Triumphrat

2004sprint · 05-13-2008

Looks like me and the RS is going to make it for a spirited track day on Sunday. Never been on track, but love the twisties. I am ancious to see how the bike works out.

I am acually going for the education aspect to make myself a better rider. Out of an 8hr day. I think we will get about 40-min to an hour on the track. A lot of information to be learned.

Simmo · 05-14-2008

I envy you. I have done a few track days but undertook instruction days prior, all on a track. The instruction that I took was focused on road riding and the skills required to stay alive. This included quite a lot of info and laps related to cornering and braking, but in the road context.
If this is your first attempt my advice would be to take it easy and to be relaxed. This doesn't mean neccessarily to go slowly but have your thinking cap turned on such that you learn and survive and enjoy. I like to start of a bit slowly, at the back of the pack, and work forward to wherever comfortable. I don't like being passed unless by someone who knows what they are doing and gives a bit of respect. Hence remember to respect the others. Also observe that the track has usually a fair bit of space such that if you make an error it is not neccessarily all over. Its amazing what you can do if you have overcooked it but manage to stay relaxed and in control such that you can keep on braking or cornering or whatever, and next time around remember the lesson of the prior lap.
Its great fun and a bit addictive, and a heap safer than on the road.
Have fun.
Simmo

denman13 · 05-14-2008

2004sprint, I'm not sure which school you're attending but most track schools will offer a lot more than an hour of track time for the whole day. The most common format is usually some class prep/tech inspection then something like 1/2 hour to an hour in the classroom followed by 30 to 45 minutes on the track throughout the day. I would be surprised if you didn't see at least four 30 minute sessions if not more. Class instruction w/o sufficient track time to put it to practice doesn't stick in the brain very long.

Simmo's advice is solid and I'll add one more thing; most getoffs happen near the end of the day when riders start getting fatigued either physically, mentally or both. Don't be afraid to ride mellow for the last session or even skip it altogether.

Warning: it is highly addictive so don't run out and buy that big screen TV just yet.

DaveB · 05-14-2008

If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be-

Since it's your first visit to the track I would encourage you to not take any preconceived ideas with you. I know that probably sounds just about impossible to do! The quality & depth of the classroom instruction is very important. Then you go out on the track for the first time & I can guarantee that it'll be (a) different from what you expected & (b) different from any road riding you've ever done!

If you set a target, such as attaining precision & consistency, on your first day you'll have achieved a lot. Just ride properly, don't force the pace & enjoy!

Oh, yes, and pics are mandatory

.

DaveB.

sallison30 · 05-14-2008

I agree with Dave. Concentrate on correct lines and bike handling. Don't worry about how fast you are going. You can add speed to technique but you can't add technique to speed.

dolson · 05-14-2008

Good advice from the others. One more. Keep yourself hydrated and take your own food and nibble a lot. Track food generally sucks. This will keep your body normalized when you are in an excited state and keeps your blood sugar more on an even keel. Water is very important as you will dry out very fast.

Have fun,

Don

2004sprint · 05-14-2008

Thanks for the responce guys/gals. Weather looks to be great. Mid 80's 5-10mph winds, couldn't get much better than that. I have ridden on the road for quite some time, but I figure I will sign up with the beginers group. I would rather aproach the day as not knowing a thing, that way all info will be well absorbed. I am already getting excited about going. Like mentioned earlier, I love the twisties, and I can only imagine what it would be like on the track, not havening to worry about oncomming traffic. I will ride well within my means, and step up the pace as I begin to settle in.

The thought about locating a Daytona 575 has already been crossing my mind........

sprintboy · 05-14-2008

Be prepaired to become an addict!

I did 1 track day on my 02 sprint which was great and went and found a used D675 and have been on track with it twice this season. I can't get enough.

I ride in the beginner class and it's plenty fast, I mainly worked on learning the racing line and getting my body position right, it's not as easy as it looks and it's taking time to get the muscle memory down. The last two track days were with NESBA and the control riders are great at giving you tips on what you are doing right and wrong.

stay relaxed, ride within your limits, and have a blast!

Sprintboy