trackdayrider
03-04-2007, 18:10
When you book your trackday, the Trackday Organiser (TDO) will ask which group you want to be in...
The majority of TDO's run a trackday by splitting the riders into three groups. They have various 'names' depending on the TDO,
slow (novice), medium (intermediates) or fast (expert or advanced) group
It is in your own interest to place yourself where you will be comfortable. However there is always the possibility of changing groups on the day.
Slow or Novice Group The slow group will generally be made up first time riders or owners of slower bikes or someone who want to ride the circuit with feeling under any pressure from faster riders.
This group usually has the advantage of benefiting from extra briefing time from the TDO.
Medium or Intermediates Group The medium group will consist of riders that are more comfortable with riding their bike at a trackday. Usually they will have ridden at a trackday previously an know what to expect
There is quite often a wide range of abilities within this group. You should put yourself here if you are confident of your riding, or have ridden at the track before
Fast or Expert or Advanced group Riders in this group will have been on numerous trackdays previously. You will see a range of dedicated track bikes and fast road riders.
You will also need a bike! - You can use any type of bike. You will see anything from full on race bikes to big trailees. Whatever fits your needs will work (within reason!)
It can be your own road bike or a track prepared bike. There are various companies around that will rent you a bike or you could have a very generous trusting mate!
Whatever the bike , it must be in a worthy condition. Although the trackday organisers do not "scrutineer" the bike prior to the day, the marshals will very quickly spot and black flag any machines that appears to be unsafe for any reason
So before your day, take a good look at the usual items and remember that you may be putting the bike through its paces a bit more that you normally do.
Tyres Are you happy with the tyres? Check the pressures and condition.
A second hand set of wet race tyres can usually be picked up for a reasonable sum and can mean the difference between a miserable day and an enjoyable one.
Similarly track focused tyres such as Pirelli Supercorsas will be a great addition on a warm day.
Ultimately a spare set of wheels with tyres will limit any effect the weather can have on your day
A worthwhile purchase, should you want to do trackdays more frequently is a pair of Tyre warmers. There is no better confidence booster than a pair of nicely warm tyres at the start of the session!
Brakes Check the brakes and the hydraulic systems. Check the wear on the pads and again remember that you may use them more than you do normally
Suspension If you know how to, you can set up the bike for a smoother track as opposed to the compromise settings for the road. If not get advice from someone who does
Exhaust We know race cans sound nice. But many trackdays have noise limits. That Akroprovic full race system might sound and look great, but on a Donington 'quiet' day it could spell an early end to the day.
Check with the organiser for noise limits.
Chain makes sure it is adjusted and well lubricated
Petrol / Oil Do you have enough fuel to last all day? Most circuits have a fuel supply but the cost will be high. Well worth taking a fuel can of your own
Bodywork A set of cheap pattern bodywork will be a lot less painful should it all go wrong on the day. A couple of hours preparing the bike beforehand can save you pounds later. But if you are keeping the standard stuff on then tape up the lights and fold back or remove the mirrors
Many bikes get fitted with crash bungs these days. A pair of these costing a few quid could be a good investment for road or track.
Transport At the end of an enjoyable day it is not always much fun to have to ride a few hours home. A trailer or van borrowed or rented will make the journey easier. as well as allowing the track preparation to be done prior to the day
Ultimately a lot depends on your budget. the cheapest way is to book your day. Ride there, have fun and ride home. But a bit of preparation can make all the difference to your enjoyment.
You
Clothing You will need to be equipped with an ACU standard helmet and a set of leathers. Either a full 1 piece set of a 2 piece that zips together all the way around
Obviously a decent pair of gloves and boots will also be required. and a back-protector is highly recommended
Licence You will need to provide both parts of your DVLA licence to the circuit
trackday booking It is possible to turn up on the day and see if there are any spare places. But I wouldn't recommend it! Book well in advance with the Trackday organiser
On the day
Start time After you have booked a day, the TDO will have supplied an itinerary for the day. Most pre day briefings will start early to maximise the circuit time
Make sure you arrive in plenty of time. Missing the briefing will cause difficulties getting on track.
Most TDO's provide an 'extra' briefing after the main one, for the novice group just to clarify everything. But if you are unsure of anything there is usually someone on hand to offer advice. Either from the TDO or a fellow rider
If the circuit is local to you it shouldn't be problem. But if you live in Dundee and your favourite circuit is Brands Hatch then an overnight stay is the best bet.
Getting up in the middle of the night and driving through the dawn for an early start will lead to fatigue later in the day
A local pub/ hotel or campsite will make things easier in the cold light of an early morning.
Just remember that it is in the trackday companies best interest to refuse you entry should you arrive the worse for a 'few' beers the night before
On Track It is usual for the first few laps to be a 'no overtaking' sighting laps(s) following an instructor. This is to allow you to familiarise yourself with the circuit and to allow some heat into the tyres
Remember cold tyres and fast corners don't mix too well usually. This format often continues through the day depending on the group and the TDO.
Remember that a track day is not a race. Relax and enjoy the day. Don't think about the circuit as a racetrack but as a one-way road. That fact lets you put 100% of your concentration on riding the bike and maximising your enjoyment, which is something you can't always do on the road, due to the need to watch out for other traffic, gravel, diesel, speed cameras etc. etc. Riding on track will improve your understanding of how your bike reacts to limits outside usual road riding. Making you a better rider all round
Also don't worry about what other people are doing. Ride to your own limits not someone else's. Watch what is happening in front of you. If you overtake, do so safely. You don't need to 'stuff' the guy in front of you on the last corner. It's not the final round of your personal championship! Fold in or remove your mirrors. Look ahead. Anyone behind you will sort himself or herself' out.
At the end of the day If you are riding home, just don't forget that speed limits exist in the real world
A days riding perhaps faster than normal can require some 're-calibration' when you venture back onto the public highway
Most Trackday Organisations are run by enthusiasts. They are there to provide a service that allows you as the rider access to some of the best circuits in the world (as well as some of the lesser known!) For these organisations to continue to exist then you have to take responsibility for your actions. Riding on the track can and sometimes does lead to incidents.
Just remember that you decide to go to a trackday of your own choice. Trying to blame an organiser for an incident might eventually lead to the downfall of the whole business, due to high insurance claims. If you are worried about damaging your bike or yourself make sure have made the necessary preparations. Check your insurance situation or ride carefully. Should the worst happen the circuits are well equipped and will deal with recovery and clean up as much as possible. Ultimately it is down to the rider to judge the situation.
Enjoy the day !
Remember it’s not a race, its for fun.
The majority of TDO's run a trackday by splitting the riders into three groups. They have various 'names' depending on the TDO,
slow (novice), medium (intermediates) or fast (expert or advanced) group
It is in your own interest to place yourself where you will be comfortable. However there is always the possibility of changing groups on the day.
Slow or Novice Group The slow group will generally be made up first time riders or owners of slower bikes or someone who want to ride the circuit with feeling under any pressure from faster riders.
This group usually has the advantage of benefiting from extra briefing time from the TDO.
Medium or Intermediates Group The medium group will consist of riders that are more comfortable with riding their bike at a trackday. Usually they will have ridden at a trackday previously an know what to expect
There is quite often a wide range of abilities within this group. You should put yourself here if you are confident of your riding, or have ridden at the track before
Fast or Expert or Advanced group Riders in this group will have been on numerous trackdays previously. You will see a range of dedicated track bikes and fast road riders.
You will also need a bike! - You can use any type of bike. You will see anything from full on race bikes to big trailees. Whatever fits your needs will work (within reason!)
It can be your own road bike or a track prepared bike. There are various companies around that will rent you a bike or you could have a very generous trusting mate!
Whatever the bike , it must be in a worthy condition. Although the trackday organisers do not "scrutineer" the bike prior to the day, the marshals will very quickly spot and black flag any machines that appears to be unsafe for any reason
So before your day, take a good look at the usual items and remember that you may be putting the bike through its paces a bit more that you normally do.
Tyres Are you happy with the tyres? Check the pressures and condition.
A second hand set of wet race tyres can usually be picked up for a reasonable sum and can mean the difference between a miserable day and an enjoyable one.
Similarly track focused tyres such as Pirelli Supercorsas will be a great addition on a warm day.
Ultimately a spare set of wheels with tyres will limit any effect the weather can have on your day
A worthwhile purchase, should you want to do trackdays more frequently is a pair of Tyre warmers. There is no better confidence booster than a pair of nicely warm tyres at the start of the session!
Brakes Check the brakes and the hydraulic systems. Check the wear on the pads and again remember that you may use them more than you do normally
Suspension If you know how to, you can set up the bike for a smoother track as opposed to the compromise settings for the road. If not get advice from someone who does
Exhaust We know race cans sound nice. But many trackdays have noise limits. That Akroprovic full race system might sound and look great, but on a Donington 'quiet' day it could spell an early end to the day.
Check with the organiser for noise limits.
Chain makes sure it is adjusted and well lubricated
Petrol / Oil Do you have enough fuel to last all day? Most circuits have a fuel supply but the cost will be high. Well worth taking a fuel can of your own
Bodywork A set of cheap pattern bodywork will be a lot less painful should it all go wrong on the day. A couple of hours preparing the bike beforehand can save you pounds later. But if you are keeping the standard stuff on then tape up the lights and fold back or remove the mirrors
Many bikes get fitted with crash bungs these days. A pair of these costing a few quid could be a good investment for road or track.
Transport At the end of an enjoyable day it is not always much fun to have to ride a few hours home. A trailer or van borrowed or rented will make the journey easier. as well as allowing the track preparation to be done prior to the day
Ultimately a lot depends on your budget. the cheapest way is to book your day. Ride there, have fun and ride home. But a bit of preparation can make all the difference to your enjoyment.
You
Clothing You will need to be equipped with an ACU standard helmet and a set of leathers. Either a full 1 piece set of a 2 piece that zips together all the way around
Obviously a decent pair of gloves and boots will also be required. and a back-protector is highly recommended
Licence You will need to provide both parts of your DVLA licence to the circuit
trackday booking It is possible to turn up on the day and see if there are any spare places. But I wouldn't recommend it! Book well in advance with the Trackday organiser
On the day
Start time After you have booked a day, the TDO will have supplied an itinerary for the day. Most pre day briefings will start early to maximise the circuit time
Make sure you arrive in plenty of time. Missing the briefing will cause difficulties getting on track.
Most TDO's provide an 'extra' briefing after the main one, for the novice group just to clarify everything. But if you are unsure of anything there is usually someone on hand to offer advice. Either from the TDO or a fellow rider
If the circuit is local to you it shouldn't be problem. But if you live in Dundee and your favourite circuit is Brands Hatch then an overnight stay is the best bet.
Getting up in the middle of the night and driving through the dawn for an early start will lead to fatigue later in the day
A local pub/ hotel or campsite will make things easier in the cold light of an early morning.
Just remember that it is in the trackday companies best interest to refuse you entry should you arrive the worse for a 'few' beers the night before
On Track It is usual for the first few laps to be a 'no overtaking' sighting laps(s) following an instructor. This is to allow you to familiarise yourself with the circuit and to allow some heat into the tyres
Remember cold tyres and fast corners don't mix too well usually. This format often continues through the day depending on the group and the TDO.
Remember that a track day is not a race. Relax and enjoy the day. Don't think about the circuit as a racetrack but as a one-way road. That fact lets you put 100% of your concentration on riding the bike and maximising your enjoyment, which is something you can't always do on the road, due to the need to watch out for other traffic, gravel, diesel, speed cameras etc. etc. Riding on track will improve your understanding of how your bike reacts to limits outside usual road riding. Making you a better rider all round
Also don't worry about what other people are doing. Ride to your own limits not someone else's. Watch what is happening in front of you. If you overtake, do so safely. You don't need to 'stuff' the guy in front of you on the last corner. It's not the final round of your personal championship! Fold in or remove your mirrors. Look ahead. Anyone behind you will sort himself or herself' out.
At the end of the day If you are riding home, just don't forget that speed limits exist in the real world
A days riding perhaps faster than normal can require some 're-calibration' when you venture back onto the public highway
Most Trackday Organisations are run by enthusiasts. They are there to provide a service that allows you as the rider access to some of the best circuits in the world (as well as some of the lesser known!) For these organisations to continue to exist then you have to take responsibility for your actions. Riding on the track can and sometimes does lead to incidents.
Just remember that you decide to go to a trackday of your own choice. Trying to blame an organiser for an incident might eventually lead to the downfall of the whole business, due to high insurance claims. If you are worried about damaging your bike or yourself make sure have made the necessary preparations. Check your insurance situation or ride carefully. Should the worst happen the circuits are well equipped and will deal with recovery and clean up as much as possible. Ultimately it is down to the rider to judge the situation.
Enjoy the day !
Remember it’s not a race, its for fun.