the track experience

[twrayinma]

okay, so i've had my bike for 6 weeks, so of course i'm thinking about when i can hit a track.

but seriously... i'd love to do a track day/school/somethingorother, but don't wanna rush into it. about how much seat time would you guys suggest before diving in?

thanks,
-t

[benVFR]

I haven't done it, I think I'm going to wait another year.

Why?

I don't have full leathers.

Bike isn't completely paid off.

It's expensive.

Ben

[twrayinma]

yeah, well, i wasn't gonna mention the leathers... some places will let ya rent the leathers as well as a bike.
i'm focusing more on the "rider" portion than anything else at this point.

-t

[benVFR]

Hadn't thought about that.

I've heard some places will let you rent the leathers and even an EX500 in some places, that might be tempting.

But I really don't have the money for it right now. Next year I definitely will unless the company I work for goes out of business or something.

Ben

[twrayinma]

oh, c'mon, guys... i can hear you breathing out there.

no one has any suggestions?
*sigh*
-t

[VinceF2]

http://www.penguinracing.com/

They rent bikes and gear.... couldn't say when a good time for YOU would be cause I ain't you... however... Track Days aren't races and you can go as slow or fast as you want... without worrying about a cat or Aunt Ethal in the Caddy pulling in front of you... you don't need to be a racer...

do it when you feel ready... I spectated at a TD first... to get a feel for how it worked...

Mike

[benVFR]

I bought Cordura gear... I always wear jacket, pants, boots, gloves, and helmet.

In a few months I could easily buy some nice leathers, but I'm trying to be super-careful with my money.

I work for a startup company, I feel like I need to save money away in case we buy the farm around the end of the year. I just moved to cut my rent down too.

Ben

[oreo_n2]

t-
well i got my bike last year, and i am taking that MSF course in a week (then i can get my, shhhhh dont tell anyone else this, *license* and the insurance discount all at once.) Anyways, i wanna head up to the track days in July and Sept, but i think i will spectate for July. a couple reasons, one i want to see what its like first, two is that i still need pants (need dinero for that, but i almost got enough now) and three, there is a good list of stuff you need to prep on your bike to make it track ready... and i dont have a way to get it there once i cover all the lights and shit on there. But i am thinking if i convince everyone of what a cool mutha fucka i am over the course of the summer, than when the Sept track day comes around i can prolly get someone to trailer my little toy up there for a nominal fee... case of beer for instance.

just some thoughts to ponder.

[Degsy]

1. Go to the track for a trackday (or come see the NESR race team) and work as a corner worker.

2. Get good leathers (your own), and a back protector.

3. Go do it. Take your time and learn the lines. be smooth and you will be faster than most.

Degsy

[Degsy]

You don't need to prep the bike for a SRNE trackday. Just tape the lights up and remove mirrors and licence plate.
For racing you need to remove some stuff (lights etc) and safety wire tons of stuff (doesn't cost much)

[oreo_n2]

someplace i read that safety wiring brakes and oil drain and few other things were needed, as well as running clear coolant, blah blah blah....


hmmm, let me see what i was reading.

[oreo_n2]

my bust, you were right... i was reading the list of *suggested* preparations... if its only tape and mirrors, than i gots no excuse for missing the July date.

[benVFR]

Degsy,

Where are the dates and what is the cost?

I don't seem to have found a schedule, just that your first race is in a few weeks.

Thanks,
Ben

[Degsy]

www.lrrsracing.com is the website that gives you all the lowdown on the racing at Loudon.

degsy

[Ken C]

I agree with Degsy: come cornerwork. You'll get a real good idea of whether it's right for you.

BTW, the Sportrider's track days feature 3 groups this year. So there will be a group for those who want to take it easier than what would have been our previous "Slow" group.

Ken C.

[twrayinma]

ken-
doing cornerwork for an SRNE trackday might be cool... can you use completely inexperienced feebs?

and do you need leather for trackdays, or is cordura acceptable? even still, i'll probably not get onto the track until next year... or maybe late summer. *shrug* we'll see.
-t

[Ken C]

Any one can be a cornerworker. You will get some instruction from two experienced cornerworkers about flags and how to use the radio, etc.

Cornerworkers may need to help a downed rider with his/her bike (NEVER when there is traffic! Every crash results in a red flag, which slows the riders.)

Yes, we let you ride with sturdy Cordura. But we strongly recommend wearing (borrowing?) some leathers.

Ken C.

[Ken C]

Any one can be a cornerworker. You will get some instruction from two experienced cornerworkers about flags and how to use the radio, etc.

Cornerworkers may need to help a downed rider with his/her bike (NEVER when there is traffic! Every crash results in a red flag, which slows the riders.)

Yes, we let you ride with sturdy Cordura. But we strongly recommend wearing (borrowing?) some leathers.

Ken C.

[Karaya One]

Plus, if you go to Track Day you get to eat my East Coast reknowned hot dogs and hamburgs!

[R7]

"sniff"sniff"sniff" i smell rats?

[Karaya One]

Mark, yours will be getting a very special treatment....

[R7]

No need to spend to much time making me somethng special, i won't be there to enjoy it

[Karaya One]

You will be missed!

[R7]

I think you're telling a lie