Have you long dreamed of doing the same as the pros in motorsport and speeding around the racetrack like lightning? Then we have good news for you: there are various ways to make this dream come true. In this article, we would like to show you how you can get started.
What do you need to bring with you? At the top of this list is, of course, a passion and talent for motorcycling. But there's more to it than that.
It's already in the name "motorsport": We're talking about sport and the physical exertion involved. What looks so easy for the professionals on the screen is actually hard physical work. Before every bend, you have to support around twice your body weight with your arms when braking.
That would be around twelve pull-ups per lap, each of which you have to hold for around 5 seconds. In a race lasting 20 minutes or 16 laps (depending on the racing track), that adds up to quite a lot. So if you're planning to take to the track yourself, you'll need to get your fitness up to scratch.
As we will go into this point in more detail in a separate article, let's just take a very brief look at the bike. It should be a sports motorcycle that has been specially developed by the manufacturer for use on the race track. Choppers, tourers or enduros are not suitable for this.
Helmet, suit, gloves and boots are an absolute must on the race track. There is also a lot to consider here, so we will also go into this important topic in more detail.
If you have never been on a racetrack yourself, it is advisable to complete racetrack training sessions under the guidance of experienced instructors before taking part in your first serious competitions.
To gain experience under competitive conditions, you can take part in so-called racing series. In motorsport, these are organized competitions. Drivers and teams compete against each other in several races during a season. All the results of these series are collected and summarized. The overall standings decide who is crowned champion at the end. Some of these series are not organized by the Deutscher Motor Sport Bund e.V.. They are organized by private promoters. If you score points there, they do not belong to any official championship. However, this does not matter for the beginning.
Theoretically, it is even possible to ride a street-legal motorcycle in these races. In this case, however, pay attention to what is permitted or prohibited. You can find detailed information about this in the respective announcement or when registering for the race, the so-called entry form.
You have taken the first steps and have already gained the necessary experience. Now it's time for the next step: applying for a racing license. There are different licenses. You can find out which one you need in the regulations or announcements of the racing series you want to ride in.
C license or club license: Allows you to ride official beginner races.
B license: Cups or higher series
A license: If you have scored at least 50 championship points in an official championship announced by the DMSB, you can apply for an A license. This enables you to take part in the highest racing series.
Important: If you have already held an A license, it is almost impossible to obtain a B license again. If you have been promoted from a Cup to a higher class and would like to race in a Cup again at some point, this knowledge is important. Cups can only be driven with a B license.
Becoming a racing driver is not an easy path. It requires a great deal of perseverance and fighting spirit on and off the track. The search for a sponsor can be nerve-wracking. Therefore, a good mental state is just as important as excellent physical fitness. If you are also prepared to raise the necessary funds, you can expect a passionate experience that will never let you go.