Took the plunge and booked in for my first trackday at Silverstone on the 848! Bit nervous to be honest.....! Anyone out there got any good advice for a first timer??!!
Actually, on a more practical note... and this is based on motorcars more than bikes, but I think is still applicable (I'm sure I'll be corrected if necessary) .... from a safety perspective it is very important that you are actions are predictable to other riders. So make sure you understand and follow the instructions with regards entering/exiting pits and overtaking that you should hear in the safety briefing. In lieu of that, if you hear someone coming up behind you, do not change your line to try to get out of their way. Leave them to find their own way around you. The chances are you'll both end up zigging and then both of you will break Rule #1 (don't bin it!). Weaving unexpectedly down a straight is also not a great idea other than in specific situations like a group doing a warm up lap where everyone understands what everyone else is doing. Otherwise.... enjoy the massive grin which will be plastered on your face for days afterwards.
Hi Nelson, Yeah, I did do 'doom' and loved it but it wasnt really a proper trackday! Time for me to step up to the mark and do it properly I think!!
Ignore whats behind you! Thats their problem not yours. If you feel like things are going well by lunchtime, if its a provider who does free tuition, go and ask for an afternoon session
Does anyone know if there is usually a suspension set up service at these events? I think I could do with having the bike set up for me while im at it! Thanks all!
You've chosen a wide, forgiving circuit, where if you make a mistake, you normally get a lot of room to rectify it. What group are you in? Last time I was there, there were far too many idiots in the advanced group, most of which had track dedicated bikes, so they take more risks than the ones on road bikes... Decided to go down to the Inters, and won't go into the advanced group on any track again until I get a track bike again... also agree with the posts about Focused Events... Will think twice about booking with them again...
Turn your mirrors in or take them off, like others have said don't worry whats behind you, your not on the road, everyone goes in the same direction, no side streets or cabs to suddenly appear in front of you. Don't look at the speedo a nd just build you speed up as you go. Find you entry points and apexs and keep hitting them and build slowly slowly most of all have fun. Their always a suspension guy, normally around £45 go see him early after each session you can go back to him and give the feedback and he will tinker all day to get you the right set up, and its all included in the price. Don't forget to get the paperwork so you can return back to road conditions. And don't be afraid to ask him questions about adjusting the suspension after your track day.
Hi cranker why would u not recommend focused events I've only done one trackday and it was with them and went fine but would be interested to know who u think are best as I'm thinking of booking another soon
Must admit there was a lot of bikes in the novice group but we got 5 or 6 laps of donington each session which trackday organiser do u prefer
You - Keep hydrated, take an energy drink. Try and keep relaxed before you go out, look at the bikes, watch a session. Take it easy on cold tyres 2-3 laps without warmers and take it easy until you know where the track goes. Be smooth, squeeze brakes on and ease them off, don't grab. Steer out of corners as well as into them, track position is important for the next bit especially where bens run in to bends or onto a straight. Look where you want to go, concentrate, don't be looking where you might end up if you make a mistake. When you make that mistake don't panic, you have more grip than you think except if you get on the grass! (do not touch the brakes here!) Use all the track width, it's all there to use, in my experience 80% don't. Use an instructor to show you the line if you can. Make sure you are comfortable in your gear and your visor has anti mist treatment or good venting cos you will be panting after 3 laps. Remember to breathe when you first go out (seriously). Don't worry about what's behind you. If you get behind someone holding you up don't get fixated on him or you end up braking, taking the same line, getting on the gas when he does, look at the rider in front of him for reference. Don't run before you can walk, hospitals are crap. Bike - Check all the fluids before you go, check chain tension and tyres. Drop the pressures by a few lbs if you run standard pressures. Make sure your brake pads have enough meat on them. Your bike is going to get a much harder time on track than it ever has on the road. Then just enjoy it. OGR
No limits are no better,saw that first hand yesterday.never seen so many red flags and not a hint of interest from them.generally lots of ambition out weighing talent! A lot of the riding was just dangerous,and tho I hate to say it most who fell off were accidents waiting to happen.
