Racing isn't exactly cheap, but it can be done right without breaking the bank. Here's our list of the bare essentials you'll need for your weekends at the track
Editor's note: Greg McQuide's biggest thrill-aside from riding motorcycles-was helping others get more out of the sport. Which is why we've decided to run this story, a piece Greg finished just before his fateful trip to the Honda Hoot in Asheville, NC. Greg would want us to run it, and we can't think of a better way to honor his memory.
Whenever people ask us what they can do to ride faster, we point 'em toward their local racetrack. Go club racing, and you'll develop skills you'd never learn on the street, go faster than you ever thought possible, and experience an adrenaline high usually reserved for fighter pilots. And with some careful forethought you'll be able to get started for less than the cost of a good used 600cc sportbike. What are you waiting for?
Pieces 'n' Parts
You'll find that your collection of random (yet important) items will grow with each successive race weekend according to your needs. What do we chuck in our van? Tire pump, extra oil and filter, fire extinguisher (a requirement at most tracks), chain lube, spare parts (clutch and brake levers, clip-ons, footpegs, shift lever), extra ear plugs, fuel can, safety wire, stopwatch, etc.-we've used them all at one time or another. Lockhart Phillips Racing (800/221-7291; www.lockhartphillipsusa.com) has a catalog chock full of this stuff, and will be happy to relieve you of your money.
Comfort
Even the truly budget-conscious will want to spring for a lawn chair or two, or maybe one of those ez-set-up tarps to keep the sun off your head. If it's the heat of summer, pack a cooler full of ice and drinks, buy some sunblock and get a hat. And unless you like sitting around in the same sweat-soaked T-shirt and underwear you wore under your leathers, bring a change of clothes for the drive home.
Paperwork
Every track requires a racing license, and reading through your club's rule book should answer most of your questions about bike prep, race registration, class requirements, flag and safety procedures, etc. Don't forget to bring your health-insurance card-you do have insurance, don't you?-and the name of an emergency contact or two, just in case.
Your Permanent Record
Charting your progress can be very satisfying (and integral to further improvement), so bring along a notebook to keep track of your weekend's lap times, weather conditions, tire pressures, suspension adjustments and even notes about which particular corner might be giving you trouble (we've taped a track map to the inside cover of ours). Doubly useful if you decide to race at more than one track, since your bike's setup will vary from place to place.
Pit Betty (or PIT BOB)
Helpful to do various odds and ends including feeding you water and snacks, massaging your shoulders and ego, and accepting the blame when things go wrong. Not cheap to maintain.
Front And Rear Wheel Stands
Very convenient, especially for chain maintenance and if you plan to take your wheels off at the track (we like our Pit Bull stands: 256/533-1977), but we've seen guys just prop their bikes on the pit wall, or even slip a kickstand back into its bolt holes after each session.
Budget
Simply showing up at the track without any sort of plan can make for a long and expensive weekend. Adrenaline can run high, and before you know it, you've entered that one extra race, bought that one extra rear tire, eaten with your buddies at that Mexican restaurant you can't really afford-and thus blown your race funds for the next month. Be aware of how much you can spend. Make a plan and stick to it: how many races you'll run, where you'll stay, what you'll eat, what equipment you'll need to replace (and if it'll be cheaper if you buy it someplace other than the track). Would you rather enter an extra race for the next few months, or spring for a flash paint job for your bike? It's all up to you.
Your Outfit
You can't afford to skimp here. Get the best helmet, one-piece leather suit, gloves, boots and back protector you can afford. And if it comes down to choosing between quality and flash, swallow your pride and buy the better (if less sexy) piece of gear. All told, we're talking maybe $1500. Not cheap, but then, neither are hospital bills.