There are loads of ways you can start your racing career without taking out a second mortgage too.
For 2007, manufacturers like Ducati, Triumph, Suzuki and Yamaha all have tempting package deals on offer, and this route can be much cheaper than buying a used race machine and paying for everything else on top.
Ducati are backing the Sport 1000 Cup, which is just eight rounds and the rules don't allow many changes from standard road spec, plus tyre-warmers are banned.
KTM are backing the Super Duke 990 Battle, which is a more hardcore event, with some tuning allowed on the bike and a 10 round schedule, linked to the British Superbike races. The basic Super Duke bike costs £6,500, but riders have to fork out for kit, entry fees, tyres etc on top, plus the cost of tuning work.
Meanwhile Suzuki have a clear-cut deal: for £12,040 inc VAT, the budding racer receives a race-prepared Suzuki GSX-R600 plus Dunlop tyres for an eight round Championship, with entry fees paid for all rounds, Dainese leathers, boots, gloves and back protector plus the first Novice Licence and Competitive Training Course are also included.
Triumph's T3 series costs about the same, but has the option of allowing riders to pay £6,000 down, then another £6,300 in instalments over eight months. The bike is the new Triumph 675 triple, with uprated suspension included in the package deal.
If you want it cheap and cheerful, maybe you should try rent-a-racer, who can supply a Suzuki SV650 for a weekend of racing, for £500 deposit, £150 bike hire, plus fuel and tyre costs on top. Not bad if you fancy just a few novice level meetings.
Find out more at acu.org.uk
