What do you want from a Track Day?

[velocity bmg]

I've been looking around at different organizations, at different tracks, different cities and states.

They all offer basically the same thing, but with their own..."touch" so to speak.

A question for both expert and n00b alike...


*What do you look for, and expect from a track day experience?*

[velocity bmg]

Maybe I'll start first...get the ball rolling...

My wants from a track day would definitely be different had I not experienced one and then found out I have mucho to learn...so...

I would like some instruction. Not basic, riding a motorcycle fundamentals, like blipping the throttle on down shifts, or opinions on trail braking, (that debate will never end...)...but instruction on proper riding technique...like leaning off...some ideas about lines...maybe some ideas about a better line around a corner that I am not seeing...

How to approach a corner...little things and big things like that.

Especially at the beginner level, I would think a lot of riders with no track experience don't have, or haven't had some of these things demonstrated and pointed out to them.

[OFFICER737]

hmmm...tough call. For me, more time on that track! I have the basics down and run pretty quick.

The basic instruction is needed for the brand new but could be streamlined a bit.

[velocity bmg]

Originally Posted by OFFICER737

hmmm...tough call. For me, more time on that track! I have the basics down and run pretty quick.

The basic instruction is needed for the brand new but could be streamlined a bit.

Dude...you ran around with Kevin Schwantz...you don't count...

Get your ass back to the race track...bully boy.

[OFFICER737]

Originally Posted by velocity bmg

Dude...you ran around with Kevin Schwantz...you don't count...

Get your ass back to the race track...bully boy.

I still like to play on track days as well as the WERA races. I think the "beginner's" group can be broken up into people that are brand new and ones that have a better grasp of riding the track. Taking that "track school" they give every time would suck.

[velocity bmg]

Originally Posted by OFFICER737

I still like to play on track days as well as the WERA races. I think the "beginner's" group can be broken up into people that are brand new and ones that have a better grasp of riding the track. Taking that "track school" they give every time would suck.

It wasn't bad...but most of the stuff talked about I knew the answers to...at least up until I left at the lunch break.

They might have discussed some cool stuff after lunch.

Who knows?

My bad for leaving early and not being able to give a full evaluation.

They did break the beginner's up into at least 4 classes that I know of.

The class I chose was the third one.

The instructor said...

The first ones being something like "Who here is totally lost?"

"Who here has a pretty good idea what is going on...but is having problems with some fundamentals?"

The one I chose...

"Who hear thinks that by the end of the day they will have this track nailed?"

Of course my idiot ass jumped right into that one...

While I was pretty quick, especially for a guy in street riding posture, staying centered on the bike, no hanging off...etc.

They had it set up right I think...and overall a good job...

Again, I think if someone would have said..."BMG...I noticed you are not hanging off..."

I would have said...huh...there is no need to hang off...as I am passing most people...and don't feel the bike and my speed on the track warrants hanging off.

Then they could have said..."well you should hang off now...and then as you build speed...you'll see why you need it."

It would have taken the National Guard to pry me from the track for the rest of the day.

[velocity bmg]

Anyhoo...enough of my crap...

Next person...

[ped]

thread jack

officer how you liking those carbone lorraine pads, i remember you getting them but no opinions on em?

[ped]

i was just wondering......

[ped]

then i thought to myself didnt officer737 say he bought a set....and bam i said next thread hes posting ill ask.

[ped]

i want to learn how to get around a given track faster without trying as hard.

[ped]

who needs an edit button when you're a post whore right...J/K velocity ;p

[velocity bmg]

Originally Posted by ped

who needs an edit button when you're a post whore right...J/K velocity ;p

Moi? Post whore?

Naa...I just like this place and the atitude the staff has as opposed to other sites.

When it quits raining I'll ride more and post less...howz that?

[acalliste]

From a track day beginner's POV, (now that I have a little experience to know what's important to me anyway):

1. Clear instructions/info on what's required to prep the bike
2. A sidebar after the rider's meeting for new riders or new-to-that-track riders to cover everything in enough detail that everyone understands what's expected of them
3. Control riders/instructors who are available all day to help (whether that be to follow them around or they follow you around & then advise on where you can make improvements and how to do so.
4. Control riders/instructors who are willing to help you in the pits or in a classroom setting on body position and riding techniques.

In general:

5. A decent photographer - seeing pics of yourself is very helpful in making improvements
6. Concrete pit pads, with power
7. Onsite source of food (even though I recommend bringing your own food and water)
8. Decent facilities with showers
9. Helpful & friendly staff
10. Ability to camp out at the track
11. Tire/suspension services on site, maybe a dyno for those interested
12. reasonable prices


That's all I can think of right now.

[velocity bmg]

Lot of approaches...found this worth scanning and putting up.