Actually it really isn't all that common, I've only seen it happen a very few times and that's usually due to a bike malfunction (like a motor seizing or loosing the brakes) or a missed shift. The reason why is one of things they drill into you head in any good race school or track-day briefing is "It's the passing riders responsibility to make a safe pass" and most riders take that very seriously.

I'd say if you feel comfortable running in a pack of bike, give it a try. Worse case you don't like or don't feel comfortable and decide not to race again, but you gave it a shot. Take the Learning Curves Racing class, get your license, run a race, maybe start form the back of the grid, and just finish your race - Don't worry about passing, getting passed or even where you placed, just get that first one under your belt - start to finish. Oh yea, wear the LCR shirt over your leathers - we racers may joke about it having a target on the back, but during a race we do take notice and give you some extra room.

If you have any questions or want someone to help you out who's been there before, let me know. I won't be racing next year, but I'll still be at the track most weekends.

 

Yes, I am familar with the saying, "It's the passing riders responsibility to make a safe pass". PTT drills it, an excellent organization too.

Well, I can tell you I have no problem being passed. The track days, I would be passed alot more then I passed but I was out there to better my skills not go fast. I know the speed comes with skill. When everything comes together you just oooz around the track. I did get faster as the season progressed, tho.

Thank you for the advise and the offer of help, Jason. I may take you up on it!

 

like Jason, all my info is from what I've been told by people that saw it and the other guy but mine was just a freak accident really. If you've ever watched AMA races from Road Atlanta, they put in a really tight little chicane to slow the bikes between T1 and the esses. The guy was behind me and just misjudged his closing speed going into that chicane. He basically went in a bit hot and ran out of room and we collided.

Its not really common but rubbin' is racing to an extent. A group like AHRMA or WERA vintage (V7 is a great class) aren't nearly as bad in that department. Most of those guys are just out there to have fun and usually aren't quite as concerned about fighting for contingency money or championship points and there are fewer "kids" that aren't afraid to race as hard and close as possible to win. That said, its still racing and going into T1 will always be a bit nuts. 90% of the time, though, bikes tradin paint don't crash. My first weekend racing, I got passed on both sides at the same time by two experts. They both bumped me pretty good but thats just part of racing.

I would also suggest doing a school that has a practice race at the end. That may help a bit in making the decision.

 

Most of the racing organizations (and track day organizers?) have rider/driver insurance included in the entree fees, correct?

So you're basically covered up to like $50,000 after you pay the $1000 deductible? That way you're at least not going to bankrupt yourself with a major injury, I would imagine.

 

WERA has a small bit of insurance, I think its usually $5k of excess medical with a $250 or $500 deductible. It is basically just to cover some of the misc expenses that your own medical insurance won't, I don't think it can be used by itself to cover primary expenses but I could be wrong.

 

AMA also has racer insurance that is relatively affordable (less than $400 a year for the max coverage), which should be good for WERA events since they have dual certification (I think?).

 

Woody,

Funny you should mention being passed on both sides and getting bumped. My friend was down at the AHRMA races at Barbers this past weekend and the same exact thing happened to her. Her second race weekend. I beleive it was 250 GP guys that were blowin by the Production Class folks.

Is it insane to run three different classes in one race. The total of bikes on track was around 80. I know Barbers is long and wide but geez.

 

and heres the crapshoot that Woddy mentioned
I crashed in the same spot at the 06 GNF in my last race of the day. I would have been the guy behind you, i had a bad start, got overzelous after the first lap and wanted to make up some time. I had been taking the line over the rumple strip and straight in and then right and left (rather than left right left). Well the guy infront of me took the traditional line and at a much slower speed. rather than try and stick it in the 1/2 bike width gap or slam into the back of him, I got on the brakes forgetting where I was and wound up on my head... I came away from it practically unscathed aside from some soar knees and such.

crashing is very unpredictable. just like on the street, there are riders that have crashed and riders that will crash. You see it more often on the track since you're pushing the limits of your machine and equipment.
Personally I think trackdays/racing is safter than the street. Youre in a controlled environment, with a medical staff already there.
Woody, what was the end result of the no front brake excusion? I heard of the same thing happening to a rider on an SV and he said that he was still able to make the 10a & B and then pitted in...