The Perth Motorplex will once again play host to the popular Streetbike Drag School from September until May.
The school, run by volunteers, has been held every Wednesday night (weather permitting) as part of the track’s Formula Tech Performance WhoopAss Wednesday (WAW) events for a number of years and shows people how to get the most out of their own motorcycle in a safe and controlled environment.
The school was created by head coach, Daniel Natalotto. Natalotto is assisted in running the school by Assistant Coach and Female Rider Ambassador, Natasha Hayden, and Motorplex regular and experienced rider Rob Good, who joined the team as a third coach last season in response to rising demand for the service.
The demand has been such that Natalotto has decided to expand the school even further for the 2021/2022 season.
“The school first came about back in 2016 when I noticed there was a lot of racers coming down to the Motorplex for the first time every week and not quite knowing where to start,” Natalotto explains.
“After a meeting and talks with Motorplex Manager Ray Treasure, the school idea was floated and shortly after put into action with myself as the Coach.
“The aim was to offer people who had never been to the drag strip before some assistance in getting down the track safely whilst having a fun night and achieving the best PB possible, and that continues today.
“After a successful and high-demand last season, we are looking forward to resuming the school for the new season in September.
“This time, we will be operating not only during the WhoopAss Wednesday weekly events, but also at the Fast Racing Mini Series which also returns this season, where we will give racers a chance to try bracket racing at a beginner level.”
What many don’t realise is that the school is offered as a free service, with Natalotto, Hayden and Good operating as volunteers.
“Once racers have paid their entry fee for the event in question, there is no additional cost to them to use our services which include coaching in regards to getting started, racing technique, bike setup, licensing requirements and the sharing of advice through photos and videos on-track.
“We cater for all skill levels from the absolute novice right up to anyone who is wishing to sharpen their skills.
“We really want to encourage people who have never tried drag racing before to bring their daily rides down and give it a shot. At the same time, we also assist people who are interested in stepping up from WAW and obtaining an ANDRA license with the aim of competing in Modified Bike.
“Depending on the type of help required, we can customise our coaching to suit each person. We also run competitions at WAW with prizes which have been kindly donated by local companies to encourage people to get involved and push harder.
“We really believe the school provides an important service as it acts as a contact point for motorcycle riders who are wishing to learn drag racing and helps riders to increase their own skill level, therefore making them safer riders.
“At the same time, it plays a part in helping to grow the sport of drag racing and gives beginner racers an avenue to progress through to professional racing.
“We would like to thank Ray Treasure and the Perth Motorplex for allowing us to serve the drag racing community in this way. We are very much looking forward to the coming season!”
To get in touch and register your interest in the Streetbike Drag School, visit the school’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Streetbikedragschool or approach Natalotto, Hayden or Good at the track on the night.
To learn more about the Perth Motorplex, visit www.motorplex.com.au
For more from ANDRA, visit www.andra.com.au
