comments needed, quit moto?

mxer613
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mxer613
Edited Date/Time 3/24/2012 6:46am
I'm at crossroad, do I give up mx, and get into dirt track sprint car racing? My lil bro did three yrs ago and loves it. He says the thrill of riding a bike is the same if not more, and protected by a cage, cost about same. Injuries are seeming to much risk the older I get, but I've been riding/racing for 25 yrs, I only ride tracks and find it hard to just be mellow, not hit the big jumps, so with that said, any comments???
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slipdog
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slipdog 3/21/2012 7:38am
3/21/2012 7:38am
Quiting is for pussies!
three9zero
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three9zero 3/21/2012 7:44am
3/21/2012 7:44am
mxer613 wrote:
I'm at crossroad, do I give up mx, and get into dirt track sprint car racing? My lil bro did three yrs ago and loves it...
I'm at crossroad, do I give up mx, and get into dirt track sprint car racing? My lil bro did three yrs ago and loves it. He says the thrill of riding a bike is the same if not more, and protected by a cage, cost about same. Injuries are seeming to much risk the older I get, but I've been riding/racing for 25 yrs, I only ride tracks and find it hard to just be mellow, not hit the big jumps, so with that said, any comments???
Tried to quit myself, did not happen. You can do other things and no be as obsessive though. I ride if the track is mint, if not I will go snowboarding or in the summer mtn bike or surf behind the boat.
chadwik74
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chadwik74 3/21/2012 7:50am
3/21/2012 7:50am Edited Date/Time 3/21/2012 7:52am
I didn't quit moto 100%, but I did surround myself wit a rollbar.( with age comes a cage). Only differance is this is 4x more expensive than dirt biking. It does have the same feeling as racing/riding bikes though.



scott_nz 3/21/2012 7:51am
3/21/2012 7:51am
Dirt track racing is pretty fun different sort of buzz but just as addictive a lot easier on the body as well it's always a tough call

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mark_swart
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mark_swart 3/21/2012 8:01am
3/21/2012 8:01am
I think you can find a balance between riding in your limits and still having fun... and if the big jumps are within your limits, may as well do them. I'm 39 and have tried to quit in my early 30s but keep coming back to it. Have more fun now than ever, although I don't race as much as I used to. What worries me at this age more than doing the jumps is getting slammed into by some kid who is out of control, like if they run my class with 250C or whatever.
If you just have to race something, maybe go with the cars but pick up an older, cheaper bike just for fun on the track every now and then?
I've picked up sailboat racing as my 'old man' sport since I can do that pretty much until I die. Mentally it smokes you but there is never really a rush. But I hope to stick with moto until I'm at least in my late 40s, or whenever my lower back finally makes it intolerable.
Cygnus
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Cygnus 3/21/2012 8:02am
3/21/2012 8:02am
Who ever told you dirt track car racing was at or around the same cost as racing dirt bikes is one hell of a liar. Sound like your bro wants you out there to whip up on and have. Bragging rights.
Kryan5
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Kryan5 3/21/2012 8:22am
3/21/2012 8:22am
MXer, I can comment from first hand experience on this exact situation. Although, this will change from person to person, age, and how much you through yourself into something. I quite racing motocross when i was 12 after a pretty descent amateur career due to multiple accumulated injuries. Racing was in my blood so not racing was not an option. My car racing career started in go carts and 4 years later i was in a Super Late Model(full bodied version of a sprint car, Picture below). I had great success with this. The first few years i ran for track points and then we branched off and ran regional races that paid $5000 grand or more and had good results and funding with this. But as the years went on it began to be to much. Racing at the level, the technology changes day by and if your not 100% on top of the game you don't stand a chance. Shock technology in car racing is so important and advancing so much is insane. Engines will run you anywhere from $15,000 to $60,000 depending on where, what and who you are racing. Being in the clicks and know hot set ups is 90% of the game. Time spent away from your family(especially if you have young ones) is greatly increased. You will spend atleast 3 nights working on the car depending on how the last weekend went. And car racing is not exactly a family sport unless your a spectator. Most tracks do not let anyone in the pits under about 14yrs old so that means your family will be in the grand stands. I am 28 now and back into motocross and out of car racing. I think it was something that, inside, I always knew would happen. Your brother may love it, as i did, but nothing can replace MX. Nothing demands near the mental focus, physical ability, and simple enough, give you the adrenaline rush. To put it all together for you. The main reasons I got out of car racing is because it is a lot more money if you are running a full blown open sprint car or late model class, the clicky, got to have in's to know the best set-up(which is what wins the race in car racing, the best driver in the worst car will never beat the worst driver in best car, unlike MX), time spent away from my 3 young kids at the track and during the week working on the car and over all nothing can replace what you get from being on bike. Its long winded and I don't feel like proof reading it so take it for what its worth.
three9zero
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three9zero 3/21/2012 8:24am
3/21/2012 8:24am Edited Date/Time 3/21/2012 8:25am
chadwik74 wrote:
I didn't quit moto 100%, but I did surround myself wit a rollbar.( with age comes a cage). Only differance is this is 4x more expensive...
I didn't quit moto 100%, but I did surround myself wit a rollbar.( with age comes a cage). Only differance is this is 4x more expensive than dirt biking. It does have the same feeling as racing/riding bikes though.



Holy crap, tell us about that boat. Looks like you live in Alberta or Sask. What rivers do you run ?
Tim507
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Tim507 3/21/2012 8:31am
3/21/2012 8:31am
I quit years ago and started to build a Datsun 510 for SCCA Class B road racing......money out the door and then more money out the door. Could only drive it at the track and needed a hauler and much more.....sold it and went back to dirt bikes as there I can race and ride any time!

Few years ago a tried shifter karts, damn what a blast! However I could only drive at a few tracks, needed two people to put the kart on the rack to service and maintain it - was a blast - but dirts bikes win out again
three9zero
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three9zero 3/21/2012 8:33am
3/21/2012 8:33am Edited Date/Time 3/21/2012 8:34am
Got into this too, almost forgot. It's called mini-road racing. I race "thunder class" . I used a ttr 125 with Bridgstone Batlax tires on it. We race on carting tracks. Complete blast, you can be 1 inch from your buddy at 40 mph dragging your knee, and if you bail you just slide off the track into grass.........
jtiger12
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jtiger12 3/21/2012 8:53am
3/21/2012 8:53am Edited Date/Time 3/21/2012 8:57am
this topic comes up every couple months here, so you should be able to find other results in search.

I'm 36, and I'm not giving up till i have to. Quit the racing, and become a practice/play rider. There is no cheaper motorsport, even with the expense of a good rig.

My wife's father tries to get me into drag racing every year; the cost to have a good 10 second car is more than a new bike, helmet and boots. I can't even imagine being able to afford a sprint, late model, or outlaw setup.
jtomasik
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jtomasik 3/21/2012 8:57am
3/21/2012 8:57am
Try and quit. If you're a junky, then you'll be back. No adrenaline rush like MX. I've tried 'bout everything (skydiving, semi-pro rugby, boats, planes, you name it). I always prefer MX.
Racer92
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Racer92 3/21/2012 9:04am
3/21/2012 9:04am Edited Date/Time 3/21/2012 9:04am
Why quit one or the other? I race bikes and sprints both.

And yes, they are as fun as dirt bikes, just way, way, WAY more expensive.
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GuyB 3/21/2012 9:05am
3/21/2012 9:05am
If you're talking open wheels, you'll still have plenty of opportunity for big air.

Wing, or non-wing?
Racer92
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Racer92 3/21/2012 9:08am
3/21/2012 9:08am
Kryan5: a late model is a "full body version of a sprint car" ? Not even close ! TOTAL different critter all together.
chadwik74
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chadwik74 3/21/2012 9:10am
3/21/2012 9:10am
chadwik74 wrote:
I didn't quit moto 100%, but I did surround myself wit a rollbar.( with age comes a cage). Only differance is this is 4x more expensive...
I didn't quit moto 100%, but I did surround myself wit a rollbar.( with age comes a cage). Only differance is this is 4x more expensive than dirt biking. It does have the same feeling as racing/riding bikes though.



three9zero wrote:
Holy crap, tell us about that boat. Looks like you live in Alberta or Sask. What rivers do you run ?
It's the entry class(FX) in Jetboat racing. Ther are 4 classes with the sweetest one being Unlimited. Guys are putting 1350hp turbines in there boats and reaching speeds of 140+mph. I'll be happy when I get mine to 80-85mph. It's a ZZ4 350(355hp).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75_MHW0KtR0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Racer92
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Racer92 3/21/2012 9:11am
3/21/2012 9:11am
GuyB wrote:
If you're talking open wheels, you'll still have plenty of opportunity for big air.

Wing, or non-wing?
Bite your tongue ! Sad
mxer613
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mxer613 3/21/2012 9:43am
3/21/2012 9:43am
GuyB wrote:
If you're talking open wheels, you'll still have plenty of opportunity for big air.

Wing, or non-wing?
Both wing and non, I've got a nice dirt track 4 miles from my house its co- owned by Greg Biffle.

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Kryan5
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Kryan5 3/21/2012 9:55am
3/21/2012 9:55am
Racer92 wrote:
Kryan5: a late model is a "full body version of a sprint car" ? Not even close ! TOTAL different critter all together.
Yeah your right. You have some major crutches like umpteen lbs of down force and right rear tire the size of the car itself. I agree sprints are easier to drive! hahaha. I'm just messing around. You can't tell me that kind of banter doesn't go on in your area too! Either way I beleive i'm back where i belong.
reded
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reded 3/21/2012 9:57am
3/21/2012 9:57am
I'd probably start out with a bit less car than going full Sprint. Start out in the B Mods where the speeds aren't so great and learning curve isn't so steep. You'll most likely have a better time and not spend NEAR as much dough.
Racer92
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Racer92 3/21/2012 10:01am
3/21/2012 10:01am
mxer613 wrote:
Both wing and non, I've got a nice dirt track 4 miles from my house its co- owned by Greg Biffle.
Dont know if you have it in your area but the MIni & Micro sprint world, while not cheap, is much more affordable than 360 or 305 sprints. The outlaw 600cc (and greater) classes actually have lap times similar, if not faster, than the 305 Racesaver full size sprints.

Look and see if any ASCS2 or similar series are running near you.

Racer92
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Racer92 3/21/2012 10:05am
3/21/2012 10:05am
Kryan5 wrote:
Yeah your right. You have some major crutches like umpteen lbs of down force and right rear tire the size of the car itself. I agree...
Yeah your right. You have some major crutches like umpteen lbs of down force and right rear tire the size of the car itself. I agree sprints are easier to drive! hahaha. I'm just messing around. You can't tell me that kind of banter doesn't go on in your area too! Either way I beleive i'm back where i belong.
Crutch? LOL Nice stinkbait. Keep telling yourself that while driving those full bodied, bloated & overweight sissy-wagons.

Wink
three9zero
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three9zero 3/21/2012 10:07am
3/21/2012 10:07am
chadwik74 wrote:
I didn't quit moto 100%, but I did surround myself wit a rollbar.( with age comes a cage). Only differance is this is 4x more expensive...
I didn't quit moto 100%, but I did surround myself wit a rollbar.( with age comes a cage). Only differance is this is 4x more expensive than dirt biking. It does have the same feeling as racing/riding bikes though.



three9zero wrote:
Holy crap, tell us about that boat. Looks like you live in Alberta or Sask. What rivers do you run ?
chadwik74 wrote:
It's the entry class(FX) in Jetboat racing. Ther are 4 classes with the sweetest one being Unlimited. Guys are putting 1350hp turbines in there boats and...
It's the entry class(FX) in Jetboat racing. Ther are 4 classes with the sweetest one being Unlimited. Guys are putting 1350hp turbines in there boats and reaching speeds of 140+mph. I'll be happy when I get mine to 80-85mph. It's a ZZ4 350(355hp).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75_MHW0KtR0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Nice, good luck racing this summer, that looks like a blast.
chadwik74
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chadwik74 3/21/2012 10:15am
3/21/2012 10:15am
Thanks man
Kryan5
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Kryan5 3/21/2012 10:20am
3/21/2012 10:20am Edited Date/Time 3/21/2012 10:22am
Kryan5 wrote:
Yeah your right. You have some major crutches like umpteen lbs of down force and right rear tire the size of the car itself. I agree...
Yeah your right. You have some major crutches like umpteen lbs of down force and right rear tire the size of the car itself. I agree sprints are easier to drive! hahaha. I'm just messing around. You can't tell me that kind of banter doesn't go on in your area too! Either way I beleive i'm back where i belong.
Racer92 wrote:
Crutch? LOL Nice stinkbait. Keep telling yourself that while driving those full bodied, bloated & overweight sissy-wagons.

Wink
[img}http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/forum/images/smilies/zcheers.gif{/img]
ah whatever. ^ Its to guys cheering some beers......
Hando
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Hando 3/21/2012 10:30am
3/21/2012 10:30am
if you have kids/responsibilties quitting racing ain't a bad idea

car racing is safer and more expensive
rustytrombone 3/21/2012 10:30am
3/21/2012 10:30am
Here's a thought; DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY.
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bultokid 3/21/2012 10:52am
3/21/2012 10:52am
mxer613 wrote:
Both wing and non, I've got a nice dirt track 4 miles from my house its co- owned by Greg Biffle.
Racer92 wrote:
Dont know if you have it in your area but the MIni & Micro sprint world, while not cheap, is much more affordable than 360 or...
Dont know if you have it in your area but the MIni & Micro sprint world, while not cheap, is much more affordable than 360 or 305 sprints. The outlaw 600cc (and greater) classes actually have lap times similar, if not faster, than the 305 Racesaver full size sprints.

Look and see if any ASCS2 or similar series are running near you.

My bro did this after couple of extended stays at The White Sheet Hotel. Still quite a bit more $$ than moto. Raced his a couple of times, was cool but prefer the shifter karts. Try vintage racing, I've been doing it since '95 and love it, just good people and tons of fun, low key as Team Honda is not waiting at finish line for any of us.
pete24
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pete24 3/21/2012 10:56am
3/21/2012 10:56am
this will be my 30th year racing i quit every winter
GuyB
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GuyB 3/21/2012 10:58am
3/21/2012 10:58am Edited Date/Time 3/21/2012 10:59am
GuyB wrote:
If you're talking open wheels, you'll still have plenty of opportunity for big air.

Wing, or non-wing?
Racer92 wrote:
Bite your tongue ! Sad
Go for a big ride before Halloween, and you won't need makeup. Maybe the scariest I saw was a guy at Ascot who'd flipped the week before, and had gnarly red-eye in both eyes (the blood vessels in the whites of his eyes had ruptured), and to top it off, two black eyes.

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