I have only been to one trackday so far, at Autobahn. I am reviewing the list of trackdays for next year and trying to whittle down my selection such that I can still afford to send my daughter to college. Is there a thread or a place (even other website if need be) where I can read some feedback on the various tracks? Is it allowed that it be discussed in the STT forums? Was really surprised when I searched and found no one contrasting the various tracks or polls asking what track everyone prefers. I am a noob; proud and sure of it ;-) I have seen enough posts to know that I am going to avoid Road America for now (the description I read said something like 'multiple dragstrips connected by hair-raising turns'. I also believe, from what I have read, that Blackhawk is probably a nice track for a noob. And I am already somewhat familiar with Autobahn's north track. But, is the drive worth it for me to trek to Putnam, Grattan, Gingerman? I have already ruled out all other tracks as too far, as I live in Autobahn's back yard. Next year I hope to trek to Barber but, it'll cost me 2-3x to go to Barber vs staying in my midwest playground. So, where could I go to hear opinions contrasting: Autobahn, Blackhawk, Gingerman, Grattan, Putnam and possibly Road America? Thanks, -Neil PS: and just for grins, I decided to post a poll for these tracks
Consider NCM in Bowling Green. It's a great track, similar to NOLA. Surface is REALLY nice. Not so far as Barber, but you get to come down and ride with us Southern Boys and Girls...
I'm a southern boy as well, born and (partially) raised in Columbus, MS. But, NCM is 6.5 hours from me. That's not too far, but it's 50% further than the furthest track I listed above (Grattan). So, I sort of drew the line this year at 4 hours drive time. BUT, based on your recommendation I will go back and reassess. 6.5 hours vs 10 hours to Barber; my a$$ will be sore either way by the time I get there. Even if I limit myself to the tracks I mentioned this year, I'll select the best and then add new tracks for 2017 and NCM would definitely be on that list. Thanks for the information about NCM's surface (and the quality and breeding of those that frequent it
You left out Mid-Ohio. Have done 95% of my time at Putnam, like the track but it's tough on tires and no elevation change to speak of. Did a day at Mid-Ohio and loved it, have heard great things about Grattan. It's on my to do list along with the rest of the track's you mentioned.
Does Mid-Ohio go by a different name? I just double-checked the STT calendar and I don't see any "Mid-Ohio" dates on it. Perhaps this is a track not offered by STT? If so, I am sticking with STT for 2016, probably even beyond, as I have heard good things. I did go to an STT event in 2015 and I had mixed feelings about how it went, but I have decided that I was at least 50% responsible for my own confusion and so chalked it up to first date jitters. But, want to clarify whether I am missing something on their calendar or if your recommendation is just a non-STT track.
Of the ones listed I've only been to Autobahn (North), Gingerman, Grattan and Putnam. All have their plus and minus to them. Putnam flows pretty well and not too much blind stuff still a good learning track. For a track with a mix of about every type of corner Grattan is awesome, I hope to get back up north to it this year. I can't comment on the current state of the surface as it's been a few years but the layout is a lot of fun.
I maybe in the minority by choosing gingerman over Grattan but the new surface is just a lot of fun. Double apexes are challenging and while there isn't the elevation change of Grattan there seems to be more passing opportunities for novice and intermediate groups. Easier on tires than Putnam and less car damage in breaking zones. I would try and pair up a bike night with Grattan weekend if I were you!
I love all tracks! Some more than others but any day at a track is a good time for me. The only track on your list that I haven't ridden yet is Road America and I've heard the same thing about it being a lot of straights with a few corners to connect them. So of the remaining tracks on the list, Grattan gets my vote because I like the roller coaster tracks! Gingerman is a close second, Blackhawk, Putnam and then Autobahn but that's the North Course, haven't done the South yet so it could get a bump.
Ive only done blackhawk and road American. I like blackhawk better I think it was a better novice track. Flat and speeds are lower. That being said road america was awesome cant wait to go back being its in my backyard almost.
In that case never mind. No there not a STT track, have a top notch school IMO. http://www.midohio.com/
Grattan is a must ride for anyone. Gingerman is another great track. I was told by a good friend of mine years ago that, "if you can ride Grattan, you can ride anywhere". I haft to admit it's very true.
Grattan is great. It has a bit of everything: on camber, off camber, elevation change, hang time (if you have the testicles), hidden apex.
From the YouTube videos I've seen the surface of grattan looks rough. I've never been there but with everyone loving that track I'm curious about the surface?
They have been resurfacing/have resurfaced the track this last year or so. It was in very nice shape when I was last there on October.
Looks can be deceiving. The surface isn't rough in my opinion. I agree when your standing there looking at it your thinking the same thing..."damn this looks rough" but take a quick walk and you realize it's perfect. A track with character is a wonderful thing.
Grattan is great but very challenging. If you can pull together a Bike night at Gingerman and a Grattan you can get two tracks with only travel expenses for one. The surface at Grattan is great dry. wet with the sealer patches is truly a tough track. here was the last motorcycle trackday of the season after they replaced a section of 2 and 3 <iframe width="420" height="315" src="" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> turn the settings to 1080
I wonder how many people that voted have been to all of those 6? I've only been to Blackhawk and Road America, so naturally I went with RA. But I'm surprised to see that many votes for Grattan. I've always heard good things about it but didn't think it was THAT good! Maybe all those guys are Michigan locals
I maybe guilty on that one of your list I have only ridden gman and grattan. I plan to repair that at minium riding ACC and Blackhawk this season
I started to write out my recommendations, however so often it really just depends on budget, calendar, and when your friends are going. Every rider is an individual, and is going to have their own preferences about what is important to them. The awesome thing is there are multiple tracks for you to chose from within a 4 hour radius!