Joining a club - BWP / St George [Archive]

Dezerteagle

07-06-2007, 11:46 AM

Dunno

07-06-2007, 12:00 PM

Hey guys

I'm looking at joining a club since I am going to race next year and was looking at BWP and or St George. I don't know ANYONE in these clubs, but just know they are the two main ones.

However, I am located in near Campbelltown and it's about a good hour to get to those clubs for their meetings etc

Do they prefer local people or open to anyone in 'Metropolitan Sydney'

How do these clubs work?

Do I have to attend all the meetings? I just don't want to join a club that's heaps closed off and I rock up and sit in the corner by myself :thinking:

Cheers for any info.

Mate I was lookin at racing this year but had to put my plans on hold due to "the recession I had to have". Before my plans turned to effluent I joined St George & am still a member. To answer your question, I live in Newcastle. So, no you dont have to live in the area. I joined them cos they ran a 400 series. As far as I know they are a friendly bunch & will offer you help with your racing & bike. I think they march to the same tune as RATs. Meet some cool people & all go for a ride. Being a newcomer it may be up to you to find someone with a similar bike & approach them. Pick their brain for set up tips & offer any assistance you can to help them. Im sure they would return the favour. Most bike riders are a friendly bunch. You will never know unless you have a go mate. Good luck with it.

Hope this helps.

Zee

07-06-2007, 12:07 PM

:stupid: I was thinking of joining St. George cos I'm from the Gong.
Just wanting to hang out and see what goes on before actually getting into racing. Who knows, it may not be for me :confused1:

Dezerteagle

07-06-2007, 12:39 PM

Dunno

07-06-2007, 01:00 PM

I don't get it. What makes them different to RATS?

I don't pay anything to RATS yet I get alot of information and good amount of track days, come to think about it, I would happily contribute to RATS for site upkeep / bbq's etc!

They don't seem to have forums. Where would I talk to them on a regular basis? Where do I know about upcoming events? (Come to think about it, I guess that's what the meetings are for!) hahaha

I might pop along to a meeting and go from there :mod_smilie_rockwoot

I only joined cos you have to be in a club to race.
They dont have forums, but they mail you newsletters to inform you of upcoming events aswell as entry forms for events. They will mail you an application for a race license too.

If you want to race, you must be in a club. They are probably different to RATs because, once you start beating them in races, they may start feeding you false information (eg dodgy suspension set ups) in order to beat you :violent5: . RATs is about havin fun at track days, racing is about winning. Im sure they are friendly, but they are there to beat you.
I honestly cant tell you what to expect cos ive not done it. Either way, you start racing, you wont be in the corner on your own. Im sure there will be plenty of RATs around to give you a hand :ayyy: I will be 1st to volunteer. I know bugger all bout setting a bike up, not much of a mechanic, but I could give you a hand setting up your gear & be a general gofer to make your day a little bit easier.

Dezerteagle

07-06-2007, 01:27 PM

hahaha dunno that's so true, in the end they're all out to beat each other

lol @ dodgy suspension set ups (which I am not counting out as something that happens)

Did you go to the meetings?

kellz

07-06-2007, 01:30 PM

i have been to a few st george meets as in there race meets. the guys and girls are nice and the people coem from all different areas not just sydney...

dungbeetle

07-06-2007, 01:43 PM

id like to get into racing in the next couple years to....keep an eye on the ask the race god section and maybe he can point ya in a direction of a preffered club...but i dunno shit about either of them sorry!!

gazujc

07-06-2007, 03:45 PM

Well I am a member of St George and would simply say that the vast majority or the raod racing members are an extremely friendly and helpful bunch (have had no dealings with the off road members) and I do not race but officiate only.

From what I have witnessed and experienced all riders are willing to help out each other irrespective of their club or their bike. This is done primarily because all who are at the racetrack are there for the same thing, to experience and enjoy whatever aspect of racing that takes their fancy.

St George do have a website (http://www.stgeorgemcc.com/) from which there are links to the MNSW Road Racing calendar (http://www.stgeorgemcc.com/pdfs/calendar/NSW_Road_Race_Calendar_2007.pdf) as well as the St George events calendar (http://www.stgeorgemcc.com/pdfs/calendar/Events_Calendar_2007.pdf).

These clubs (StGMCC and the like) are not internet forums and therefore do not interect via messageboards or the like. They are however businesses and are run accordingly (the cost of a race meet is very high).

StGMCC is probably the largest club currently racing modern road solos in NSW as BWP has gone somewhat off the boil (PCRA run post classics) as well as promoting via their own series.

As a guide, you would be best to come along to a few meets this year and ask around, show interest and basically just suss out the people to see what they have to offer.

And just in case you want to check more clubs, a full listing of NSW clubs can be found on the MNSW website (www.motorcycling.com.au) at :- http://203.28.48.2/~motorcyc/PDF_Files/Club_Info/cl_clublist_300507.pdf.

EDIT: One important thing to consider when joining a club is what do they have to offer for the class/category in which you wish to race.

Garry

fezzick

07-06-2007, 04:48 PM

All good advice. St George is the most active club doing road racing right now, and has been established since 1915. Some of the officials of the club have been running race meetings for that long (sorry, Jan, not really)

If you want to race, you must have a licence from your local controlling body which is, in this case, Motorcycling NSW. The issuing of licences is the responsibility of local motorcycle clubs and, to get a licence, you must be a financial member of an MA-affiliated motorcycle club.

SGMCC has members all over NSW, many of whom never get to the club meetings, so that's not an issue either. Having said that, in the many years that I was involved with Canberra Road Racing Club, the active riders were the worst offenders in not attending club meetings.

dungbeetle

07-06-2007, 05:01 PM

hmmm lotsa useful info...i gotta admit tho it is a pain in the arse byt he looks of it...
ya cant just say ya wanna go race ya bike and then go race, ya got a million things to look into!!

kellz

07-06-2007, 05:04 PM

yeh you gotta have a licence be a member of a club have a bike which is suitable for a set class... its not like a track day just dont pay entry fee rock up and ride...
the scruitineering is also stricter

jasonbw

07-06-2007, 05:04 PM

Bring on the RATS postie bike series :)

jasonbw

07-06-2007, 05:04 PM

SOH optional??

dungbeetle

07-06-2007, 05:09 PM

SOH
sense of humour

jasonbw

07-06-2007, 05:40 PM

ahh cool, thanks

Dezerteagle

07-06-2007, 05:44 PM

hmmm lotsa useful info...i gotta admit tho it is a pain in the arse byt he looks of it...
ya cant just say ya wanna go race ya bike and then go race, ya got a million things to look into!!
Too right!!!

This is just the surface of it all, I still need to prep bike and actually sign up to a series later this year for next year!

Glad I decided to get cracking now rather then November / December.

dungbeetle

07-06-2007, 05:56 PM

and lock wire everything!!:(

jasonbw

07-06-2007, 05:56 PM

Please keep us updated.. theres probably a lot of closet wannabe racers here and having you actually doing it (and telling us about it) could insipre a following.

P.s. good on you !

gazujc

07-06-2007, 05:58 PM

Too right!!!

This is just the surface of it all, I still need to prep bike and actually sign up to a series later this year for next year!

Glad I decided to get cracking now rather then November / December.

If you are super serious you would be advised to get a copy of the 2007 MoMs ( Manual of Motorsport) as this is the bible in as much as bike preparation and what must be done to ensure compliance. (EDIT: If you want a copy PM me and I will see if I can get you one)

As a guide, trackday scrutineering is massively different to race scrutineering as your bike must have a large number of items (either removed or in place) in order to comply with race regulations. It is not as simple as placing a track fairing on and lockwiring a few nuts in place, but that is a start and all is contained within the MoMs.

You also do not need to 'register' for a race series as you just enter whichever meet takes your fancy for the class of bike in which you wish to compete. However, in the case of some race series' you may receive a discount to pay for te entire series 'up front' which is a form of 'series registration' but is not compulsory.

Your best option may be to attend one of the upcoming St George or East Coast rounds (depends on bike class in which you wish to compete) and ask the questions that need the answers, you will be surprised at how helpful many will be.

Garry

rocketrod

07-06-2007, 06:37 PM

thatd be awesome imagine a postie bike series lmao

gazujc

07-06-2007, 08:08 PM

thatd be awesome imagine a postie bike series lmao

There is already a PostieBike series, details here :- http://www.postiebikes.com/

As can be seen when you check the site, not all are really postie bikes.

Garry

striker

07-06-2007, 08:25 PM

Do I have to attend all the meetings? I just don't want to join a club that's heaps closed off and I rock up and sit in the corner by myself :thinking:

Cheers for any info.

I also lack information regarding my desire to go racing, and share the same concerns. So, if you do it, I'll do it with you and then we know that there is at least one other person there in a similar situation that we can hang out with. Actually I probably worded that incorrectly. I'll do it regardless of whatever you're doing, but it might make it easier if we both do it. What do you reckon? And is anyone else keen?

fezzick

07-06-2007, 08:32 PM

I also lack information regarding my desire to go racing, and share the same concerns. So, if you do it, I'll do it with you and then we know that there is at least one other person there in a similar situation that we can hang out with. Actually I probably worded that incorrectly. I'll do it regardless of whatever you're doing, but it might make it easier if we both do it. What do you reckon? And is anyone else keen?

Can I suggest that you go to the next race meeting and buttonhole a few of the "D" Grade riders? These guys are just starting out in racing and should have a lot of perceptions as novice riders that will be very helpful for you in order to help you decide whether you want to do it or not.

Also, bear in mind that a large number of these supposed "novice" riders have served a long apprenticeship in dirt bike racing going back to their childhood and are often accomplished racers from the first time they hit the track. AND many of them start out with varying degrees of sponsorship from Day 1, which makes competing with them doubly difficult.

MATTK6

07-06-2007, 08:33 PM

yeah, i'm in for next year:ayyy:
looks like i'll be joining up with st georgemcc, because of my bike i need to race in the superbike class, so theres 3 of us:ayyy:

MATTK6

07-06-2007, 08:36 PM

fezzick, the bikes and sponsership do help them alot, but i timed a few of the D-Graders out at oran park and they didnt seem to running really flash times considering they were on a quicker circuit then what we're use to riding on track days, but yes, alot of them have been brought up around the dirt bikes and racing, but just my perception from the day out there and the times they were running they werent all that impressive when it came down to times

gazujc

07-06-2007, 08:39 PM

Can I suggest that you go to the next race meeting and buttonhole a few of the "D" Grade riders? These guys are just starting out in racing and should have a lot of perceptions as novice riders that will be very helpful for you in order to help you decide whether you want to do it or not.

Also, bear in mind that a large number of these supposed "novice" riders have served a long apprenticeship in dirt bike racing going back to their childhood and are often accomplished racers from the first time they hit the track. AND many of them start out with varying degrees of sponsorship from Day 1, which makes competing with them doubly difficult.

Exactly as Phil says, try to chat to a few of the D graders for an idea as to the logistics and financial commitment involved.

Just turning up and chatting to some of these people (and Fezzick can provide much assistance here) will open doors and start getting yourself known which will mean assistance in all aspects in the future.

Also, for those who have asked about getting copies of MoMs, I will make a few calls and get back via PM's.

Garry

the rocketeer

07-06-2007, 08:39 PM

I'm also planning on racing in the near future... i've spoken to a couple of racers and they're all members of StGMC. Someone should organise a meet @ the next amature racing event... just throwing it out there...

gazujc

07-06-2007, 08:47 PM

Those interested in starting racing may want to check out the Motorcycling NSW site link :- http://www.motorcycling.com.au/pg_disp.asp?page=p04.

Basically it is a 'what do I need' type of page for starting racing.

Have tried searching the Motorcycling Australia site (www.ma.org.au) but navigation is a bit of a problem. The MNSW stuff at the link above looks to be a good starting point and then attend a race meeting and ask questions.

Garry

jasonbw

07-06-2007, 09:42 PM

Gazujc you're a great help here mate! :ayyy:

And like MattK6 said, if anyone thinks they're too slow to go racing, just hop onto www.formula-xtreme.com.au and check out the results page... laptimes are all there.

dungbeetle

07-06-2007, 10:12 PM

i just spoke to james about this to and he suggested join up st george and then come racing in his series...he is gonna email some info about racing in his series...

and heres the website with a bunch of info to...
http://www.ecrrs.com.au/

Sprinter

08-06-2007, 12:06 AM

Having raced for the last couple of years I can tell you all but 1 guy Ive raced with have been just like youd expect at a track day. Excited for you when you improve, making suggestions to try and help and running around finding bits when your bike breaks:( Where do you think the guys doing it now started?

The atmosphere is a bit more than a track day and Ive loved it. It isnt as cheap as a ride day however you work it. Your MNSW licence costs,entry fees arent cheap and you have less track time. But everyone should try at least once, at least you can go to your grave saying " I had a go".

Theres lots of people just starting out all the time and some that despite doing it for a while still arent to quick (um ...me..:( ) so dont worry too much about times and how good the other guys are.A sponsored rider means F all as far as ability goes sometimes. He just happens to be mates with someone who wants a tax write off. Theres plenty of cheaper classes to race in if your budget is tight (my bike owes me about $5000 altogether) and the new one Im playing with is so far about the same.

Ive had fun and Im crap how much better will it be for you if you have even half an idea what you are doing?

Zippa

08-06-2007, 12:13 AM

Wish i could convince the MOW to go racing again before :Kat00:

Found everybody at the track racing had very similar attitudes, there to help when needed, offer advice etc but on the track it was still racing.

C & D grade are a lot of fun, plenty of laughs & backslapping afterwards. naturally A & B grade are a lot more serious but still good fun. Just be aware that racing is a LOT different to track days & if the thought of somebody rubbing your bike with theirs freaks you out..........:mod_smilie_rockwoot :mod_smilie_rockwoot :mod_smilie_rockwoot

Also have a chat to guys like RB Imports, Maxpower etc about race bike prep. Very helpful guys (as most are) and if you do the right thing by them, good things may come your way also.:ayyy:

discobob

08-06-2007, 08:44 AM

Be very carful if you decide to go racing. You will wake up in 3-4 years wondering how to go .00001 of a second faster but the smile will still be on your face every time you race, your wallet will always be lighter and you will make friends. Racing is adictive ( as are track days really) and the adrenaline in the lead up to a race never seems to go away.
You can be sure that there will be someone that does the same lap times as you to dice with for extra fun. Supersport is probably the most agressive class to race in and probably has the most paint swaping, mainly up front though.
You will find that nearly every one at a club racing level is pretty sensible and has to go to work on Monday.
First you need to :
Join a club
Apply for a race licence from MANSW

Preparing a bike can be done at home and mainly consists of :
Removing all the standard road gear including side stand, headlights etc.
Lock wiring any drain or filler bolts for both water and oil.
Draining the water / coolant and replace with water only.
Fit race glass with a contained belly pan.
Slap on some number and go race.
You must have full leathers, back protector, boots, Helmet and gloves.

Other things to consider are :
Gearing, std gearin gis usually way off.
Some rearsets to give more ground clearance
Steering damper

If you like track days you will love racing !

Dezerteagle

08-06-2007, 10:01 AM

discobob, thanks for that info!

Just wandering re 'full leathers' do you need a one piece or can it be a two piece?

Dunno

08-06-2007, 10:18 AM

discobob, thanks for that info!

Just wandering re 'full leathers' do you need a one piece or can it be a two piece?

Can be 2 piece as long as they zip together

swabio

08-06-2007, 10:36 AM

hmmmm I wil be racing for the first time in the new year also.... once I replace the damaged bits on my bike ;)

I can't wait to get out there, although I will be doing the PCRA rounds, starting with the Barry Sheene Memorial Race @ EC. SO i had better go and do a couple of track days @ EC early next year!

Zee

08-06-2007, 01:22 PM

Can you get a MoMs book before you apply for an MA licence? :confused1:

Dezerteagle

08-06-2007, 02:04 PM

swabio - what class are you thinking of entering?

I think I'm going to go in Superstock @ East Coast Series, with my '03 R6 with 30,000kms :lmao:

gazujc

08-06-2007, 02:09 PM

Have made a few calls and getting copies of the MoMs could be a bit tricky or at least could take a while.

The full MoMs can be viewed/downloaded at :- http://www.ma.org.au/AM/Template.cfm?Section=General_competition_rules&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentFileID=21673

Use the navigation bar on the left of the page to skip chapters as needed.

Hope this helps for now but I will keep asking around to try to get hardcopies of the MoMs.

Garry

Dezerteagle

08-06-2007, 02:34 PM

Thanks gaz, you've been a massive help!

I am getting an information overload here hahaha

Sprinter

08-06-2007, 04:55 PM

Ive got a copy of the MoMs but not sure how I can share the joy? Anyone?

gazujc

08-06-2007, 08:20 PM

Ive got a copy of the MoMs but not sure how I can share the joy? Anyone?

Sorry, I may have misunderstood what you mean but if you refer to sharing the MoMs, it is available to download online at (refer earlier post) :- http://www.ma.org.au/AM/Template.cfm?Section=General_competition_rules&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentFileID=21673

If I have misunderstood what you meant, apologies.

Garry