Newb track questions

[wfd38383]

I have never done a track day and plan on doing my 1st next season but I have a few questions. Do I have to do anything but sign up and show up? Do I need to do any qualification laps or anything? I would be doing the beginner group as it is my 1st track day and also I have only been riding one season. Any help would be very appreciated. Thanks!!

[Kurlon]

Each group has their own rules, but for the most part show up with your bike already prepped to their standards (lights taped up, mirrors removed, etc). You'll be assigned a group, spend some time with your group going over the rules for the day, and then sent out onto the track for at least one follow the leader session. For the rest of the day you alternate on and off the track with the other groups, during your off time some track day operators run classes that you should attend.

As you get more comfortable with your bike, the track, and people riding around you, you'll move into faster classes with successive track days.

[wfd38383]

I hear TTD is one of the best and I see alot of board members go to those events. Same rules apply as you just listed above?

[978chris]

you could just check out their site

TonysTrackDays.com

[Puppet]

Tony runs a great program, especially for new track riders. His site TonysTrackDays.com will give you all the bike and rider prep info you should need.

For your first time, you'll be in the beginner group. In every track day org I've ridden with, the first timers...if not the whole beginner group...get a lot of classroom time before the first session and throughout the day to digest what's going on and help make sure you're doing the important things correctly. It'll probably be sensory overload for the first session or two, so just remember to ride your own ride and you'll be fine. There will also be more than enough instructors to help you out and make sure you're moving in the right direction (figuratively and literally)

[DucDave]

plus, cornerworkers get all the chicks.

...even the ones that ARE chicks?

Every 'Track Day Provider' has their own set of 'prep' requirments but they are very similar...especially for the beginner groups. In general, remove all bits that you can easily remove such as turn signals and mirrors. Any glass that can't be taken off needs to be taped...including reflectors. If you can, find the fuse that controls your lights and remove that. I don't think you'll have to drain your radiator and replace the antifreeze with water/water wetter for the beginner group but this is the one area that could change. (Penguin School perhaps????) If you plan to ride to the event just throw whatever tools you'll need and a roll of painters tape into your tankbag. Better yet, if you don't have a trailer, try an buddy-up with someone who does! (Good in case of a get-off that damages your and/or your ride!)

Finally, if you go ahead with this, it's a good idea to apply for several credit cards immediatey. And, if you have children, buy them shoes...in several 'room to grow in to sizes' right away. You are about to embark on a voyage that will consume all your disposable income...and then some!

Fishtail does a great Track Day too.

[CMG241]

... If you plan to ride to the event just throw whatever tools you'll need and a roll of painters tape into your tankbag. Better yet, if you don't have a trailer, try an buddy-up with someone who does! (Good in case of a get-off that damages your and/or your ride!)

Finally, if you go ahead with this, it's a good idea to apply for several credit cards immediatey. And, if you have children, buy them shoes...in several 'room to grow in to sizes' right away. You are about to embark on a voyage that will consume all your disposable income...and then some!

Fishtail does a great Track Day too.

Trailer up! never mind that the ride home will be rough (your legs will be junk) but having a chair and change of clothes is always good. You can usually rent leathers at the track but Like Dave was saying about $$, you may as well buy a set (spend some dough and buy good ones the first time) now with gauntlet style gloves and don't forget the back protector - you'll be back again and again.... I'd recommend a light color set of leathers that are perforated. Don't worry about being experienced, you'll be with a lot of first timers in red group, just don't ride beyond your abilities and you'll be fine.
And lastly please don't pull a rookie move ---whether you ride or trailer up bring some eye candy with you for the rest of us to keep warm while your on the track.....

[Wishbone]

...even the ones that ARE chicks?

Uh yeah! I saw Kiera totally gettin ALLL the ladies numbers



The track is awsome and you will be totally pumped for more once you go to just one event I went for my first time on 10-10 with LAPS and it was awsome




















O wait a second

[TTD]

Everyone pretty much hit the main points.

As mentioned, figure out who you're going with, then just read their site to ensure you have the bike and rider requirements met.

After that, just show up with an open mind eager to learn, and the day will go smoothly.

If you're really nervous, I would also recommend attending a trackday first as a guest. (no charge).

We've had lots of people come up to watch first, and then quickly realize they can do this! Remember, it's just a nice, twisty road with cushions and all one way motorcycle traffic.

[wfd38383]

Thanks everyone for all the help preciate it.

[bostongixxer]

One other point that I think is important for everyone...although some programs may not require that you drain antifreeze, you should. Any spill on the track creates a danger for everyone, including yourself. If you are going to a track day next season, swap the antifreeze for water-wetter...you can run it all season and your bike will be cooler. Also, Penguin requires it as I recall. Then...have a blast. You'll learn more about riding and control in one day at the track than you will in an entire season. Hope to see you up there next year!