my national license (I currently only have 2) and it must have all changed now, newcomers are not aloud to start on a big bike! They are restricted to certain classes. Still something I am very keen to do, however I'm planning on getting more race experience this year and trying to get another 8 signatures, I'm also going to have to find the funds to get a smaller bike such as a 600 and hopefully get a few races done on this before doing my first road race. In between all this I'm trying to get a bigger house and keep working hard, its bloody hard going! I wish I could just race for a living.
Hi there, that is a shame about having to get a 600, but it is surprising how much fun you will still have on one. As I am sure you know, the R6 and ZX6 are the most popular choices, with a few Triumphs and then CBR600s and GSXR600s. I started on an R6 and while it was a great bike, I always felt I was sitting on it. I changed it for a very fresh stock engined GSXR600 and fell in love with it. The chassis was superb but it did lack power (and did cost me a fair few thousand to get a decent but reliable power figure out of it). This is the main reason that the CBR and GSXR are not as popular, they cost more to get decent power out of, but get a sorted one and they are great. The other option is a mini twin or super twin. As with short circuits, they are massively popular, but they cost as much (and if not more) than a well sorted 600. So I guess, look for a decent 600 and you will be fine. Shame about licence requirements, but it does get you more track time which is no bad thing. It isn't easy funding all this road racing, but believe me, it is so so worth it! Keep me posted on things and any help or advice you need, just let me know.
I have not read all the posts but did start reading before I went to work this morning. I was always told my uncle could of been someone in speedway but his then girlfriend said me or the bikes, he chose her. Now being named after a speedway rider I am gutted he did not pursue his passion. I was alway to young to ask the question did he choose right. Now to me these road racing guys have got a different brain to all of us And if you have got that brain Go for it or you will always be saying “what if” I do agree take it steady to start and then go for your dreams and I hope to see you up there with the best. Someone has to do it and someone has to win
Hey Robin, I dont doubt they will still be good fun! Looking forward to trying the 600 out once I hopefully get one in the coming months. I'm pretty small, 5ft 5 so I reckon the smaller bike may not be a bad idea at all. Yeah the r6 seems the 1st choice, because I currently have the fireblade I was thinking the cbr600 wouldn't be a bad idea as I'm already familiar with the bike and I'm guessing some of the parts would be pretty much the same, but like you say they are down on power! And I dont have thousands to spend on it. I was racing a couple of weeks ago and managed three 1st places and two 3rds, so going well I think. The races I won was in the wet, I seem to be going well when its wet but just lacking a bit in the dry. I'm really looking forward to get my first road race done next year! Just aiming to try get a 600 in the next few month and see how I get on with that, also need to get another 8 meetings done before the end of the year. I managed to get one of those barras for £150 2nd hand, so think I got a good deal there. My new tent is also perfect, does the job. Just need to keep my eye out for a silent generator. Really appreciate the advice! I'll keep you updated and anything I need to ask I will.
There is some reading on this thread lol! I guess life is always full of regrets no matter what, thinking what if what if, but you have to go with your gut. I have already made my decision about the road racing, I'm doing it, just not this year. To be honest my girlfriend has went a bit quiet about it of late, she was very upset for a few weeks, maybe she still is but I think she now knows I'm doing it no matter what... maybe she will have something to say about it when the first race comes around. I wouldn't say it to her, but if she wants to leave me when the time comes, I already know that it's not meant to be, and if she stays around, great Thanks! I would be delighted if I was up there. One race at a time as I keep saying
Hi Robin, had put some posts on last year about doing the road racing and then it turned out I had to do more racing and also get a smaller bike. Got a 2010 r6 now, only managed out a day and a half testing if I'm lucky and I'm much slower that I thought I would be! Still trying to get used to it, well trying to get my head round being more aggressive on the throttle... anyway I have a track day at Croft and Mallory park this Thursday Friday coming and then a test at knockhill again a few weeks later, I really want to do olivers mount, with the circumstances I haven't managed to get out as much this year with COVID and with not being as quick at knockhill as I thought, should i give it a miss, or just go for it? I see the classics is on the now and really making me want to enter the gold cup! Entry forms still not out yet either, what do you think?
