Tips on first track day?

[Nightdrive89]

Heyy everyone, i started this thread hoping that you all might have some tips for me, im going to be doing my first track day in about 2 months at Lightening Raceway in NJ, i already have my suspension set up, brakes, and a set of bt003rs' waiting to be installed a couple days before so i can scrub em in. but im a little nervous not in my riding but more like etiquette on the track, getting ready to go, what i should bring? things like that. any tips would be much appreciated =]

[kman]

If you are signed up for a new rider school they will do a good job of guiding you on where to enter and exit the track, the meaning of the flags, passing/being passed ect.  Even without a new rider school they will still have a drivers meeting that will let you know most of this stuff, but it could be specific to your track or organization so I don't want to recommend any specifics.  Make sure to bring stuff like a a folding chair so you can sit down in between runs because you will be tired.  Bring some snacks and water/gatorade.  Bring some plastic bags/rain poncho and stuff in case it rains to keep all your stuff dry.  Bring some tools in case you need to fix or adjust something.  Make sure to ride the bike some once you think it is track prepped.  The first time I took off my mirrors I took them off at the base instead of at the hinge (F model) and the fairing had a really strong buzz that was distracting and I would have found it going around the block.  Try to wear your gear for some riding before you go, the shifter will feel different with race boots on and your gloves may feel different.  You don't need to waste precious track time relearning how to shift.   

[Nightdrive89]

thanks a lot, i signed up with absolute cycle, they put me through a 5 hour instructional course and i have a mentor throughout the two days to help me with my form. as far as gear i have an alpinestars 2 peice suit, a shoei rf-1100 helmet, alpinestarts gp pro gloves, and sidi vertigo boots. everytime i got out im fully geared so im very comfortable. any reccomendations on tire pressure?

[burning1]

Recommendations will vary by conditions. I ran 26 psi in my front tire, and 23 psi in the rear. Rear tire was fine throughout it's life, but the front tire had some issues where it would fold and slide. My tire guy is suggesting 28-30 in the front, and 25 or so in the rear at T-Hill, which tends to be a very hot track.

If a suspension person is available at the track, I'd strongly encourage you to use their services. They won't be able to tune the front end trackside, but they can offer advise on how to modify it. If they know how to read tire wear, you definitely want to talk to them.

Remember to relax on the bike. The more you stress your arms, the worse it will behave, and the more tired you'll get. Forearm pump is a sign that you're stressing. It is not a sign that you need to exercise more.

Don't think that you need to use the whole track. There are some corners where swooping to the outside during turn-in, and running all the way to the curbing at exit really isn't the fastest line. This especially tends to be the case with long sweepers, and sharp corners leading to a set of esses.

Don't try to make way for the faster riders. Be predictable, and let them find a way around. It's always safer.

Bring sunblock, shade, lots of water, healthy snacks (bananas are especially good.) You need to take care of yourself between sessions, or you're going to tire out. Conserve your energy - lots of people quit before the last session.

Always check your fuel level before going out. Shutting down the track because you ran out of gas is going to piss a lot of people off.

Get there the afternoon before the trackday. Walk the track. Trying to learn where the track goes while riding is a waste of track time. Study the maps - rotate them as you follow so you're looking at each corner as if you were riding. Look at the google satellite photos. Ask fast guys for advise.

Relax relax relax. I can't emphasize this enough.

[pandy]

thanks a lot, i signed up with absolute cycle, they put me through a 5 hour instructional course and i have a mentor throughout the two days to help me with my form. as far as gear i have an alpinestars 2 peice suit, a shoei rf-1100 helmet, alpinestarts gp pro gloves, and sidi vertigo boots. everytime i got out im fully geared so im very comfortable. any reccomendations on tire pressure?

Outstanding...all of the above! A few things that I found helped me included not worrying about what's going on behind you (this is SO difficult to get used to! I WANT my rear-view mirrors!   It's the responsibility of the passing rider to pass you safely). Don't worry about being in anyone's way. It's your track, too! Don't worry about going too slow; there are different levels of riding groups for a reason.

Absolutely take advantage of that mentor as much as possible. I found following AND leading the instructors around and then getting instant feedback to be incredibly helpful! If your mentor offers a two-up, TAKE IT. The most amazing ride I've taken at the track was on the back of an AFM racer's bike. It showed me what's possible on the track (and how hard one could brake in the corners!!!). (Assuming you're male, I know about the one-teabag-per-bike rule   ....it's seriously worth two teabags on a bike to get the two-up experience with an experienced track rider.) It was the scariest (in the best way) ride I've taken on a bike.  

I found looking up youtube videos of the track I was going to was also helpful, especially the on-board cams. I really like to do everything I can to learn the track before I get there.


You'll probably find that street riding is MUCH more comfortable after you've faced the challenge of the track. My riding goes up a notch every time I do a track day (man, you've got me drooling for another track day now.....   )  

Have fun!!!! (It's easy to get very intense out there and forget that it's a GREAT experience and FUNFUNFUNFUNFUN!!!!!!!)  

P.S. Damn, I'm jealous!!!!!!


P.P.S. Tire pressure: I usually ran 30/30. burning1 races, so he goes faster than I do. 
P.P.P.S. Another pitch for being as consistent and smooth as possible. While it *IS* the passing rider's responsibility to pass safely, it doesn't hurt to give them as much info on the track as possible (such as not making sudden moves to the inside or outside of the track and vise versa, trying not to park it in the corners). Having said that, expect the unexpected (like someone right in front of you crashing  )... Having said THAT, the learning group is for learning, and the more-experienced track riders who sign up for group C because the other groups are full need to STFU and stay out of C!      )

[Nightdrive89]

thanks for all the help guys, ill let you guys know how it goes! I actually got a lot of input and measurements from Racetech so they helped me pick out all my parts and setup.

[pandy]

I have a pretty comprehensive track day checklist (by Scott Storkel). I can't find where I got it online, but I have it in .doc form. If anyone wants it, PM me your e-mail address and I'll forward. If anyone knows the link, post please! 

Can't wait to hear how it goes! You'll like become another addict... 

[philgs500F]

Main point most people forget about trackdays.  It's not a race, everyone has to go to their real job on monday...so don't wad your scooter trying to do something stupid.   

Good luck and have fun.