Getting ready for my 1st trackday...

[CAT3]

Well, some friends thought it would be a good idea to get out on the track, and I couldn't help but to agree. Called up Roger at A.S. and set it up, 16 Feb. As of now, we're max'd out with 5 ppl, anymore and we have to pay "a substantial amount more." I may have a need for standby, since one of the guys is "on the fence" about it all.

Any tips that can provided are welcomed.

I've gathered so far, from here, common sense, and others:

...Accept the advice of the track management guy that will help me set up my suspension.
...Take it easy on the first few laps, get to know the layout and let the tires warm up.
...Check tire pressure, adjust accordingly.
And thats about it. I had been practicing my body position before I put the Busa up for painting and from my point of view, I was doing pretty good. However, I know what I feel and what can be seen by others is different, so tips here will be appreciated as well..ya know elbows in/out, etc...

Guess this is me being excited, nervous, anxious, hopeful etc... Can't wait.

Vman, Yamahor, BA and Charles (among others) let me hear it.


Charlie

 

[CAT3]

Forgot, if visual aid is needed, here is the layout of the track.
http://www.asmaracing.com/aboutus.html

 

[Wag]

Been wanting to ride that track. I'm going to try to get to it some time this summer.

Have fun!

--Wag--

 

[CAT3]

Actually, if my buddy on the fence bombs I was going to get ahold of you for a short notice fill in. Let me know if your interested, if not, then I need to get in touch with Danny (Copperone). I'd hate to see a spot go w/o being used but paid for.

Charlie

 

[heavybusa]

sounds cool.

 

[gtrpimp76]

TRACK DAYS RULE!!!

I've got one THIS SUNDAY @ Calfornia Speedway AMA Configuration. SCREW THE SUPERBOWL.

Anyways, make sure you're up to date with tech requirements. Make a checklist of EVERYTHING you need to bring (don't forget to include the bike key in that list). Fill your tires to the MAX capacity (42 PSI) then when you get to the track, bleed them. You'll be running considerably lower on the track compared to the street. I usually run 31 fronts; 30 rears. It's mainly for traction and quicker warmup times. Every tire is different so check with the trackside tire vendor. I'm sure you'll have a couple at A.S. Makes sure all of the engine mounts, oil drain plug/filter, body work bolts and screws are tight.

Get lots of sleep the night before and drink LOTS OF WATER the evening before and during your event. You'll be sweating it all out, especially on the Busa. Bring a friend to help you out if you can. Makes the day go by easier and it's less stress on yourself too. Don't forget about the riders meeting. Don't miss your sighting laps either. JUST HAVE FUN and RELAX. That's the name of the game.

Your first couple of sessions, just take it easy, learn the track, locate your braking markers and reference points, look for ALL of the cornerworker's stations, get your mind acclimated to the sensation of speed, and gradually increase your intensity as the day progresses. Very important to wait Three full laps to take it easy before you go ballz out. Your tires will take that long to warm up before they get really sticky, unless you have tire warmers.

There will be instructors out there so follow what lines they're taking. That'll make the biggest difference in your lap times (if you care). Ride your own ride and remember that's it's OK to get passed, and to pass others (within the skill levels rules of course). There will be riders who are faster than you and there will be others who are slower. It's not a race so work on your own ride and technique. I hope this helped. Post away if you have any questions and be sure to post up some pics, if possible.

 

[CAT3]

gtr...sounds like some solid info. With a private track rental I'm not sure all the resources etc. will apply, but will keep them in mind just in case.


FWIW, I will be running the Pilot 2CT's, can't wait to see the difference in grip.

 

[greyrocket]

have fun think no LEO's like i to pool you over

 

[vman1300]

GTR covered most all of the basics.

Add some sort of sport drink during the day to replace minerals sweated out...it WILL help prevent cramps.  

As for body position: find what works for you. Different height/weight combos will have different effects on each bike.

I shift nearly 3/4 of my rear off the seat for a corner, some just do half. Yes draggin your knee is cool BUT not always needed. If you knee does touch down, keep your leg flexiable and use it as a guide to how far you are over.

If you do start to drag hard parts, ie fairings, pegs...you need to get more of your body weight off the seat.

Each session, try to improve....be it lap time, figuring out a new line....remember the track is when we work on our skills.

Be smooth with on off throttle especially corner out....

And oh yeah, remove the peg feelers from the bottom of the pegs.

Last but not least...have fun and a track day is not a race and there are no trophys to be won!

 

[MPH 200]

Do you have tire warmers - they are a great help

Make sure that you stretch plenty - you will be good & sore the next day

It helps to walk the track w/ an instructor prior to riding

You will never want to ride on the street again

 

[Wag]

I won't be able to do it on that short of notice. Wish I could, though! I'd be all over it!

--Wag--

 

[Tufbusa]

Just remember!

The track can easily become an addiction!

This addiction will comsume your children's college fund if you let it!

 

[WWJD]

two words:

IT IS NOT A RACE


if your group gets into a 1-UP contest, one or more of you WILL go down

 

[BA BUSA]

Relax and have fun

the rest of the guys covered the basics.

One thing that I would stress is that it's NOT a race...don't be competitive...you're there to learn and to improve your skills.

 

[Somebody1010]

have fun thats all i did. be smooth and quickness will come.

 

[CAT3]

Thanks everyone. I am sure I will be addicted, but I have a built in control feature right now...the Army, doesn't allow for a lot of travel to track time

I do not have tire warmers, but will take it easy feeling the bike, and the line on the track for the first few or more laps. Thanks.

vman, I dont have stock pegs on anymore, so no feelers down there for me

Its not a race....
Its not a race....
Its not a race....
Its not a race....
Its not a race....
Its not a race....
Its not a race....
Its not a race....
Its not a race....
Its not a race....
Its not a race....

Got it

 

[Copperone]

Hey Charlie, wish I could make that one, but I've got a track day here on the 18th, and I wouldn't be able get get off work on a friday. Hope everyone that has signed up gets to go. I know you gys will have a blast. I took a bunch of banannas which ended up helping me quite a bit. I started cramping so I ate a couple of banannas and the potasium really helped. I've only had one track day so obviously I'm still learning. Just relax and have fun. I've seen you ride, so I know you will really enjoy the track even more than the street.

 

[hayabusa99b/w]

good luck!!