I admit to being the slowest rider in a beginner group, many years ago. Came away slower and terrified of road traffic (weird). It did not last. Next track day many years later on my multi 1200, as a seasoned quickish rider, I was looking at some “quick” riders and thinking, not safe and out of their depth. Just to match my very average speed they were un safe. Testosterone plays a big part. Bollocks are bigger than talent. Fireblade with slicks, does not mean MM is on board. Trackdays need to be managed. Peo0le cannot it seems manage themselves. Just because you can pass does not mean you should. Ost experienced group riders can recognise when riding on the road, overtaking ‘could’ put someone at risk. Same applies. A race is a race. Trackdays, experience and practice.
Some only have 5 sessions, most 6. Hence it may be one unworkable. You could end up in every group in one day! If you go out in fast, but should be in novice, but novice follows fast, do you miss a session or go straight out again? multiple days /euro events are different imo
If you’re, say, a Silverstone specialist you may be fast. Go to far we’ll, about as different as you can get, and you may be novice/inters pace. You’d have to track riders across tracks & companies & conditions.
I'm just going by what I've seen for trackdays in Sweden. Single or multiple days. This wasnt across the board. Some TDOs timed, others just used their group rider observations. If folk want it to work, its doable. If folk don't, then they will throw every trick or complaint they can to make it fail. I guess it's up to everyone to decide which side of the fence they want to be on. Personally, after 25 yrs of track riding I am happy to fend for myself, but a lot of folk aren't. Ultimately, any improvement in safety has to be a bonus.
most of the TD in Holland, Germany and even Poland last year are using transponders. you many not get your times printed out, ( lessens the TDO insurance loading) but give s the TDO the ability to see if there are some misplaced riders. on 'cheaper' TDs i see groups wanting to ride together with a varying ability this si where the danger lies in m opinion, as i normally run at the back of the Fast group and have had slower riders close the door on corners that would not be possible if the speed was similar /grouped correctly. but on the other hand i have moved down a group when not keeping up etc.. no one likes to be the mobile Schikane /braking marker i guess
Much rather be in advanced group with racers than advanced group with people who arent as good as their bikes. Once overtaken in the middle of Croft chicane by two BSB riders. Hard but fair and they didnt back off. Wanna be riders who stomp down the straights then panic in corners are much more dangerous.
There lies the problem key words Advanced group....ie track day Overtaken Middle of chicane.... ie overtaking in a corner Didn’t back off Wonder what the rules of engagement given out out at the briefing and every other TD briefing were...
I meant they didn't back off in the corner in a panic they did what they needed to do and did it properly. By the time I said WTF they were long gone. I don't actually have a problem with that.
Sure. It’s nice to watch the pro’s. Even as they fly past you like you’re stood still! Ask me how I know
