Hey guys,

New to tracking a motorcycle.
I have been racing cars through NASA and WRL since 2012 and am transitioning to bikes.
I came across a deal I couldn’t pass up on a race prepped 2002 GSXR 750, I would have preferred something in a lower class.. but, the price was right for a “starter” bike.

That being said—-

Tech Regs
This bike last saw the track in... 2009-2010? And had been raced with MCRA, CMRA, and CCS from pre2005-2009. To the best of my knowledge.

Assuming this bike met all of the tech regs in 2009-2010 when time bike was last gone through... what regs have changed that I should be aware of that may require major updates to components for legality?

So far 5.3gg stands out as far as case covers/replacements are concerned. I’m not sure what others are doing for bikes that either have rare non-oem replacements or replacements that just flat out do not exist.
Am I to assume as well that a race fairing kit “covering” these areas do not satisfy this rule?


Tires
Other major question: I most likely will not be at the level necessary to race within my first year or two. (This is just speculation and I’m no motorcycle savant.) There are quite a few tire options to select from... And my auto racing background says don’t use DOT race compounds unless you understand what lesser compounds tell you through physical and audible feedback.
Not wanting to waste a tires ability with my newbie abilities, am I better off not breaking the bank and going with a set of semi-more aggressive street tires to learn on? Or do I just hop right to an aggressive compound?
What compounds do you recommend for learning that have multiple weekend longevity to increase seat time?
Later on... what compounds are people running “competitively”? Can I expect more than one weekend out of these tires as far as “tread depth” is concerned, regardless of heat cycling?


Gear
I like my skull.... a lot...
Is there any reason to not justify the purchase of a nearly $800 helmet? (Shoei X-14)

I’m a tall, skinny rider...6’3 and 165lbs.
Are my suit options limited to custom options for proper,safe fitment?

Gloves have been purchase and boots are on their way...

Tracks
I’m in KC, I’ve raced at Hallett before in a car and the drive is reasonable...
But it looks like we don’t go any further north towards tracks like HPT, RPM, MPH, GMP.
And with the risk of being laughed out of the forums...
With seat time and literal driving to the track seat time concerned. Are there any track day orgs that run at HPT? Or are those days done for?

I think that just about covers it...

Feel free to throw other tips my way!

-Andrew