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If you nail your start the rest of the race the bike is an advantage.
Paw Paw
The Shop
Unless your Robbie Reynard or close to that caliber of rider, then yes, you need a 450. However, once youre at the ranch, ride literally whatever you want.
The SXF is long gone. On to the next. Probably won't do the Loretta's stuff this year. Will try again in 19.
If you can’t make it out of the area to the regional on a 125 don’t waste the time showing up to the regional...
But the “big race” is the regional, lorettas is the reward
In a 5 lap race the start is more important than a 20 minute +1 race. Most guys can hold on to a 450 for 5 laps. 20+1 is a different story. I believe David Jones won Vet B/C in 2010 on 125 with consistent motos, not blazing lap times but I heard he even used a 250 two stroke at the regional.
A local kid, TJ snow, won the +25 Mid East regional last year on a 250 two stroke and went on to put in impressive rides at the Ranch last year. Also in 2016 Josh Thomas, another local NC guy, got a 3rd in +25 with the likes of Sebastian Tortelli, Reynard, and Renner I believe...he basically rode the best he could have ever ridden. I'm too lazy to look all of the years/dates and moto scores up.
I think having the right mix of power, skill, and fitness is more important than having a fire breathing 450.
I would look at the tracks you're trying to qualify at, as well. Obviously any track with major elevation change, you're going to be at a disadvantage on the smaller bike.
The actual race at Loretta's itself, you know what you're getting; beat up, rutty and something where being able to carry momentum and ride smooth is more advantageous than just beating yourself to death.
Training is also difficult; you need the sprint speed to qualify, but also need to survive 20 min at a consistent pace for 3 motos, all in massive heat and humidity. I decided to give it a go at one AQ, just to measure my sprint speed, but know I won't get be able to go further until I develop that end of my game.
Until next year, I'll stick to training at moto, racing a few HS/enduros, and keep pounding the miles on my roadbike with the hope I can pick up the necessary speed to stay near the front for 5-6 laps.
You will suffer on the starts for sure but the track gets really rough so it makes it hard to utilize the power of a 450. But to answer your question it's not needed but as with anything it depends on the rider.
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