Getting started racing

So you've decided to want to race, but don't know where to go from here. Getting started in racing may seem a bit daunting for those not involved in the sport. In reality it is quite easy in New Zealand to get into. There are a number of basic steps to go through to get yourself onto the track.

At any time, talking to club members, officials or other racers is also a good place to get information.

Licensing

Join an MNZ affiliated motorcycle club. Victoria Motorcycle Club is obviously a good choice, but there are others, Auckland Motorcycle Club (AMCC), Pacific (PMCC) in the North Island and Motorcycling Cantebury and Southland MCC in the South Island to name a few.

Apply for MNZ license. License applications can be downloaded from the MNZ site. This should be completed and returned to MNZ with payment. There are three basic types of license.

Full - Allowed to enter and compete in any MNZ sanctioned event and in national championships
Club - Allowed to enter and compete in events organised by the club that you are a member of ONLY. Can be upgraded to a full license at any time.
Day - A club MAY offer one day licenses at events. However they don't have to, so if you are serious about racing, then a full or club license is the way to go.
NB

• License forms should also be available from your club secretary.
• NZ doesn't have practical or theory tests like some countries, nor a novice/rookie system. This means that you get your full license from the start. The onus is on the rider to make sure that they are up to speed with regulations and race craft.

Bike Preparation

Note: This section is not meant to take the place of the Manual of Motorcycle Sport. It is meant as a guide to help with novices interpreting the above rulebook

Regardless of your chosen class there are a number of minimum technical requirements that all bikes must meet. The onus is on the rider to ensure that their equipment is being operated within the specifications and limits imposed my the equipment manufacturer or supplier.

• Sump plug and oil filter must be lockwired. If the oil filer is a spin-on cartridge type, then it must be secured with a lockwired hose clip.
• All glass (light, indicators, mirrors etc.) must be removed or be taped up
• Center and Side stands must be removed.
• All crankcase/engine breather hoses must drain to a catch bottle.
• Brake/Clutch levers must have rounded ball ends (no broken ones!)
• Ethylene Glycol (anti-freeze) is not allowed. You can use straight water or a glycol free "Water Wetter"

Your machine may be checked at signon or during random checks carried out during the day. The machine examiner can impose penalties on machines that do not comply with the rules, and the Steward may exclude from the meeting any machine that he considers unsafe.

The above requirements are an absolute minimum. A well prepared and clean machine shows to the examiners that care has been taken with the bike and any issues addressed.

If you have any questions about what you should be doing, then ask the machine examiner, steward or other official or club member. They'll be happy to help you out.

Event Entry

Now you are licensed and have a bike, then you need to enter events. Sometimes for novices or those not involved with the clubs, finding out when events are on can sometimes be the hardest part. If you are a member of a club, then you should be informed about your clubs events. Else look at your clubs website. All permitted events are also listed in the calendar on the MNZ website.

Not all club events allow entry on the day. This means you have to plan in advance. Get an entry form and read any supplementary regulations. It may seem like pointing out the obvious, but take time to read the entry form - see if there are any special requirements you need to know about.

On the Day

Don't rush. Pack the van the night before making sure you have all you need with you. Check that you have your leathers, gloves, boots, back protector and license. Make sure your bike is ready to go - you will not be allowed to start it before Rider Brief.

Most events kick off with riders brief around 8:30am, so working back from there signon will usually start by 7:15am. Depending on the event size and circuit gates may be opening at around 7:00am.

Riders brief is compulsary for all riders. Make sure you listen. Last minute chages will be detailed plus updates on the condition of the track etc. After that, you'll be into the programme for the day. Enjoy.

At any time if you are unsure of anything, ask a club official, or the riders rep. In NZ the paddock is a friendly place, and there are no stupid questions - everyone is a beginner at some point.

How to?

Wire sump plug and oil filter:

Oil filter: find a hose clamp that will fit around the oil filter and a length of lockwire, stainless steel wire or similar available from bike stores (NOTE: Lockwire is VERY handy to have around and as you learn you can start lockwiring other items that should be lockwired on a race bike). Fold wire around the clamp and clamp it to the oil filter. Tie the other end of the wire to a solid part of the engine or frame close to the filter thus preventing it from turning and coming off.

Sump plug: Those with engineering expertise can remove the plug, drill a small hole through the head and wire it by threading lockwire through the hole and tying off to engine or frame. Another technique is to do the same as above with a smaller hose clamp. The clamp must be tight inorder to prevent it coming off the plug. Drilling is preferred.

Coolant: Remove lower fairing and radiator cap. Undo lower radiator hose from waterpump and remove hose from the water pump. Allow coolant to drain into container. Replace hose and clamp firmly. Drain radiator overflow bottle also. Refill radiator with non-glycol coolant (eg Redline Water Wetter) or water. Start engine and allow to run at idle for a few minutes to allow air to bleed out of system. Fill to correct level, replace cap.

What other gear do I need?

This is after all motorcycle roadracing and as such involves some risk of falling onto the pavement. Therefore you do need, at the very least, typical motorcycle safety gear such as; helmet, gloves, boots and leathers (either 2- or 1-piece), a back protector is mandatory and the gear should both fit and be in serviceable condition. 2-piece leathers must zip-together. The latest and greatest helmets and leathers are not required, but no one wants anyone getting hurt and good gear is your only protection against this. Typically, road riding gear will be OK at a pinch, but it is not really up to the job of protecting you in a racing crash. This type of gear tends to fall apart in one crash whereas good racing gear will survive many crashes, just look around the pits and you will see the good gear with all the road-rash on it. Racing style gear is certainly preferred.

Licensing

You need to have an MNZ race licence and this involves belonging to an affiliated club, such as your friendly VMCC. Contact a committee member and they will point you in the right direction. This licensing is for insurance purposes as MNZ carries full indemnity insurance that provides riders with healthcare in the event of injury at an MNZ sanctioned event.

One Event licenses will be available to first year riders only. You must join the club first and pay extra for a one event license, you can only use 3 of these per year. MNZ full licenses can be applied for from MNZ and if any one event licenses have been purchased, you can can a discount applied to the cost of the full MNZ license (up to max of 2).

When and where can I race?

Dates, entry forms and supplementary regulations (ie rules) are available on the club website. Streetstock entrants are able to enter only Streetstock class.

Other issues

Racing, flags, etiquette etc. For the novice riders VMCC will has a Junior Co-ordinator to assist with bike, gear and body setup and then with racing etiquette etc. The first session of each meeting for novice streetstock riders will be set aside for race coaching, flag training and bike setup tips. While you may all be itching to get out on to the track, this session will help you all in more ways than racing off to the track totally unprepared.

Please be at the circuit by 7:15 am at the latest for sign-on, timing transponder pick up and getting ready for Junior and new riders briefing at 8:10 sharp.

Come to club nights and ask questions