After the recent posts on street racing, I have realized that I am beginning to do with the RX-8 something I often do with my bike: in the 5 km, 1+2 lane canyon road to my home, when I pick a decent driver/rider and feel like it, I follow him well within my safety margins and at a safe distance, looking at his/her lines and how he/she brakes, shifts and gets on the gas, making an effort to be smoother myself. Looking at others' errors helps me identify mine (plenty, BTW), and is fun. Sometimes I am not able to follow within my safety margin, so I quit.

I hope this is not considered racing by any means. It's more like "being paced".

 

You could learn more by attending a legit performance and racing school... not to mention it is safer since you wont be "pacing" on public roads.

 

Yes indeed!. I am looking for a suitable course in my area.

 

As a Canadian born in Portugal (man I miss those roads), I know that all racing schools around there are really expensive. But no shortage of track days, that’s your best bet. Try Estoril, great GP track, many track days. Also best to ride/drive with someone whose skills you know. You pacing someone might make 'em think you're racing and cause them to drive beyond THEIR limits, and I’ve seen a couple of riders follow others off the track because they were mesmerized by the guys back tire.

Europe is not so freak'n PC with this speed kills ****. I still say inattentive drivers kill! That’s why here I get booked for speeding on an empty country road, while its legal to drive and talk on the phone, have a snack...

By the way jinsenser, cell phones while driving are illegal in Portugal, how ‘bout Spain? And is that a gixer 1000 with your 8?

 

I live in the center area, so Jarama and Albacete are the closest tracks, and I know both.

Regarding my "pace car" exceeding their limits, it happens, so I increase even more the distance or quit.

The bike on the forecground is '06 Suzuki GSXR600 (the 1000 is too much for me by now). Like the RX8, she allows me to rev her to the redline without browning my pants (if you allow me the expression), as it may happen with 50% more power...