First of all, welcome to the NZ Post Classic Racing Association.
This is a brief over view of how to go Post Classic racing.
The NZPCRA is a motorcycle racing club which has been formed to facilitate racing in three specific classes:
Pre’72
Pre’82
Pre’89
Each of these classes are split into two sections: Junior & Senior, depending on size and configuration of the engine; so as to promote competitive racing.
Refer to items 25-7 & 25-8 in the rules section for the capacity / configuration allowances.
Bikes from these eras’s, from any country of manufacture, may be raced either as they came out of the factory, or with modifications as allowed and stipulated in the NZPCRA rule book.
There is a diverse range of machinery being run now, so the choice is wide open, and there are always bikes being sold; so there may be an opportunity to get hold of a raced prepped machine and fast track your racing career.
If you want to get started racing, the best way is to come out to our meetings and have a good look around.
We’re a friendly bunch so take the time to talk to us and feel free to ask questions.
How to be a vital part of our race meetings – BE A FLAG MARSHALL
One of the best ways to get to know the bikes and the classes; is to be a Flag Marshall. We always need flaggies, and you are going to need to know what the flags mean. This will get you up close and personal with the meetings and also help you select the bike and class that is right for you, plus you get a free lunch and a prime spot to watch the racing from.
A couple of meetings Flag Marshalling will make the flags very familiar to you and you’ll also get to know parts of the track and the corner lines.
To get out on the track you will need to join the NZPCRA inc, and you will need to be a member of Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ)to obtain a race license, plus a MNZ affiliated motorcycle club such as the Auckland Motorcycle Club, or your local equivalent. After next year the local motorcycle club membership will be optional once the NZPCRA has completed is own affiliation process in the next few months, but it is still needed at this time for legal requirements.
After joining the NZPCRA, you need a copy of both the MNZ and the NZPCRA inc rule books, and then it’s time to start planning.
What you will need:
A Bike
A set of leathers
A good pair of gloves
A pair of riding boots
A helmet
A back protector
A 1kg Fire Extinguisher (1 per bike)
The Bike:
Choice of bike is a critical factor.
There are three classes supported by the NZ Post Classic Racing Association:
Pre ’72: Motorcycles manufactured between January 1st 1963 and October 30 1972.
Pre ’82: Motorcycles manufactured between January 1st 1973 and December 31 1982
Pre ’89: Motorcycles manufactured between January 1st 1983 and December 31 1989
Motorcycles manufactured in any country during these periods are eligible for racing in these classes.
Often, the most cost effective way to start racing is to buy an existing race bike that has had all the prerequisite work already done to it, otherwise, look for a bike in reasonably good condition and go from there.
In short, the best thing to do is come to the track, chat to people and then make your decision whether to buy a $1000 bucket racer, a cheap RD350 or a pristine CB1100R or TZ700.
For a first season it’s probably wise to buy something reliable and inexpensive, that way you can concentrate on riding and then upgrade later as you progress or when something special comes along.
Getting the bike ready:
The NZPCRA covers what preparation is required, but generally you need to:
Safety wire the sump plug and oil filter to the frame.
Plug the handle bar ends with ready-made plugs available from most motorcycle shops.
Put ball end levers on the front brakes and clutch.
Remove all dangerous protrusions.
Ensure that all components are tight.
Ensure that all wheel and swing arm bearings are in good order.
Race Bike Numbers:
On joining the NZ Post Classic Racing Association you will be able to apply for a race number.
These are class specific in their colour and the back ground; depending on the class you are competing in.
Colour, size and placement of the numbers are covered in the NZPCRA rule book.
Sometimes you will be able to get your lucky number – but only if it is available.
Numbers can be bought at your local motorcycle shop.
Leathers:
To race you must have leathers that do not have any tears or holes. Zips must be in good order.
Two piece leathers MUST zip together at the waist.
Leathers can be bought second hand for a few hundred dollars, or custom made for thousands.
One of the the best buys are new one-piece leathers from Pakestan; that start around $500 and go up from there.
Gloves:
Ever slid your hand along a rough concrete driveway?
Buy good gloves. Do not skimp.
Gloves with carbon fibre style knuckles cost around $150 and are good value as they will last for years, and save your hands.
Boots:
If you have some motorcycle riding boots, they will probably do to start with, but a trip to a race meeting will give you a good idea of what riders are wearing.
Helmet:
You only have one head, and you need to look after it.
You can buy new helmets for around $100, however I recommend that you buy the best helmet you can afford – you only have to watch some of the crashes on WSB & MotoGP to see why.
Get the most recently made one that you can that fits you well, regardless of colour and style. Polycarbonate helmets should only be raced for a maximum of three years.
Back Protector:
You must have a solid back protector to go racing – no exceptions.
Race entry:
A race entry must be submitted, you can enter on the day, this is generally a bit of a pain for the club officials and again takes time. Entering on the day also incurs an additional cost (this option is not always available, so check with the officiating club).
You will be able to post / fax and pay for your entry several weeks prior to race day.
Documentation:
On race day you will need to have your MNZ race license with you to present at scutineering (I always have my club license in the front cover as well).
At some race meetings there is a provision for day licenses, but check well before race day to see if this provision will be available.
Your first race day:
Arrive at the track bright and early and get a good position for your bike close to the other competitors with similar machines if possible. Pit positions are sometimes pre-booked, but mostly it’s just find a spot.
Some tracks, like Pukekohe and Manfield have pit shelters, but an inexpensive ‘warehouse’ shelter will provide also some welcome shade on a hot day.
Get unpacked and look for the sign on location and scrutineering.
Sign on early to avoid the rush – and take your helmet with you.
Get the bike scrutineered – there can be a bit of a log jam later on, and it’s a good chance to talk to other riders waiting in line.
Go to the riders briefing and listen to the instructions. Useful information about starting procedures and track safety matters are issued by the clerk of the course.
Get a programme and mark up your practice times and races.
Find your mentor and have a chat, get the low down on practice. Listen for announcements and go out for your practice sessions.
Take your first race day easy, try to avoid binning it, introduce yourself to a few people and you’ll find that everyone is pretty friendly.
We have all had the experience of first race nerves (some of us still get them), and if it makes it easier for you, ask the officials to let you start from the back of the grid on your first race.
Getting Permanently Organised:
Races are often won away from the track! It costs about $300 to do a race meeting. The most organized people get the best results with the least amount of strife and they also have the best race days, often because they have time to socialize.
Get your bike well prepared and your gear well organized. Keep your paper work up to date. Time preparing prior to the race meet makes the day enjoyable – you can socialize a bit and not have to sweat mechanical repairs in the hot sun!!
After a while you will discover that a substantial amount of the fun is being immersed in the racing scene and enjoying the company of the people who go racing.
My wife will always be at the race day if it’s possible, and we turn it into a relaxing day, with plenty of good food to go around, and a bit to spare as well.
There is usually a BBQ and beer after the finish of racing which is a great time to relax, socialize and swap stories about the day.
We’re a friendly bunch, so come and make yourself known.