Educating Racing Fans on Motorcycle Racing

[JohnBM01]

I'm more used to cars than motorcycles. You don't hear too much about people who'd prefer cool motorcycles over cool cars. While I'm more used to cars than motorcycles, it doesn't mean I hate or lack education on motorcycles. So I've devised this thread to talk about how it can be possible for racing fans to get to appreciate (or at least respect) motorcycle racing.

My favorite motorcycle racing is in MotoGP. I love to watch rounds from the MotoGP World Championship. I even watch MotoGP 225cc (or 250cc?) action. I love a good AMA Superbike race. I've enjoyed watching Texas-born talent like Houston's own Colin Edwards and Longview's Ben Spies. I don't call myself a motocross guy. I do respect Jeremy McGrath and James "Bubba" Stewart. While not a motocross guy, one of my favorite racing games of all-time is Excitebike (the NES one). I consider the Isle of Man TT to be every bit as challenging as the 24 Hours of Le Mans or even the 24 Hours at the Nürburgring. I even seen a few good FIA Drag racing events involving motorcycles. Some of those motorcycle drag racers ride those bikes like they are Superman or something. Really cool to watch. I love sportscar racing, but don't mind a good motorcycle race.

I think part of the process of appreciating motorcycle racing is understanding what it takes to compete and win. Think about it. Motorcycle racers can be some big time daredevils. You don't have the luxury of fenders to protect you. It isn't like you can stuff the front tires into a wall or tire barrier without being flown off of your bike. The thrill of motorcycle racing is intense. The riders that compete in any discipline of motorcycle racing are among some of the bravest. Whether you race a Honda CBR1000RR, a Suzuki GSXR1300, or a Ducati 999R... whether you race in AMA Superbike, supermoto action, FIM World Superbike, sidecar racing, or anything like that, you are among some of the most daring racers anywhere. I'm not all about motorcycles, but I love to see some great motorcycle racing when I get a chance.

I think if you love NASCAR-style action with motorcycles, there's AMA Flat Track. The most prestigious flat track event in America (to my knowledge) is the Springfield Mile. The Springfield Mile is, again to my knowledge, the Daytona 500 of flat track motorcycle racing. I think you oval racing types interested in motorcycles should check out flat track racing.

I've shown healthy respect for motorcycle racing through watching TV and stuff. How do you think we can help enhance and educate people in motorcycle racing? How do you think we can help people better appreciate and care about motorcycle racing? Offer your comments here.

 

[UnoMOTO]

You don't hear too much about people who'd prefer cool motorcycles over cool cars.

Because they are a golden ticket to ride the death pony. I've been trying to convince some here otherwise but to no avail.

Think about it. Motorcycle racers can be some big time daredevils. You don't have the luxury of fenders to protect you. It isn't like you can stuff the front tires into a wall or tire barrier without being flown off of your bike. The thrill of motorcycle racing is intense. The riders that compete in any discipline of motorcycle racing are among some of the bravest.

No respect on this forum for that...only the thought of stupidity comes to mind.

How do you think we can help enhance and educate people in motorcycle racing? How do you think we can help people better appreciate and care about motorcycle racing? Offer your comments here.

I wish two wheeled talk was a bit more positive here but as they say..."you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink".

It's really too bad because Motorcycle racing is gaining in popularity as for example, the U.S. has added a new GP race at Indy for the 08 season.

 

[Flerbizky]

Because they are a golden ticket to ride the death pony. I've been trying to convince some here otherwise but to no avail.

No respect on this forum for that...only the thought of stupidity comes to mind.

Ignorance tends to fight with a vengeance seldom seen...

Oh well - More bikes for us I guess..

 

[JohnBM01]

Just the Isle of Man TT alone can help you appreciate the rigors of motorcycle racing. Think about over 30 or so miles of public roads around an island somewhere between England and Ireland. Most of you know I'm not Mr. Stupidly-Long-Course, but I greatly respect the Isle of Man TT. Where else can you enjoy a garden variety of motorcycles racing at great speeds? This is an insane race.

Any other suggestions to get people to better appreciate motorcycle racing and the daring riders who take part in these events?

 

[UnoMOTO]

Any other suggestions to get people to better appreciate motorcycle racing and the daring riders who take part in these events?

Riding one might be a great start. It's a feeling and a mental state of mind that can't be had with four wheels.

 

[Flerbizky]

Just the Isle of Man TT alone can help you appreciate the rigors of motorcycle racing. Think about over 30 or so miles of public roads around an island somewhere between England and Ireland. Most of you know I'm not Mr. Stupidly-Long-Course, but I greatly respect the Isle of Man TT. Where else can you enjoy a garden variety of motorcycles racing at great speeds? This is an insane race.

Any other suggestions to get people to better appreciate motorcycle racing and the daring riders who take part in these events?

Easy - Start with the Cork Screw at Laguna Seca

In a car, sure, it's kinda downhill and quite fast, but nothing that'll kill you.. On a bike - You'll get off easy ramming the tire wall at 120+ km/h if you miss your braking marker....

Macau... Another place where the riders carries the biggest balls known to man. 250+km/h sweepers with nothing to run off at but armco..

 

[Jim Prower]

I think if you love NASCAR-style action with motorcycles, there's AMA Flat Track. The most prestigious flat track event in America (to my knowledge) is the Springfield Mile. The Springfield Mile is, again to my knowledge, the Daytona 500 of flat track motorcycle racing. I think you oval racing types interested in motorcycles should check out flat track racing.

Heh. That's Springfield, IL, right, the State Fairgrounds? Been there, seen the ARCA boys and Silver Crown cars qualify. It's a neat track, and I have it on the GT5 Wishlist. (Currently down thanks to again exceeding the character limit. damn.)

I dont' know about motorcycle racing in general. Honestly, not huge on it, not sure why. perhaps it's the fact that most onboards don't show the rider that well. and maybe it's just bikes in general, I dont know. I think I might like it if they put the CART-style visor cameras in the rider's helmets.

I know, I'm a bit obsessive on this point.

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

I watch more car racing than motorcycle racing, but i'd say I like them equally. Enjoyed watching the ding-dongs that Rossi and Gibernau used to have in MotoGp... let's just hope the same happens between Rossi and Stoner, or maybe even Toseland!

I've been to Donnington to watch the GP for several years now on a V.I.P pass (courtesy of my father having friends in high places at Tech 3 and Bridgestone) and have loved it, even when the heavens open.

I even got a handshake from Valentino himself once!

 

[kart racer]

:idea:The best way to get people into the 2 wheel life is to go and see a race live.Watch them go through the turns with thier knee dragging on the ground and look at the small amount of the tire is in contact with the track and you will gain a new respect for these knights on 2 wheels.👍

 

[JohnBM01]

Yes... I'm talking about the Springfield, Illinois Fairgrounds deal. I seen a few of the flat track action on TV from the Springfield Mile.

Some of you are making comments to what I'm trying to address. The ones who'll say "I watch more car racing than motorcycle racing." Even the ones who are more of "I don't really care for motorcycle racing." It's okay in your interests not to watch motorcycle racing if you don't want to, but this is more about "how can I appreciate these riders much the same way I'm used to seeing cars rule the corners?" It would be pretty tough to pull on-board pictures from the rider's view. It's been done before... you just don't see it often. I think the ladies get to enjoy looking at Valentino Rossi's ass when an on-board of him on the bike are shown. If you're talking about something more like the in-bike view in "Tourist Trophy," then maybe that would provide some insight as to what the riders are seeing. On the subject of video games, I remembered renting one of the very first PS2 games- MotoGP. I think I raced Mugello in a rainy race. I could see the road, but lots of rain and mist. You have to be very poised to win ANY race in the rain. Much more so on a motorcycle.

You know why you don't see street course racing with motorcycles? It's because it's dangerous! You can instanly whack a wall simply by leaning over too much to either side of the track into a wall. The Macau Grand Prix is a track that bikes can really get accustomed to, especially when the track narrows every so often. It's dangerous stuff. Even Tourist Trophy types can imagine why you don't race on street courses. If you think street courses with motorcycles can be dangerous, ovals are even more so. I can't imagine doing a motorcycle race on a traditional oval unless it's a short flat track. You do, however, get to see why ovals never do oval tracks if you run the Motegi Superspeedway in Tourist Trophy.

Keep this thread rolling!

 

[MustangSVT]

Car guy here, well F1 really. Anyway I'm a huge F1 fan, I just wanted to say this, and I really mean it:

This year (2007), the absolute best racing series out there was World Superbike Championship aka WSBK, the full 1000cc international class with Bayliss, Haga, Biaggi, etc. I started watching WSBK late last year (2006) and had been watching MotoGP already since early 2006. Last season was great for MotoGP, but this season was actually REALLY boring with Stoner just winning everything.

WSBK however this season featured really the most exciting racing I have ever seen on TV. Some of the finishes and moves these guys pull are just insane. And I love how on like last 3-2 laps, ALL bets are off and anything goes.

Just a nod to any racing fans, watch WSBK and/or MotoGP next year, I think you'll be really impressed by the racing quality. It also helps a lot to have a fav. driver. I started cheering for Biaggi as soon as I started watching SBK. If I hadn't, I doubt I would've enjoyed it anywhere near as much.

 

[Blake]

Because they are a golden ticket to ride the death pony. I've been trying to convince some here otherwise but to no avail.

It is more dangerous than being in a car. No question. I don’t think you need to try and convince people it’s safe, because it is inherently more dangerous than driving a car.

I’m not anti-bike, btw.

 

[UnoMOTO]

because it is inherently more dangerous than driving a car.

That certainly is not my take on it. Of course a car is a safer mode of transportation. The point I was making is that riding a motorcycle does not have a end result of death. Many people are of that opinion.

I really don't want to have this conversation again.

 

[Blake]

Of course a car is a safer mode of transportation. The point I was making is that riding a motorcycle does not have a end result of death.

Then we’re agreed. Car = safer, bike != death.

 

[MarinaDiamandis]

Car guy here, well F1 really. Anyway I'm a huge F1 fan, I just wanted to say this, and I really mean it:

This year (2007), the absolute best racing series out there was World Superbike Championship aka WSBK, the full 1000cc international class with Bayliss, Haga, Biaggi, etc. I started watching WSBK late last year (2006) and had been watching MotoGP already since early 2006. Last season was great for MotoGP, but this season was actually REALLY boring with Stoner just winning everything.

WSBK however this season featured really the most exciting racing I have ever seen on TV. Some of the finishes and moves these guys pull are just insane. And I love how on like last 3-2 laps, ALL bets are off and anything goes.

Just a nod to any racing fans, watch WSBK and/or MotoGP next year, I think you'll be really impressed by the racing quality. It also helps a lot to have a fav. driver. I started cheering for Biaggi as soon as I started watching SBK. If I hadn't, I doubt I would've enjoyed it anywhere near as much.

I agree, although being a Rossi supporter I naturally steer clear of Biaggi... Nitro Nori wins WSBK for me. Brilliant rider.

Hopefully we'll see many apex to apex battles in the '08 GP season, definately don't want its newly-attracted fans slipping away again.

 

[TheBigMan045]

On the occasions that I watch WSBK sadly not enough (dont have Sky, but my dad does) I've always found the racing to be better than Moto GP (125 and 250 excluded) and always would rather watch WSBK than Moto GP due to the fact that in the final laps its always close and Haga is in WSBK. The 125 and 250 classes at Motor GP events are always close and they do overtaking especially in the last laps. Probably the best Bike racing in NZ is the Paeroa Street Races, Especally the Super Motards (Off Road bikes with slicks), its awsome