[uncledunnie]

Having just read all the foregoing I know if I was on the fence about signing up for this and was a novice I'd be scared ****less!!! - but maybe thats not such a bad thing!!

I think the points Weeksy and CC make about racing being a run-away train are very important and it is perfectly reasonable of them to wipe the rose tinting from all our glasses. As they rightly point out it is not just a money issue its a time issue too.

Dickie's last post is getting somewhere now and I would just like to put my angle on it and maybe that will help those who may be undecided to reach a decission.

To me, an opportunity has been provided by the DSC for primarily novice racers to test the water in club racing with their much loved Ducati's at a grass roots level in an environment they are comfortable and confident with (DSC) with the help and support of alot of very experienced people which I understand now extends to Ducati themselves.

Yep, the manufacturer is onboard and offering support - as Chris Bushell has said - if you want to know whats actually going on - talk to the people who know. Now how cool is that - I don't think the Jap manufacturers support this kind of racing in this way........... People who buy in are buying in to alot more than a 600cc jap series has to offer and I believe the personal rewards will be much greater (and no disrespect is intended to anyone who races in these other classes - I am trying to illustrate the point that the Desmo Due series is going to be a bit special). In fact, I believe that plans are a-foot to try and sort a 24hr race during the year - now how f**king cool is that.

The rules ARE simple to apply and as TWPD has said the trick to cheap racing is to spend your money wisely. If you think spending £500 on a set of magnesium dingle dangle rearsets is going to win it for you - FORGET IT, loose a few lbs down the gym, sharpen your mind then see how much quicker you can be. If your on a quicker bike than me or a better rider and you end up behind me I won't be waving you past.

Tyres seem to be a problem at the moment - to me I could'nt care less. If its a control tyre so-be-it, as a novice I'm in no position to comment intelligently on the various merits and demerits of the various manufacturers. But what I do know is - if we are on a comprimise tyre, then we ALL are, its up to the rider in us to get the best from it.

Since warmers and their associated costs seem to be an issue then its easy - no warmers - debate over, I personally would be in favour of that ammendment to the rules.

So far as "how much will cost" goes.....

I spent the best part of £1500 last year on trackdays, tyres, fuel and sundries.

I already have a trailer (3 bike) (As an aside - if someone wants to take part and is put off by the lack of suitable transport but lives nearby, I'm happy to help out and keep the costs down)

I don't have a bike yet

I am not considering transport or food because the trackdays and other leisure time have that cost associated with them anyway.

I don't expect my consumables budget (bike) to exceed £1k

I buy a bike £2k (say) and spend a further £1k putting it in shape - £3k total

I compete for a year and decide that was enough, I've spent £5500.

But hang on a minute, I was going to spend £1500 trackdaying anyway and I've got a £3k bike and equipment to sell on. Lets assume I take a hit and sell the bike and equipment for £2k.

The extra cost of competing in this series is only (consumables plus depreciation of my asset) £2000 max.

A weeks holiday in the sun or a years racing with a great bunch of guys - well I made my choice months ago.

In terms of absolute cost, Weeksy you are right. But if like me you want to take that next step from existing trackday addictions (and have already time and money budgets in place for that hobby) then I see no reason why the extra cost need exceed £2k and if you actually already own a qualifying bike then its even cheaper. To me thats pretty damn cheap racing in a gentlemanly environment and this is exactly what the organisers intended.

Afterthought,

when I read JHP were entering with "Dave the storeman" - surely he has a real name !!! my first reaction was - I can see where this going and felt a bit depressed. Now I think bring it on - when the flag drops we are all equal - we can all fall off - have moment - get bike troubles - bad start - get past me - and and for a company with the standing of JHP to have the desire to be involved with Desmo Due this tells me it will be very special and a great year beckons