Practical Pit Boarding | Moto Tips

Presented by Firepower

We’ve all seen the professionals at the highest levels reading their pit boards as they race past the mechanics’ signal area, and we’re sure that many of you who race at the local level have a buddy who likes t run the pit board for you at local races. But what types of messages are best? While many of us may have seen that oldie-but-goodie photo of a woman messaging her man about a “favor” after the race, that might not be the ideal information to get while in the heat of battle. Haha!

We asked our Kickstart Podcast co-host Alex Ray of the SGB Unlimited race team what sorts of things he looks for from his mechanic on practice and race days, as the information often varies.

“On practice days, I pretty much just want lap times, each lap,” said Alex. “The thing about practice motos is that you want to try and have some consistency – lap times that don’t differ or taper off as the moto wears on. It’s a good way to stay motivated to keep trying. Also, if you try something different one lap – be it a different line, jump combo, or even the way you brake or apply the throttle – having that lap time gives you a great reference.

“At the races, things I want to see are a little different. During qualifying sessions, it’s definitely lap times, so I know how I am doing. In my heat race and LCQ, I want positions because obviously, we are racing for positions.to try and qualify for the main event.

“During the main event, or in a motocross moto, things that I like to read are actually different. Sometimes your race position is important, as well as how much time is left in the moto, but I also like to have some reminders. Sometimes when you are racing, you forget fundamentals you may have been trying to work on. For me, my messages will often be to concentrate on flow, be lighter on the clutch, or even to focus on my breathing. Another thing to remember if you are running the pit board for someone is how fast we are racing past you. Anything more than four or five words is impossible to read. Also, write clearly and in the largest letters possible!”

Alex Ray and the rest of the SGB Unlimited Honda team rely on Firepower Lightweight Lithium Batteries to save weight, increase reliability, and keep their bikes roaring to life at the touch of a button.