Controlling Emotions

The 15-Minute Rule

By Daniel Blair

Learning to Handle Racing Emotions Like a Pro

Today, let’s talk about something super important—emotions. You know, those big feelings you get when something awesome happens... or when things don’t go the way you hoped. Emotions are real, and we feel them in everyday life, and wow, do we feel them in racing!  

Racing is full of highs and lows. One race you might feel like the best rider in the world. The next race, you're frustrated, mad, or even want to cry. That’s totally normal! You’ve worked hard, trained a lot, and your family has supported you the whole way. So when a race ends, it’s completely okay to feel strong emotions.

But here’s the secret I want to share with you—you need to give yourself 15 minutes after each race to just feel those emotions. No overthinking. No figuring stuff out. No big talks. Just feel.

So... What Is the 15-Minute Rule?

Right after your race finishes, you’re probably either pumped up or super upset. That’s your emotions taking the wheel. In those first 15 minutes, your brain isn’t great at understanding what really happened in the race. So guess what? That’s not the time to talk about what went wrong or right.

Here’s What To Do Instead:

• If you’re happy, smile, celebrate a little, soak in the fun—but don’t brag or show off.
• If you’re upset, that’s okay too. Be mad, be sad—just don’t take it out on others. You can go cool off in the truck or take a walk.
• Don’t ask questions like “Why did that happen?” or “What were you thinking?”—you won’t have the answers yet. You’re still feeling everything!

And parents—this goes for you, too. Whether you're proud or frustrated, give it those 15 minutes before asking your rider anything. Emotions need space before minds can think clearly.

Why Is This Important?

Because in racing, there’s always the next moto. You want to be ready for it, right? But if you’re still stuck in the emotions from the last race—whether good or bad—you won’t be your best self at the gate.

• If you’re too happy for too long, you might lose focus and get beat in the next race.
• If you’re too upset, you might carry that frustration with you and race worse.

The 15-minute rule helps you reset. After those 15 minutes, it’s time to switch from feeling to thinking. That’s when you can talk about what went well, what didn’t, and how to get ready for the next race.

Here’s How You Use the 15-Minute Rule

1. Race ends. You feel all the feelings—YES! LET THEM OUT!
2. Start your 15-minute clock. Just feel. Don’t talk too much. Don’t ask a lot of questions.
3. After 15 minutes... Now you're ready. Think. Talk. Learn. Get ready to ride again!

Victory or Defeat—It Works Both Ways

• Win a race? Awesome! Enjoy the moment, but after 15 minutes, shift your focus to the next one.
• Bad race? Bummer. Be upset if you need to—but after 15 minutes, let it go. Don’t let one bad moto ruin your whole day.

Racers who follow this rule stay calm, focused, and improve way faster. I've seen it with some of the best young riders in the country.

So remember: big emotions are totally okay. Just give them 15 minutes. Then it’s time to move on and get ready to race again. That’s how champions are made.