First time at a bike race

[casualwsbkfan]

Hi all

I've been a casual fan of bike racing on eurosport for a few years now, but I've never bothered to go see a race live before. I'm going to Donington to see the world superbikes next weekend and was wondering whether anybody could give some advice to someone who's never been to a race before?

[Clanger]

Take warm clothes, something to sit on, something to eat & drink and some cash...and go and enjoy yourself.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[Tenko]

Warm clothes, something waterproof in a rucksac, a disposable barbie, some sausages, ketchup, bread rolls and a pack of wet-wipes.

[Frost]

Last time i was at donnington the toilets were god damn aweful. The burger van had an epic queue. Most people seemed to leave after the second WSBK race and some didn't even get there till just before the second race! The support races are often the best of the day so get there early and watch them!

[casualwsbkfan]

Thank you Clanger - I always take a stool when I go to Glastonbury but it hadn't occurred to me to take one for this! Given the last couple of superbike races I definitely plan on warm and waterproofs. Advice on the internet suggests that the Craner curves and Redgate - I'll have to look up WHERE Redgate is, but has anyone other advice? Where's best for seeing passes?

Also, given that I'm RUBBISH at recognising bikes and riders, should I print out like a key or something? Is there a commentary out of loudspeakers, or do you rent one of those headset thingies?

Frost, thanks for the info. I'll play it safe and pack sandwiches. Glastonbury has taught me how to deal with unpleasant toilets! I've watched the support races VERY occasionally before, it all seems very smashy crashy, but if everyone leaves when the second WSBK race is done, we might save a bit of hassle by not getting straight off, cheers. We'll definitely get there early, I'm not a fan of sitting in queues.

[sidewinder]

Buy a programe it will tell you all about the riders there numbers what races there in etc.there Usually £5 at the bsb races
take a bag as well handy for keeping all the free stuff you get given in to and a camera.plus all the above.....

[carlosthejack...]

Take plenty of cash. There's loads of shopping opportunities. And you will buy stuff! And if you see something you want, buy it there and then. It won't be there when you go back. I've been burned with that a few times at BSB!

And take some pack up. Don't buy the food, it's gash and massively overpriced. Nice cool bag full of butties, crisps and choccies. That'll keep you going.
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[dsb79]

Not been to Donnington, but best place to sit is either in front of the big screen or grandstand. Always take some waterproofs and some sandwiches and a flask as the burgers are a rip off and taste like dirt!

[casualwsbkfan]

Thank you everyone, your advice is much appreciated! My list is now as follows:

Warm clothes
Waterproofs
Something to sit on (I'm thinking a stool from Go Outdoors)
Money to buy stuff
Bag for freebies
Barbeque and food, or sandwiches
Flask (may substitute cans of wake up juice)
Wet wipes
Buy a programme

I've watched plenty of races at Donington, but I couldn't say where most overtakes happen (I'm not paying THAT close attention), so I've downloaded last year's BSB races to help determine this, and also to look at where people are allowed to watch from. Not that I'm excited about going or anything...

[Clanger]

[Duke46]

I always sit by Foggies Esses as you can get close to the bikes and hear them at full chat. Some good overtaking there as well. Get there early though as there's a lot of others with the same idea and not a lot of space.

Otherwise sit on the banking and watch them all the way down through Craner.

One thing for certain. If you move part way through, the action will take place where you were not where you moved to!

Take plenty of liquid. Not for the racing but for the wait to get out.
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In the garage '05 FZS1000S, '10 KTM990SMT, '13 Tiger 800 ABS
Sold or scrapped '87 CZ125, '88 AR125, '86 GPZ500, '91 FJ1200, '05 XT600, '99&'05 CBR1100XX, '06 Pegaso 660

[Themightyimp]

[Nexus Icon]

[Sako]

as said above definately take a good bit of cash, there can be a lot of stands etc with bargains.

[salty21]

im also losing my bike race virginity at donnington on saturday

Never really watched or followed any bike racing so wont have a clue whats going on, but considering i got a free ticket off a mate i thought why not. Worst case scenario is i get bored and go home early
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04 NSR 125(sold) ---- 03 CBR 600rr(sold) ----90 pan euro ST1100 '' ----02 CG 125
94 CB400 Super Four ---- 2000 VTR SP1 (sold) ---- 08 ninja p8f(sold, meh) ----05 CBR600rr

[Frost]

I always stand between redgate (turn 1) and the old hairpin (bottom of craner). The hill is much steeper than you're expecting and you can see the bikes for quite a bit. The old hairpin can be a good overtaking spot too!
I always stay right to the end to avoid the massive rush to leave.

[truslack]

[Clanger]

[salty21]

i saw lots of crashes and drank beer, all in all, a good day

the loudspeakers were on, as were the big screens incase anyone has tickets for tomorrow and was wondering.

Dont know where you lot get your free stuff from though, all the stuff i saw was extremely overpriced and i came home with a raffle ticket for £1 which i had to buy because the ticket seller was extremely pretty and i couldnt say no
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04 NSR 125(sold) ---- 03 CBR 600rr(sold) ----90 pan euro ST1100 '' ----02 CG 125
94 CB400 Super Four ---- 2000 VTR SP1 (sold) ---- 08 ninja p8f(sold, meh) ----05 CBR600rr