ASRA and CCS Road Racer Jim McConville Proves Hard Work Pays Off
- 28 Jul 2017
McConville currently sits as the points leader in the ASRA Sportbike class (600cc) and is trailing the leader in the ASRA SuperStock class (1000cc) by a minuscule 4 point margin. As impressive as those standings may be, McConville is quick to point out that it is persistence and determination rather than raw talent that have gotten him to this point. “I wouldn’t say I have a natural racing talent, as I’ve been a slower learner than many of my competitors,” McConville told K&N. “I’ve just been slowly progressing towards my goals.”
“I’ve always been into motorcycles and always had an interest in riding on the track,” McConville said. “A good friend of mine was a former racer and was currently a tire vendor for the local road racing series. He brought me with him to a few race weekends to help with tire changes and loading the trailer. The first time I went to the race track, I decided this was for me.” After being hooked by the sport, McConville began the methodical process of developing the skills to compete. He also continued his relationship with the friend that introduced him to the sport. “I started doing track days in 2009 and bought my current race bike in 2010,” McConville reflected. “In 2011, I started my rookie year at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Loudon Road Racing Series. I chose the race number 105 as a dedication to my friend that brought me into this community and became my mechanic as well as racing coach. After missing the Rookie of the Year award by just 8 points, I continued with the LRRS season and began control riding for the local track day company at NHMS.”
“In 2013, I tried racing with the CCS series at New Jersey Motorsports Park as well as my first ASRA race at NHMS, which was my first win ever,” said McConville. “I finished the ASRA SuperStock series 3rd overall and decided to switch my racing program towards the CCS and ASRA series. In 2014, I completed 84 of 85 races in 18 race weekends, including 7 of the 8 ASRA rounds. I was able to finish 1st in the Super Stock class and 2nd in the Sportbike class on my 2006 Suzuki GSX-R 600 and bring home a National Championship.” While 2017 looks like it may mark his return back to the top of the national rankings, McConville’s development as a top road racer has not been without its setbacks.
In keeping with his innate humility and sense of humor, McConville says racing is the perfect disguise for his 9 to 5 existence. However, to us, it appears to be a bit of a Clark Kent / Superman situation. “Outside of racing, I’m a computer nerd,” quips McConville. “My exact title in the office is Senior Server Engineer. Racing is a great way to hide my true identity as a computer nerd, and it scares the crap out of my parents. So it’s a win-win for me. After work, I’m usually in the gym for 2-3 hours a day, five times a week. It’s a great stress reliever for me when I’m not wrenching or turning laps.”
“To be honest, I’m hoping for more rain as I’ve been very successful in the rain so far,” said McConville. “It’s weird to admit, but I prefer to race in the rain more than dry conditions. As far as preparation, I will be coaching for a track day as well as some race practice days to keep my legs and bike ready for the next ASRA round in September.” No matter what happens the rest of the season, we can count on McConville returning to the racing life and the sport he loves in 2018. “I've always enjoyed traveling across country solo in a homemade open trailer to race at a new track I've never seen before,” said McConville. “Also, I would like to thank K&N Powersports for the sponsorship they’ve had with me since 2010. The point of contact may have changed over the years, but their awesome service and communication never did.” | |||||
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