Mentor Program for 2012 LRRS Races

[Woodcraft]

After talking to several riders about it last season, we are going to put together a mentor program for LRRS. We thought that it would be good to have a system in place that would guide a new rider through the entire weekend the first time through - particularly those riders who do not already know someone who has been around the block.

I approached NHMS about helping us with this program, and Tommy and Wanda agreed to supply us with a free garage for this project. I thank them for the support. We will have one of the center garages (I believe that it will be the one next to the GMD Computrack garage...but that is yet to be finalized), where up to 8 rookies will be able to pit for free on their first weekend. The basic qualification for to be eligible is simple; you need to be signed up for the Rookie Race on Saturday. This will be a first come-first served thing until it is full (Steve Nogueira will help fill it up when he does the class on Friday), but we did not have too many weekends with more than 8 new guys last season....and there are always a few of those guys who have friends that they want to pit with already. The new "Rookie Garage" will be a gathering place for new riders.

We are looking for a few experienced experts that want to help guide these guys through the weekend, reminding them about where to be and when, helping with common problems on the track, showing them where to get suspension help, where to get tires, when to put on warmers...all the stuff that you've learned that a new guy doesn't know.

In addition, since we all will now know where these guys are, racers can stop in and introduce themselves...ask how it's going....give encouragement...and make them feel like part of the LRRS family.

This program is one of the ways that we rebuild the series....by welcoming and retaining the guys who have already gone through the trouble to find us. I welcome feedback, ideas, and volunteers.

[Kurlon]

Nice!

So... where do we volunteer to be part of the hazing patrol?

In all seriousness, how are the PA speakers in the center garage? Should someone plan on bringing a boombox to help make sure announcements are audible for them?

[union]

They are being put near to me and Peter. We are the hazing patrol.

The PA over there is iffy. When its an important announcement we get 1/2 at best. When its the trophy presentation we go deaf. Thats the beauty of the mentor thing. Hopefully by the end of the weekend they are self reliant. I know if I didnt have help my first weekend I wouldnt be there.

Nice!

So... where do we volunteer to be part of the hazing patrol?

In all seriousness, how are the PA speakers in the center garage? Should someone plan on bringing a boombox to help make sure announcements are audible for them?

[csmutty]

Great idea! I don't have enough experience but I am sure that you won't have any problems finding volunteers.

[nt650hawk]

Great idea! I don't have enough experience but I am sure that you won't have any problems finding volunteers.

C, Maybe a ECK Racing Team Effort....


Last I knew from Wanda's E-mail there were 3 garages available to the east of us.

[csmutty]

C, Maybe a ECK Racing Team Effort....


Last I knew from Wanda's E-mail there were 3 garages available to the east of us.

That sounds like a great idea.

[nt650hawk]

You do have the credientials...........2011 Pit Bike Race CHAMPION!

[mzdagrl]

Eric, that is a great idea. I will try to swing by and relentlessly torment anyone who crashes in the rookie race. j/k It can be overwhelming to not know anyone, I think this will be a great way to rebuild the community atmosphere.

[Rada]

Stall 3 will be full of greenies. So you ECK guys will have your hands full with us.

[Kurlon]

Stall 3 will be full of greenies. So you ECK guys will have your hands full with us.

Oy, we're not ALL greenies in there!

[CBR929RE]

Oy, we're not ALL greenies in there!

close enough, I'm gonna make fun of you for the orange plates

[nt650hawk]

Stall 3 will be full of greenies. So you ECK guys will have your hands full with us.

Oy, we're not ALL greenies in there!

Oh man. Is it too late to move??????



Speaking of green, maybe there should be a green plate for all first timers to really make them stand out.

[yamaduc214]

Eric,
This is a great idea! I think that its a great way to build "community" amongs the riders, and really give the LRRS the ability to show other organizations how the sport brings value to everyone who participates. Word of mouth will go along way outside of the track when new riders speak to others about their experience. It def sucks when you have to figure it out on your own.. Great job in this direction to champion change and build community..

If I can help in any way, Im game. I'm not an expert, but I'm willing to share what I know, and help others in the process.. Someone helped me once, just want to Pay-It-Forward.

[Woodcraft]

There will be a couple riders who are regulars in this garage, but I'm sure that any of you who are willing to stop by a couple times over the couse of the weekend are welcome.

I think that most of us have memories of someone helping out or simply offering advice that we found valuable. I think that we all can do that for these guys.

[Rada]

This really is a cool deal!! Thanks Eric!

[csmutty]

Stall 3 will be full of greenies. So you ECK guys will have your hands full with us.

I designated Jake to take care of you guys so we can take care of others.

[Rada]

[Woodcraft]

Anyone who wants to help out these new guys, please shoot me an email to info@penguinracing.com. I'd like to get a couple more regulars to participate in this program.

[union]

Im glad this all came together. I think its going to make a big difference for the new guys.

[The Snowman]

At least with the new online registration process, it takes some of the pressure off.

If you don't need to rent a transponder or pay with a check or cash, just do everything online, print out your tech sheet, and not have to stand in line.

The waiver is signed right at tech, which may take a little extra time, but who cares?

[Jim]

wrong thread chuck

[Mr. Kurtz]

This should be a great help to new racers!

We(RSP Racing) had been discussing a program very similar to this to help get new guys comfortable on their first weekend: inviting 2 new racers/weekend to pit in our area and just generally picking up where the Friday school leaves off, where/when to be, introducing them to people, and helping them focus on the fun of the first weekend instead of the stress.

[JettaJayGLS]

Is this something that will new racers will be automatically "enrolled" in or something to specifically sign up for?

[union]

I believe its going to be a first come first serve deal. A garage can only hold so many bikes and its going to depends on how many mentors there are. Besides me and Peter can only heckle so much before we get tired.

[CBR929RE]

I don't know, 2 days doesn't sound like enough time for Pete to get all his heckles out.