What! you still have the center stand on ?:o …that’s like about 20lbs. right there
+1 on the make friends with other racers and you might need to remind yourself occasionally, you are there to have fun and meet new people, only the Pros and Track Officials are there to make a living. One of the great things about racing is, seeing how you and your bike stack up. You might be way better than most at handling your bike and not even know it, or maybe a lesser rider on an equal but far better prepared bike will blow away the competition in straights and on acceleration, the Race Track is the ultimate place to discover these things. Being a beginner Novice does not assert you will perform badly, so prepare extremely well and approach it with a desire to do well and you will have a far better experience. In retrospect, my passion for amateur Trials competition is likely a result of doing so well at my first modern event. My bike was mint and I tried so damn hard not to place last, I ended up taking second place in a 2 day National event, may you do as well and become similarly addicted to Go Fast racing;)
Jeff and Eternal gave a pretty good check list, so just to expatiate on a few items; Things that might be slightly worn or operate less than perfect may get by on the road, but fail miserably under the stress of racing. I think I’d be installing a new chain if the original is the least bit stretched and inspect the countershaft sprocket teeth while you are at it. Maybe see if you can buy different sized counter-shaft sprockets and with some advance research, you might gain an advantage by going up or down one tooth size depending on the speed of the track. New brake pads are in order, but wear them in before the race. Make sure your handlebar grips are perfect too, you don’t want the left one spinning loose in the middle of a heat. When was the last time you changed your front fork oil, I’m guessing never ? New spark plugs for sure and I don’t know anyone that does this, but my bike manual actually recommends replacing the spark plug cap after every 3 races New air filter might be in order and a carb cleaning at the start of the season, under constant full throttle your bike may not perform 100% and that might never become apparent on the road. +1 on removing mirrors, passenger pegs, signals, reflectors or anything else that might save ounces or catch on things. Clean your bike! …Jeff said it and I reiterate that one, get out your old tooth brush and go over every square inch with an eye for detail.
New helmet visor and maybe even visor tear-offs are a great idea, spare gloves and socks too, you know it just might rain, speaking of which, how do you feel about riding very fast on wet pavement ? If you need an AMA or whatever competition license, acquire it at the start of the year, don’t wait until you arrive for the first event, you don’t need that extra stress and your bike might need to wear a big number on a special colored background ! Ear plugs or not, be very deliberate with your shifting, lots of guys miss a shift in the heat of the moment and that is hard on your engine and your lap times, in a race you will hear everyone else’s bike, not your own.
Start early in the season because as the season advances, so does the level of competition. This is very much the case in Trials where the sections become progressively harder. Hydrate ! …your body will need water far more than usual and leg cramps, arm pump and headache are symptoms of de-hydration. Stick with food that is easy to digest before and during Race day.
Shade;) …you need the pretty girl with a big sponsors umbrella, for when you are waiting on the start grid.