Why do we do it?
As mentioned elsewhere, vintage motorcycle racing is an out of pocket expense. Purchasing a bike and converting it, or buying a race bike, any refurb required, a trailer, a trailer hitch, proper gear (helmet/leathers etc.), race school, membership, weekend entry fees, gas, food, beer all take their toll.
If those are the negatives, why do we do it? Simple, friendship! The type of people that "frequent" the VRRA races, lend and borrow tools and always bring them back. These same people lend parts to competitors that may just go out in their race and beat them - no hard feelings!
If those are the negatives, why do we do it? Simple, friendship! The type of people that "frequent" the VRRA races, lend and borrow tools and always bring them back. These same people lend parts to competitors that may just go out in their race and beat them - no hard feelings!
Friendships I have formed
One could simply pay their money and go to track days. I have done that as well. There always seemed to be something lacking at those events. With the VRRA membership comes a bulletin board that allows the sharing of ideas and a way to communicate throughout the year. At my Mosport weekend, I had great difficulty keeping the bike running, and knew I would not be making the final race. The weekend was just as much fun due to the atmosphere and all the activities to be involved in. Hopefully friendships developed at the races will stay strong!
Andrea GoodmanAndrea Goodman (credit Flair Photo)
I first met the proprietor of the Dirty Girl Motor Racing website in 2001 as a fellow instructor at RTI. She is an enthusiastic instructor, and a more enthusiatic racer. She took me to the Mosport Vintage festival in 2003 and I was hooked. Throughout 2009, Andrea was there with helpful and "been there, done that" advice. Head to her site and you will no doubt agree!
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Tim VoyerAKA, redbeast840 (visit Youtube and enter redbeast840 in the search box) Tim hails from North Bay and in 2009 rode a Period 1 (stock) Honda CB350 as well as a Period 2 (mods allowed) Drixton 350, winning overall in both classes. I was fortunate to have Tims help in rebuilding both my carbs trackside at Mosport and to have him show me around the track for some lines and experience. Many thanks Tim, any time I can return the favours, just ask!
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Scott Martin
Scott at speed on his CB750 in North Bay
I met Scott Martin, owner of Recce Inc. a Toronto based information technology consulting firm at the '09 VRRA race school at Shannonville. Scott was attending after racing previously and coming back after a layoff while I was new to the sport. While wandering the pits later that day I saw him working on his gorgeous CB750 pictured here which he has owned since new. He needed a battery and as luck would have it I had a spare which we zip tied in. That has since become his permanent solution. We again met up at Mosport and though we run in different classes, due to engine sizes and speeds, we ended up in a heat race with each other. We had (at least what I thought!) was a sprited race. Scott would leave me up the back straight and through the front. I would gather him in by 2 or 3 and pass him in 5. That went on for 5 laps, and I watched him cross the finish line ahead of me. Due to mechanical reasons I DNF'd and we didn't get to have the same fun in the final.
At Shannonville this year, Scott rolled in late on a last minute decision. I asked where he was staying as I didn't see a tent. He pointed to his truck, so invited him to share the trailer my sponsor Soemet Racing had brought in. For a couple of low budget racers, it can only be described as a great weekend..
Between Shannonville and Mosport, Scott purchased a CB550 and in true racer fashion dismantled it to make "improvements". To my delight, an email arrived. It was Scott, asking if I would share his ride for the endurance race. Again, in true racer style, I didn't hesitate!
At Shannonville this year, Scott rolled in late on a last minute decision. I asked where he was staying as I didn't see a tent. He pointed to his truck, so invited him to share the trailer my sponsor Soemet Racing had brought in. For a couple of low budget racers, it can only be described as a great weekend..
Between Shannonville and Mosport, Scott purchased a CB550 and in true racer fashion dismantled it to make "improvements". To my delight, an email arrived. It was Scott, asking if I would share his ride for the endurance race. Again, in true racer style, I didn't hesitate!
RCB1000
Being a Honda fanatic with some time to spare, he began investigating the Honda factory entry into the field of endurance racing and found some pictures of their late 70's entry known as the RCB100 or the later RSC1000. Shown at left is the RCB1000. With an engine from a crashed CB900 and a replica frame from the folks at CMR Racing, this will be the endurance mount for the 2011 season.
Business or Friend?
Click the image to visit NB Cycles website
What do you do when you are 4 hours from home and you've just lowsided for the second time in the same weekend and need parts to get into the finals?
Quick, drive to North Bay Cycle and hang out in the parking lot after they are closed and wait for the owner to show up! Odd, that is exactly what happened! Jim opened the dealership, helped me select the right part, and basically saved my weekend! This wasn't about selling another part, it was about loving what you do and helping customers. Service sells!
Quick, drive to North Bay Cycle and hang out in the parking lot after they are closed and wait for the owner to show up! Odd, that is exactly what happened! Jim opened the dealership, helped me select the right part, and basically saved my weekend! This wasn't about selling another part, it was about loving what you do and helping customers. Service sells!