A Typical Race

Sometimes "no surprises" is a good thing!  Here are the steps through a typical Tuesday evening race to help things go smoothly.

PRE-REGISTER: Our race clerks are very organized, and a big reason for that is because they can get a head start when racers call or fax ahead, between 4pm and 6pm.  The number to call is 203-452-0315.  Have your NBL number handy, also your bike's plate number and if you want Trophy ($8 fee includes award), Trader ($8 fee includes snack bar currency) or just Points ($5 fee).

GET TO THE TRACK: Make sure you get to the track on time to get through registration, bike inspection and practice laps before the 7pm race time.  Aim for no later than 6pm the first couple of times.  If you already have an NBL license, present it, along with your entry fee, to the person at the registration window (building near the finish line). You will receive raffle tickets, with duplicate numbers, as receipt.

GET YOUR BIKE INSPECTED: Right next to the registration building you'll get your bike inspected.  Give one of the raffle tickets, keep the other for the rider raffle that is held between motos 2 & 3.  If there's a problem with the bike, Chris from Spoke & Wheel bike shop will be glad to lend a hand.  He sets up shop near the entrance of the track.

PRACTICE: You'll have till about 6:50 to get some practice laps in. Use the first lap to warm up and get a feel for the track.  For the remaining laps try to focus on the start and first straight acceleration, as well as any sections that look challenging.  Don't exhaust yourself before the race!  3 to 5 laps is usually enough.  Full NBL required gear must be worn during all race day activities.

MOTO BOARDS: The motos are your races. They will be run as three rounds. The moto boards at the back of the track are where the moto sheets are “posted”. The moto sheets are the written forms with all the information about your class that day. This includes your race number or “moto number” and your gate position for each of your three motos. Motos are posted at approximately 6:45pm.  Unless you have a great memory, bring a pen so you can write the numbers down.  Note if there's a Main event for your moto (see below).

THE RACE: After the posting of the motos, the first 10 are called to the starting hill at 6:55pm.. Each moto is run one after the other. Be sure to get up to the staging area when your moto # minus 10 is on the track. With an average of 40 motos, each 3 rounds, the running of the race takes about 2 hours.

THE BREAK : After the second moto, there's a quick break for the rider raffle and the occasional chicken dance for kids of all ages on the track near the finish line.  Also take advantage of our snack shack, which serves burgers, hot dogs, drinks and treats during practice and the race.

FINISHING POSITION: To arrive at the finishing positions for each class, the “Olympic Scoring System” is applied to each moto. 1 point for a first place finish, 2 for a second, 3 for a third etc. The rider with the least number of points for the three rounds of motos, will be declared the winner. In case of a tie, the finishing position will be determined on the basis of the finish in the third round of motos. (If its a two moto system the second moto is the tie breaker).

MAINS: If your age & class has a lot of riders they will be split across multiple motos, of which the top finishers will move on to a main event, which is a fourth race for those who make it. Be sure to quickly get to the moto board to get your new moto number and then go straight to the starting gate, as there are usually not many Mains.

GET YOUR TROPHY : If you paid the extra race fee, you can collect a trophy (or ribbon).  Wait at the registration building and they will call the motos which have scoring completed.  Just identify yourself by your moto number and name and collect your prize!

Next: Classes & Points