A handy guide to motorcycle trackdays
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If any of you are considering a trackday this year, then this video guide from Superbike Magazine might prove helpful.
For any of you experienced trackday attenders out there, leave any tips you may have in the comments below.
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January 13th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Ok how about;
Don’t be late. Get to the track nice and early, particularly if this is your first time. It will take a few minutes to figure out where to set you your pit, and to locate registration and tech inspection. You’ll probably need a few minutes for last minute bike preparation as well. It’s way better to have a little extra time, rather than be hurried and risk forgetting something.
January 13th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Also check your tyre pressures, because it makes a huge difference if they are set right, i would say, 28 rear 30 front, give or take for hotter or colder conditions.
its worth setting yourself up the day before you go so you dnt have to do it on the morning of your track day, give ureself time to have a hot beverage and dial in, briefing is important! if you do not listen u may miss, “there is oil on the goosneck so keep your eyes open”, cars were on track yesterday and left rubber so it may be slippy”, FLAGS ! you must learn what the flags mean, and not every trackday is thesame, some use different flags so always listen, it is for YOUR own safety!
Don’t… go on track and think you are a top level racer, because you may have an accident and if you dont, you will be very upset with yourself because they are alot faster that you can begin to realise just how fast we are.
basically dont expect to be very fast on track just because you can get your knee down on roundabouts.
just get a feel for it, and enjoy it, trackdays are designed for 3 things, giving a rider the track experience, a taster to see if you would like to start racing, and last but by no means least, the chance to exert yourself and your potential, without the extreemly dangerouse factors and obsticals you face on the roads,
wet tyres are defonately important, just try not to go on white lines or rumble strips.
Smooth IS Fast! you may not even realise it, but when you are out and you are smooth and comfortable, you will be at your best, do not fight your bike, and treat it with respect.
if you want any tips for on track just ask on here and i will do my best.
thanks for reading, and have a great trackday! Jay Dunn, national junior superstock rider.
January 14th, 2008 at 8:44 am
Hi Jay,
Thats great advice, exactly what i was hoping to get
Come on people, if you have any questions, leave them here i’m sure Jay or some of the other racers on here will be able to help you out.
I’ve been wanting to do one, might even get round to it this year, but as a complete novice feel a bit intimitated by them. How much extra equipment do you need to have with you? For example do you need spare sets of tyres, tyre warmers, that sort of thing?
Does anyone know if there are specific trackdays for novice or first timers?
January 14th, 2008 at 10:49 am
How much experience is required before doing a trackday?
I passed my bike test back in June and have put around 4000 miles on my CBR600, should i wait a while and get a bit more riding experience or will i be ok to do a trackday?
Cheers
Steve
January 14th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I can recommend http://www.gopromotions.co.uk They run european track days. Your bike is transported to and from the circuit. They have no sessions and a maximum of 40 places. I have been going with them since 2002 and try to do a couple a year. I have done both UK trackdays and gopromotions ones, and prefer the gopro ones. Good weather, a lot less riders, go out whenever you want. Nice bunch of guys, very relaxed atmosphere, tyre changing facilities, suspension expert etc
My brother went on one of their trackdays 2 weeks after passing his test! He now goes to all their events (incidentally, he choses not to ride on the road now). A friend of his did exactly the same thing 2 years ago and was on the track within 2 months on a GSXR600, and is now a very quick rider.
Drop them an email, they are a very enthusiastic bunch. need4speed@gopromotions.co.uk
January 15th, 2008 at 12:20 am
how much experience? well lets say, i did my first trackday at the age of 14, on a 600 genesis when i was only 1 year into my 50cc racing career, and i loved it, and i gained alot of experience, i would say you need less experience for the track than you do for road use.
the track anables you to learn more about your bike and yourself, you have time to gain 1 on 1 experience with ure machine, without worrying about checking your mirrors, using indicators, spotting that bus that always pulls out on you.
i say as soon as possible you should do a trackday, BUT, BIG BUT! Racing is for going fast! Trackdays are for 1 on 1 man and machine experience and fulfillment.
it makes you a more confident and safe rider.
about kit, needs: tools and 1 new set of tyres for the day, i would also have spare wets, and if you have some old spare leathers, gloves, helmet etc, its worth it, also make sure you take a good amount of money, you never know what trouble you may get into, EG: your bike falls over in the van, broken footpeg? end of day! unless you have spares, if not, you have to buy a new peg, and what could be even worse, a broken bar and lever. just be aware, be safe, and be smooth, enjoy it.
1 more quick tip! if you are at a bumpy track, harden your steering damper, and if you have any idea what you are doing, slightly harden your compression on both forks and shock for any track use.
Thanks Jay.
January 15th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Thats great information Jay, i’m sure anyone new to trackdays would benefit from that advice.
Shaun
January 18th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Track days are not only the best fun you can have on a bike but they can be a huge help to safe riding. Riding on a track is also infinitely safer than being on the road There’s no chance of getting T-boned by a dozy car driver, or having a pedestrian leap out from the pavement.
Track days, fun and rewarding. This means that you can concentrate all your attention on honing riding skills. It is important to remember that you don’t need a race licence, special equipment or anything else to ride on a race track. A well-maintained road bike and normal protective riding gear are all you need.
Problem with track days is their image. Battle-scarred riders with knee sliders worn down to the Velcro and heavily patched leathers do not encourage freshly qualified riders to sign up. Yet this need not be the case. Let’s look at the facts. All reputable track days grade riders - usually into something equating to fast, intermediate and novice. The newly qualified rider should always sign up for the novice group, which will be both the slowest and most tolerant.
The next myth is that a high-performance sports bike is essential for a track day. In fact, the contrary is true. Very, very few riders can ride even a Super Sports 600 competently - let alone a missile like a FireBlade or R1. The bike on which you passed your test will be fine.
Some track day organisers will inspect your bike before it goes on the track - but many won’t - so carry out these basic safety checks before you leave home: make sure that the chain is accurately tensioned, the tyres are inflated to their correct pressure and that the brakes are in good working order.
Next is a comfort stop. There’s nothing worse than getting out on the track and being desperate to get back to the paddock. Nerves will mean that there is a need to go….. So don’t ignore the siren warning! When you go out on the track, enjoy the thrill of being on the action side of the Armco barriers: it’s a fantastic experience.
Forget about going fast altogether and just concentrate on smoothness. Bikes love being ridden smoothly and improving this skill - not any increase in speed - should be your aim.
So get out there and enjoy you track day, alternatively book a track day here via AAA RACING
January 18th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Thanks John,
More great info for the track day novices out there (me included!). Between you and Jay we seem to have a lot of good tips/advice here.
Shaun