Triumphrat

Mack · 05-27-2006

I am getting ready to do my first ever track day at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC. Has anyone who has ever ridden there got some critical information about that place they feel I should know? Or has anyone got some critical info/memories about their first track day they want to share. (Please, no crashes, nervous enough already)

I am signed up for the classroom sessions as well as the novice session.

I figure Cheapbastard has been there, drop some knowledge on me brother. (PS, I tried to PM you back, but b/c I'm such a 'newbie' on this forum, the site Nazi's won't let me yet. Don't think I was being stuckup)

Thanks in advance

doodledog · 05-27-2006

Check your tyre pressures and find out whats best for the track normally you use lower pressures to do a track day find out whats reccomended but dont forget to go back to road pressure when your done, tape your lights and turn signals give the bike a full check over and tighten it all up, lube the chain, let the tyres warm up before pushing on and have a great day :razz:

Will · 05-27-2006

I was absolutely terrified before my first track day! :razz: It was a completely unregulated track day that was nominally put on by a local Suzuki dealership. There were full on race bikes circulating at the same time I did. Needless to say, they were a whole lot faster than me. There was no classroom or anything- just go ride as fast as you want. It was nuts, but I had a complete blast. It is intoxicating, and I was buzzed for days.

What you are doing is a whole lot more controlled, and if you are in the beginner group, it will be about the same as going on a really great ride without worrying about cops and dogs and SUVs and the like. There will be passing rules and spotters making sure that people don't stuff each other.

You won't likely challenge your tires right away, so pressures are not all that important at first. I would probably lower the pressure a bit when the tires are cold, but don't go all-out racer crazy with something like 29 lbs. 32 front and rear is probably plenty soft enough. If you have Pirelli Diablos on the bike, use 34 lbs. They don't like too little pressure and will not stick as well when they are underinflated.

And have a great time!

WHAT · 05-28-2006

Check PM's :wink:

Mack · 05-28-2006

Thanks for the insight so far. And for the PM from WHAT...still not seasoned enough on this forum to satisfy the site police and PM you back.

Thanks again, keep it coming!

Teddydog1 · 05-28-2006

Relax, breathe, and ride in your comfort zone. If it feels too fast, then it is. It's not a race, and you shouldn't treat it like one. Do a couple of laps to get heat in your tires, and then turn up the wick a bit. You'll figure out pretty quickly what you need to work on as far as form. Choose braking markers, and use them. Don't think too much, but don't daydream either. Drink plenty of fluids, and eat small meals to keep from bonking. Enjoy the day, and then figure out how to make time for then next couple of hundred you'll want to do!

badS4 · 05-28-2006

I definitely second everything that's been said so far! I did my first track day a few weeks ago and I was definitely nervous before the first (and second, and third...) sessions.

Just take it at your own pace. It's the beginner session, so don't worry about going as fast as the guy in front of you. Definitely pay attention to all the track etiquette info in the pre-ride class (if there is one...maybe you are going on a track day like Will's first), especially hand/foot signaling and what the different flags mean.
It took me like three sessions to figure out that if I just used all the markers, riding smooth and fast(er) was way easier. I guess I wasn't paying attention during that part of the class :hammer: . Once I figured out what all the little cones were for, I made it my goal to just hit every turn-in cone, every apex cone, and every exit cone, and from that point on I think I was a little smoother and got on the gas a little earlier every lap. They really know where to put those cones...

You will have a blast. Stay cool & stay loose on the bike, and have fun!

Matt