Posts
20
Joined
1/11/2024
Location
Australia, ACT, AU
My son is about to start racing here in Aus, he's about to turn 12 and on an 85 over here, his ridden since he was 3 and a competent rider I'd say. It's been ten years since my racing hey days so I'm abit out of touch. What did you find with your kids racing as far as info and thoughts you could pass on ? We are only heading out to race and have fun, no military like training camp here. Feel free to post your experience and story.
You’ve already realized this is for fun, you’re way ahead of the game. Take advantage of the time spent with your son. He will remember these days for the rest of his life, make them count ! Enjoy the ride
First, spend lots of money on mods, race entries, and supplements for your son. Then, tell him he'd better win or else! [/sarcasm]
Just let him ride and be as fast as he wants. Give him a little advice and make sure to congratulate him on his finishes - no matter where he lands. Your love and pride mean more than the trophy, for sure.
Yep, keep it fun. Don’t turn every ride into a lesson, I’ve watched my friends do that and the kids got unenthused quick. Obviously you’re going to over mistakes and areas to improve but not every time he rides and for sure not while he’s still panting 4 minutes after his race. Having fun should be goal #1. Just my opinion.
Are you riding with him also, if so, always make him the focus, chase him on the track and then have him chase you. When you need a break, tell him to go have fun while you catch your breath and just watch. Have him practice his starts, with you off the bike and usually in the middle of your outing, when he's warmed up but not tired yet. But as other have said, keep it fun and congratulate and encourage him.
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Very cool. I'm on the other end of the spectrum—I've got twin 4 year-olds who just got their first PW50. It'll be a slow burn, I'm sure. But to answer your question, what I found helpful when I was racing as a kid was that my parents kept the vibe really low-key and fun, zero pressure. They'd ask me lots of questions about how I felt during the day and would only offer advice if I asked for it. Raceday was all about the love of being on the bike and enjoying racing other kids. My dad would film all of my motos, then we'd watch them once we got back home. That actually became one of the highlights of the day. I could see where I needed to be better, or see what it looked like to be high up in the air, or rip a bern, etc. This is when he'd offer a little advice, only while we watched the races together. Great times.
Thanks man, my wife is a nurse and has seen alot of death lately and it's hit home how short life is so we are spending up and having fun and making memories.
Funny you say that, we have done a few practice days and he's asked about getting a pipe and flash suspension and all the rest of it "like those kids have" I explained that fresh tyres, good fuel and jetting is all we need at the moment.
Haha. I started racing when I was 12 years old. When we started dad said that we would just do club days, ride secon hand bikes and have second hand gear. Within 6 months we had brand new bikes, brand new gear and were racing 32 weekends a year. He should have retired years ago but those years drained his bank account. He still says he wouldn't have done it any other way.
My boy has been racing since he was 4. He's now 12 and has really kicked it up a level. It is so fun to watch the kids gain skills and progress in the sport, even when you just watch the bank balance fall
Hahaha I grew up with second hand bikes and gear to man. I can't wait to be honest. You can't put a price on time together and the memories made.
Support him on “his” terms. If HE wants to race then follow along. None of this you can jump this and that, no brakes, go faster, etc etc. Let him find his way around and if he’s having fun that’s all that matters. Have fun!
He's bloody competitive mate so there's no incouragement needed. I've been teaching him technique and skills like that and his stoked to see his riding improve. Even things like when we watch the outdoors he studies sexton and hymas as he loves there style.
All these comments are great!
Build memories and have fun! Seems like your doing great! Go get a trophy if ya can!!
It’s always more fun when you hole shot. Run a cast piston that can handle zero heat to wo. Pull the fuel line off the carb. Squirt Nitro methane down the carb . Reinstall fuel line. Do not start the bike until the board goes up or sideways. Depending on how focused and ready he is that particular day. Release the clutch and holeshot. You,ll both laugh it will b soo easy. Remember a family that cheats together stays together. Other dads do it so it’s not really cheating.
Is that you Brian Deegan ?
Awesome!
First, before it's too late, bring him to the states so he can hone his athletic skills in all the "ball" sports. He's getting a late start so becoming an actual "athlete" may be out of the question BUT,,,, as long as he can jump at least 15" vertical, and run the 40 around 6.5 seconds, he's gonna have the edge on ALL the pro motocross guys. After that, it's more about how fast you want to spend. The machine is obviously the determining factor in ANY motor"sport". Good luck!
My son still thanks me for letting him ride.
He's 31 now.
Kept his stuff in sHape, gAve him some pointers, and let him have at it with his buddies.
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