Okay this question isn't really for me. **** I do want to race pro, but I already know what it takes to get there. This is just me going on a rant about a post i saw on the Triumph 675.net forum and the kids question really drew a lot of negative attention from squids and racers a like.
The kid was about 21 years old about to graduate from med school. Got a bike and was a street knee dragger. Similar to most who decide to race motorcycles at a later age. And what really frustrated me about it was all the negative feed back he got. His question was;
"I want to start racing how do I get started. I'm thinking about making a living out of it one day."
And of course the first answer he got was
"Ummm not gonna happen. You think Biggi, Rossi, Lorenzo started in their 20s?? Blah blah."
This is what drew my attention. To make it worse everyone made fun of the kid.
The reason why it frustrated me is because they do not know his skill set or his mentality. These guys were mostly novice racers or B group squids (No offense to humble people in B group btw). But I mean really? Not all AMA racers started at 4 fu**ing years old. I mean super bike level is extremely competitive, but it is certainly possible.
I know some of you guys out there race and think its really hard. Because it is, but not impossible. AFM racer Chris Siglin, first got on a bike at 21 and raced a full season of AMA by the time he was 28. Lloyd Bayley and John Mcgarity (friend of mine) have similar stories.
Yes racing motorcycles is certainly time consuming and ton of money spent. However it's definitely doable. I personally think it is definitely possible. I am not bragging by any means but after two years of ever touching a motorcycle I developed enough compete at the Novice level and do pretty well I might add.
Along with a few sponsors and a small AMA team to back me up.
What do you guys think? Is it possible? Or are you one of those who think no one else can do it because you can't? ;)
I want to race cars or bikes but I know I can't at any professional level in either sport. First thing that came to mind was the age thing. Rossi was pushing pocket bikes at 10 than I can on a real bike at 23. Major disadvantage for me
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I can't say much on superbike racing because that's a skill I don't have but I don't think it would be impossible. It's not for anything else. People think because it takes them forever to develope a skill that it takes everyone that long. Some people are talented. That kid might not be one and it may be out of his reach but how would they know. I would think you get him started on track days and see how he's doing. Who knows the guy could be pushing better times than anyone out here.
It's possible with the right mind set. What's it matter if you start racing at age 21? It doesn't. Never too late to start that course in life, or any really. I wanna race too. But right now I've got school to worry about no definitely wanna learn how to push me and my bike to the limit on the track though. Just gonna take a while for me.
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Originally Posted by Blkside
Dont get jelly cause you roll solo and we ride yolo...
YOLO...
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Originally Posted by Metalgearmurder
Maybe a beach BBQ with a manatee calf basted in a honey glaze with beer cozies that have save a sea cow?
granted the odds are really not in his favor but if that's what he really wants to do, has some natural talent and throws him self into it 110% then I'm not going to say he cant or wont... Stranger things have happened....
a good friend of mine who i went to race school together. Went from novice in 2010 to amateur his second race (raced AM in 2011) to pro after taking 1st in amateur 600 and and 2nd in amateur superbike series in 2012. he is in his late 30's.
if you have the money and time you can do anything.
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Originally Posted by nutcore
Duct tape is like the Force, it has a light side, a dark side and it binds the universe lmao
I call BS on the kid's sincerity to be a racer. He's either trolling or lying out of his arse.
NO ONE graduates from med school at 21. NO ONE! Well, maybe one out of 1 billion people.
This kid would have to be a super genious nerd dedicated his life to the medical field. Some of the smartest people I know graduated med school no less than the age of 28. Anyone of this intelligent caliber are not even remotely interestest in motorcycles/girls/tools, let alone drop it all for racing a motorcycle.
I call BS on the kid's sincerity to be a racer. He's either trolling or lying out of his arse.
NO ONE graduates from med school at 21. NO ONE! Well, maybe one out of 1 billion people.
This kid would have to be a super genious nerd dedicated his life to the medical field. Some of the smartest people I know graduated med school no less than the age of 28. Anyone of this intelligent caliber are not even remotely interestest in motorcycles/girls/tools, let alone drop it all for racing a motorcycle.
Have to agree with that part of his story. But as far as racing at 21, hell even if he doesnt make it pro who are they to talk **** on him making an attempt. If hes got the time/money why the hell not if its his dream. Least he wont look back and regret not giving it a go.
I call BS on the kid's sincerity to be a racer. He's either trolling or lying out of his arse.
NO ONE graduates from med school at 21. NO ONE! Well, maybe one out of 1 billion people.
This kid would have to be a super genious nerd dedicated his life to the medical field. Some of the smartest people I know graduated med school no less than the age of 28. Anyone of this intelligent caliber are not even remotely interestest in motorcycles/girls/tools, let alone drop it all for racing a motorcycle.
I agree with that to (the whole med school thing) but what really strikes me is more about what the rest of the people said.. They are freaking brutal over there.
The reason it really caught my eye was because when I had my zx6 I was a street rider. Wannabe canyon killer. Some guys out in the canyons heard I had been riding only 6 months at the time and said I should race. These guys were about 45 years old (one on an r1 and other cbr1k). I chased them through a canyon with long ass straights. And would real them back in in the corners. So I went to the zx forum and asked for advice. Basically I'm quick should I do it? "F**k no blah blah blah!! You have to start at 7 years old." Exactly one year I ran into one of the guys on that forum at buttonwillow raceway (he doesn't know this). It was my 3rd EVER track day and I damn near lapped him. I'm not saying I'm the sh*t or anything, but enough drive anybody can do whatever they want!
Not to mention this guy straight told me. I was a faggot, a bitch all kinds of ignorant mess. This guy is 12 years older then me. I just turned 26.. I was like umm wow... Damn near 40 and you act like a child..
I know right! It was actually posted in 2008 and I found it on google looking for sponsorship applications.. I even went to his profile. He gave up on it.. Just rides for fun now. No racing though. Actually kind of tragic when you think about it...
It's not someone can't have the skill fresh into the game after a year or 2..
The issue is making a name for your self and networking to the right people and places to get noticed and even looked at by race teams..
The people who come in from childhood have their name in the community already and are known and the race community knows their skill and name... When you blindly show up the issue is to get your name out to the right people..
Like any pro sport baseball/football/basketball anyone can have the skill and make it in a few year the issue is most teams won't waste time on someone fresh to the game with no creds over the his who has 230 rushing yards every game in high shool and is #1 draft pick out of college..
But there are open try outs but the scouts either need to see a mike Vick first play or you get over looked the whole time. Ive been to them my self if your not a complete all star stud out of the gate you won't go far unless you just happen to get something they like which is rare unless your hitting 450 yard bombs and play like a all star to boot even then 90% of the time the scouts have your high school records and whole sport background and know your ins and out especially on anyone they give 2 sh**s about. And 90% of the time the stud that does show they are only watching him anyways and already have his info and just make him show to watch him impress then sign him up.
And this is coming from a kid who had scouts at my pony league/high school games and pissed it all away because in high school I thought girls and good time with the buddy's were more important that grades and practice..
Who's to say he can't. If he has the money to toss into club racing and the skill he would do well. I'd think if you had the results, you could progress pretty quickly. His progress will obviously depend on his skill and likely he wouldn't go pro but if he has the skill.
I don't know about doing it for a living but definitely doable to get into the pro ranks. Perfect example was Chris"siggy"Siglin I enjoy reading about articles from club racers that make themselves successful racers with normal jobs. They are my inspiration. I was cut short and had to step back into reality I don't have parents that know this sport and would never spend a dime on my bikes. Don't let anyone bring you down. I still believe when I get done with school and can advance my income I can get into some AMA west coast rounds. In fact that's what drives me to get a education and career is so I can have my dream become a reality!
I think many of us aspire to take our skills to the next level...it just sucks when ur already old...
....there was a guy who did his first year of motogp at 41 last season...ridin his ass off ...I think he pissed of Lorenzo when he wouldn't "just let him pass" while being lapped...anyway I suppose anythings possible
I think many of us aspire to take our skills to the next level...it just sucks when ur already old...
....there was a guy who did his first year of motogp at 41 last season...ridin his ass off ...I think he pissed of Lorenzo when he wouldn't "just let him pass" while being lapped...anyway I suppose anythings possible
Steve Rapp.
I just want to ride at a national level in the United States I know I will never get a paying job do ride I just want to be able to ride at an ama level even if it is at my expense.
I call BS on the kid's sincerity to be a racer. He's either trolling or lying out of his arse.
NO ONE graduates from med school at 21. NO ONE! Well, maybe one out of 1 billion people.
This kid would have to be a super genious nerd dedicated his life to the medical field. Some of the smartest people I know graduated med school no less than the age of 28. Anyone of this intelligent caliber are not even remotely interestest in motorcycles/girls/tools, let alone drop it all for racing a motorcycle.
1. BS on his sincerity to be a racer? Anyone can have hopes/dreams.
2. No one? Education outside the USA is metered out on different schedules - probably not as much electives/gym time, what ever, but foreign students can graduate HS a hell of a lot earlier than 17, and some foreign med school programs do not require a bachelors for entrance - just a certain number of credits in a premed program at the school. I knew a lady who graduated 4 years of med school at 21.
3. The 28 year-olds you know are probably US students completing 3 yr residencies. After med school is residency, this is where this guy would have a tough time finding the time for track days/practice/race days (of course later in this thread we see he didn't pull it off, but might have been a natural).
4. Intelligent caliber interests? Dude - you really have no clue. Work hard - party harder - motorcycles/girls/tools, all of the above and more.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZX6RRection
I think many of us aspire to take our skills to the next level...it just sucks when ur already old...
....there was a guy who did his first year of motogp at 41 last season...ridin his ass off ...I think he pissed of Lorenzo when he wouldn't "just let him pass" while being lapped...anyway I suppose anythings possible
+1
Quote:
Originally Posted by trackfreak
Steve Rapp.
I just want to ride at a national level in the United States I know I will never get a paying job do ride I just want to be able to ride at an ama level even if it is at my expense.
RIP P2P
I didn't even realize that...
Build thread coming soon ....
