My last race is in a couple of weeks.
I want to give it my all..would like some critique/advice on some things..especially from you seasoned racers.

My starts...I just can't seal the deal on the start and get a hole shot. But all my competition is 650cc or higher machines so I don't know if I will ever get the whole shot. I haven't so far.

Here is a shot froma recent race...I was close , but I slid the tires too much in the turn and didn't get by the AC 650. He was in front but I was close on taking him in the turn. He has the power to pull off the line, my power comes when I am in getting to first turn. CanAm800 on my right.
Could I do anything different?

VIDEO: SORCS Start

On the trails, especially the ones in this clip, they were rough , bumpy and tight. I can't keep the throttle opened up because of fear of bouncing around too much.

How does this riding style look? Am I doing the right things? I little softer shock would help I think. (or maybe a time machine to take me back 20 years )

VIDEO: SORCS clips

Just looking to hone the racing skills a little between now and November 16.

Any input welcomed.

You need to hold the throttle halfway open and then start it. All I can say is watch the flagmans hand closer, if he flinches then start and go. I've got the holeshot time after time by just having good reaction times.

In the woods, you let off way too much. Ride those brakes and never let off. When your coasting and nail the throttle it don't have enough bottom end guts to accelerate quick enough which is killing you. In those choppy whoops, go balls out wide open and you won't feel as much. The faster you go on continous whoops like that one section the less you'll feel. Your shocks need to be revalved though. I've told you time after time, you can't when unless your suspension is right.

That's the kind of feedback I am looking for.

Most of it I kind a figured...I knew I was letting off the throttle too much...but I think I just don't have the braking/with throttle pinned down quite right yet....I'll work on it.

The whoops section in the video..I got faster on it later in the race after I got use to it....but I need to get where I can ride it fast from lap 1.

I know....the shocks have been better than stock but probably have been needing rebuild..I just haven't taken the time to go have them revalved and setup for me. It is good advice...I just need to follow up on it.

thanks Jordan.

MXU500 wrote:

My last race is in a couple of weeks. I want to give it my all..would like some critique/advice on some things..especially from you seasoned racers. My starts...I just can't seal the deal on the start and get a hole shot. But all my competition is 650cc or higher machines so I don't know if I will ever get the whole shot. I haven't so far. Here is a shot froma recent race...I was close , but I slid the tires too much in the turn and didn't get by the AC 650. He was in front but I was close on taking him in the turn. He has the power to pull off the line, my power comes when I am in getting to first turn. CanAm800 on my right. Could I do anything different? VIDEO: SORCS Start On the trails, especially the ones in this clip, they were rough , bumpy and tight. I can't keep the throttle opened up because of fear of bouncing around too much. How does this riding style look? Am I doing the right things? I little softer shock would help I think. (or maybe a time machine to take me back 20 years ) VIDEO: SORCS clips Just looking to hone the racing skills a little between now and November 16. Any input welcomed.

Ok.......I'll make some observations even though I think you are doing fine.

The start: Your reaction was good but yamahabluebruin has some great advice. Looking at your setup to the first corner......I mean, what more can you do. If you don't get the holeshot which you didn't you headed for the inside of the corner to assure your position and to take advantage of any error on the rider that does get the holeshot. Nicely done imo!

As for your riding style, cornering and whoops.....I guess I have one question. How many laps are you doing? I ask this, because without knowing this next point may be a mute point.

But what I feel has always been a huge advantage to me is that I rode 3-wheelers growing up. Everything was exagerated...leaning, riding with almost entirely my legs and rear off the seat at all times. So in saying that.....if the race isn't so long that you can't stay off the seat more....thats what I would suggest.

Exacggerate your leaning into corners.....as it actually makes speed safer, if that makes sense. If you start to go........you are already half off and typically you fall away from the rolling quad.

This does several things.......obviously your speed will increase, but so will your confidence. Oh, and the more you lean, the more you can use the throttle because with even ATV's that don't have the power to break the rear loose, it still allows you the ability to get some controlled slides going. Once this happens you can stay in the throttle with even more speed and stability........!

Other then that........I admire you.....looks like fun and only wish I lived somewhere where I could get into GNCC or some type of utility racing. Would be awesome.


Take care and if you can.....get more vid...I enjoy watching that every bit as much as a good football game


Oh, and I am no pro.....just some general tips I've learned and if I am off base....tell me. But great thread and you are doing great!

Weasel

Weasel....thanks for the advice and the kind words.

I owe this website and all bunch of thanks for getting me so interested in quads and riding.

My racing enthusiasm came alot from getting to know the Kymco factory racers and getting lots of help and advice from them. Thanks to Kevin, Ken and Jordan !!!..they have given me tons of advice and encouragement.

At first I thought I was too old for this stuff but I love it and don't plan on giving it up no time soon.

Yeah...these races are at 2 hours long. The last course was almost right at 9 miles and we did 4 laps (sports quads did 5). So about 36 miles non stop.
I stayed on my feet most of the race but eventually tire down. I look forward to going to a IRS machine next year.

I had a good start...this time, I passed the whole bunch on the outside of turn 1 (except the CanAm800 racer that comes down every so often and whoops us).

Check out the video...I react good, then the 650's and 800's pull stronger than me. When they are slowing down in turn, I come around them. I end up 2nd going into the woods.
It is not a great video but it is fun for me to watch
VIDEO: SORCS race 14

The woods got real tight but I never can get any footage of it..

I ran pretty good most of the race. I had recently had my shocks rebuilt by Derisi Racing. Made a huge difference in how I could push harder.

Later my rear brakes went out and I stopped for a while and got passed and ended up 4th...I didn't really care because I felt like it was still one of my better races...

Thanks all for the input!

Gregg great job keep up the strong work

bombman wrote:

Gregg great job keep up the strong work

Thanks Bombman!! (check your PM's)