Start Desert Racing

[spitty625]

I am looking for some insight into starting desert racing. I currently ride a cr 250 and consider myself a decent rider. I am trying to get some info on bike size that is best, which organizations, where to start, bike setup, etc. Any info will be appreciated.

[Slyder]

My best suggestion would be to pick a race and sign up. I would suggest the same race that I started with...Snowflake 100. This is a race that will give you a taste of what desert racing is all about, but it will also not beat you to death. It used to have a pretty good mix of high speed and technical areas. Last year, due to the fires, most of the technical was removed. I feel it is still a fun event, and it will give you a good idea what to expect at other events as far as pitting, course markings, event organization...

The Alto Pit race in Prescott is also a fun event. This is a much more technical race that more resembles a GNCC Cross Country race from the southeastern U.S.

Robert
TRX330R
Whiplash #172

[spitty625]

Thanks for the info. I probably will try both of those races to get a feel for the different course types. I assume you ride a quad but what seems to be the bike of choice for racers. I know there are all different classes but I would like to get an idea.

[Slyder]

You are correct, I do ride a quad. I think the CR250 you currently have will do a great job. I have seen all kinds of 2-wheelers running at the Whiplash events. Obviously, the 4 strokes are showing up more and more, but there are plenty of guys still winning and doing well with the 2 strokes.

Robert
TRX330R
Whiplash #172

[Dezrcr]

The bike that everyone is going to has been any brand of four stroke. They are easier to ride, and more efficient on gas, but give up a few pounds in weight. I love my thumper and will never go back. There is a couple racers in my class that still race 250/500 and still put the whooppin on.

Ben Hutchinson
Whiplash #32
BITD #330

Sponsors to thank:
Pit crew,Tucson Steel Dor, MotoWorks,MKB Construction, IMS Products, Sprocket Specalists, Maxxis, Big Gun Exhuast systems,Cycle Gear, Tag/One Industries, and Z Moto.

[spitty625]

What is the best way to prepare for one of these races? Is there anything you should have other than the normal riding gear, etc? Can you preride courses?

[Slyder]

Helmet, goggles, gloves, pants, shirt, chest protector, boots, 'Camelbak' type system.

Whiplash generally offers a pre-run the day before. This is usually referred to as a Poker Run by Whiplash.

Robert
TRX330R
Whiplash #172

[Dbag]

It would be a good idea to start thinking about armor for the bike like skid plate, hand guards and disk guards. An oversized gas tank is a must have for some of the longer races. I would also recommend a wide array of front and back sprockets for the different types of tracks we race throughout the year. None of these are crucial for the first few races, but over time all of these will come in very handy.

#110 Dbag
I Practice like a Pro
Race like a beginner!

[Dezrcr]

A drinking system is a must! Also some people don't like to carry the extra weight, but I do, a tool kit is very nice to have. I would rather carry around an extra 5lb than get stuck out on the course. Good heavy duty tubes! Avoid pinch flat, and spend the extra 5 bucks. Roll-offs, or a tear off system is a good thing, some races you will like to two sets of goggles to change out when you pit. Handguards? Do you have those? They save your hand for when you are bashing bushes or when a guy like Dbag goes by throwing baseball sized rocks at you. They can also save your levers from breaking in a crash. Something I forgot that has saved my butt a few times, a steering dampener. GPR or Scotts is the way to go. It takes away the fatigue factor and makes it much easier to ride. These are also things to make you ride better, safer,and more fun. Enjoy.

Ben Hutchinson
Whiplash #32
BITD #330

Sponsors to thank:
Pit crew,Tucson Steel Dor, MotoWorks,MKB Construction, IMS Products, Sprocket Specalists, Maxxis, Big Gun Exhuast systems, Cycle Gear, Tag/One Industries, Doggone Graphix and Z Moto.

[spitty625]

Thanks for all of the info. I have alot of this stuff already. Other questions would be in regards to spark arrestors. Are they required? Also what are some good places in or around phoenix to train, practice at for desert racing? How does the numbering/class system work?

[WHIP 301]

SPARK ARRESTORS ARE A MUST IN WHIPLASH RACES
YOU EILL START IN THE 900 CLASS FIRST TIME RACERS
THEY WILL AVERAGE YOUR TIME WITH THE OTHER CLASSES THEN PUT YOU IN THAT CLASS THE NEXT RACE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN ALTO PIT
ITS A KILLER RACE SLOW AND TEC
J.R.

IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACEING

KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE

[WHIP 301]

DECRCR IS RIGHT ABOUT THE DAMPENER IVE RACED WHIPLASH SINCE 96
WITHOUT ONE IT WILL MAKE AN OLD MAN OUT YOU REAL QUICK WITHOUT
IT

IF YOU FEEL THE PAIN YOUR NOT CONCENTRATING ENOUGH ON YOUR RACEING

KDX 220 WHIPLASH 301
NOT TOO FAST BUT DEPENDABLE

[Dezrcr]

Make sure you Spark Arrestor is stamped USFS. Whiplash is starting to enforce the issue, and I'm sure since we are going up north to race in the trees they will be checking closely. They gave me some crap for showing up with a screen over the silencer many times, but that came to an end at Gila Bend.

The class info is on WWW.WHIPLASHRACING.COM That can answer all you question on where you will begin, and where you will be placed.


Ben Hutchinson
Whiplash #32
BITD #330

Sponsors to thank:
Pit crew,Tucson Steel Dor, MotoWorks,MKB Construction, IMS Products, Sprocket Specalists, Maxxis, Big Gun Exhuast systems, Cycle Gear, Tag/One Industries, Doggone Graphix and Z Moto.

[spitty625]

Thanks guys for all of the info. Hope to be racing soon. I am going to be buying a crf450 soon so once I get it desert ready I will test my skill.