Faster. Better. Safer is the Motoracers motto, and now let's talk about being safer.
Motorcycle racing as we all know is a risky sport with a high risk of serious injuries which is why safety is a must and in your quest for P1 you can't ever put safety in the backseat. Here are 9 tips for a safer motorcycle experience at the track.
1. Invest in High-Quality Gear
Your safety should be your utmost priority and even if some gear is more expensive but is proven to be safer and gives more protection to you please do buy that over the other choices.
When I had gone to the Madras International track I had suffered a bad crash which bent the handlebars of the bike and left my knee immobile for a month, luckily most of the damage was bore by the good quality suit I had worn while riding which was scratched badly by the asphalt. If I had not been wearing a good suit like that I would have faced worse and you can too.
A complete set of racing gear for complete safety includes:
Helmet
Racing Boots
I've made detailed guides on these which you can check out to know more and help you choose the best for yourself.
2. Regularly Inspect your Motorcycle
One of the most important motorcycle racing safety tip is that before every track session no matter if the bike has been working perfectly the session before, always inspect your motorcycle. This is a no-compromise.
Experience riders will know how to check out for basic problems they might see on their motorcycle but here are a few things you should watch out for such as tyre wear patterns, stiffness in the handlebar, Engine making strange sounds, and more
But what if you are a new rider and this is your first time on the track? How will you know if your motorcycle has any problems when you don't know what to look out for?
There is a solution for that too, No matter which track you are in whether you are doing track sessions independently or part of a racing school there will always be a track mechanic in the paddock.
Before your very first track session of the day take your motorcycle to him and ask him to inspect your motorcycle. An important tip is to ask him what to look out for if your motorcycle has any problems which he will definitely tell you. Now you know what to look out for and can inspect your motorcycle's safety yourself but if you feel something strange about your motorcycle, always ask the mechanic regardless and dont take the risk of diagnosing the problem if you are unsure what it is.
3. Warm up before racing
when you're speeding on a motorcycle on a race track you can guarantee it won't be as easy and simple as riding on the road near your home which means your body will definitely be stressed.
Since you will be sitting tightly and your body will be in a closed position while riding the motorcycle there is a high chance of you getting muscle strains and cramps which is the absolute worst thing that can happen when you are fighting for a position! Not to mention how dangerous it is for you to get muscle strains while riding.
To prevent this just like any other sport you will have to perform some warm-up of your body and some dynamic stretches. Take a few minutes before hitting the track and doing some warm up and stretches. Always make sure you perform some warmup before the very first track session of the day. Not only will this improve safety but improve reaction time as well
4. Understand the track
Familiarize yourself with the track layout, including turns, straights, and potential hazards.
Like I've said before that all tracks usually have a track map and if it is your first time on a track you should definitely ask a track instructor about the track irrespective if you have come to the track as a part of a school or independently.
Also, you should watch videos of onboard riders on the same track so you can get an understanding of how the track will be. I always suggest taking the first laps of the track slowly only so you can get a feel of the track and only then increase your speed. Knowing the track can help.
Knowing the track can help you anticipate and navigate it more safely.
I've spoken about this in detail here.
5. Stay hydrated
You're going to sweat a lot when you race which means you're going to have to drink a lot to rehydrate yourself.
Staying dehydrated can impair your mental state, concentration, and physical abilities as well as increase your chance of getting cramps mid-race all of which is seriously dangerous and can put yourself in jeopardy.
Between track sessions drink plenty of water.
6. Correct racing techniques
Not all but some race tracks need a racing license or needs a history of previous experience on the track, which is why if you want you can join a race school where they teach you the basics.
The entire purpose of these blog posts is to make you a faster, better, and safer rider in all aspects so go through all the advice that is meant to teach you the correct technique here and ask us any queries in the comments below or on email or to a track instructor while you are there.
You can also ask for feedback from more experienced racers at the paddock with you.
In the end, correct technique is absolutely critical to be safe and prevent accidents and even if you have been riding on city roads for decades the track is completely different!
7. Follow racing rules and etiquette
There are many rules on correct racing at the track and you must follow them without exception since breaking some rules can lead to penalties, fines, or even suspension from the track!
Usually, the track officials will brief you about the rules of the track but if they don't, do go and ask an official especially if it is your first time.
These rules as well as the etiquette of the track are deeply integral to maintaining your safety as well as others.
I've spoken about etiquette too in detail which you should definitely read.
8. Stay mentally focused
Mental focus is crucial in racing. Avoid distractions and stay concentrated on the race.
Techniques like visualization and mindfulness can help improve your mental clarity and focus.
Sometimes riders while riding on the track tend to zone out by focusing on an object that can result in going off the track which is called target fixation, Keep aware of your surroundings at all times to stay safe and avoid collision with others.
Summary of the 9 Motorcycle Racing Safety Tips
Invest in high-quality gear: There is no price too great for your safety
Regularly inspect your motorcycle: Before every track session. No exceptions
Warm up and do dynamic stretches before hitting the track: Key if you want to avoid nasty muscle strains and cramps mid race!
Understand the track: Advice from others, onboard videos of the track, and learning layout help
Follow correct racing techniques: If you want to join a racing school, or join a beginners group and read our posts to not only learn the fundamentals but also get a deeper understanding of motorcycle racing than the basics taught there
Follow racing rules and etiquette: Never break these rules which are designed to ensure your safety as well as others on the track
Stay mentally focused: stay acutely aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions and concentrate on track
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