Your first race weekend!

[Uncle Snake]

As I hope to have MY first race weekend this year I found this thread quite informative. Experienced racers, please make additions as necessary. Thanks -Jake

http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=278077




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[Doc]

Jake you are gonna race?! Sweet! Good Luck!

[RyanNicholson]

Great advice. The only thing I would add would be to try and get as much done ahead of time as possible, so you don't have to rush around getting things done while the adrenaline is pumping. The routine is pretty simple, but it can certainly take a while to really get into the swing of things before each race. Show up early everywhere you need to be, have your bike 100% prepped long before you need to ride it, know your grid positions, etc. That way when you show up to pre-grid you KNOW everything is taken care of and if you have any last second questions or issues, you have the time to take care of them.

That little extra stress from rushing through everything makes a big difference in the fun factor of your first weekend. Also, obviously latching onto someone that can show you the ropes is obviously a huge help.

[Chippertheripper]

-don't plan on hearing the announcements at the track.

-pit with someone who's raced at least one weekend.

-a roll of masking tape and a sharpie for writing grids and little notes to self on are really handy. And they'll peel off your tank without messing it up.

-slip on sandles like the soccer players use so you don't stand around in your boots all day.

-a skateboard or crappy bicycle to cruise around on to check grids, talk shit to boos and chuck, and to get to the different corners on to watch the fast guys.

-a cheap ass compressor if you pit in the infield.

-sunscreen and chapstick.

[The Magician]

and bug spray

[csmutty]

Jake you are gonna race?! Sweet! Good Luck!

What bike are you going to be racing?

[daviid]

i do my grid positions relatively different

R7
4B
W2

Race 7, Row 4 Position B, Wave 2.

If you are racing at loudon, then you can pretty much take your time getting to pre-grid. If you come race CCS or WERA. make sure you are at the gate right after third call. CCS & WERA don't have a "pregrid", you go out do your warm up lap and grid up.

[KB]

i do my grid positions relatively different

R7
4B
W2

Race 7, Row 4 Position B, Wave 2.

If you are racing at loudon, then you can pretty much take your time getting to pre-grid. If you come race CCS or WERA. make sure you are at the gate right after third call. CCS & WERA don't have a "pregrid", you go out do your warm up lap and grid up.

I do same same.

Last thing I want to add is try to get to the track the night before and before tech closes. Get you bike tech'd and be done and then you can relax and give it the once over.

Be up at least by 7am get some food and coffee in you. Make first practice no matter how cold it is. Just get out there and take it easy. Look at the track, reference points. Just look look look. Get focused have fun.

Bring 2 extension cords. One for shit like helmet fan, box fan, coffee maker,
The second specifically for tire warmers and tire warmers only.

Protien rich snack for the day.

Hook up with someone that can show you the way your first weekend. It can be crazy trying to do it by yourself!!!!

Hit me up if you need some help.

KB