At the Donington Ducati day last year, the advanced group was packed with racers desperately trying to get some track time which IMO, was inappropriate for what is an enthusiasts day. You should be fine in the novice group or you can join me in the inters group as I will be on my 2010 Multistrada. Haven’t decided if I’ll do Silverstone and Donington yet but if I can get the Mivv to do 102db static, I’ll do Brands as well. Andy
ive seen quite a few multis on track, as well as monsters and street fighters. your be most welcome on a multi. @bradders used his (though crashed it)
Sounds like I'd be best in novice as will be taking it steady as never actually taken my own bike on a track but I do like Donnington and hoping the 1260S would be good fun. Is there any db issues at Donnington? Mines got the full termi on?!
Should be no issues with noise as the Ducati day at Donington is usually unrestricted. I had no problems with my Panigale V4 with full Akrapovic race exhaust. Brands Hatch is the real challenge and I have a suspician Silverstone might be a bit more strict on the drive-by but I’ll wait and see on that. Andy
I'm quite interested in the Brands Hatch day in May. What is the max noise level allowed? Is it 105db? I'm assuming participents have to take out track day insurance? Are there any specific bike setup rules that need to be followed? For instance do mirrors need taping up or anything like that? This would be a first for me and would defo be in a beginners group.
Currently nothing showing for a Brands Day which is a shame. This is the link, https://www.ducati.com/gb/en/events-uk/track-days. Brands was 105db (Indie only) or 102db (quiet days and GP circuit) static. Drive-by is 92db measured at 20m for both static limits. Track day insurance for bikes is not mandatory and most don’t bother because they usually only pay out for a write off. Tyre pressures and suspension are the things to adjust. There is plenty of advice available on this forum and on the day. Andy
Really undecided whether to book on as novice or intermediate at Donnington. I've done the Ron Haslam 3 times over the years so got a good idea of the circuit. Just never taken my own bike on the track. Any suggestions?
There’s often a real spread of lap times within each group - around 15 seconds per lap from the fastest to the slowest in my experience. If you aren’t sure then go in novice - then you aren’t putting any pressure on yourself. If you find you are at the faster end of the group then make sure you get out early so you are at the front of the group - that will give you are clearer run for most of the session. It’s the same through the rest of the groups. You will soon find out where you sit in comparison to who is out there that day. I have been on days where it seems inters is more like novice and then other days when racers are everywhere. It changes throughout the day too - early on people tend to be much slower and then speed up as the day goes on. Especially if you have a bunch of folk who have never been on the circuit before. Play it by ear in the first session and gauge where you feel most comfortable and then adjust your position in the pack accordingly.
Thanks, that does make sense. This was the last time I was on track and was really it getting into it during the second session. But I've never taken my own bike and I'm well aware a Multistrada is very different from a sports 600! Think Novice will be best and MSVT has confirmed you can move groups if there is space on the day.
I like Ducati track days, always a good crowd and people bring some amazing kit. Probably fair to say most attendees will not be track day regulars so I favour Doni or Silverstone where there is plenty of room for last minute line changes. Can't imagine what Brands will be like, so I will do Doni in fast group on the 748 RS.
I beg to differ, fast group last year wasn't really full of racers, the half day we got before it rained was pretty good but not mega quick. 2020 was better, great weather and a good few of Trioptions boys, plus the likes of Martin Jessop showing us how is done. I even managed the last session of the day chasing John McGuniness around, we pretty much had the track to ourselves. Give me a group full fast boys to help drag me around, Nothing inappropriate about that.
TBH I’m not sure where you get that from. I’m a Ducati owner and an owner of other make. I’ve always found trackdays to be friendly and enthusiastic whatever bike you ride. I think you are being wrongly biased