Darren Crisp

Name

Darren Crisp

Age

28

Years Racing

1

Team Details

Andy Hayes of MLF Racing and I share garage / awning when we can. Occasionally get help from my brother and my dad but mostly on my own!

Website

n/a

Sponser Details

n/a

Current Class

Sound of Thunder

Current Bike

Triumph 675

Race Number

54

Racing CV

Started in 2006. Main class streetstocks 700 but also ran in open 600.
Entered 10 out of 14 rounds finishing 5th overall in the Championship getting two 3rd’s and a 2nd on the way.

First Race

Pembrey March 2006

Favorite Tracks

Pembrey because I know it well and I like the way it flows. Silverstone GP because it has every type of corner going so in one lap you really have to try out all your skills but also has a dirty great big straight!!

Worse Tracks

Silverstone national. Boring as there’s nothing to it and got taken out there ending my 2007 season before it had even started  

Best finish

2nd in class

Worse Finish

Not sure but in the high twenties in open 600 A final

Proudest Moments

All 3 of my podiums and holding class lap record at Darley…..until this year anyway!

Lowest Moments

Getting taken out at Silverstone round 1 2007 through no fault of my own breaking my arm and wrist ending my season and costing a lot to fix the bike!

Why did you start racing

Have wanted to do it for as long as I can remember

Explain your Best racing moment

Starting from the back of the grid at Darley Moor and finishing 4th

What is your average year’s budget for racing?

I don’t keep an accurate track on my budget but excluding getting all the kit in the 1st place I spent about £4k in 2006.

What are your Goals with racing?

To win a race and to get back ‘that buzz’ which I have lost since getting taken out

Have you been injured when racing

Yes, broken wrist and forearm. Not a patch on injuries sustained when taken out by a car on the road though!!

What would it take for you to consider stopping

I should stop now really as I so can’t afford it or risk serious injury, so if that’s not already stopping what will!!? I think having kids will stop me.

What spec of bike would you recommend a Novice start with?

Stock Engine or at most a mild tune. Go for good brakes and suspension if you can afford it but if you can’t get someone who’s worth their salt to help you get the bike set up right for YOU! I’ve always used standard engine and suspension and have done OK for a novice. If you can find a clean bike that has been raced go for that as it will be a lot cheaper than converting your own as generally you get all the spares with the bike. By with care though as there are some sheds out there!!!
If you have the cash to spend though then do your suspension before your engine.

Have makes of riding gear to you recommend?

Go for the best you can afford and make sure it fits well. Don’t worry about looks. They may no difference whatsoever to your results!!!! Ill fitting kit is not only unsafe but can be really off putting when riding and you need to be 110% focussed.

What other gear would you say a novice would need

I think most importantly you need to be comfortable so that you are not getting stressed out about other things. If you are going to a big circuit that has garages and power then you can get away with a car and trail carrying just the bare essentials. But when you go to pembrey or darley for example you need a bit more so if you are doing a full season I’d say get a van that you can sleep in, generator to power lights / heater / cooking, tyres warmers (not essential but not worth going out on cold tyres of you don’t have to given how short the races are)

What are your words of wisdom for starting racing?

Don’t get too carried away with it before your first race. Get the bare essentials and have a go. If you like it after your first race it WILL consume your life and if you decide to have a proper go at it then do just that. Don’t mess about like I did. Do a full season, enter all the races you can and go for it. Don’t waste money doing bits and pieces if you plan to do it seriously at some point.
Don’t forget it is entry level club racing so no matter how good you are there’s always someone quicker on a 10 year old standard bike!!

What do you wish you had been told when you were starting racing?

How much it consumes you, not only in time effort and money but also the constant thinking about it and running scenarios through your head each night….enough to drive you mad!