Racing with S.O.A.R.

[gs500f]

So I'm contemplating signing up for this race series, novice 600 or rookie cup kinda deal. I've read the website and searched here lots, wondering if anyone has any input on this. Mixed emotions with all the races being at grand bend, boring 2 hr drive to get there. I'm a little confused on the race license.... So I can just do the license test and that it, or do I need a school. I have been to the track many times this last season so it's not my first time ( but by no means am I good lol).

Any advice on this would be great.

Dan

 

[omnivore]

You can do a one day school on the Friday before any SOAR race weekend. Or you can do Racer 5 and get your race licence. Or you can show proof of any other accreditted school that you have completed, and that SOAR recognizes as sufficient, then you can buy your licence without even riding for SOAR at all..just show up race day and ride.

However, I suggest a race school, Racer5 would likely be easiest as you can roll the scool, the licence, and racing all into one weekend. Racing isn't all just riding. There are track etiquette lessons etc that will be very helpful, and there's nothing wrong with input from an expert racer...who knows, a teacher at a school might find flaws in your riding and save you more than a few seconds a lap. Unlike a trackday, in racing, a second a lap can mean the difference between winning and finishing back of the pack.

If you are worried about a bring 90 minute drive to a track from KW, give up already. To race, be prepared to drive alot more than that. I have seen racers drive to the track from the GTA on Friday for practise day, drive back home after arriving becasue they forgot their helmet and back protector, then drive back home again after the qualifiers the next day for spares cuz the fell down during qualifying, just so they can fix their bike for Sunday racing. You live very close to Grand Bend, all things considered...I guess it all depends on committment. Our buddies just got back from Alabama to go racing, and they only live an hr from the GTA.

 

[gs500f]

If you are worried about a bring 90 minute drive to a track from KW, give up already. To race, be prepared to drive alot more than that.

I guess I wrote that wrong. I was more talking about driving to the same track for the season. I have no problem driving far to race, just would be nice to sample different tracks that's all. But thanks for the input, I'll look into a school.

 

[caboose56]

I guess I wrote that wrong. I was more talking about driving to the same track for the season. I have no problem driving far to race, just would be nice to sample different tracks that's all. But thanks for the input, I'll look into a school.

You can go race with WERA, RACE, TFR, CCS, or our National series. Lots of options to choose from.

 

[gs500f]

You can go race with WERA, RACE, TFR, CCS, or our National series. Lots of options to choose from.

Nice thanks. I had no idea there were so many options. I was only aware of soar and race. I'll look into the others, but how "newb" friendly are they? I see soar has a couple "rookie" options, I guess I'll read and see.

 

[caboose56]

Nice thanks. I had no idea there were so many options. I was only aware of soar and race. I'll look into the others, but how "newb" friendly are they? I see soar has a couple "rookie" options, I guess I'll read and see.

SOAR has a rookie class, RACE has a novice class. The Nationals are not very newb friendly.

I am not sure about the others.

 

[Mr.Azim]

I guess I wrote that wrong. I was more talking about driving to the same track for the season. I have no problem driving far to race, just would be nice to sample different tracks that's all. But thanks for the input, I'll look into a school.

It may be the "same track" but different layouts for 5 of the 6 races we have there in 2013. There's always track days if you want to have some fun at other tracks.

Rookie is a good place to start and some NOVICE classes, but it all depends on your riding/track skill if you want to try one of the mixed classes.

In my opinion, it shouldn't matter..... sign up for whatever is in your budget and get as much seat time as you can.

 

[sunny525]

The thing about racing at SOAR is the people. For most of us, it really wouldn't matter where SOAR goes. Don't get me wrong, it makes it that much better that Grand Bend is an awesome facility with amazing owners who care what the racers want. Along with the excitement of racing, it's the people that are a part of SOAR who make it what it is.

Come out a do a few track days to get to know the track. SOAR is having their practice weekend at Grand Bend May 11&12.

 

[gs500f]

The thing about racing at SOAR is the people. For most of us, it really wouldn't matter where SOAR goes. Don't get me wrong, it makes it that much better that Grand Bend is an awesome facility with amazing owners who care what the racers want. Along with the excitement of racing, it's the people that are a part of SOAR who make it what it is.

Come out a do a few track days to get to know the track. SOAR is having their practice weekend at Grand Bend May 11&12.

Thanks. I've done a couple of track days at grand bend and I agree with your statements. I have met a few racers this year and they are all great people. (one group of guys helped me out in a pinch with a leaky valve stem). Either way I'm in for next year, just trying to book my holidays around the race weekends. I can't wait to mix it up in a race, just thinking about going 2 or 3 (or 6) into that first turn off the start makes me nervous and excited. I'm sure it'll be a great year (especially if I win a few lol).

 

[ZX600]

Thanks. I've done a couple of track days at grand bend and I agree with your statements. I have met a few racers this year and they are all great people. (one group of guys helped me out in a pinch with a leaky valve stem). Either way I'm in for next year, just trying to book my holidays around the race weekends. I can't wait to mix it up in a race, just thinking about going 2 or 3 (or 6) into that first turn off the start makes me nervous and excited. I'm sure it'll be a great year (especially if I win a few lol).

Rookie class there were 24 of us trying to make the first turn at the same time... It was fun..come and play

I'm planning to run every race next year

Need a new pit crew but replacements are available

 

[Pepper]

This...

The thing about racing at SOAR is the people. For most of us, it really wouldn't matter where SOAR goes. Don't get me wrong, it makes it that much better that Grand Bend is an awesome facility with amazing owners who care what the racers want. Along with the excitement of racing, it's the people that are a part of SOAR who make it what it is.

Come out a do a few track days to get to know the track. SOAR is having their practice weekend at Grand Bend May 11&12.

 

[sparkyv4]

Ran my first year with SOAR this past season, had a blast! Took the race school on the Friday before the first round, ended up running Rookie and Dunlop all year. I cant believe how much I learned and improved over the season, It was an eye opener at the first round to see how fast and aggressive everyone could be on race day. There's great track side support from vendors and the people in the paddock are awesome. Cant wait for next season!

 

[gs500f]

Thanks for all of the replies. I'll definitely be seeing some of you at the track this year. Can't wait