Hidden and obvious costs of a trackday?

[zeus_r6]

A lot of people wonder about the overall cost of doing a trackday, and since most of you have been through the paces...numbers?

[FictionalHero]

Besides the obvious - track time, gas to/from racing fuel.

- Water, Food, Toys for the kiddies
- First aid kit
- Magazine
- Sunblock

[malik ross]

Originally Posted by zeus_r6

A lot of people wonder about the overall cost of doing a trackday, and since most of you have been through the paces...numbers?

The cost varies from rider to rider. There are some people that have more money tied up in track day gear than I make. Others tow a bike with a compact car loaded full of gear and camp out at the track. Like a lot of sports the amount you spend is determined by you. Some people just tape over the lights on their street bike and go at it. Others have dedicated track bikes.

After the bike gear is the next big expense but once you have it you have it until you outgrow it or wreck it. Cost is again up to you. I wear a set of leathers I bought off a MSB member for $250. If you aren’t really sure how much you want to do it its best to find good bargains for gear and equipment. Theres no sense blowing your wad on gear and not having any money to ride.

Nesba and STT have an annual membership fee of around $35 bucks. The cost of the track day varies from track to track but is usually around $200 for a day. Keep in mind you will get over two hours of track time if you don’t crash or have a mechanical.

[ajohn505]

Originally Posted by malik ross

Others tow a bike with a compact car loaded full of gear and camp out at the track.

+1

Uhaul will rent a trailer for $15 per day, tie downs are $30, a gas can and gas is $30, gear will probably be close to $400 once boots and gloves are thrown in (if you go used, and I assume you already have a helmet). The other incidentals (some already mentioned) are sunblock, cooler + drinks ($30) , perhaps an EZ-up canopy ($60) to keep you out of the sun, and some collapsible chairs ($10). Add on lunch, etc. as well.

Once the upfront costs are taken care of, there's not much expense other than the gas and trackday fees. You can add tires on if you start getting crazy, but if you're only doing a few per year you can probably get away with a single set of tires per year. It's definitely worth the initial investment in gear.

Oh yeah, and the track fee. BHF was $160 per day the last time I signed up, and Road America was $185 per day.

[funkyninja]

Originally Posted by ajohn505

You can add tires on if you start getting crazy, but if you're only doing a few per year you can probably get away with a single set of tires per year. It's definitely worth the initial investment in gear.

I need new tires, which is too bad because they have plenty of street life left on them, but probably won't pass tech. So, if don't have a dedicated track bike, you could look at extra rims to change between your track/street tires. I have no idea what they would cost though.

[zeus_r6]

Originally Posted by funkyninja

I need new tires, which is too bad because they have plenty of street life left on them, but probably won't pass tech. So, if don't have a dedicated track bike, you could look at extra rims to change between your track/street tires. I have no idea what they would cost though.

For those of us that haven't dealt with 'tech', what are they looking for when they inspect the tire?

[kevin_stevens]

Just cuts/slashes and tread depth. Truthfully, they *should* be more concerned with the shoulders than the center, so if you're squared off a little from commuting it should be ok.

Another additional cost/effort is changing coolant out if required.

KeS

[funkyninja]

Originally Posted by zeus_r6

For those of us that haven't dealt with 'tech', what are they looking for when they inspect the tire?

I haven't yet either, looking to do my first track day this season. But, the NESBA rider's manual says "Tire condition (1/2 tread in center) and pressure (30-35 psi)". ClickyLinky That should answer some other questions you may have, or uncover some costs you hadn't thought of. Also, different organizations may have different requirements for tires.

[generator]

These three sites have all the information you need- after reading through the materials found there and you still have questions let someone know.

copy-paste-read.

nesba.com
privatetracktime.com
sportbiketracktime.com

[malik ross]

Originally Posted by zeus_r6

For those of us that haven't dealt with 'tech', what are they looking for when they inspect the tire?

the rule books for each organization can cover it in larger (and more confusing detail) but generally they're looking to make sure the bike is in good enough condition that it won't kill you or anyone else. lights should be taped over and it cuts down on debris in teh event of a crash. bodywork should be secure. that doesn't mean as it was from teh factory but there should be no danger of bodywork blowing off. tires shouls not be too worn or weather checked. chain should be adjusted and sprockets in good condition. brake lever should not come to the bar. usually the hard parts..bars, exhaust and pegs...get a quick shake to make sure they are secure.

[VTEC_EATER]

In all honesty, riding on the track can be very expensive. But it is what you make of it. The only fixed costs are going to be: gate fees and membership fees. After that you have control of the rest.

Firstly, I highly recommend buying quality gear, and that right there will run you big bucks. If you just want to try track riding, I'm sure you could borrow someones leathers, boots, & backprotector. However, if you begin to get hooked, and most people do (theres a reason why people call them "crack days"), its in your best interests to buy the best gear you can afford. A $400 suit may last you one good crash on the asphalt before it needs repair or replacement, but a $1200 suit will typically last crash, after crash, after crash while still providing the same level of protection as it did when it was new. When you throw in boots, back protectors, new gloves, new helmet, etc... gear can set you back an easy $1500-2000+.

Then you have transportation. The Wisconsin people are really good about ride shares, and having spots on trailers, however if your schedule does not coincide with many of the others here, then you will need to haul yourself and your gear to the track alone. If your car can not tow, you can borrow someones car, or get some cheap beater, or rent a van or box truck. It all works really. If you are towing, you will need a trailer, which you can rent, borrow, or purchase as well. So theres more money.

So now you are at the track with your bike and gear, but if your bike breaks down, you will need to either repair it track side, or stop riding for the rest of the day/weekend, and pretty much ruin your whole experience. So tools are necessary. Again, beg and borrow, or own, its up to you. Since we are on the topic of repair, I will throw in the idea of maintenance as well. Simple stuff like oil changes, brake pads and fluid, chain & sprockets, TIRES, etc. are all little ticket items that can stack up FAST. But its all necessary if you wish to have your bike running and operating at its max potential.

While you are at the track you may want some sort of cover from the sun. That sun in mud July can suck the life out of you while at the track. You are already sweating your balls off in full leather head to toe while riding on the track pushing yourself, and your riding abilities, to its limits, but now you have to hang out in the 90+ heat and humidity while off the track. A good tree works, but a lot of tracks do not have trees in the pits. A nice pit area can rally make your enjoyment at the track just that much better. Good comfortable seating is always nice, and a place to hang your leathers between sessions is almost a must mid-summer. So a pop up canopy is almost a requirement. I know it made a world of difference when I was out there.

After these basic things, you need food and water. Some can do it cheap (myself included), some like to really have a nice lunch and bring out the grill. Its all up to you. You will need lots of water... cold water. So a cooler with ice is another basic item you need to pack, and haul to the track. Soon that econo-box car you were thinking about using for towing is getting quickly filled to the brim.

Oh yeah.... Fuel..... A typical track weekend, at a place like Blackhawk Farms, will run you through 12-15 qallons of fuel on a 600cc bike depending on the riding style, and tune of the bike. At a place like Road America, expect to use a minimum of 25 gallons for the weekend (on a 600). Better bring an extra 5-10 gallons if you own a 1000CC bike.

There is also your transportation costs to and from the track. Depending on if you are carpooling, driving yourself, etc, this can vary greatly. Again, another hidden cost.

Now, this is pretty much the bare bones stuff that I would bring on a track weekend with me. I also like to dress my bikes for the track, so I get track plastics (~$400 cheap ebay stuff), rearsets (~$250), and I bring out front and rear stands (~$300). Some do it up even more and and bring tire warmers, generators, fully enclosed trailers with air conditioning, RV's, tire changing stations, etc... It can get pretty nuts if you let it.

Okay so thats a lot to take in.

I will say that when I used to ride the track 2 years ago, and gasoline was about $3/gallon, I was lucky if I could do a weekend on $500 all in. I did 5 weekends that summer, I was slated for 6, but I crashed both my bikes to the tune of approximately $1500, and had to gracefully bow out of the track scene until the funds were available again. So that summer ran me at the very least $4000, just for 10 days on the track.

Riding the track is not cheap (expensive enough that I had to quit, or go into major credit card debt), but its a hell of a lot of fun, and you can meet some of the coolest people while you are out there. I barely even ride my bikes anymore, but if I have the time, I love to go out to the track just to watch because the energy and the people are amazing. I miss track riding a lot, and would love to get back into it, but I'm trying to be responsible with my money, and track riding, unfortunately, is just not in the cards for me right now.

[zeus_r6]

Originally Posted by VTEC_EATER

In all honesty, riding on the track can be very expensive. But it is what you make of it. The only fixed costs are going to be: gate fees and membership fees. After that you have control of the rest.

Firstly, I highly recommend buying quality gear, and that right there will run you big bucks. If you just want to try track riding, I'm sure you could borrow someones leathers, boots, & backprotector. However, if you begin to get hooked, and most people do (theres a reason why people call them "crack days"), its in your best interests to buy the best gear you can afford. A $400 suit may last you one good crash on the asphalt before it needs repair or replacement, but a $1200 suit will typically last crash, after crash, after crash while still providing the same level of protection as it did when it was new. When you throw in boots, back protectors, new gloves, new helmet, etc... gear can set you back an easy $1500-2000+.

Then you have transportation. The Wisconsin people are really good about ride shares, and having spots on trailers, however if your schedule does not coincide with many of the others here, then you will need to haul yourself and your gear to the track alone. If your car can not tow, you can borrow someones car, or get some cheap beater, or rent a van or box truck. It all works really. If you are towing, you will need a trailer, which you can rent, borrow, or purchase as well. So theres more money.

So now you are at the track with your bike and gear, but if your bike breaks down, you will need to either repair it track side, or stop riding for the rest of the day/weekend, and pretty much ruin your whole experience. So tools are necessary. Again, beg and borrow, or own, its up to you. Since we are on the topic of repair, I will throw in the idea of maintenance as well. Simple stuff like oil changes, brake pads and fluid, chain & sprockets, TIRES, etc. are all little ticket items that can stack up FAST. But its all necessary if you wish to have your bike running and operating at its max potential.

While you are at the track you may want some sort of cover from the sun. That sun in mud July can suck the life out of you while at the track. You are already sweating your balls off in full leather head to toe while riding on the track pushing yourself, and your riding abilities, to its limits, but now you have to hang out in the 90+ heat and humidity while off the track. A good tree works, but a lot of tracks do not have trees in the pits. A nice pit area can rally make your enjoyment at the track just that much better. Good comfortable seating is always nice, and a place to hang your leathers between sessions is almost a must mid-summer. So a pop up canopy is almost a requirement. I know it made a world of difference when I was out there.

After these basic things, you need food and water. Some can do it cheap (myself included), some like to really have a nice lunch and bring out the grill. Its all up to you. You will need lots of water... cold water. So a cooler with ice is another basic item you need to pack, and haul to the track. Soon that econo-box car you were thinking about using for towing is getting quickly filled to the brim.

Oh yeah.... Fuel..... A typical track weekend, at a place like Blackhawk Farms, will run you through 12-15 qallons of fuel on a 600cc bike depending on the riding style, and tune of the bike. At a place like Road America, expect to use a minimum of 25 gallons for the weekend (on a 600). Better bring an extra 5-10 gallons if you own a 1000CC bike.

There is also your transportation costs to and from the track. Depending on if you are carpooling, driving yourself, etc, this can vary greatly. Again, another hidden cost.

Now, this is pretty much the bare bones stuff that I would bring on a track weekend with me. I also like to dress my bikes for the track, so I get track plastics (~$400 cheap ebay stuff), rearsets (~$250), and I bring out front and rear stands (~$300). Some do it up even more and and bring tire warmers, generators, fully enclosed trailers with air conditioning, RV's, tire changing stations, etc... It can get pretty nuts if you let it.

Okay so thats a lot to take in.

I will say that when I used to ride the track 2 years ago, and gasoline was about $3/gallon, I was lucky if I could do a weekend on $500 all in. I did 5 weekends that summer, I was slated for 6, but I crashed both my bikes to the tune of approximately $1500, and had to gracefully bow out of the track scene until the funds were available again. So that summer ran me at the very least $4000, just for 10 days on the track.

Riding the track is not cheap (expensive enough that I had to quit, or go into major credit card debt), but its a hell of a lot of fun, and you can meet some of the coolest people while you are out there. I barely even ride my bikes anymore, but if I have the time, I love to go out to the track just to watch because the energy and the people are amazing. I miss track riding a lot, and would love to get back into it, but I'm trying to be responsible with my money, and track riding, unfortunately, is just not in the cards for me right now.

Well said, and covers a lot of bases

[Murf99]

Tom and everyone else have covered most of the bases on this one.

To more directly answer your question - what are your goals? Just to come out and try a trackday and see what all the hubub is about? Or actually take up the hobby 'full time' so to speak?

As you have already seen, there is a lot of stuff that you 'need' to be properly prepared for a trackday. However, the people in the sport are a generous bunch, so we'll do what we can to get you out there - as the counterpoint is dropping $1500 of your hard earned on gear and bike prep, then finding out that the sport isn't for you.

SO - if you wanted to do your first day:
Entry fees: $150-$200 depending on the day, track, and org
Transport: People are pretty good about coordinating, figure $50? You could ride your bike there - but that's a crummy idea at best...
Bike fuel: I think Tom's estimates were a little large, figure 7 gallons per day, or $30.
Leathers, boots, gloves - You can most likely borrow these, providing you don't have a size 4 foot or 36" hands or something.
Consumables: Tires, brake pads... You'll need good examples of each - and squared off tires though 'legal' really lead to an unstable feeling in the bike as you pass over the square section. I can't help you with brakes, butI have a few sets of takeoffs that would be good to start out on the track with - yours for the low price of 'get-them-the-fuck-out-of-my-garage' in the spirit of getting you to try out the sport.

Other than that, the bike needs to be fluid tight (no leaks), with solid controls (properly bolted clipons and rearsets), solid brakes, and nothing exsesively sharp that could act as a spear in the event of a crash. Generally, make sure that all of your bolts are tight, stuff loosens on the track that never would on the street. A chain looser than most ride on the street is required (to promote proper rear suspension acion). Lights need to be taped up (if you decide to run your street plastics) and usually unplugged. That's about it.

Tammy did a really good series of 'get your bike ready for trackdays' in the women's forum on this very site - I think in the Pussy Posse. I just looked but cannot find it... a little help?

[malik ross]

Originally Posted by Murf99

Tammy did a really good series of 'get your bike ready for trackdays' in the women's forum on this very site - I think in the Pussy Posse. I just looked but cannot find it... a little help?

So my girls wanna ride trackdays!!!!

[Murf99]

Thanks Malik.