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RPS RACER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Additional Team Information Links:
Overview
Since 2002, RPS has worked to train and develop racers that not only compete successfully, BUT safely. In 2005, RPS formally started its own "race team" effort in conjunction with it's first "Pro-Development Rider" Shea Fouchek. Enclosed is the strategy that all RPS team riders have been provided to assist them in the development of their racing endeavors.
The first obstacle in being able to objectively assist a rider is to understand what talents they are have and identify the individual strengths and weaknesses. RPS puts together an action plan to help the rider develop in the critical areas required to safely race at a "faster pace". A lot of the curriculum and techniques have existed for over 50 years as well as common sense, but Marcus McBain really spends a great deal of time with a rider to give them the "right program" to succeed and overcome the normal challenges of racing. The main thing that McBain does is evaluate the primary skill sets that make up a potential team rider, and that is to understand if they are a "Rider" or a "Racer".
After
Marcus McBain completes the evaluation of a team rider and sets up an action plan for
training, then each and every race is a test of the programs' value. It is important for the racers and
sponsors of the RPSRaceTeam.com effort that racers finish races and finish well
so that maximum exposure is provided (for the sponsors and riders) as well a
standard of consistent excellence. RPS focuses on training riders to styles of
the famous greats of roadracing and to some extent how Marcus McBain raced over 20 years ago,
which focuses on using the lower body to drive the motorcycle through a turn. In addition,
McBain custom builds the shocks and forks to provide the most versatile
suspension for the rider. Engines are only lightly modified to keep costs down
and ensure reliability. Lastly, Marcus McBain mentors the riders on the decision
making process and racing so that the best results are attained with the lowest
cost to the sponsors and team.
The result of the teams Racer
Development Strategy is that in the history of the team, seven RPS team riders have lined up for over
546 races and
have had less than 6 crashes during those races from 2005 until present. All
this while winning 130 races, scoring 198 podium positions, and
winning over 25 regional & national titles. That is right, in 546 race
starts, the team riders won or finished on the podium 328 times. This is a phenomenal
achievement and it underscores how “doing it right” is safer and more cost
effective.
Racers vs. Riders
When working with a rider, it is
important to define what their strengths are and how to develop them. The key is
to define if they are “Racer” or a “Rider”. Almost all motocross and
dirt racers are great “Racers”. Specifically, if you put a rider that comes up
from a “dirt background” on the grid and tell him to go beat the guy in front of him
then they will override the bike and do whatever it takes to beat them. They
can’t tell you what they did to pass the person in front on them, but
instinctively they “get it done”. The shortcoming of a “Racer” is that
they tend to hit the proverbial brick wall in terms of progress. They usually
are really quick initially, but stop progressing because they are used to
“willing themselves” to beat the competition. In road racing to be great,
you have to be both a “Rider” and a “Racer”. Compounding the problem is
that most “Racers” have witnessed first-hand in their previous dirt racing what a big difference equipment
makes, and will rationalize mental barriers to advancement until they get the
“hot rod motor” or whatever they mentally believe they need. In motorcycle
road racing, truly great “Racers” can win by becoming strong “Riders”
with competent equipment. 
The others side to a motorcycle road
racer is the “Rider”. A “Rider” typically does not have a long term
racing background. They usually skipped the “motocross scene” growing up or
have been away from dirt racing for 3 years or more. Most motorcycle road
racers fall into the “Rider” category. The advantage most “Riders” have
is that they have no bad habits they rely on and can be taught very quickly. The
best comparison is the golfer that takes professional lessons before they ever
attempt to hit the ball on their own. A golf pro will stress basic mechanics
& swing technique and the student will learn quickly as they have no bad
habits to overcome. “Riders” become good at road racing when they master key
items such as understanding track layout(s), using brake markers and reference
points, and not overriding the bike. This is primarily because they DON’T have
“instinctive skills” to use as a crutch.
Safety
RPSRaceTeam.com has chosen RS Taichi to keep our riders safe and ensure they look professional. Few brands can claim the safety record of RS Taichi and the professional appearance that comes with the product. RPSRaceTeam.com uses legendary motorcycle shop Moto Liberty to provide RS Taichi suits and any fan or enthusiast owes it to themselves to take a trip to Moto Liberty in Dallas, Texas.
These are the core components of how the RPSRaceTeam.com program is put together for a rider and the strategy involved. For more information, please contact RPSRaceTeam.com.