Preaching to the choir here: 250s provide the best way to develop as a new rider, on or off the track. It's obvious to us because we ride the things. You learn more because the bike doesn't mask mistakes with power, you save money, and you stay safer. The same is true on the track, only more so because 250 racing is so close and competitive. Nothing accelerates learning like doing it with peers who are at the same level as you, riding right next to you. You learn from each other's mistakes and accomplishments, and have a ton of fun doing so.

I'm currently in a debate with some racers with a strong anti-250 bias ("sewing machines", etc.), who don't get it. They're upset simply because one of the longtime major players in the 250 class proposed an extra Saturday race in the AFM (our norcal racing club). Over the past few years this guy has grown the 250cc class from just a few bikes to a 25-bike grid per race, and next season it's going to be even larger. Despite this growth, we're stuck racing with three other waves of bigger bikes on track at the same time, and it sucks. They crash into us and no one gets to really appreciate how awesome the 250 racing is.

Since the 250 class in this club is already rapidly growing, and we're already starting to see a much better retention rate of novices in the following season too, I think more 250 racing is exactly what the AFM needs to remain financially viable. Other clubs all around the world are already doing this, bringing in more riders, making more money, and putting on some awesome races, but the AFM is missing the boat.

Unfortunately, the opposition to this new series whined enough to make it a provisional one-off thing, solely because it benefits 250 riders. We might not get to try it out until mid-season, but I think if we bring a ridiculous number of bikes to the current 250 Production grid, it'll be obvious to everyone that this is good for the club. If our grid gets large enough, they'll have to give us our own race, one way or another. Can you guys help make this happen?

The first AFM race in 2012 will probably be in March at Buttonwillow, scene of that "leave those 600s alone" video further down the page), with the remainder probably at Infineon and Thunderhill. If we can field 30 riders on the grid, we'll get this extra race. If not, everyone will make fun of us. I really, REALLY want to prove them wrong. I'm pretty sure we can get 30 riders, but I'd love to see 40, 50, or even 60. At that point we'll crowd out the other waves and get the track all to ourselves for every race, and it'll be an awesome show.

So if you or someone you know has been thinking about getting into racing, 2012 is the best time to do it! A mostly-stock Ninja 250 can compete in at least four races per weekend. Just put on a Leo Vince exhaust, throw on some Pirellis, and you're good to go! It's amazing fun and safer than street riding. I started midway through this season and had a blast. Here are some videos from my races, to show how fun it is:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tLz3Uh1SE8
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdKCDg-rV8E
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpBNYYFPbDk
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97up37rGtyo
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgHhYVxEN34

I haven't had a single boring 250 race. Come join me! If you need help figuring out how to get started, talk to me, I can connect you with the experts. It's easier than you think!