Hi guys, going to do a few track days this year...never done one before... So need some advice... 1. What group do I enter in?? I'm thinking novice, as I'm a newbie to td's. 2. How hard on tyres is it? Best get a pare set of tyres? 3. Do I need extra insurance??? Can I get to insurance incase I bin it?? I'll prob put the bike in a van rather than ride it down and back? Good idea??
Start in novice no matter how good you think you are. You can usually move up a group if you feel you are that much faster than everyone else. If your suspension is setup correctly and working well, you may see very little wear, however, track days are hard on tyres. You don't need extra insurance, this is totally up to you. Just get out and enjoy yourself, don't worry about how fast or slow you are, it's not important, especially on your first day.
If I was you Si ,I would hire a track bike from the promoters for your 1st outing ,this may give you an In site into the world of track days!. I am no great expert on the subject having done only 1 at oulton park it was a nice sunny day with no track issues ,however this w as spoilt for me as I used my new R1 and could not relax and enjoy it .Hope this helps?
1) novice 1st time - see how you get on 2) use your current tyres that you like - worry about replacing after (I've toured on same set three days after td) 3) never have, personal choice. IMO you won't be pushing hard and less chance than a Sunday blast so don't bother. Up to you. Enjoy, relax, have fun! Simples
Hi Si, Definitely put bike in a van and take some tools with you. Take a few 5 litre containers of fuel, don't need a spare set of tyres but a new pair of soft ones will do for your day, Racetecs or SuperCorsas are best (don't let anyone tell you different!) You're supposed to enter novice the first time you do a TD but you're a quick lad so I'd be inclined to go for intermediates. A good organiser would see you are quick and move you up anyway. It can be dangerous if you're riding around guys who are much slower than yourself. Take you're time and don't be concerned about keeping up with the quicker lads. Learn the track and gradually become faster. If you're not using tyre warmers and most don't on their first TD make sure you warm your tyres for the first lap of each session. A lot of guys think they are working the tyre on the road, they're not! When you're on track and your tyres have warmed up they transform and become sticky like you've never imagined! Take your mirrors, indicators and tail end off and tape up your lights.Make sure you drop your tyre pressures, ask someone at the track who is experienced what they recommend (this is really important) and take a footpump with you. Don't eat a large dinner, take high energy foods with you and snack on them throughout the day, take plenty of water, not fruit juice as it can give you stomach cramps due to being crouched over. As for insurance, well you pays your money, you take your chances. Not sure if you can even get it. You'll be totally knackered at the end of the day, both mentally and physically but I'll wager any amount of money it'll be the best biking day of your life bar none (weather dependent of course)! I'm sure I must have missed a couple of points but these are the most important and I'm sure someone will be along soon to add to this. I have my other blade ready for the track with new tyres on in the garage and it wouldn't take an awful lot of persuading to bring it out Give Oulton a try it's a great track Enjoy!
Steve, cheers! I keep hearing novices though for 1st timers.....I may book in that and see how I go. I'll have a look at Anglesey and a few others.....
1. What group do I enter in?? I'm thinking novice, as I'm a newbie to td's. Novices 2. How hard on tyres is it? Best get a pare set of tyres? Depends on weather, temp how good you are. as long as they have some wear you should be fine 3. Do I need extra insurance??? Can I get to insurance incase I bin it?? you can, it's expensive and won't cover you for everything. Plus you got more chance of binning in on the road than track And Do use your own bike, you know you bike and will be 100% more comfy on it then a hire bike. I have done 3 now and loved it and rode within my limits and love it. Again there is much less chance of damaging the bike on track if your sensible and ride within your limits
I agree with you dude it was just an explanation of my day out .the bike was just run in and I thought it was going to explode it was screaming that much and also the top group must have been full and every budding Rossi for miles were cutting me up .i agree on the safety front as its not pretty out there.So seeing as Si has just won the best looking bike on the forum would it be not be bad advice hiring one on track with insurance and tyres just to give the boy a taste of the good life? You know I am right don't you?
Still not sure. Personally I'd risk it for a biscuit and take my chances. I'd hope it'd work out for the best and I'd hope that I'd be most satisfied I'd conquered the track day on my own beloved machine!! I know that's how I felt after popping my cherry on the r6 which beleive me at the time - was my world!! Think you may have had too much going on on the day... I was so chilled out after 3 laps it was unreal. Si it's up to you mate, don't over complicate it or stress out. You'll have a great day regardless.
Thanks guys, looking at 29th April , Anglesey, it's a Sunday. Good stuff! I may pop up after work on sat, get a b&b and wake up fresh on sun morning.....
Great track mate, I've raced Anglesey and loved it at the time. In my head it was a mini phillip island lol!! I just hope you get nice weather as it can get pretty fresh when the wind blows Take ur time to build up pace over sessions and just ride your own day. First track day of the rest of your life and I'm sure you will have a great time!
Si...we were all track day virgins at some time....its the best cherry to pop (well a close second) !!!..... just take it easy and enjoy....if you use a your own bike or a hired one you ll have a great time mate !
Si...we were all track day virgins at some time....its the best cherry to pop (well a close second) !!!..... just take it easy and enjoy....if you use your own bike or a hired one you ll have a great time mate !
