02-29-2012, 05:14 PM
So I've actually already bought an already-prepped 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R to race this season. But soon after I bought my racebike, Ducati announced their 2012 contingency program, where they're paying out $1200 a win if you race a 2011 or 2012 848 in the 600 classes in club racing. One caveat, you have to have bought the bike and registered with the contingency program by March 31st.
Now in motorcycle club racing they have separate classes for novice and expert riders. Typically if you finish in the top 3 for the year or whatever you get bumped up to expert. Normally contingency payouts like this only apply to expert race classes but Ducati is paying out for expert and novice.
BIG BUCKS!!!
Just between NJMP, Beaverun, Summit, VIR, and Road Atlanta there are about 18 races (2 per weekend) that I could race in novice and potentially make money. That works out to $21600 for 18 wins, to $5400 for 18 3rd places...
I've checked out the winning lap times from the novice races in the past and they're pretty slow in general (usually about 4-5 seconds a lap slower than expert times). With a race-prepped 848 Evo that would be starting out with 20 extra hp over a 600, I figure I could win at least a couple of races and make a good chunk of change.
Whammies
The main problem is that to buy a 848 Evo and race-prep it would probably cost around $14k on the low end and $18k on the high end. If I win a bunch of races It would be like I got the bike for free, and I could sell it or race it again in 2013. But I could potentially end up spending all that money and not winning any contingency money (too slow, or wad it up at the first race). The other thing is that if I'm racing for money it's going to put me in a significantly different mindset when I go racing (read: out for blood). Probably not a good thing.
Rationally I'll probably stick with what I've got because it doesn't require me outlaying a lot more money right now. But the idea is still driving me mad with irrational desire. Maybe someone can talk some sense into me, or conversely rationalize it to the point it makes sense.
Now in motorcycle club racing they have separate classes for novice and expert riders. Typically if you finish in the top 3 for the year or whatever you get bumped up to expert. Normally contingency payouts like this only apply to expert race classes but Ducati is paying out for expert and novice.
BIG BUCKS!!!
Just between NJMP, Beaverun, Summit, VIR, and Road Atlanta there are about 18 races (2 per weekend) that I could race in novice and potentially make money. That works out to $21600 for 18 wins, to $5400 for 18 3rd places...
I've checked out the winning lap times from the novice races in the past and they're pretty slow in general (usually about 4-5 seconds a lap slower than expert times). With a race-prepped 848 Evo that would be starting out with 20 extra hp over a 600, I figure I could win at least a couple of races and make a good chunk of change.
Whammies
The main problem is that to buy a 848 Evo and race-prep it would probably cost around $14k on the low end and $18k on the high end. If I win a bunch of races It would be like I got the bike for free, and I could sell it or race it again in 2013. But I could potentially end up spending all that money and not winning any contingency money (too slow, or wad it up at the first race). The other thing is that if I'm racing for money it's going to put me in a significantly different mindset when I go racing (read: out for blood). Probably not a good thing.
Rationally I'll probably stick with what I've got because it doesn't require me outlaying a lot more money right now. But the idea is still driving me mad with irrational desire. Maybe someone can talk some sense into me, or conversely rationalize it to the point it makes sense.
2018 Ducati Panigale V4
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com