| Author | Message | ||
     Figorvonbuellingham |
I'm 47. Spent most of my youth dragging the pegs of my softail at high speeds through curves. I could hardly get hd riders to ride with me because I was " too dangerous". I got turned on to 2 stroke gp races by a British friend in 1999. I sold the softail and bought a rd400. I rarely left the rear wheel of my British friends 916. I later bought a kawasaki concours, Buell blast, Buell xb12s and now 1125. I'm really itching to get on a track but wonder if I'm too old. I'm also unsure how you go about getting started. Any recommendations? | ||
| Ogobracing |
I did not start racing until I was 57. I just completed my seventh season. I had only done a couple of years worth of track days before deciding to try racing, but had ridden all my life. I've had the time of my life, although I sure don't heal as fast as I did when I was in my 40s  With rare exception, you probably will never be as fast as someone who starts in their 20s, or younger, but you will find someone to race with. | ||
| Smoke4ndmears |
My dad just started getting into track days @ 52. Go for it. Plenty of geezers like you guys out there that are having a blast. | ||
| Boohoo |
I have friends who race CCS I am thinking about it myself and when money allows I just might http://www.ccsracing.us/about.html | ||
| Stirz007 |
I'm a geez... wished I had started maybe 20 years sooner...that's gotta be worth a half second a lap.  As far as recommendations, go do track days as often as you can afford. Take the advanced rider courses after a few times out. After 10 or 20 track days, you'll know whether you're ready to go through the race licensing process. Get good gear. (Message edited by Stirz007 on October 04, 2012) | ||
| Dannybuell |
Geezer story: Sooner or later you will get schooled by a geezer, it won't be me. I did see a skin and bones old man at the Castle Rock, Wa. flat track a couple years back. The track workers started up and held a 350cc size bike up behind the front line, what was this? An old man in his well worn racing leathers slowly shuffled over from the infield and got on. My first thought was what would happen when the leaders caught up with him? By the second lap that geezer was in second place! First and Second were drifting into the turns together, at the apex the old guy had his front wheel inside the rear wheel of the kid in first. He dogged that kid for the whole race. Third place was hitting turn one as they were exiting turn two, it stayed that way the whole race. | ||
| Geedee |
Figorvonbuellingham, Rodrob made a nice little video 'One Man's Last Shot at Life In The Fast Lane' a couple of years ago. Posted on his site here: http://crotchrocket.tv/ | ||
| Rodrob |
Thanks for the Plug Geedee. I started at 57. I had bought my first motorcycle, a V-Rod, 2 years earlier. I had never owned or ridden a sportbike prior to buying my 1125R in 2009. My first time ever on a track was at Willow Springs, July of 2009 on a Ninja 250 in the new racers school. I will never be the fastest guy on the track, but I am faster than most. I am currently in 4th position in the WERA West Heavyweight Twins class. The point is that if it is in your blood, you must go racing. Age is a factor, but only a factor. My advise: Get he best training you can afford and then practice every time you get on the bike. Never just ride. Even at street legal speeds, there are many drills that will improve your track performance. Find a mentor. Someone whom you can help in some way, who will show you the ropes. Mine is Shawn Higbee. I am extremely fortunate. Be passionate. Motorcycle racers are passionate about it. Share your passion, and they will let you in the club. It's a great bunch from my experience. There are not many places where people come together at great personal experience and risk, to do what they love to do. Get the safest gear you can find. As stated above, we do not heal like a 30 or even 40 year olds. I wear Motoport Kevlar. It's not sexy, but it has the best/most armor of anything out there. It has saved me many times. Be patient. Both in your learning and racing. You only have to be ahead at the finish line. So go for it! Ask around for a racing club in your area. Most have a novice racers program. Start there. IMHO, get some training before doing track days. I've seen many experienced street riders crash trying to "race" at track days because they lacked a basic track skill. Good luck! | ||
| Figorvonbuellingham |
Thanks for all the replies guys. Very inspiring. I'll check the area for racing clubs. The only one Ive heard of in our area is the Peoria TT Flat Trackers and it looks really fun but not really what Im interested in. I may have to travel a bit. I don't think we have much in central Illinois. | ||
| Xodot |
Go for it man. I am a new rider (5years) with 4 years of track day fun. I have no intention of racing, but every year I get a little better and have a hoot with some pretty cool folks! | ||
| Xb1200rick |
I'm right there with you... I spent all my good years riding slow heavy Harleys way too fast. When I finally bought a Buell and realized how great it was to ride a bike that was made to handle I was hooked. The only problem now is my knees are old , my hands and wrist are shot. Its like not having sex for the first time till your 40 only to realize you could have been good at this 20 years ago. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
This might be close-ish? http://midwestcaferacing.com/ | ||
| Clk92vette |
I bought my '08 new and began riding her the spring of '10 at the age of 42. I have always had a bike since I was 18, but this was my first sport bike. I did a track day in '11 and '12 and had an absolute blast. I honestly feel like I improved my cornering skills 50% during my first track day. My suggestions are as follows: read instructional books(I recommend Total Control by Lee Parks), practice techniques on the street, and get in the best shape you can. I train hard in the gym 5-6 days per week and was still absolutely beat after my last track day. I have had a very good experience with Moto Series at the Nelson's Ledges Track in Ohio. I don't think the Putnam Park track would be too far from you: http://motoseries.com/track_putnam.htm |
