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The Approach

Racing is an approach. It's a mindset. It's not just the act of doing; or of competing. It's much more than that. There's an adage about a racer's participation in roadracing lasting two years on average. After two years, it's over. And there's a lot of truth in that statement. There are a variety of reasons behind why so many start and don't stay. Money is often a key factor. However the biggest reason in my opinion is the approach.

What is the approach? It's the overall goals, objectives and plan of action you take from the start. It's the big picture. If you go in unsure whether or not you can afford to spend the money (and sometimes more importantly) the time to do it right, then you're already wasting your time. Many of the people in the pits aren't doing it right. Heck, I know how much time, effort and money we've spent and we're still not doing it right at the moment. But I believe we've at least got the right approach.

So do it right .. what's that mean? It means taking the necessary steps in order to succeed, whatever your definition of success is – whether it be finishing in the top 10, winning a race, or becoming a professional racer. It means dedicating yourself – to the series, to the season – whatever series or group you follow and choose to participate with. It's not cutting corners. It's getting new tires when you need them. It's making sure your bike is setup right. It's making sure your bike looks good for sponsors to see. It's working in the offseason to try and find sponsors to help you afford racing in the first place. It's going to track days for practice and testing time. It's realizing you actually need that practice and can't get away with just racing and thinking that will be enough – it's not enough. If anyone at our level of competition (which is relatively high might I add) tells you they don't need practice, they don't know what it really takes. There are factory riders training, riding and doing anything and everything they can to go faster every day. They're doing it right now. You're not. And as I'm sitting here typing, I'm not (as much as excellent finger dexterity matters in racing).

Most of the approach is mental. The mindset. Knowing that racing is a game of highs and lows. It's being realistic. It's knowing you can absolutely go out and achieve what you want, but knowing that sometimes it may not be easy. And sometimes, it may be downright harder than anything else you've ever done. Hard enough to make you want to quit? Sure, that's why the average is only two years. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it wouldn't they? That’s not to say there isn’t a certain level of talent required to go far, but that's relative to the level of success you wish to achieve.

"But what if I'm racing for fun? I'm not that serious." Well that's great. That in itself is an approach. As long as you know that going in. As long as you can quantify it and justify your risk versus reward; and ultimately get what you want out of racing, with what you're able to put into it, you've been successful. I've seen people put in half as much as what they expect to get back and it doesn't work that way. They're disappointed. They come up with excuses as to why it's not going how they want it to. Some of which may be true, but their mentality and approach often aren't in line with their reality. They're not prepared for the challenges racing presents.

This is racing – anyone who can see that checkered flag and know in their heart they can get to it first, will do whatever it takes to get to that point. You've got to put in the time and effort. You've got to have the correct mindset. The level of commitment and the right approach. If your approach and goals don't match, you'll likely be disappointed and won't stick with it. And if your approach doesn't match what you're physically capable of, then you're not being realistic. The bonus in all this – if you've done everything possible, put it all out there and didn't reach your goals, you can generally live with that. You did everything you could. Maybe it was enough. Maybe it wasn't. But if you had the right approach, you can now accurately outline new goals, and you know exactly how to reach them.

If you can't put forth the right approach, let yourself accept that and be able to live with it. Realize when you can't do it the way you want to – or need to, and identify that. Either adjust your approach, or know when to let it end. However, be sure that you have left it all out there; because once you sell the leathers, only the memories remain of what you once did; and it's hard to get back to the point where you left off.

I see people with the right approach and I want to be like them. And I see the people who don’t have it; at least by my definition. I want to be like the ones who have it right. I don’t think I have it all right. I’m still learning, but I’m trying to be successful at what I spend so much effort, time and money to do. I've been fortunate to have good people around me who have had the right approach. And that's half the battle. Hopefully it will pay off.

Monday, November 13th, 2006 | POSTED AT: 7:23 AM
FILED UNDER: General