NESBA Basics
Beginners Tips
Meet People
Walk up and introduce yourself to other riders and to Control Riders (CRs) when you have a free moment. Like most things, knowing those around you can both make it more fun, as well get you some riding and bike tips here and there.
Range of Skills
There are going to be people in the Beginner (“B”) Group that are new to riding, new to the track environment, new to this particular track, and/or new to NESBA. Some people that whole list is accurate for, others only one or two of them. The point is, there is a wide range of skills in the “B” Group.
If you are on the slower end of the range, expect to get passed, and passed a lot. No worries, just relax, hold your line, and try to be as smooth and consistent as you can be. That will make you far safer to pass for the faster folks.
If you are on the faster end of the range, expect to be patient. Again, just relax and wait to pass slower people on the exits of turns or on the first half of a straight area. Follow the Passing Rules and be sure to wait until the person you are passing is straight up and down. When you pass someone, give them PLENTY of space to the right or left, there is no need to be buzzing anyone. Make sure that you complete all passes way before an upcoming turn, it is the last minute pass completions that cause a slower rider to crash. It is the faster rider’s responsibility to pass cleanly and safely under the rules of any given class.
Safety
Remember this faster slower rider stuff that I just mentioned? That is the single largest source of danger on the track. Closely followed by people just riding over their head. If you are going to crash, crash yourself, don’t take someone else out, or cause them to change their line and run off track.
When you are in the Beginner’s meeting or on the B Group Grid, take a look around you. Those are the folks whose safety is in your hands, and yours is in theirs. Safety, safety, safety. Things can go bad fast on a racetrack.
The Basic Rules
Use track entrances and exits only
NEVER cross the BLEND Line
Never stop on the racetrack
Never go counter-race (the race track only goes one direction)
Obey the Flags
No Passing Control Riders unless waved by
Hand Up or Foot Out BEFORE you come off pace
Go SLOW in the pits
Problems
More about safety. Now that you know the rules, it will be easier for you to recognize other people breaking them. People make mistakes, and it is your responsibility to report those mistakes as soon as you can to Track Marshall, a Control Rider or the Event Director. DO NOT ignore rule violations, because we are all responsible to help enforce the rules, and maintain as safe an environment as possible.
Entrances/Exits
Because of Crash Trucks, Ambulances, and Corner Workers, many track have extra Entrances and Exits on and off the track. Please pay special attention in the Riders Meeting to the designate entrances and exits to the track. ONLY use these entrances and exits as specified.
And remember, NEVER stop on the race track.
Go Slow to Go Fast
Guys, you must Go slow to go fast. Nail the apex, the line and the form, speed will come naturally. If you don’t hit the apex, slow down until you do EVERY time. With that in mind, read the Rider Education section for some pointers to help you do these things..
Tire Pressures
Track Tire pressures are NOT the same as they are for street. be sure to check with your manufacturer for proper pressures, or ask around at the track. If you have no idea, go with 30 front, 30 rear as a starting point.
Crashing or Running Off Track
Yes, it does happen. Crashing (you can crash, or the person riding behind you or in front of you next to you can crash you) PAY ATTENTION on the track, to your line, and to your body position. You also need to LOOK AHEAD to see things as far in advance as you can.
IF you find yourself thinking that you won’t make the turn, turn anyway. Just repeat this mantra: When it is time to turn, TURN!! You will not believe how capable sportbikes are these days and how well they might turn. Do NOT lock up the brakes while turning, as that will definitely put you and your bike on the ground.
IF you find yourself off track, stand the bike up, do NOT use the front brake in the grass, gravel or dirt. Stand up a little on the pegs, and lightly dab the rear brake until you get things slowed down. When you are ready to re-enter the track, look to ensure that the track is clear.
IF you actually crash, wait a couple of seconds before you try to get up. Pat the ground or pick a blade of grass to make sure that you have stopped sliding. Now get up, wave to the corner worker that you are fine. Now try to get yourself and your bike out of the impact zone if you can.
IF you can’t get up, don’t. The ambulance will come get you and the crash truck will come get your bike.
IF your bike hits the ground, you have to re-Tech before you can go back out on the track.
Remember: Don’t crash, it is expensive to the bike and your body
Quick Crash Comments
Minimize Red Flags ($1/min/person)
Try to make the turn
In the grass, rear brake only (dab)
Enter when clear (corner worker)
Touch the ground, pick a blade of grass
Get up, signal the corner worker
NEVER stop on a track
Re-Tech if a handlebar touches the ground (any CR)
Intro Riders who crash are done for the day
Don’t look – target fixation
SAFETY, COURTESY, SAFETY, COURTESY, ….
Practice + patience = improvement!
Every second of track time is valuable!, Enjoy, don’t stress!