So you want to go racing? Lets get started!

Amatuer racing is a great hobby

With the local race seasons fast approaching around the country, regulars are getting ready and kicking their training programs into high gear for the opening rounds of their respective race series’s.  How about you?  What if you have never attempted to race?  Where do you start?  What is in involved in competing in an event?  Well your in luck!  In the coming weeks I will answer these questions and more for all of those of you out there that have watched your local hero’s race and though “I would like to try that”. Now if you are thinking you have to be sponsored to start racing your wrong but if your interested in pursuing sponsorship read one of my previous blogs on the subject

Alright before you can go out and enter an event you need to first figure out what type of event you want to attempt.  There are a bunch of different types of races you could try, picking one that appeals to you is the first decision.  Next would be if the type of race is even feasible for your skill and fitness level.  And lastly if your machine is even eligible to enter into a class at the desired event.

Lets talk about what a person should expect at their first race. First off its a good idea to outline a few attainable goals. For example a primary goal would be just finishing the race/day without crashing, or set a reasonable lap time goal to reach. Its almost guaranteed that you will have no chance of winning your first race so goals like that or even top 5 or 10 is probably out of reach. Focus on riding your race and learning how to race. I cannot stress this point enough, there are many fast recreational riders out there but put them in a race and they quickly look out of place on the track. The key is don’t get too aggressive your first time out and end up making a stupid mistake that could injure you or someone else.

To find events in your area is pretty simple these days, with the internet and all the social networking sites and forums geared around ATV’s a simple search or asking a question on our own forum here at ATV Magazine can surely help.  Another place is your local dealerships usually have a bulletin board with flier’s for different races or events.  One thing I would steer clear of for your first foray into the racing world are nationally sanctioned races.  Even though most have an amateur class, they are usually for experienced amateurs and can be very expensive just to enter into one race where as a local or regional type race will be much cheaper and the competition will be a little tamer.  National type races usually require an AMA or ATVA membership or license alone with the gate or day fees.

Mini atv racing is great for kids, its all about character building

Now mind you this is intended for the first time racer that is wanting to test the waters at a local race. The biggest thing to keep in mind is having fun, don’t take it too serious. As long as you felt you rode to your abilities and met your attainable goals.

Check back often for more in this series on how to get started at your first ever race, from setting up a basic pit to finishing the race as well as everything in between.

Last 5 posts by Jon Rhodig

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