Lessons From Fast Freddie
Lessons from Fast Freddie
Want to learn how to beat Kenny Roberts? The line forms here.
WHEN IT COMES TO ROADRACers gifted with natural talent, Freddie Spencer stands tall at the top of many a knowledgeable observer's list. In 1983, his first full season of Grand Prix racing, the Louisiana native defeated none other than King Kenny Roberts to win the
500cc World Championship. As if that wasn't impressive enough, he was just 21 years old at the time. Winning both the 250 and 500cc titles two seasons later was just gravy. But while there's never been any
doubting Spencer's credentials, his ability to explain what he does aboard a motorcycle was suspect prior to his
opening the Freddie Spencer HighPerformance Riding School at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (7055 Speedway Blvd., Suite El06, Las Vegas, NV 89115; 702/643-1099). Having attended the school in conjunction with a Honda press introduction, I'm here to tell you Fast Freddie is up to the task.
With able assistance from CWs own Nick Ienatsch,
Spencer has created a comprehensive curriculum of classroom instruction followed by on-track drills. The twoor three-day schools give students lots of track time, plus the rare opportunity to rub elbows with a world champion-on and off the track.
Smoothness is the watchword, and even the most experienced riders in our group were humbled by Spencer's grace aboard a bike. But most importantly, Spencer and Ienatsch discuss
the sport's nuances in such detail that every~ one left feeling they'd
learned something.
For example, I'd long ago learned to squeeze the front brake lever like the trigger of a gun, but I'd never paid much attention to what I did with the lever once I was done brak ing. Spencer teaches that by also eas ing off the brakes, you can prevent unwanted chassis movement entering a corner-a crucial concern while trail-braking.
The school isn't cheap. Prices range from $1595 to $2095, depending on whether you want your Honda CBR600 equipped with data acquisition. But if you want to learn from a bonafide world champion, it's your one and only option. Consider it the Ivy League of roadracing schools. -Brian Catterson
