Right, i am about to hopefully book my first full novice track day @ Snetteron costing £99. Its cheap and only 80 Miles from me. Sessioned Trackday with Tommy Hill - Tuesday 14 Aug 2012 Some guy called Tomy Hill will host the class - is this good?? 7, 20min sessions on the track.. Questions: Do's and Donts? I saw Rob mention limitless sessions \ focused events - do i need to worry about for the Novice sessions? Any advise that you can give - apart from take it easy would be appriciated. Tyre pressures for the track, do i change these when i get to the track? what is advisable pressure? (will i be able to pump back up before i go home? Should i be fully suited in leathers ready from home? or get changed up there? What should i take with me in a bag? I assume i will be very sticky and hot at the end of day, should i take a change of clothes - or would i be riding back as i am.. Is this a good site to check weather on? are there any others i can cross reference from? 14 Day Weather Forecast for NR16 Anyone want to join me? Being my first track day - i am nervous - and i aint even booked it yet! Thanks in advance... Sam
I have not done one myself yet mate as you know but when I do get round to it if I use my own bike I will be getting a hire van. Reasons for the van are if you may be hot bothered and tired so ride home could be harder I would prob want to ride home in the same manor I did round track cos would be on a buzz You can set the bike up for track at home and change back at home If I did come off and trash bike I wouldn't be stranded 80 miles from home Just some things to consider mate but I'm sure some of these guys will be able to help you better
Best to have some mates along to guide you, give advice weather u take it or not Go enjoy yourself and take your time. most of all enjoy yourself and always double check tyre pressure, oil etc... basics
Questions: Do's and Donts? Tyre pressures for the track, do i change these when i get to the track? always lower than on the road. I ran 31,29 cold when it was a warm track day. but there will be tyre guys there to give you advice. check tyre pressure cold then hot and tell the tyre guy who should be able to point you in the right direction. what is advisable pressure? (will i be able to pump back up before i go home? as above, depends on weather and tyres your using. Should i be fully suited in leathers ready from home? or get changed up there? What should i take with me in a bag? Up to you. if your riding there on the bike then home and chance of undies etc... would help. flannel to just freshen yourself. Is this a good site to check weather on? are there any others i can cross reference from? 14 Day Weather Forecast for NR16 take notice of the weather the day before as it will change
I do the following. Take some gaffer tape for your lights/mirros Take a reliable tyre pressure gauge(after taking a cold reading at home). As said take advice from the tyre bloke but i generally drop my front/back down to 30/31psi, once you v,e done a session you can adjust accordingly. My rear normally goes down to 27/28(Dunlop Sportsmarts). Take a screwdriver if you need that to remove your number plate. My best advice is to grab hold of an instructor after the briefing. They are often overlooked but will give you constructive advice and increase your confidence 10 fold.
My Advice would be •I saw Rob mention limitless sessions \ focused events - do i need to worry about for the Novice sessions?.......... No you'll go out for 20 minutes each hour, usually 4 in the morning 3 in the afternoon, •Any advise that you can give - apart from take it easy would be appriciated...................... Pull your mirrors in, take it easy for the first couple of laps your tyres will be cold, probably get an intructor to go round with you for the first couple of sessions,just stick to your lines and concentrate what's in front of you, always look where you want the bike to go, if you look at the rider in front you'll follow him even if he goes off the circuit, should be someone there to sort your tyre pressures out, don't have a big lunch...most of all enjoy it •Should i be fully suited in leathers ready from home? or get changed up there? Yes if your riding there •What should i take with me in a bag? water, food, something to clean your visor •I assume i will be very sticky and hot at the end of day, should i take a change of clothes - or would i be riding back as i am..t -shirt may not go a miss, water proofs if it's hammering down •Is this a good site to check weather on? are there any others i can cross reference from? 14 Day Weather Forecast for NR16.......check the weather 2 days before you go as it changes nearly everyday
Guys, Thanks for the advise, i have found someone to go with me, though he will be doing the intermediate session. Martin - thanks for the note, i will not be taking a van, but instead will take out brake down cover - i had totally forgot to do that! Some useful information above...am making notes.. My to-do list 13 days.. New Lid New Gloves Head Sock Under Suite Crash Bungs Brake down Cover New Boots (arriving in the next few days) oh, and a good ride out before the track day to brake my body in to the leathers i have never worn before.. Ps: mental note for myself: heave a clear head and keep away from the wife the night before going - Dont ride angry!
I would just watch lowering tyre pressure too much if running road tyres; the low pressures & advice to check hot is aimed more at track based or race tyres. Its will come down to what you like the feel of & as long are you stay within the capability of the tyre, you should be okay. For road based tyres, my advise would be to lower them to 33 front & rear & see how you go. This will allow the tyre to move enough to get it quite warm, but not feel like a puncture for the first few laps. You don't need lots of heat to make a road tyre grip; they are made differently to track tyres & grip (within their intented limits) at much lower temperatures. For track based tyres, 31F & 30R may be better for you; race tyres can be much lower. Above all - Enjoy it!
Just enjoy it! You will be nervous, you will crap yourself as you ride out of the pit lane for the first time onto the big scary circuit, it's normal. Everyone else will be feeling the same. There will be guys there faster than you and slower than you, don't worry about it. Ride at a pace you are comfortable with and speed up gradually. And enjoy it!! It's not a test and you're not going to break any lap records listen to your instructor, relax while your riding and have a great day
