I created this list of 100 things a racer can do to get success Anyone add or subtract for this list msg me. After being asked what is one thing to do to get fast, I rambled off off the top of my head some and realized I needed to put this list together. https://design-engine.com/100-things-sportbike-racers-do-to-win/
you know I hear this a lot.... it always bugged me as I dont agree, I've been coaching for 10 years and I've only gotten faster, Safer and better . I attribute this of course to STT as they are constantly working on making their coaches better. from giving us time to work on our own skills to having other coaches work with other coaches to work on skills as well. STT is really adamant about improving us, so we can be the best for everyone else! also honestly going slower has made me better as well, being able to really take you back to the basics, what we are having others work on we get to work on too! that said if you're always doing novice then yeah you'll get slower at first as you speed perception will be off, but a few laps back will sort ya out.
Coaching trackdays, you may get faster laptimes each year. And you should. Racing I struggled to drop 1 full second at BFR each year. Finally, I got down to consistent 1:10's even in practice on a 600 often getting fastest lap times at events on a 600. If I was coaching I think I would have gotten maybe more track time but not dropped the full second. Just sayen. at 1:10 the other seconds are a real struggle. I hope you folks enjoy my 100 list. It was great fun being in my head thinking about it.
I thoroughly enjoy your track vids on youtube. They really show what is capable on a bike. I particularly am in awe of your late braking. Noticed you took out the commentary. I thought they were great. So, your 100 list seems more directed at the things to do off the bike than on the bike. That was a little disappointing. You leave most of the on bike coaching to others. I wanted more nuggets like learning to feel the front tire slide... Absolutely meaning no disrespect, but Is there a reason for this? I tend to find that the few racers ive run across (in person buying parts or at the track) don't like to talk about how they go fast. Even on the WERA board, most talk about body position, suspension settings etc are met with either go talk to the expert, or some degree of ridicule. It's actually very perplexing to me. It kinda reminds me about another hobby I dabble in, welding. The bravado and veil of secrecy around welding was thick about a decade ago. Either you know how to weld or you don't. Very few resources to learn short of apprenticing. These days you can get pretty good practicing on your own. Just a few thoughts...
Thanks for the kind words... I did not take the commentary (annotations) off the race videos.... or at least not on purpose. I spent a few hours today trying to turn them back on... no luck. Ill be updating this 100 list over the next few weeks. Do you have anything specific to add relative to the 'on course' part? Ill think about that 'on course' additions tonight. As far as 'how to go fast' that is what the entire list is to do. Trust in your equipment ... visualize.... ect.
I'm thinking by the time you get to racing, you've already figured how best to get your bike to turn. When and how hard to get on the brakes. and how to roll on the throttle as early as possible when appropriate. The basics... and instead of trying to teach motorcycle dynamics 101, a riding coach would be better suited... ok. It's then the others things you list that make the little differences that add up to success. I think I'm understanding... for example talking about certain techniques to a racer is like telling your surgeon how to be successful by talking about how to hold a knife. No, you assume a level of competency and your intention was to list the other stuff you do that makes the difference.
as for youtube video annotations as best I can tell Youtube has discontinued them which is why they are off on the videos. "YouTube annotations, those annoying translucent boxes that you rush to disable the moment they appear, will finally disappear for good on January 15th, 2019. After this date, “all existing annotations will be removed,” according to a YouTube support page."