racing intelligence

Most professional racers have developed a ‘race intelligence’ which helps them on multiple levels. It makes you have an instinct on what’s going on around you momentarily, AND can picture what’s gonna happen next. There is a lot to it though.

This has more or less, something to do with ‘spatial thinking’ and human knowledge. Additionally for our sport needed, is a deep understanding and feel for physics, technical grip levels, and the ability to make decisions in a split second for always changing variables and conditions. Well, in addition to this- also an instinct for the consequences if a decision is might be wrong. That’s quite a mental load, isn’t it?!

NFL star Payton Manning had an enormous ‘game intelligence’. Was he that good throwing the ball… no, other QB’s were better than him with this. Was he that good running the ball… no, he wasn’t. He compensated all this with a game intelligence like no other. He could read a defenders mind. I believe he could see the pass and what’s gonna happen in front of his eyes, right before calling ‘Omaha’. He could think like his receiver did, just in that certain moment on his route. Like a ‘what would I do’ triple scenario vs. consequences rundown in just a split second. Try to even imagine that!

A race intelligence can help you running down several start scenarios, depending on your grid position. This is not like the ‘what/if’ thing. This is more like a look into the future and comparison, where you can literally see yourself and the entire field as if you’re sitting on the grandstand. I could literally see what would happen if I would attack the first turn on the inside- then rewind and attack on the outside. How would my opponents react and where would that take them. Don’t know if you can imagine what the first turn looks like when ten racers throw themselves into every open gap right after start, but that’s pretty much the most frightening thing you can do to yourself. Now here is you, who had all those different scenarios running like a video through your head. Means- you’ve been there already and so it’s less shocking. Cool huh?!

That race intelligence helped you set up an overall strategy for the entire race. That includes facts like, how many laps, your momentary stamina, the championship point standings, the tire compound decision you made on the grid, and if you are in a start to finish dog-fight or leading the field. Quite a bit huh?!

During the race, race intelligence makes you have an instinct of when and where your opponent is going to ride an attack. You think ‘like him’ in his position. If you are required to attack, your instinct is to play it through before you actually physically do. Instead of punching around, you literally lay him up for a confidence-breaking attack.

Now you’re leading, and your race intelligence allows you to switch on risk management. Every time you zip down the finish straight, your team shows you the gap on the board. You go just as fast as you have to to save tire life.

You control the environment. You master the environment. You are the environment.

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

There’s nothing quite like the exhilarating feeling of the wind rushing past you as you twist the throttle and your motorcycle surges forward. For many riders, the allure of speed is a fundamental part of the motorcycle experience. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and motorcycle speeding can be a double-edged sword. In this article, we’ll explore the thrill of speed, its risks, and the crucial importance of safety while riding.

The Thrill of Speed:

Let’s face it; speed is one of the main reasons people are drawn to motorcycles. The sensation of acceleration, the lean into corners, and the open road ahead can be irresistible. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other. But it’s important to remember that, while speed can be thrilling, it should always be tempered with caution and respect for the rules of the road.

The Risks of Motorcycle Speeding:

  1. Reduced Reaction Time: As your speed increases, your reaction time decreases. When you’re riding at high speeds, you have less time to respond to unexpected obstacles or changes in traffic conditions. This reduced reaction time can be a recipe for disaster.
  2. Increased Severity of Accidents: In the unfortunate event of an accident, higher speeds can lead to more severe injuries. The laws of physics dictate that the force of impact increases exponentially with speed. So, even a relatively minor collision at high speed can result in life-altering consequences.
  3. Decreased Control: Maintaining control of your motorcycle becomes more challenging as you push the speedometer to its limits. Sudden maneuvers or obstacles can become much more difficult to handle at high speeds.

Prioritizing Safety:

  1. Gear Up: Always wear proper safety gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, protective clothing, gloves, and boots. High-speed crashes can result in severe head injuries, and a helmet is your best defense.
  2. Know Your Limits: Every rider has their own skill level and comfort zone. It’s crucial to ride within your limits and avoid peer pressure to keep up with faster riders.
  3. Obey Speed Limits: Speed limits exist for a reason. Stick to them and adjust your speed according to road conditions, weather, and traffic.
  4. Stay Alert: Keep your focus on the road at all times. Avoid distractions like texting or daydreaming. Staying alert can help you react more quickly to potential hazards.
  5. Skill Improvement: Consider taking advanced riding courses to enhance your skills and learn techniques for safe high-speed riding.

Superbike-Coach Corp

Conclusion:

Motorcycle speeding can be an exhilarating experience, but it comes with inherent risks that should never be underestimated. Safety should always be a rider’s top priority. By respecting speed limits, wearing proper gear, and continuously improving your riding skills, you can enjoy the thrill of the ride while minimizing the dangers associated with excessive speed. Remember, it’s not about how fast you can go; it’s about how safely you can get there.

Our wheelie machine made it all the way though the heat, just like my boy Mark Stewart​ and Wayne Steele there. Want to see the Superbike-Coach wheelie machine in action?
Outstanding job and 101% committed. So did Marion Akkaya​, Christian Baird​, Nick Baker​, Dean Lonskey​ and Lindsey Alexander​.
We gave it all we had that day. A virtual applause goes to those students who took the challenge and stand tall at a 107 Fahrenheit.

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This is might controversial to you, but I literally get to experience a phenomenon every week- not just with riders I don’t know, but also and mainly with students. It obviously doesn’t apply to all of you, but to a big percentage for sure.

So here is ‘Joe’ who is signed up for his very first track day. Joe did some schooling and has a lot of riding experience. His visions, wish-thinking and especially expectations of how he’s gonna look like during that track day are astronomical. The same goes for hundreds of my own students, who went through a lot of hands-on and real life coaching. Most of them did it all- cornering programs, knee down classes, and 1on1’s. Also here… visions, wish-thinking and especially expectations towards their first ever track day at ‘the big track’.

The expectations of/in themselves and especially in what they’ve learned, will probably lead them right into confusion and frustration, and that will cause them to question that what they’ve learned was good or right. Some will start pushing their limits and crash- some won’t come back to finish their schooling. At this point you might smile and think that I am worried to ‘lose them’. I can tell you that I am worried to lose them to foolishness. Not more- not less.

So I am extremely confident in what these guys have learned and I am truly not looking for excuses… they are at the end of their first track day. The actual problem is though, that their expectations are STILL beyond their capabilities. That’s just one point. Another one is, that they are dropped off into a boxing ring. There will be passing all over them, which is something a brain has to get use to. Additionally, the pace they gonna make is way beyond they ever been and the track they are on is way wider.

There is a lot you do not know yet. You are only totally overwhelmed, so that you might can’t put to action what you’ve learned. This is fooling you quickly!

I remember one kid at this point. He had a blast during cornering day 1 and he made a quantum jump forward with his abilities. He came to me and said that he can’t wait to get into day 2. Till then, he got himself a new bike and went to a track day. Naturally, pretty much everyone was faster than him and he very likely was all over the place which is probably why he crashed. Finally day 2 arrived and I already felt a distanced student there. He already looked frustrated and wasn’t really ‘attending’. First turns into the first track session, I saw him overly pushing already. It didn’t take long from there for him to crash.

I had a lot of talks with him from there, just to understand what happened to him. It was like talking to a different person- to someone who lost faith and trust in what he had learned. Someone who is more frustrated than confused. He actually started talking to other riders, expecting that they can help. How can they, when they don’t understand neither what the actual problem is, nor to know what the fix is?! Then it was on me to tell him what I am thinking the issue is, but held back, cuz’ he might only sees it as a desperate attempt to not to lose him.

Trust me… I don’t want to even look this way and I actually think he is a loss already because he ‘likes to think’ that this is a good excuse. This is some deep stuff, you know?!

So… for the rest of you going into your first track day… It is not about what you’ve learned. It will be all about being totally overwhelmed. It will narrowing your vision because you are STILL far away from being in control of distraction and fears. It is because of high speed and passing’s you’ve never experienced. You might still believe that this is all about balls and that sticking to track days does the rest…

Don’t be a fool!

Superbike-Coach Corp

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

superbike coach wheelieschool Wheelie machine

Our next Superbike-Coach wheelie class is coming up quick on 10/21/2023. A few tickets are left.

We are excited to let you use our new wheelie machine, which were standing the real life test last July. We also changed the general agenda and schedule, which puts our students even into more action. Once more, we are welcoming riders from all over the world to this class. Join us and sign up before it’s too late.

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

superbikecoach track day

Our last track day was in 2018, so finally here we go again :-)

Our track days are track newbie orientated and very popular. For only $165 you’ll get:
Coach Can Akkaya will be on the track with our riders at Thunderhill– A weekend track day
– 7×20 minute sessions for each group B+, B and C
– All turns the west track has to offer
– Fully equipped track staff, towing vehicle, ambulance
– Control riders
– C group orientation
– A/C clubhouse
– Less bike preparation
– Lower gear requirements
– Free ‘Ideal Line West Seminar’ by Headcoach Can Akkaya
– Free Sport Photography by Dean Lonskey

…and guess what… we’re making it different. If you are looking for a ‘beginner oriented’ track day event, or if you have a touring bike and nobody else lets you on the track, or if you have a race bike, Superbike-Coach track days have something for everyone.
Suitable grouping for safe track riding
– First time on the track- or touring/cruiser bikes (group C)
– Intermediate riders- or street and sport bikes (group B)
– Advanced riders- or sport and track bikes (group B+)
We are always booking out, so sign up ASAP.
Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp
Coach's Motorcycle Tips

Superbike-Coach Can Akkaya in podcast interview with Greg Drevenstedt of the the Rider Magazine
https://ridermagazine.com/2022/08/19/can-akkaya-ep-43-rider-magazine-insider-podcast/