What would one expect at Track Day?

[Flash]

I just discovered there are one day "Track Day" sessions available at the Texas Motor Speedway. They are divided into novice, intermediate, and advanced groups based on the previous number of times you have taken this class before. The cost is only $25 (EDIT)     Also, www.sportbikehype.com (one of the sponsors i think) is offering personal instruction for $50 more (EDIT)

I love to ride and wish I could race around my area. I think racing is in my blood. So, this would be the perfect opportunity for me to learn. What should I expect? I just got my first racing leathers. What a sweet deal! Check it out: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2429907352

Now I just need to get some boots and gloves and I think I'm set. Do I need CE armor? Belly Pan? Fairing or windscreen? I bet I will be the only one that doe not have a "rice rocket" with full-fairing/carbon-fiber this and that. They probably never even seen a GS500.

Any insight would be glady appreciated. Everyone share you experiences (good or bad).

Thanks,
Flash

[bob]

First let me say that I highly recommend track days - for anyone, with any level of experience, on any bike.  Go for it!!
The best way to get answers to your questions is to find out who's running the track day & call them & grill 'em with every question you can think of.  You want to know exactly what level of bike & rider preparation is required long before you get there.  Most organizations don't require extensive (or any) safety wiring of street bikes, but they will require things like good tires & brakes, a bike that's mechanically generally sound - common sense things.  You'll also prolly have to remove or tape over lights, mirrors & turn signals.  You may have to remove or tape up the center stand & passenger pegs.  Again, make the call & ask.
You may be required to use a back protector (you should use one whether it's required or not), you will probably be required to have heavy boots that cover your ankles & of course you'll have to have good leather gloves.  Looks like the leathers you scored will be an easy pass.
As far as the GS goes - don't worry about the bike.  There will be people there with old Viragos & CB750s that'll smoke past you like you won't believe.  There will also be HayBuses & Gixxer Thous that you go past like they're staked to the ground.  Don't worry about it.  These things bring out all kinds of bikes & all levels of riders.  You won't be the fastest & you won't be the slowest.  If it's your first time out, just start in the slowest group.  Oftentimes, the slowest group is full of folks who just want to go out & ride around briskly in a safe environment & have no intention of coming anywhere near race speeds.  It's a good group to go out with to get used to the track.  Meanwhile, watch the other groups & if after a while you're thinking the group you're in is too slow for you, move up a group.
Take it easy, listen to the rules (like passing & such), don't put any expectations on yourself & concentrate on having fun!!

Do it!!

[JasonB]

Bob you need to give me some info on where to go around here for track days like this. I want to learn to lean the bike and not be afraid of going of the road in left hand turns!

Nice deal on the leathers sounds like your a smaller guy so that should help with the GS being a tad underpowered compared to the rest of the competition.

[Bob Broussard]

$50 for a track day is awesome.
Bob gave alot of good advice on what you need to do.
If this is your first time it can seem intimidating. All the racer types milling around with numbers on their bikes. Just try to relax and take it real easy. You have to learn the track and get comfortable with people riding close. If they have any instructor types you can hook up with, do it. Have them show you around the track, but don't over do it trying to keep up. They should make it a point to keep you in their mirrors.
As the day goes on you can increase the level you're riding at.
ALWAYS take it easy the first couple laps in a session. Just cause it's later in the day doesn't mean your tires aren't cold enough to put you down.
The main thing is have fun and complete the day.
You'll learn more from a day at the track than months of street riding.

[bob]

Bob (err, the other Bob) makes some great points.  Thanks for filling in some of the gaps I left.
Hooking up with an instructor of some sort is a good idea.  They may  have a sighting session at the beginning for first timers in which you all go out & follow the leader around at a much reduced speed just so you can get the lay of the track & get an idea of which ways the turns go.  They may even do this in a van or car so the instructor can give you a play by play for a lap.
Like Bob said, 50 clams is a smokin' deal for a track day.  Usually it's more in the $100 to 150 range.
Speaking of expensive track days, Jason, Sport Bike Track Time has a track day coming up at Grattan, near Grand Rapids, this weekend.  Call Monte Lutz at 419.868.8703 if you're interested.  I've only run with them once, a couple of years ago, but after paying for their "license" & a late fee, the track day ended up hurting Mr Wallet to the tune of close to $200.
Another option is to go to a "race school."  Fast Trax has a race school on the Friday before most of their race weekends. They have a race at Grattan on the 27-28 Sept, race school on the 26th.  Cost was $175 last time I heard.  Call Bob Stanley at 330.494.8410 for the full scoop. Actually, Fast Trax runs mostly at Nelson Ledges in Eastern Ohio, which may actually be closer for you, Jason.  They will be there 3-4-5 October.
In general, Road Racing World, http://venus.13x.com/roadracingworld/index.html
is a good resource for finding track days & race schools.

[rt_fz1]

The Bobs (sorry I couldn't resist ) make good points.  The only observation I have to add is:  The GS handles well and you'll probably find yourself being slowed up by some slow riders on more powerful bikes.  The frustrating part is that you'll be able to pass them in the corners, but they will invariably come blowing by you again in the straights, just to slow you up in the corners again.  Don't get frustrated and do somethng stupid.  Just pull into the pits and let them go.  Then come back out onto a clear track.  Other than that, just go out and have some fun!  You'll have a blast!

Rich

[brandiwine]

post a link about this, i'm interested.  i checked the site and couldn't find what you were talking about, so i must have overlooked it.

[JasonB]

Ouch bob thats expensive for the one coming up and I know those late fees etc would be killer.

I actually think mid-ohio is the closest bike track for me. There is Waterford Hills close but I hear they have a lot of concrete walls.

I'll keep looking to see about stuff. Might take the bike down south for a fall track day and stay with relatives. I know road atlanta pretty well from road racing there.

My offer still stands to crew for you if you go racing somewhere around here.

[Arpee]

Heard about this Texas speedway or whatever it's called...also on the SV board.  Apparently, novices don't need much in terms of gear other than good helmet, gloves, boots, and a streetable bike.  I hear it's great for beginners (guy took his GF there who'd been riding literally for a few days...guess she did very well).  I think it's $25 for each 20 minute session 'round the track.  Still a great deal, and much safer than the streets.

[JasonB]

Awesome deal for $25 or $50!

Wish there was something like that around here! (that cheap!)

[bob]

post a link about this, i'm interested.  i checked the site and couldn't find what you were talking about, so i must have overlooked it.

Sorry if I left out a few key pointers.  Click on the link, then wait an eternity for the RRW website to load, then go to "calendar" over in the left column & scroll way down to the bottom where it says "Schools and Practices"  Ya gotta scroll down at least half way before you get to the schools & practices.

"Trackaholics" also has a track day coming up next week at Grattan.  I think it's on Thursday the 18th.  That's about all I know about it - mebbe do a Google search for more info?  Dunno if they have a website.

As far as places like Mid-Ohio, I have never heard of a track day there (which doesn't mean there might have been one I didn't hear about).  Mid-O is a really expensive track to rent, so maybe no one is willing to pony up just for a track day.  
Waterford Hills has got to be the most dangerous track this side of a dirt half mile.  The track is tight & lined with walls.  I've never heard of any kind of M/C event there.
Another possibility is Gingerman Raceway outside of South Haven, MI.  There used to be lotsa bike races & track days there but I haven't heard of much outa there lately.  Mebbe ya could do a little research - http://www.gingermanraceway.com/