Getting stated with racing.

[metalmonkey]

"hi everyone, I’m keen to get into racing; I have £3500 saved, and can add an extra £300 each month after which I survive. I am willing to make sacrifices, to race and by working hard and saving I’m doing that right now. Would anyone be interested in helping me get finances to go racing, or to help minimalise the cost of going racing? Does anyone know how I might attract some sponsership as well?

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=101996

[ASM-Forever]

I've never raced before and have no intention of racing.......having said that;

With regards to sponsorship, your best bet is to ask your employers if they will sponsor you. If its a medium-large company then they may already have schemes in place.

You might also try asking local business' if they want to get involved. Another option is to try and get a discount for consumables(chain/sprockets, tyres, brake pads etc) from the manufacturers. I wouldn't hold your breath though as i imagine every would be racer tries it on.

IMO your biggest obstacle will be that as you're a new rider, you will have a low profile. Quite simply you won't provide enough exposure to justify any significant investment. Therfore the people most likely to sponsor you will probably do so as a matter of goodwill, as opposed to any financial benefits.

I reckon you're employer is your best bet and other than that you might have to carry the cost yourself.

When Blue collected my mashed up sv earlier this year, he mentioned that one of the reasons he doesn't race anymore is the cost.

Being your own spannerman will be essential if you're racing on a budget, but then i imagine you knew that.

Buying in bulk might also save you some £'s.

Also make sure there is some flexibility in your budget, as things can and do go wrong.

I'm sure race veterans will be along shortly to give you some better advice than my own.

[JediGoat]

Good luck in trying to get sponsorship Chris. Bear in mind that motorbike businesses get constant requests for sponsorship. Even my humble little operation gets about one email a fortnight asking me to sponsor someone's son/daughter/great-grandmother in their racing career.

Know what it is you want from a sponsor, and know what you can give them - after all, sponsorship is just part of the marketing budget, and that budget is spent where it will have most impact.

Jo

[metalmonkey]

Thanks guys, I won't get sponorship from work, I'm a government employee so that what happen,I'm sure most of you know what I do for a job, they aren't intertested.

I asked to carry extra 5 days hoilday over, they won't allow it, I think I may enough I have worked in hopefully 34 days hoilday into next year. They said racing isn't a good enough reason, why should the job suppourt it!

I have about £500 of overtime (before tax) coming my way at rough calauation, but the main problem is no matter how hard I work it just isn't enough! I figure I have enough to buy a race bike, but nothing else, so that won't work.

Any other ideas?

[ASM-Forever]

Go on the game?

No?

:)

[Red Herring]

Thanks guys, I won't get sponorship from work, I'm a government employee so that what happen,I'm sure most of you know what I do for a job, they aren't intertested.

I asked to carry extra 5 days hoilday over, they won't allow it, I think I may enough I have worked in hopefully 34 days hoilday into next year. They said racing isn't a good enough reason, why should the job suppourt it!


There's a couple of clues there as to occupation there, and if I'm right I think you'll find you have a very active motor sports section to your social club and they might be more help then you currently think. The other thing about sponsorship is to understand the tax break situation very well, and what can and cannot be written off by companies as "advertising". I think the days of brown envelopes full of cash changing hands are gone but it's quite surprising how expensive racing can look on paper if you want it to. You just need to find the right company......

[metalmonkey]

If its any help I'm a Met police officer, thats my job off to work in a few hours.

[tranx]

Well you can get a fully sorted race bike with tyre warmers and spare wheels for around £2000 if your looking to race in the minitwins. I picked my bike up for £1750 without spare wheels for example.

I'm doing my first season on the super cheap, I'm not cutting corners on the bike or tyres but I am scrimping on the luxury side. I'm taking a huge frame tent I got for free from a relative rather than buy an awning. I've already got a trailer and tow hitch so I'll use that rather than buy a van. I was given plenty of other gumpf at Christmas, generator, tools, paddock stands. The only place I'm not saving money is on tyres and the bike. I'm re-using all my road safety gear for the track, 1-piece leathers, gloves, boots and helmet. It's all in good order and less than a year old so I'm not compromising on safety for this. I've bought a 2nd hand transponder and 2nd hand jerry cans and 2nd hand camping gear and cheap inflatable mattress from Tesco. It all saves the pennies.

However despite all these cut backs I've aleady spent £2800 without turning a wheel. I'm still expecting to spend at least £2000 on tyres this year. Another £2000 on entrie fees and practise days and another £700-£900 on petrol for travel, generator and race bike.

I'd seriously suggest saving for 1 more year in your case and aim for a 2009 season start or you'l have to make the supreme sacrifice and sell your road bike to fund the racing. Is it possible for you to cut back on your living costs at home? I managed to shave my food budget for my girlfriend and I down from £60 a week to under £40. We got rid of the sky TV and I went to pay as you go mobile and barely use it (£10 a month tops). We changed utility suppliers and now save another £15 a month. It all adds up.

I had £3000 saved in August when I bought the bike, that is now all gone. I am putting just over £600 a month into the racing kitty at the moment and only just scrape above the overdraft mark each month.

Your experience may vary, don't let it sound like I'm trying to put you off, just realise what it might take to go racing if your not as relatively well off as others.

[Alpinestarhero]

What about if a couple of you get together and support each other?

Matt

[yorkie_chris]

Instead of racing an SV, what about a CB500 or something like that? less glamorous sure but it'll be cheaper.

[Alpinestarhero]

Instead of racing an SV, what about a CB500 or something like that? less glamorous sure but it'll be cheaper.

This si a great idea; CB500 racing was awesome a few years ago, i bet it still is?

http://www.cb500cup.co.uk/

Matt

[metalmonkey]

What about if a couple of you get together and support each other?

Matt

Would anybody do that with me? To spread the cost, I have some storage at my house and maybe my parents if I ask! Anything else I can think off! Anyone?

[stewie]

What about setting yourself up as plc and inviting people to buy shares in you, obviously the only dividend to the shareholder in the short term would be in seeing you become successful, so it would be mostly altruistic, but Ill bet theres a few on here would help you out, its a thought at least.

[metalmonkey]

What about if a couple of you get together and support each other?

Matt

Would anyobe be interested in this helping each other out? I can offer storage space at my house nad my parents and anything else I cam think off, anyone?

My outgoings per month;


£433 Rent
£125 my bike (road)
£40 cell phone (i got screwed by 3)
£23 car and breakdown insurance
£10/12 gas
£50 every 4 month, adsl and phone line

Plus what ever I spend on food, working that down £30/week, fuel £20/weeK i hope across to vechicels. I don't smoke, I'm giving up drinking. Plus what ever else needs money that month and going out.

I could cut my pension payment, which would reap £200/month but i have been told by freinds at work not do it, as I would suffer in the long run, but I may consider it in the short term. I work ass off, pulling in as much over time as I can.

[stewie]

What about setting yourself up as plc and inviting people to buy shares in you, obviously the only dividend to the shareholder in the short term would be in seeing you become successful, so it would be mostly altruistic, but Ill bet theres a few on here would help you out, its a thought at least.

Id have bought some

[metalmonkey]

Id have bought some

So how do you go about doing this then? How many people would have be involved to make it work, I'm interested in anything that will help.

[Bear]

Bluethunder, I don't want to be the one to tread on your dreams or anything mate but I really think you should do a few track days before even thinking about whether you can afford to race or not. If you do a few novice track days and find that you're fast, then do another few intermediate and find out you're fast, and a few quick ones and find out you're fast, then maybe you could consider racing.

It seems to me (and I don't want to appear rude here, so please forgive me if I do. You've met me a couple of times and know that I speak my mind) that you have just passed your bike test, got your SV and are so enamored by the whole experience that you are not just wanting to run before you can walk but wanting to compete in the 100metre sprint.

I'm not by any means suggesting that you will never race, I haven't seen enough of your riding to assess it and you may be the most talented natural rider in the world for all I know, I am merely saying that you should be aware of your (possible) limitations. Especially where investing this much cash is involved.

Put off racing for at least a year and do some track days, see where that takes you. You may find that you love it, it's in your blood and it's the way forward. You may find that you like riding on the road but that the track isn't for you, but at least you'll go in with your eyes open rather than investing a huge sum on something so uncertain.

Once again mate I hope this hasn't offended you, that's the last thing I want to do.

[John 675]

If its any help I'm a Met police officer.

and your worried about the noise of the VIper ! ! !
your in the club mate you shpuldnt have to worry;)

BEAR ! !

how rude and offensive can you get ! ! ! not really..
hes right mate i REALLy wanted to get into racing and i hadnt even touched a track yet.. and it got to the point where a mate of mine said "okay what in your opinion would you do if you felt the front sliping on a tight bend when your cranked right over?"
i couldnt answer him.. because the first thing i thought was to grab the brakes... which just speeds up the crash..

So as bear suggests to you.. Do loads of trackdays.. im hoping to be on one every week in spring/summer so i can see how i handle on the track if im good i will be racing in the minitwins next year (09), if im poor i will keep hitting the track till im not.
now with 3500 in your account to spend on bikes id recommed upgrading the parts.. air filter.. shocks oil.. you already have the can on the way ;) and rearsets ect.. make sure you take all the cheesium stock rubbish off... oh and for Gods sake get some R&Gs lol, :D

[metalmonkey]

Jamie I'm not offened, speaking your mind is fine....

Yer I understand what your saying, but you can spend loads of time of getting ready, but it won't always make you more preped for what your doing...

I have wanted a bike for so long and yer I did it, yes I like it a lot.

I went on a bike safe day so had riding assesd in October, the guys said I need more confiednce in my abaility which will come with experince, that was just over month of passing the test. If anyone wants to go for a ride, to see what I ride, then I would.

But I have had people around me before going oh you can't do that, I ingorned them and made it, had I listened to them I wouldn't achived everything I have now.

I am very head strong, passoinate and determined, which gets focused on everything I do, you wouldn't have guessed that would ya? I don't just want to be good, I want to be best I can possiabally can be.

I would plan on spending the spring and early summer getting ready, then 3-5 rounds at the end of year to prep for a full year in 09.

I want to get Brands at the end of Jan for a track day, though I need to presuade my partner to cover for me, so I can have the day off.

lylej lol about da can, doesn't always work like that being a rookie I have to behave.

[John 675]

Jamie I'm not offened, speaking your mind is fine....

Yer I understand what your saying, but you can spend loads of time of getting ready, but it won't always make you more preped for what your doing...

I have wanted a bike for so long and yer I did it, yes I like it a lot.

I went on a bike safe day so had riding assesd in October, the guys said I need more confiednce in my abaility which will come with experince, that was just over month of passing the test. If anyone wants to go for a ride, to see what I ride, then I would.

But I have had people around me before going oh you can't do that, I ingorned them and made it, had I listened to them I wouldn't achived everything I have now.

I am very head strong, passoinate and determined, which gets focused on everything I do, you wouldn't have guessed that would ya? I don't just want to be good, I want to be best I can possiabally can be.

I would plan on spending the spring and early summer getting ready, then 3-5 rounds at the end of year to prep for a full year in 09.

I want to get Brands at the end of Jan for a track day, though I need to presuade my partner to cover for me, so I can have the day off.

lylej lol about da can, doesn't always work like that being a rookie I have to behave.

can see what you mean with the determination side of things but its about physical ability as well.. which comes with practice or a wealthy farther lol,
how about trying some race schools... ron haslam does one at donnington almost like a crash course into racing.
worth a thought :D

[tranx]

I've thought of that but there are very few costs there that can be shared. If we lived close by then transport costs could be shared and maybe a single more powerful generator could be run, although this would cost far more than the cheap 1 man generator I have bought.

[tranx]

Oops, missed the entire 2nd page of discussion. I would like to add that I have spent a year saving up, clearing debts and going on a few track days to get a feal for things. I have been riding for 6 years now and can run in the fast group on a trackday with a 60bhp bike, I will still be the slowest guy out there when it comes to my first race.

The first track day I went on tought me so much that I would not have been able to pick up if I had been racing. I would suggest that you buy the SV race bike now, then spend the rest of this year doing a few trackdays and securing your finances ready for next year. I know you want to dive straight in but I've been dreaming of this for the last 5 years and I'm only just in a position to fulfil those dreams.

[redbiker 954]

Bluethunder, we have talked a little so I know where you're coming from, as for track days ,yes they can help but from experiance I would point you in the direction of a school, my recomendation has to be the Mick Boddice track school at Darley Moor,thats where we started out a couple of years back,I got the school as a present for my son as he had been riding moto x for years but not really getting anywhere with it,anyhow at the end of the race school the instructor and myself had a de-brief chat and he said I should take the lad road racing as he had a natural ability,this is one of the better schools for track time and tuition in my book,it's all day with instruction am and lots of free track time pm ,worth travelling the distance,we live south coast so a bit of a mission.
I know a few of the guys in the paddock who started out with this school and all recommend it highly,get this done and the pre-race school for your race licence and see how you feel about racing then,better to spend ya money this way rather than mince about in the novice group on a track day where you will learn absolutely nothing.

[Red Herring]

If its any help I'm a Met police officer, thats my job off to work in a few hours.

Thought you might be. The Met have one of the best Motor sections in the country and if you join them it automatically gives you membership of the F.B.P.M.C (Federation of British Police Motor Clubs) with is part of the ACU as a non-territorial club. This means you won't need to join a club to get your ACU licence signed or to go racing. You may also find that you can get some help with transport and such like, but you need to get in early with some bids as funds will be allocated quickly. Good luck, may well see you about.....

[metalmonkey]

Bluethunder, we have talked a little so I know where you're coming from, as for track days ,yes they can help but from experiance I would point you in the direction of a school, my recomendation has to be the Mick Boddice track school at Darley Moor,thats where we started out a couple of years back,I got the school as a present for my son as he had been riding moto x for years but not really getting anywhere with it,anyhow at the end of the race school the instructor and myself had a de-brief chat and he said I should take the lad road racing as he had a natural ability,this is one of the better schools for track time and tuition in my book,it's all day with instruction am and lots of free track time pm ,worth travelling the distance,we live south coast so a bit of a mission.
I know a few of the guys in the paddock who started out with this school and all recommend it highly,get this done and the pre-race school for your race licence and see how you feel about racing then,better to spend ya money this way rather than mince about in the novice group on a track day where you will learn absolutely nothing.

Hey thanks where abouts is this place? Is it any where near where I live, do you have contact information and how does each track day cost? Yer the MPAA office is closed right now, first thing I do Tuesday morning will be to call them. to find out more, have the guys number for the motossport section too. If its as good as it sounds, then that could work hopefully yer would be just awesome if they had funds to suppourt me.

I didn't plan to race right away any way, like I said before it wouldn't be till the end of this year hopefully doing a few rounds. I mostly debt free, apart from student and bike loan. (both paid in full in 4 years)
I wouldn't plan to mod my road bike for track, manily becasue I need to ride to work. Yer I have R&G bungs on my road bike as well. (its having a race can, screen and tail thing, thats it) Thats what the race bike would be for.

Should point racing isn't a new thing to me I did race sail boats, such as Laser 2, enterprises ect....Okay not the same as a bike, but I have been sat on the start line, leant out, sent the spinaccer up (da huge race sail) and gone hell for leather. (so does that count as being competive)

Also to add, how much have people spent on gennys, tools ect? How much should be aside for that? I would need a van my car is no good for towing, so would sleep in the van or a tent and get a big push shelter to make a paddock area. I can sleep any where and though most things, my best one was a torendo when I lived in the US.

I'm not going into this blind, I will plan for it already looking at track dyas and race school having called a few of them.

I'm not sure what else there is, but I do know it would be very hard to do it without some kind of help, is thats something anyone can help with in anyway?

[pencil shavings]

Ive looked into racing aswell. from what ive found, my advice would definatly be to start in a smaller CC class. It will be much easier to learn the ropes and your mistakes will be more apparent as you cant use power to cover yourself. also there are many cheeper classes than mini-twins, such as http://www.british50ccracing.com/
or the cb500 that someone mentioned before.

Im not saying dont do it or trying to rain on your parade, it just to me dosent seem like a sencible option to take if money is tight and you havent raced bikes before. and that is nothing to do with your riding ability.

i.e. if you had only ever played football in the school playground you wouldnt go and expect to play in a semi-pro team, you would have to start in a sunday league team where your natural ablity can be nurtured and mixed with experiance where it will become apparent that you are better than your team and you will get the chance to move up leagues.

if you want to race, do it! i wish i could afford to/spare the time, but i wouldnt look to start in mini twins.

HTH

[redbiker 954]

Info for Mick Boddice can be found just by going on Yahoo/google etc type in Mick Boddice, Darley moor -Yorkshire as I said worth travelling,details of school etc on his web site.

Info on race school Yahoo/google etc BEMSEE ,for details of race school on 24th feb at Brands Hatch.

Finding out what you do for a living I'm supprised you havent chased up sponsorship from the firm,a guy we have raced with over the past 2 years was sponsored to the tune of around £7000 by the same org.

[tranx]

Ive looked into racing aswell. from what ive found, my advice would definatly be to start in a smaller CC class. It will be much easier to learn the ropes and your mistakes will be more apparent as you cant use power to cover yourself.

Minitwins is just this class! Don't be fooled by the 650cc limit, the hp limit is 72. This puts it on par with most 250's and the 400 supersport. There is not enough power to cover your mistakes and the class is proving to be an excellent feeder for racers to go onto greater things, even a few national level racers. It's a perfectly good place to cut your teeth, many people start off in the minitwins.

Racing an sv650 can be almost as cheap as any other class. Buying the bike is as cheap as it comes unless you want to ride in a street stock class or the "old" bike classes (Yam past masters/MZ's).

It's not been unknown for good riders to blitz the field on just 3 sets of tyres a year. I'm going to see how it goes with tyres, I have budgeted £2000-2500. However unless I get much better very fast indeed then I would be able to get past on 3-4 sets a season at half the cost. The slower you go the less you wear out tyres, I know that on my track days I notice no difference at all to my tyres at the beginning of the day and the end of the day.

[metalmonkey]

Info for Mick Boddice can be found just by going on Yahoo/google etc type in Mick Boddice, Darley moor -Yorkshire as I said worth travelling,details of school etc on his web site.

Info on race school Yahoo/google etc BEMSEE ,for details of race school on 24th feb at Brands Hatch.

Finding out what you do for a living I'm supprised you havent chased up sponsorship from the firm,a guy we have raced with over the past 2 years was sponsored to the tune of around £7000 by the same org.

I know what what your saying I'm just about a year in, and only really been working since end of september in my current role, I was training most of this year and also recovering from surgery the majority of the summer, so was unfit for work and riding for a few months. Don't worry I will be chasing up as number one piority on Tuesday, hopefully somethng will come of it! (you know nobody tells you about these things at work, you have to find out everything yourself!)

I saw the details for the race bemsee school as well, have the form somewhere, but not sure I will have a ride by then, though they did say i could use road SV which would be useful, until I have a race bike.

I will check that guy out up north as well, bit off a trek for me as well getting up there, but if its as good as you say then, will be worth the trip.

Yer thats why I chose mini twins, as other stated its a great place to start out.

[Red Herring]

Actually the cheapest and probably most fun I've had in over 15 years of racing has been Supermoto, especially when Bemsee ran the Winter series for a couple of years. They were run on all the big circuits (abiet with a bit of ice thown in, 25mph max around Corams at Snetterton anyone) and attracted all the big names who were looking for something to do over the winter. The problem now is most rounds are run on Go-Kart tracks which are a bit mickey mouse, but they can still be a very cheap way of going racing, and crash damage (and you will have plenty of crashes) is almost non existent. I think I managed one clutch lever, and one footpeg in three seasons. The Supermoto bike would be quite handy for getting round the London traffic as well.....

[tranx]

Sounds good! I think I'll take a look into that myself :)

[lukemillar]

Couple of things worth considering. I would definitely do a few trackdays before jumping in to racing. I have been to a fair few club race meets and these guys and girls are fast! It takes time to practice and hone your skills no matter how naturally talented you are. I have done a fair few trackdays now and feel fairly confident in the fast group, though my lap times would have me at the back of the field and that is on a bike with an extra ~40hp on the minitwins!

Also, you don't have to jump in feet first with a full season from the start. If I was in your position, then I would buy a minitwins legal race bike, take in on a number of trackdays and then maybe enter the odd round towards the end of the year. The financial outlay would be way less and it would be a much better way to see how you get on. Then look at a full season in 2009.

Also, costs vs. the amount track time; trackdays are far better value for working on your skills.

I'm not looking to burst the bubble, but I think that if costs are your biggest hurdle then breaking in slowly, might be a much better idea.

[chunkytfg]

Has anyone noticed how most of the answers come from guys who arnt actively racing or are looking to start next year!!

In no way is that meant in a bad way it's just an observation...lol!

Right here's my 2p

Ignore racing next year. You wont be ready. seriously. I have read what you wrote but all the same you will not be prepared. I dont even mean that you wont be fast enough i just mean that you wont have any idea about trackcraft, how to overtake, what is and isnt the right thing to do etc etc.

If minitwins is what you want to do then fine. Use 2k of that savings, get yourself a bike allready prepped, buy a rtrailer and go and do some trackdays.
I know you have said your car isnt up to twoing but i bet it is. I've personally seen a 205 pulling a box trailer so a little 300kg load will not be a prolem even behind a 998cc mini.

7 or 8 trackdays will see you mid pack in the inters i'd have thought which will be plenty fast enough to have a dice with someone racing. It wont be for the win but it will be a race none the less.

once you have done all that and have spent all your xmas and birthday money on stuff to race with then you are ready to seriously save.

Even on an absolute shoestring you will have basic costs that will add up to £450 a weekend racing.

£200 entry fees(assuming you join bemsee)
£100 practice day( you will need it due to inexperience)
£50 fuel for genny and bike
£100 sundries including a set of part worn tyres a weekend.

Also dont forget if you fall off you will need to fix it and as a novice i garuntee you will fall off eventually!! I did and still do and beleive me just a gently slide means new crash bung, bar, footpeg, lever possibly and thats best part of £75-100 Now have a slightly bigger one and break a screen and fairing BANG thats £350

PLease dont think I'm trying to put ou off as i'm not. Bike racing is one of the most exciting things i have ever done and i too have done dinghy racing and did the Fastnet race on a Sigma 38 many years ago so I appreciate where you are coming from.
All I'm trying to do is to get you to be realistic. Bike racing even ona shoestring will cost you £5000 for a full season and the minute you have a couple of incidents or decide to splash out here and there you can be looking at 8K easy.

Another thing to consider is that it is addictive. I only wanted to do one season to find out what all the fuss was about and then go back to trackdays and spannering.

No chance

The minute i got paid after I fininshed the last round i sat down and got a list together of things that needed doing to the bike before the start of the next season and it turns out the off season is just as expensive.

£400 for shock and fork service
£800 new fairings
£600 paint for fairings
£helmet
£leather repairs
£engine refresh
£etc etc

I ended up putting enough money on account with my teams bike shop that meant i could have bought one of there bikes in the showroom!!!

[metalmonkey]

That the plan I had, to spend most of this year doing then do a few rounds towards the end of the year....

The problem I have towing wise, is my car is well just old its 14 years old doesn't have a tow bar so i would have to fit one. I have no idea how money that would cost....may be having a van would be cheaper? I don't know what would be easier?

Though what I am after is help, on the finical side of racing, even saving another year and gettig a bike prep not sure I will have enough...also how will all the paddcok gear cost me? Thanks.

[redbiker 954]

Has anyone noticed how all the answers come from guys who arnt actively racing or are looking to start next year!!

REALLY !

Some of us are and have been for some time.



Nice to see ya changed ya wording Chunkytfg LOL

[John 675]

Well said ChunkyTFG i think you hit the nail on the head there.. except for one point.. you forget that for those that fund them selves if you crash you better hope you get up to get back to work and earn lol, :)

[Fatster]

Have you got lap times? how good are you? cause this will all come ito play if you are looking a sponser.

You will have to do what everyone else had to do and pay for everything yourself win something or stay in the top 5 and then you can start looking

[chunkytfg]

Well said ChunkyTFG i think you hit the nail on the head there.. except for one point.. you forget that for those that fund them selves if you crash you better hope you get up to get back to work and earn lol, :)


well yeah if you are self employed then that is an issue but on the other hand if you are an employee then it isnt such a massive issue.

[mister c]

Instead of racing an SV, what about a CB500 or something like that? less glamorous sure but it'll be cheaper.

Quite agree. I am in the process of building a cb500 race bike, which should be fully finished by the end of next week. I haven't worked out the total budget for the bike, tyres & bits & bobs to get it to "race" spec, but I think I'm probably looking in the region of about £1500 including the bike. I sold my car to start this because it is something I wanted to do, but couldn't afford it. The ACU licence is my next step, which will cost around £90, then about £50 a year to keep up. Running in a local club may keep costs down, but you are looking at around £120 for a race day, which normally consists of 2 races + practice.
The good thing with the CB500 Cup is that there is very little you can do to the bike, so it keeps costs down & shows rider abillity, not how deep your pockets are to buy the latest "go faster" bits for the bike.
If you want to have a look at the rules, then try www.tsrmotorcycles.co.uk (http://www.tsrmotorcycles.co.uk/).
They do anything & everything for the CB. There is also a section on what can & can't be done to the bike.

[metalmonkey]

It looks like I might be racing through work, which is just ace, I caught the trip just in time to make it I hope.

Well i find out soon when if I'm on the trip. Its gonna be a great experince, doing an international event, should be great platform to use to look for sponorship and also a great riding experince, where I will learn a lot.

As for mini twins, not sure if work can back club racing yet, will find out in the next few weeks I hope a few things have to happen before I can do that. But I know they are sorting the ACU stuff at the moment, so hopefully with a push from me, it will work.

I guess the main concern is getting started now, the initial cost is huge but just may be. But I also found I can really good carbed bike for about £3000-3500 that will competive.

I am doing a track day at the end of month and paid extra for 1 to 1 tution as well, so I'm looking foward to that, and getting experince.

[tranx]

Unless the market has changed hugely in the last few months I thought you could get a really good carbed bike that will be competitive for £2000-£2500. I got a bike right at the bottom end, although in excellent clean condition, for £1750 and its still more than capable of winning races. For £3000-3500 I'd think you'd be looking at an injected bike.

For example: http://www.motoforum.net/index.php?showtopic=22673 this bike went for £3100 in the end and is very well sorted in terms of spec and extras.

[metalmonkey]

Unless the market has changed hugely in the last few months I thought you could get a really good carbed bike that will be competitive for £2000-£2500. I got a bike right at the bottom end, although in excellent clean condition, for £1750 and its still more than capable of winning races. For £3000-3500 I'd think you'd be looking at an injected bike.

Yeah thats for a JHS preped racing bike with all the best bits on it, elka rear shock, m4 race system, good rear sets etc...

[Red Herring]

[quote=bluethunder;1377817]It looks like I might be racing through work, which is just ace, I caught the trip just in time to make it I hope.

Well i find out soon when if I'm on the trip. Its gonna be a great experince, doing an international event, should be great platform to use to look for sponorship and also a great riding experince, where I will learn a lot.
[/pquote]

Is that Liege by chance?

[tranx]

Yeah thats for a JHS preped racing bike with all the best bits on it, elka rear shock, m4 race system, good rear sets etc...

Sounds good! Can't wait to start dicing for last position with you and the rest of the rookies when we start in March! :smt043

[Skip]

A friend of mine did a few races in the Production BMW Challenge and I got talking to a guy there - he put an ad on eBay asking for sponsorship and a company who makes sheds in Devon (he lives in Hertfordshire) offered to pay all his entry fees for the year in exchange for him plastering their name all over his car - which he duly did - he said it really helped in his first season.

Just a thought...

[metalmonkey]

[quote=bluethunder;1377817]It looks like I might be racing through work, which is just ace, I caught the trip just in time to make it I hope.

Well i find out soon when if I'm on the trip. Its gonna be a great experince, doing an international event, should be great platform to use to look for sponorship and also a great riding experince, where I will learn a lot.
[/pquote]

Is that Liege by chance?

Yes it is, its sounds ace and a lot off fun! So I will treating this year as a learning experince and having a lot of fun whilst doing it! Hey thats we ride isn't it?

[metalmonkey]

Sounds good! Can't wait to start dicing for last position with you and the rest of the rookies when we start in March! :smt043

Easy tiger, I won't be doing anything the first part of this year apart from riding my SV as much as I can and track days. (besides my work load is mad, 4-5 cases,exmas and court stuff) Lets see what what happens after that, then I'll be thinking whats next.

Though i will come up to watch the racing, for sure for few a w/ends to see what goes on, how good everyone is and what I'm letting myself in for! So let me know where u guys are hanging out, it would be good to meet to each other!

[Red Herring]

Liege is huge fun, a brilliant event and a good crowd with it. Probably not the best place to start a motor racing career, 100mph plus on a poorly surfaced country lane with thick woods both sides can be a little unforgiving if you get it wrong, and as the rally cars in the event tend to "hook" the bends leaving gravel and mud all over the place it's a good idea to have some reserve. Plenty of time to sus out the real dangers though with the two days of Recce so as long as you keep it sensible you'll be alright. There are plenty of people in your team with loads of experience of the event so just listen to them. Good luck.
You also mentioned doing a track day at the end of the month. Is that the Hottrax one at Brands? I'm going to try and make the 2nd Feb to shake down my SV but it's looking tight at the moment.

[metalmonkey]

I'm going to Brands on the 27th of this month, yeah I have people to look after me which is ace. The guy in charge, said be there for fun and to learn expect nothing else, thats all i intend to do.....

[ASM-Forever]

.....I mean go work or ride da bike, what would you do, I get paid the same amount!

So thats where my taxes are going. :rolleyes:

I think work events can be really beneficial for employers and employees alike, but i can't see the justification if these events are paid for by the public purse.

Would i rather have a bobby on the beat, or off in Belgium. Tough one that. :p

[metalmonkey]

I have to use annual leave like anyone, but its paid hoilday thats what i meant.

[ASM-Forever]

I have to use annual leave like anyone, but its paid hoilday thats what i meant.

Thats fair enough then!

[Red Herring]

I think you will find it varies from Force to Force. The event means being away for 8 days and back in the 70's it was agreed officers would be given 3 days "special leave" to compete, the rest coming from annual leave allocation. Some forces still honour this, other don't. I've been going for the last 15 years, and never had a single day on the job.

[Bear]

Would i rather have a bobby on the beat, or off in Belgium. Tough one that. :p

Have you met Soho's answer to Inspector Clouseau? :smt043

[metalmonkey]

:offtopic:Hey this is getting can we stick we the racing on here as thats why I made the thread in the first thread.

[jay boi]

is any1 acctualy racin now? oviously not now coz its out of season but ya get me drift

[Red Herring]

Do Sunday morning scratches count? If so I was definately first to order brekkie last week.....

[Blue_SV650S]

Ok, I read down to about page 3 then got bored (not that what was written was poor, I've just short attention span and it is getting late!! :D).

Anyhoo, my 2p worth!! (bearing in mind I haven't read all 6 pages ;)) ...

I think a lot of what people are saying in the first 3 pages makes sense (its easy to be objective when it is not your own fantasy ;)).

Firstly I have to ask, what do you want out of this?? Just to give racing a crack, or do you want to be in with a fighting chance of getting results? :smt045

Either way, as others have said, before going any further, get yourself on a trackday!!!

Once you know your own track prowess, it will help to forge your way forward ... seriously dude, do this before you get any further down the line!! ;)

Get some laptimes so you can make a direct comparison of your pace, but realistically you'll need to at least hold your own in the FAST group else you are wasting your time/money starting racing at that point - where is the fun in coming last and being a mobile chicane!?!! ;)

If you are lucky, you will be not far off the pace with very little tracktime. Even if you are not, don't get disheartened, with a few more hours under your belt it might suddenly 'click' 8) If it doesn't then you can still have fun doing trackdays, but haven't financially crippled yourself to get to this point!!!

As a final (and positive) note, it is the sort of drive, passion and self belief attributes - that you are already showing - that can make for a great racer!! 8)

[metalmonkey]

Ok, I read down to about page 3 then got bored (not that what was written was poor, I've just short attention span and it is getting late!! :D).

Anyhoo, my 2p worth!! (bearing in mind I haven't read all 6 pages ;)) ...

I think a lot of what people are saying in the first 3 pages makes sense (its easy to be objective when it is not your own fantasy ;)).

Firstly I have to ask, what do you want out of this?? Just to give racing a crack, or do you want to be in with a fighting chance of getting results? :smt045

Either way, as others have said, before going any further, get yourself on a trackday!!!

Once you know your own track prowess, it will help to forge your way forward ... seriously dude, do this before you get any further down the line!! ;)

Get some laptimes so you can make a direct comparison of your pace, but realistically you'll need to at least hold your own in the FAST group else you are wasting your time/money starting racing at that point - where is the fun in coming last and being a mobile chicane!?!! ;)

If you are lucky, you will be not far off the pace with very little tracktime. Even if you are not, don't get disheartened, with a few more hours under your belt it might suddenly 'click' 8) If it doesn't then you can still have fun doing trackdays, but haven't financially crippled yourself to get to this point!!!

As a final (and positive) note, it is the sort of drive, passion and self belief attributes - that you are already showing - that can make for a great racer!! 8)

Yup track booked for the 27th Jan, I have paid extra for tution £80 for the day which is a bargin, I can't wait, have to admit I'm a little nervous, but hey thats cool. I wouldn't worry my attentions span is kinda sort as well, normally drits onto bike, girls ect (roll on summer)

I want to win!! Who doesn't? But also it looks ace, like so much fun, I want to do it:D Life is for having fun and going for it, yeah I have done some awesome stuff, this looks amazing! I decide I'm gonna have fun with life:D

Booked my leave for Belgium today, now the dates are confirmed, thats gonna rock. I'm looking foward to that and a few track days and riding my sv to find out just what it can do with me riding it:D

[Blue_SV650S]

I want to win!! Who doesn't? But also it looks ace, like so much fun, I want to do it:D

If that is the case then only start when you are ready!!! … you want to come out of the box/gate running, else you will only get disappointed and disheartened!!

When I started racing I was disillusioned about my own ability. I had done 2 trackdays and kicked behind on both! … I thought I was truly in with a chance of lifting the Rookie 600 title, more than that, I thought it was almost a forgone conclusion! 8)

To this point my only guide had been my pace against others on said trackdays, I had no idea of my laptimes or race laptimes - the thought of doing that never crossed my mind. I also knew nothing about racing/the structure or anyone that did it to ask questions/learn from!! :oops:

I started off on a completely stock bike (even stock gearing, stock hoses and stock pads) .. I figured ‘everyone’s a rookie, they will all be on stock bikes’ … how wrong was I!!!

The field was awash with tuned bikes, some x-BSS and blatently some of the other riders had had a fair bit of tracktime!! ;)

It was a rude awakening to say the least!

I really didn’t enjoy the start of my season … however, after taking stock, I improved leaps and bounds as the season went on (and I actually got some track/race experience!!) I had stepped on the podium come the end of the year!! :)

If I had my time again/more knowledge before I started, I'd do it different! ;)

[mister c]

Ok, I read down to about page 3 then got bored (not that what was written was poor, I've just short attention span and it is getting late!! :D).

Anyhoo, my 2p worth!! (bearing in mind I haven't read all 6 pages ;)) ...

I think a lot of what people are saying in the first 3 pages makes sense (its easy to be objective when it is not your own fantasy ;)).

Firstly I have to ask, what do you want out of this?? Just to give racing a crack, or do you want to be in with a fighting chance of getting results? :smt045

Either way, as others have said, before going any further, get yourself on a trackday!!!

Once you know your own track prowess, it will help to forge your way forward ... seriously dude, do this before you get any further down the line!! ;)

Get some laptimes so you can make a direct comparison of your pace, but realistically you'll need to at least hold your own in the FAST group else you are wasting your time/money starting racing at that point - where is the fun in coming last and being a mobile chicane!?!! ;)

If you are lucky, you will be not far off the pace with very little tracktime. Even if you are not, don't get disheartened, with a few more hours under your belt it might suddenly 'click' 8) If it doesn't then you can still have fun doing trackdays, but haven't financially crippled yourself to get to this point!!!

As a final (and positive) note, it is the sort of drive, passion and self belief attributes - that you are already showing - that can make for a great racer!! 8)

Good Post :)

Wether I go into racing, or stick doing trackdays all depends on Saturday @ Oulton Park. If I dont think I will cut the mustard, then I will stick to trackdays.
If I think I can hold my own, then it's off to the ACU and get myself sorted.
I sit & watch the fast boys on trackdays and stand in awe of how fast they are & how late they brake. I wonder if I will ever get to that stage.

[Alpinestarhero]

Good Post :)

Wether I go into racing, or stick doing trackdays all depends on Saturday @ Oulton Park. If I dont think I will cut the mustard, then I will stick to trackdays.
If I think I can hold my own, then it's off to the ACU and get myself sorted.
I sit & watch the fast boys on trackdays and stand in awe of how fast they are & how late they brake. I wonder if I will ever get to that stage.

I gues is you keep challening the limits, then you'll keep getting faster, and as you keep getting more relaxed and smoother, the pace will increase aswell. Those fast boys arn't scared of crashing, they are madmen, obsessed with being faster and faster, living by the moto "your only as good as your last race"

What gets me is how these guys can just throw their bikes around like some sort of BMX...I love standing at druids hairpin at brands, watching the supersport and superstock guys backing it in. The best was craig jones a couple of years ago in BSB, he was laying such huge, long black lines! It was awesome. That i could do on my pushbike, but on my SV, no way. I dont even know how these guys can keep it on the brakes right up to the apex!

Matt

[Blue_SV650S]

I gues is you keep challening the limits, then you'll keep getting faster, and as you keep getting more relaxed and smoother, the pace will increase aswell.

100% correct

Those fast boys arn't scared of crashing, they are madmen, obsessed with being faster and faster, living by the moto "your only as good as your last race"


100% BS!!

HTH :D

[Blue_SV650S]

Good Post :)

Wether I go into racing, or stick doing trackdays all depends on Saturday @ Oulton Park. If I dont think I will cut the mustard, then I will stick to trackdays.

How many trackdays have you done???

[FOO]

I'm entering my first season in minitwins this year.:D:D:D:D

I've done a bit of homework, parts gathering, saving etc. But yet still i think there's a long way to go before my first race. I'm really looking forward to the challenge, but really don't know where i will be in the race. One thing i know for sure, i'm going to really enjoy every minute of it. I hope to see some of you guys, have a chat and a brew.:smt026:smt026

[Alpinestarhero]

100% correct



100% BS!!

HTH :D

I get it right, i get it wrong, but never in between

:cool:

Matt

[Blue_SV650S]

I'm entering my first season in minitwins this year.:D:D:D:D

I've done a bit of homework, parts gathering, saving etc. But yet still i think there's a long way to go before my first race. I'm really looking forward to the challenge, but really don't know where i will be in the race. One thing i know for sure, i'm going to really enjoy every minute of it. I hope to see some of you guys, have a chat and a brew.:smt026:smt026

Have you got any idea of what laptimes you can do at certain tracks??? From that you have a basis to start to hypothesise/extrapolate potential placing ...

Sounds like you don’t really care anyway and are just going for the crack … (Personally I can’t relate to that, but wish you well anyway!! 8)).

[FOO]

Lap times are consistant, i can't recall what and where. I'm going for the crack, but also to mix it up alot. By no means ever think of winning, but scalping a few is just as good

[mister c]

How many trackdays have you done???

This will only be my 2nd, but the season starts in March, so I have got to do my ACU and get another couple in before then.

That is why I need to find my limits to see if I can do it. I will be honest, I think that It will be trackdays this year, then maybe racing next. I just keep trying to kid myself I'll be fast, then hopefully I'll settle into a good rhythm and get the speed & smoothness I need. Then again it might backfire, I'll try too hard & **** it up :)

[Blue_SV650S]

Lap times are consistant, ...

That is a bit of an open book isn't it!! :D ... anyway, get out there and do you thing, make sure you keep us updated on here with some race reports!! 8)

This will only be my 2nd, but the season starts in March, so I have got to do my ACU and get another couple in before then.

That is why I need to find my limits to see if I can do it. I will be honest, I think that It will be trackdays this year, then maybe racing next. I just keep trying to kid myself I'll be fast, then hopefully I'll settle into a good rhythm and get the speed & smoothness I need. Then again it might backfire, I'll try too hard & **** it up :)


Your second trackday, to think that is a turning point in your decision, perhaps you might be being a bit over critical of yourself!! ;)

Have you put yourself in inters?

Oulton is a fantastic track (had my first ever podium there - that was a big day for me!! 8)).

[mister c]

It's not a turning point at all it is just for this year. We all have to start somewhere & the bottom seems to be a good place. If you don't believe you can do it then why do it at all? Negative has never worked for me, so I try to work on the positives.;)

[lukemillar]

Do the minitwins race at Mallory? if so, what sort of lap times do they post - at the front of the field/back of the field? And which circuit configuration to they use?

[Blue_SV650S]

Do the minitwins race at Mallory? if so, what sort of lap times do they post - at the front of the field/back of the field? And which circuit configuration to they use?

I don't think BEMSEE/MRO do Mallory much any more, but looking at mylaps Clubman and MRO (DYNA-PRO) minitwins did one there in 06:-

http://www.mylaps.com/results/showevent.jsp?id=128063

[lukemillar]

I don't think BEMSEE/MRO do Mallory much any more, but looking at mylaps Clubman and MRO (DYNA-PRO) minitwins did one there in 06:-

http://www.mylaps.com/results/showevent.jsp?id=128063

Cool, cheers blue :) You don't happen to know which circuit configuration they were using? Last trackday on my R6 was at Mallory. I was posting low/mid 1:03s. Looking at the club times, they must be using the chicane/shortened version of Gerrards, but even so, my times aren't that bad!

[Biker Biggles]

Ive never seen the clubs use the Gerrards chicane at Mallory.As far as Im aware it was put in to pacify the BSB mob,and only they use it.

[Blue_SV650S]

Cool, cheers blue :) You don't happen to know which circuit configuration they were using? Last trackday on my R6 was at Mallory. I was posting low/mid 1:03s. Looking at the club times, they must be using the chicane/shortened version of Gerrards, but even so, my times aren't that bad!

No idea, sorry, but when did they put charlies (http://www.mallorypark.co.uk/SpectatorGuide/MalloryCircuit/tabid/118/Default.aspx)in?? (didn't know they had done that! :D) ... if it was post 30-4-06 then you have your answer!! ;)

The only other thing we don't know is weather conditions ...

If it was the same circuit (and conditions), then you need to get out there my man!! 8)

[lukemillar]

No idea, sorry, but when did they put charlies (http://www.mallorypark.co.uk/SpectatorGuide/MalloryCircuit/tabid/118/Default.aspx)in?? (didn't know they had done that! :D) ... if it was post 30-4-06 then you have your answer!! ;)

The only other thing we don't know is weather conditions ...

If it was the same circuit (and conditions), then you need to get out there my man!! 8)

Well, it was a plan before I left the UK! TD was sunny and I was on brand new rubber which made a huge difference.

TBH I wouldn't be surprised if it was wet/damp :lol:

[Blue_SV650S]

TBH I wouldn't be surprised if it was wet/damp :lol:

Who knows!! :smt017

If you look at some of the SS6 times on the 1st, they are slower than the 30, so there is a fair chance it was dry on the 30th wet 1st??? but it was obviously 'unsettled' that weekend so we don't know the exact conditions ... do you know when charlies was put in? we might at least be able to work out the track layout used?

Anyhoo ... if you have times from Brands etc, its easier to try and compare times as we have more data from there ...

[Blue_SV650S]

:smt115:smt115:smt115:smt115:smt115

http://www.racing-line-photography.com/BZ_shop.asp?event=CK&gallery=9

so pretty dry! :)

Look at the potos (all classes) and try and work out what layout was being used ... (you have been there much more recently than me!!)

[chunkytfg]

bemsee have used the new chicane ever since it was put there.

[SV650Racer]

bemsee have used the new chicane ever since it was put there.

Eye they have. I think Chris was doing 1.01's just about on his SV in 2007 with the chicane in.:D

[600+]

been following this thread since the start but there is one thing bothering me to death!!

Can you please correct the spelling mistake on the title? It says stated instead of staRted

Thanks :)

[Alpinestarhero]

been following this thread since the start but there is one thing bothering me to death!!

Can you please correct the spelling mistake on the title? It says stated instead of staRted

Thanks :)

I've never even spotted that until now!

:lol:

Matt

[Blue_SV650S]

Eye they have. I think Chris was doing 1.01's just about on his SV in 2007 with the chicane in.:D

Oh yeah looking at the results, there was a round in 07 too :oops: ... results (http://www.mylaps.com/results/showevent.jsp?id=243490)Chris's (I presume we are talking Northover) fastest lap of the weekend was actually a 1:02.177.

So Luke, bearing in mind you were on a trackday and on a totally STOCK - ROAD TRIM bike (it is a 600, not a 650 though), to get within a second of a championship winner at full race pace on a fully/professionally race prepped bike (whatever calss) -> that is not bad going guy!! 8)

FYI 59.3 was the fastest supersport lap of the weekend. The second from LAST bloke in SS fastest lap of the weekend was 1:01.223, so yours and Chris's times are still a fair ways of MRO supersport pace (again you are on a stock bike, Chris on a 650 mind).

A 1:03 on your existing bikes would potentially see you mid-pack in Clubman however 8) … I think you need to come back to the UK and take up racing, I’ll be your #1 pit b1tch!! Motivator and p1sstaker!! :)

[FOO]

Ive never seen the clubs use the Gerrards chicane at Mallory.As far as Im aware it was put in to pacify the BSB mob,and only they use it.

They used it last year, at the ACU training day, and for the Bemsee meets

[Biker Biggles]

I stand corrected.The Mallory regular clubs like EMRA and New Era dont use it though.I dont think the Post TT old timers do either.

[lukemillar]

So Luke, bearing in mind you were on a trackday and on a totally STOCK - ROAD TRIM bike (it is a 600, not a 650 though), to get within a second of a championship winner at full race pace on a fully/professionally race prepped bike (whatever class) -> that is not bad going guy!! 8)

Erm...yeah...hate to burst the bubble, but the trackday didn't use the chicane :( You'll probably have to add a few secs onto those times if it did. But it was a completely stock road bike except for a couple of crash bungs! :wink:

That aside, I could have gone faster. Last few sessions, my confidence and corner entry speed into and through Gerrards was much better. Unfortunately I was getting knackered and couldn't be @rsed to time myself anymore.

A 1:03 on your existing bikes would potentially see you mid-pack in Clubman however 8) … I think you need to come back to the UK and take up racing, I’ll be your #1 pit b1tch!! Motivator and p1sstaker!! :)

I was looking to do the rookie 600s! The Australia thing happened though which sort of put the plan on hold, but it's still ther on the back burner. Just gonna keep on with the trackdays until i'm in a position again to be able to consider it.

[Blue_SV650S]

Erm...yeah...hate to burst the bubble, but the trackday didn't use the chicane :(

Doh!!! Back to the drawing board!! :D

Ahhh ... Rookie 6 ... that is the way real men start racing!! :smt106 8)

[Robw#70]

56's at mallory using edwina's and not the gerrards chicane on a Minitwin

The post TT didnt use the Bus stop last time I went there, now that makes the devils elbow a whole new concept!!

[metalmonkey]

I have decided what I'm going to do, thanks to all those that replied....

Well my plan this year is get on the track, do track days and race school. I will go to some of the mini twin race w/end to find out, actually what happens, see people race so I know what I'm up against.

I should be racing in a few months as well, which will be great experince, so I'm hoping by June to have improved and developed my skill and talent.

I have had a few offers of help, which is great so that is gonna help alot.

The next thing is I will get a race bike at some point, later in the year so I can praticse on it. I need get a van ect as well.

I have a few ideas on how to raise money, possiable sponosrhip as well, but it will take the best part of this year to work it out, when I get something to togther, I'll let people know.

Money wise, I'm gonna be tight for a few months, my car was wrecked today, So I'm in the process of sorting it out. So it will take a while, for all this to come through get the new car going ect.

[tranx]

Good luck blue thunder! Keep us updated on whats going on through the year.

[metalmonkey]

Good luck blue thunder! Keep us updated on whats going on through the year.

Thanks dude:D This year is going to busy....I will be at some race meets as well, so it would to ace meet up and see how its going. If I get my SLR sorted, then I may bring that as well, though its a 35mm, old school.

Yeah I will put photos up of what I do....

[tranx]

Sure thing, the 2008 Class Matrix is on the bemsee site now. I'll be at all the BCL Minitwins rounds except possibly Croix in France, I'll have to see how the finances are closer to the time.

Let me know which ones you can come to and I'll pack a few extra beers and whip up some more bacon sarnies. If at any point in the year you'd like to come for an entire meeting from Friday practise to end of Sunday theres always a space in the van for you to sleep. I did this with Cherie Christian last year and it was a massive help to understanding just what goes on at a race weekend.

[redbiker 954]

Looking at the BEMSEE matrix for this year for Minitwins I think its a total ---- up
7 meetings in a space of 12 weeks,with 1 meeting (the second Snetterton) only a week after Cadwell,how can the normal club racer afford to do the rounds this close together and get the time off work to do it,this is our third year with BEMSEE and the first that we wont be contesting a championship cos its bloody impossible. Lottery winners only need apply.

[tranx]

I did think that it was a little tight but I should be able to manage it ok. I'll most certainly be contesting the rookie cup so I'm aiming for every round, although depending on finances croix may have to be cut out.

[metalmonkey]

Sure thing, the 2008 Class Matrix is on the bemsee site now. I'll be at all the BCL Minitwins rounds except possibly Croix in France, I'll have to see how the finances are closer to the time.

Let me know which ones you can come to and I'll pack a few extra beers and whip up some more bacon sarnies. If at any point in the year you'd like to come for an entire meeting from Friday practise to end of Sunday theres always a space in the van for you to sleep. I did this with Cherie Christian last year and it was a massive help to understanding just what goes on at a race weekend.

Hey kool I will take you up on that for sure....I have 2 weeks of leave to use before end of March, so I will aim to come up for the first race w/end as its cloest to where I live. After that I don't know, yet. I will bring my SLR camera if I get it sorted.

What beer you into, I can get a mini fridge from home and fill with beer and good stuff:D

[Alpinestarhero]

Looking at the BEMSEE matrix for this year for Minitwins I think its a total ---- up
7 meetings in a space of 12 weeks,with 1 meeting (the second Snetterton) only a week after Cadwell,how can the normal club racer afford to do the rounds this close together and get the time off work to do it,this is our third year with BEMSEE and the first that we wont be contesting a championship cos its bloody impossible. Lottery winners only need apply.

That sounds alot to do without the money to think of; after working all week, you go racing...theres no rest, cos you gotta work again then go racing some more! Even teams of e.g. BSB would find this schedule punishing

Matt

[FOO]

Sure thing, the 2008 Class Matrix is on the bemsee site now. I'll be at all the BCL Minitwins rounds except possibly Croix in France, I'll have to see how the finances are closer to the time.

Let me know which ones you can come to and I'll pack a few extra beers and whip up some more bacon sarnies. If at any point in the year you'd like to come for an entire meeting from Friday practise to end of Sunday theres always a space in the van for you to sleep. I did this with Cherie Christian last year and it was a massive help to understanding just what goes on at a race weekend.

TRANX,

I'm also hoping to do all the BCL Minitwin rounds this year, in the rookie cup. Should be a hoot:smt045:smt045. We'll have to meet up for a bevvie.......or 2.That goes for any other minitwinners aswell. You won't miss me on track, i'll be the bike with 2 huge, long legs poking out 15ft either way.lol

Matt

[revs]

Just put up my SV track/race bike for sale if there is any interest?? Thought I'd see if there is any interest from fellow SV owners before placing advert in MCN/Bike trader :)

[chunkytfg]

Looking at the BEMSEE matrix for this year for Minitwins I think its a total ---- up
7 meetings in a space of 12 weeks,with 1 meeting (the second Snetterton) only a week after Cadwell,how can the normal club racer afford to do the rounds this close together and get the time off work to do it,this is our third year with BEMSEE and the first that we wont be contesting a championship cos its bloody impossible. Lottery winners only need apply.

Thunderbikes did the first 6 meetings last year and yes it was tough but if you want it enough you will find a way of doing it