I want to do a track day. any advice

[willr1]

Ok, the long and short of it is that I have been wanting to do a track day since last year and my good friend is going with me who did two last year with STT and NESBA. Another friend has said he would loan me his leathers and outside of the trackday I have some hesitations about the possible damage to my only bike. Is there any advantages of STT over NESBA? I want to do one track day and then go from there. But I do not want to spend alot of money just to go one time (membership fee, track fee, tires etc) and not be able to learn anything from it. Any suggestions as I see both STT has some very nice deals going on as far as price, but NESBA is alot closer to home (20min) and seems to have cheaper days and more perks.

Any suggestions on what to do or how to approach this delima

[TLR67]

All Track Orgs have their Pro's and Cons... Bargy NESBA or STT would be great choices.. However STT does have several dates that can meet your schedule and we specialize in newcomers to the Track with our Novice Classes.. If its your first time get with someone on board here for any of the 3 above and someone will put you under their wing for the whole experience.. At least I know I will if you do a STT event that I am at.. Get to the track the night before.. set up and be ready for the next day.... Todd can give you the Lowdown on Bargy... JT and himself as well as Lee Fields are Instructors there and are highly recomended... Just leave your Ego at the gate and come have a great weekend...

[JSKeezy]

STT plain and simple...Cheaper and better!!

[TLR67]

Any suggestions on what to do or how to approach this delima

If you Sign up for the STT Weekend Memorial Day at Talledega you can Pit with us...Or find a spot for Barber May 7-8th (Which may be next to impossible/ Always a sellout) Just bring your bike, gear, sleeping bag and Pillow... I will have everything else covered...

[GREG]

Will- Let us know which STT date you get signed up for. There are several of us here on the board that have been riding with STT for years. You wont be disappointed with a STT day.

[redciv1]

I am interested in some track days also to eventually go for WERA license. You said get there the night before and set-up? So you can sleep at most tracks?

[willr1]

Sounds like there is more STT invovlment here. I will pick out a day so my buddy and I can go together as he was with STT last year until he blew his engine at Rd. Atl in turn 10a last year and went out for the rest of the season. He loved Barber and did it in the rain and we are trying to get our dates scheduled. Why does STT only hit Atlanta few times a year ? How much do you think Im looking at for a day or two at Barber?

[TLR67]

I am interested in some track days also to eventually go for WERA license. You said get there the night before and set-up? So you can sleep at most tracks?

Every one of them in the South.... Heck all of them in the US except for Putnam Park in Indiana as far as I know....

[TLR67]

Sounds like there is more STT invovlment here. I will pick out a day so my buddy and I can go together as he was with STT last year until he blew his engine at Rd. Atl in turn 10a last year and went out for the rest of the season. He loved Barber and did it in the rain and we are trying to get our dates scheduled. Why does STT only hit Atlanta few times a year ? How much do you think Im looking at for a day or two at Barber?

We used to do more days there.... Skip Barber took over most weekends outside of the Car Schedule as far as I know... Go to the STT Site for Barber Pricing... Road Atlanta July 4th weekend will be a Blast as well...

[Derrick]

STT has an awesome novice program and it's a very friendly, laid back atmosphere to help with the first track day jitters that we've all had.

[willr1]

I just spoke to by friend and he was approved to take off July 4th weekend to do a track day. When I get home, Im gonna sign up on STT and hopefully get a spot for the July Weekend. Is it better to do two or one day? I see it is cheaper to do both day's and I feel I would learn more by doing both, but would tires become an issue you think after one day?

[willr1]

Looks like July 4th weekend is what we are shooting for. Anything you can tell me about what to expect, I watched last year at Road Atl while my buddy was riding and it looked like it was fast paced with the school/riding etc every 20min.

[Derrick]

I would suggest doing two days. It takes a bit of time and effort to get you and your stuff there just to turn around and go home after one day. Plus, if the weather isn't 'optimal' one day, hopefully it will be better the other.

Road Atlanta can be intimidating for a first track day, but trust me STT will start you out slow and work with you the entire day and you will not get in over your head if you follow the instructors.

I'll be there all weekend, give me a shout if you need any help or have any questions. Get ready for your new addiction.

[TLR67]

Very cool Will.. Yes I would do both days as well... Come drop your stuff off or better yet just stay at the track Friday evening... Come Pit with us or near us and we will have everything you need.. except for a Bike/Gear...Its very safe to leave everything there if you dont stay.. That way the next AM you simply roll your bike through tech and register if you didnt Friday evening.. Drink lots of water the week before.. You need to hydrate Bigtime for that weekend... 1- Gallon Weds, 2 Gallons Thurs and 3 on Friday..... Be prepeared to have fun.... Your tires should be fine both days but if not we have tire service open there on Friday PM from 6 till 9 IIRC... Great deals on all Michelin tires and service if you bring your own... Feel free to call me if you have any other questions.. 404 414-three 307

[DICKIEDOO]

Ewwww Road A for a first track day. Hold on to your panties!

You'll be fine. I did it as my first and it was miserable, but I didn't leave my ego at the door.

[willr1]

Very cool Will.. Yes I would do both days as well... Come drop your stuff off or better yet just stay at the track Friday evening... Come Pit with us or near us and we will have everything you need.. except for a Bike/Gear...Its very safe to leave everything there if you dont stay.. That way the next AM you simply roll your bike through tech and register if you didnt Friday evening.. Drink lots of water the week before.. You need to hydrate Bigtime for that weekend... 1- Gallon Weds, 2 Gallons Thurs and 3 on Friday..... Be prepeared to have fun.... Your tires should be fine both days but if not we have tire service open there on Friday PM from 6 till 9 IIRC... Great deals on all Michelin tires and service if you bring your own... Feel free to call me if you have any other questions.. 404 414-three 307

I appreciate. I live in Winder, bout 20min away and if my buddy (Signal 90 before the site crash) doesent want to stay at my house, than I might take you up on it. My tires are from Skips bike when he got his new Suzuki (they have 1kmiles on them) and no track days on them either. I heard Road A is a beast for first timers, but I dont expect to be flying around the track, I want to learn how to safely corner and ride at my limits on the safety of the track instead of the street after all these years.
Is there a place I can take my bike prior to the tech inspection to make sure I have everything right? like my brakes are fine, tires, etc?

[TLR67]

Is there a place I can take my bike prior to the tech inspection to make sure I have everything right? like my brakes are fine, tires, etc?

Just get with us on Friday evening and we can Prep it and check things out at the track no problem....

[willr1]

Thank you. I have another question, I just registered on STT (paid the $35) and tried to register for R.A and it said 0 and -47 ? I guess that means it is full and Barber would be the next choice, or did I do something wrong.

[TLR67]

Mark will chime in about the above.....

[willr1]

I figured it out. pm coming your way

[Motorin Mark]

Yes come ride with us, we will take good care of you and you will learn a TON!

[TLR67]

PM Back at ya Will!!

[willr1]

Whoo Hoo! I just signed up and feel like Im bout to toss my cookies with nervous anticipation. Oh looky, Tally is only $105! Thanks Mark for the info and words of advice.

[TLR67]

Whoo Hoo! I just signed up and feel like Im bout to toss my cookies with nervous anticipation. Oh looky, Tally is only $105! Thanks Mark for the info and words of advice.

No problem Will.. good talking with you... Tally during Memorial Day weekend will be a very very good time... We camp at the track and Tally is a very very camping friendly facility.... If you want to join us let me know.. I might have a extra spot on the trailer as well...

[Derrick]

No problem Will.. good talking with you... Tally during Memorial Day weekend will be a very very good time... We camp at the track and Tally is a very very camping friendly facility.... If you want to join us let me know.. I might have a extra spot on the trailer as well...
You better save me a spot dude!!

[TLR67]

You better save me a spot dude!!

Im not a friggin Vallet Attendent.... Camp you Big Wuuus

[Jared]

When this hand of mine is mended up I'll probably be rolling with STT for my first few as well. Good luck with it man!

[Derrick]

:
Im not a friggin Vallet Attendent.... Camp you Big Wuuus
Gotta a little thing called work that sometimes gets in the way. I'll have the sleeping bag for Sat. night though...I got your wuus.:p

[willr1]

Derrick, you could just bench press Marks trailer up and make yourself a shed and sleep under it!

[Derrick]

Derrick, you could just bench press Marks trailer up and make yourself a shed and sleep under it!
Then I'd have to listen to him snore all night.:LOL:

[Barton72]

Hey Will, wanna buy my track fairings so you don't have to worry about your stock ones?

[Ga-Bandit]

I have some hesitations about the possible damage to my only bike. Is there any advantages of STT over NESBA?Any suggestions on what to do or how to approach this delima


I want to ride the July 4th with STT - still trying to get clearance for that. I haven't ridden with them but I am looking forward to it.

Pros and Cons:
If I'm not mistaken Nesab gives crash and health ins as part of the fee. But, I only got one good bit of info from the CR when I rode at Barber and RA.
From what I've seen STT is more proactive on the local boards. I don't know him (yet) but I see TLR67 is always trying to help peeps on the boards. Both on and off the track. That's worth its weight in gold to me.

Hesitations:
Don't worry about damage to your bike in the No-vice class (or as I like to call it NO-vice-YET class) , just ride within your limits and you'll be fine. A good set of tires should last you both days unless you have misfortune. I rode RA last year on my stock Bandit 1250 with Road 2s and the track day took about 500 commuter miles out of the center. I wasn't breaking harder than normal or accelerating harder than normal - ride the way you usually do until you're comfortable. It's not a race, it's a way to get experience.

Like stated above, hydrate well, no joke about the number of gallons that's quoted.

My advise is to prep your bike two nights before the event. Pull out the fuses for the lights. Tape everything with painters tape and then a color coordinated duct tape (got to look good). Leave your key in the bike (saw a guy at Barber that forgot his key-he busted the lock). Don't forget to fill up your bike and your gas can with gas. Track gas isn't too bad though ($3.50/gallon for 110 I think).

If you haven't already set up your suspension get it done. I like Huey to do mine cause he's the right weight and it only costs about $37.

[steve c]

Good advice from the bandit. Go see Huey and have him do the susp. Tell him you're doing your first TD and he'll check the bike out for ya. I'd suggest you commit to not touching your bike for one week prior to the date. That will give you time to fix all the stuff you find when you prep it :) STT will take good care of you. I'd suggest some underarmor, and extra socks too - did my first trackday at RA in August and would hang my t-shirts in the breeze to dry between sessions. You MUST hydrate. Your safety depends on it.

Road A is not a bad track to start at. At novice speeds it is anything but technical. It does require concentration and awareness of self and surroundings, but that is true of every track. Here's a little trick for you. Tape over your speedodometer (you shouldn't be looking at it anyway). On the tape write, "Relax, breathe" :)

If you're not terrified for at least a couple of seconds before your first track day, you're not normal.
If you're not waking up smiling for at least a week afterward. Find something cheaper too do.

Steve C.
- cheerfully riding around in circles, since '04.

[mackja]

I would strongly suggest going with STT, they have a great Novice group, about 6-8 riders per coach, coaches are great and will work with you all day long if you like. They also have a veteran novice section which runs almost as fast as the intermediate group. After the first 3 sessions they open it up and allow passing, so if you can run faster than the group in front of you it's no problem. I run in the novice group and have a great time.

[TLR67]

We do have a new Uh Oh Policy for 2010... You must be pre registered though to take advantage of it....

New for 2010 - Tip over and Mechanical Breakdown Protections: It happens, you have a brain-fart and as a result tip over or your bike breaks down ending your day. While we have had a case by case system for many years we feel it is time to institute a comprehensive "Crash and Breakdown" policy. If you crash prior to lunch or your trusty steed breaks down and is considered to be unrepairable you will be eligible for a 50% credit of that day's event and full credit for subsequent "same event" days. Post entry fees are not eligible for credit. To be eligible you must be pre-registered, present at the event and your motorcycle must pass tech inspection the morning of the event.

[willr1]

I appreciate all the advice, Mike (Barton) Ill call you this week about the fairings. Im gonna get the bike ready a week prior like Marc's advice and leave it prep'd.