NESBA Basics
Prepping for the Track (Requirements)
Safety Gear
At a minimum, it would be preferable for all of your skin to be intact at the end of a crash on a motorcycle. While impact with solid objects at speed cannot be completely counteracted, the following is the minimum requirements to get on the track. The track is a FAR safer environment than the street; no speed limits, no cops, no intersections, no driveways, no mail boxes, no cars, no cats or dogs, and your very own ambulance right there waiting for you.
With respect to gear, a general rule is that more money equals more protection, up until you are paying just for extra bling. You need to do the research in order be able to tell the difference.
Boots - Must cover ankle, (racing boots recommended)
Gloves - Gauntlet style required
Helmet - Full face, SNELL or DOT approved (proper fit very important)
Leathers - 1 or 2 piece leathers acceptable, however two-piece leathers must have a 360 degree zipper around the waist. I STRONGLY recommend a one-piece suit. Should the zipper fail, you will lose a significant amount of skin, which will be lost to the asphalt. Cheap leathers start at $300, quality leathers usually start around $700 and go up to $2000. Anything above that and you’re just paying for bling.
Back Protector - STRONGLY RECOMMENDED (required by some groups/levels)
Bike Minimums
Bike preparation is about a couple of things. Safety and distraction. Nothing should be falling off, and everything should be in working order.
Mirrors - Remove them, you do NOT want to be looking behind you, or be spooked when you see something moving quickly in your mirrors.
Taping - Street bikes have plastic lenses and glass. All lights, turn signals and reflectors need to be at least covered with tape. I recommend Painters Tape as it comes off easily without damaging your paint job.
Lights - If you have lights on your bike, either disconnect them, or remove the fuses, whichever is easier for you. No brake lights on the track, they are VERY distracting.
Numbers - You need them on your bike so that the corner workers know who to yell at when you break the rules. Required on the front of your bike, some organizations also require them on both sides of the tail. 6” tall in a contrasting color is recommended for easy visibility.
Tires/Brakes - In good condition. Check the wear indicators on the tires and the brakes. These are the two biggest things that will help keep you off the ground. Most organizations have new tires available trackside.
ADVANCED? - If you are in the Advanced group or you race, more is expected from you. At a minimum, you’ll need to remove the anti-freeze from your radiator, and replace it with Water or Water Wetter. Anti-Freeze on the track creates crashes very quickly. Safety Wiring is also required. You’ll need to wire your oil system; Drain Plug, Fill Plug, & Oil Filter. Once again, oil on the track creates crashes very quickly. The safety wiring needs to be able to be seen (viewed) by the Tech Inspector.