All signed up for my first track day at Autobahn on 9/23 and I'm VERY excited. Planning on riding down from Uptown in Chicago Saturday morning. Have some questions though: 1) Is there any paperwork (eg waivers, etc) that I need to/should have filled out BEFORE getting to the track? 2) Since this is my first track day, what were the items you wish you'd brought (or were especially glad you had) on your first track day? I'd be very happy to hear any other advice from those who are more experienced as well! Look forward to seeing everyone out there next weekend!
They have all the paperwork, none really needed before going. Make sure you bring a roll of painters tape, Many will have it but why be in the position to needing to bum some. WATER is a real must, you can buy it and make a trip to the fountain but having at least 2 bottles, You can refill them at the fountain. Make sure you have the gear required, and since your driving to and from. Have fun and keep it sane since you need to ride home on the bike. You don't have a trailer to throw the bike on. Would love to hear back on how it goes. One huge thing you have going for you is STT.. check out this thread. http://zx6r.com/ride-reports/99873-how-screw-up-your-second-track-day.html.
Thanks! Already have the painters tape set out and ready to pack Point taken on the water, especially since it looks like it’ll a warm one. That thread is an interesting one for sure- very glad I chose STT!
Greetings! I was in a similar position to yours a couple weeks ago. My first track day was Labor day at the autobahn, and I also rode to the track, somewhat. What I ended up doing was driving out the afternoon before with a tent, canopy, cooler, tools and whatnot. I set everything up, drove home and came back with the bike, and did all my prep (mirrors, tape, license plate, etc.) The night before. Got a good night's sleep in the tent, and didn't have to wake up exceptionally early. As far as what to bring, plenty of water/Gatorade tops the list. They have a concession stand with not bad fare, but a couple sammiches in the cooler is a much cheaper way to go. If you need help with anything, don't be afraid to simply ask someone. Everyone I encountered was incredibly friendly and willing to help out. If I was going saturday, I'd let you share canopy space with me, but Sunday will be my only day this weekend.
Since you are riding in, you are in no danger of forgetting the key to your bike so Item number one is taken care of for you already! That was my first track day experience, though. 4 hours from home and I had a fully prepped bike with no key to start it. In addition to what others have mentioned, bring a few bucks for gas unless you have a way to pack an extra can with you somehow. I think it's race octane at the track usually and can be on the pricey side, but it's nice that it is there if you are riding in and can't bring extra fuel with you. I have been going through about 4-5 gallons in addition to a full tank that I start the day with. Your consumption will vary based on the pace you are running and your machine, though. Also a good tire pressure gauge is a must. I think tire services usually has one you can borrow and they will also give you air if you need it, but having your own gauge is much better. Other than that, get there with plenty of time to sign the waiver at the gate, find a spot to pit, get your registration sticker from the office, go through tech, and I recommend getting your suit and boots on before the rider's meeting or at least getting everything set up and ready to hop into quickly. Novice group goes straight to the class room after the morning meeting and then usually has about 15 minutes to get ready before hitting the track. Good luck and if you need anything while you are there, just ask your nearest neighbor or one of the instructors who will be wearing orange t-shirts over their leathers throughout the day.
WWWAAAAAATTTTEEEERRRRR. Bring water. Lots of water. However much you think you need, bring more. -Bring a comfy chair. Even those $10 canvas fold out chairs with a cooler to prop your feet on is a life saver. You will be tired. -I also like to bring a towel because sweat is definitely going to be a thing this weekend. -Bring snacks. even if you plan on getting lunch there, a small snack between sessions can be a great pick-me-up. My favorites are cashews, beef jerky, and jello. I like jello because it cools you down, but doesnt make your stomach feel heavy. -Bring a battery powered radio if you have one. Some times its hard to hear the announcements in the paddock, so they broadcast them on the radio. Super helpful. especially in Novice when you aren't sure of the schedule. This isnt a deal breaker, but it IS one of those "really nice to have" things. This one is ACC specific. -Bring an extra pair of socks. You'll sweat a lot, and -at the end of the day- when its time to drive home a dry fresh pair of socks is like little angels kissing your feet. Its awesome. -Bring your enthusiasm to learn. Coaches at ACC are great but you have to check your ego at the door. DON'T FORGET YOUR KEYS TO THE BIKE If you need a place to pit, you are welcome to come hang out with us. Look for (among other bikes) a silver and red Honda CBR600rr #101 or the Spider-Man Honda cbr600rr and let us know you're a first timer looking for a place to pit. We'll help you out and have anything you might need.
I will be there Saturday for the first time (been to Grattan a handful of times). Will have tools, stands, zip ties, tape etc if you need anything. Feel free to message me. You can ask pretty much anyone in the pits if you don't have something you need also. Enjoy it!
You also should bring some thicker tape to block the light from your lights, unless you plan to pull and re-install fuses when you get to the track. The headlight shinning through the painters tape isn't a big deal, as no one should be looking behind them, but the rear running lights and brake light cannot be showing while on the track as it is a distraction. I apply duct tape over the painter's tape on my brake/tail light.
Relax and have fun, it's definitely not a race. Bring lots of water and drink it. My last trip to Barber was so hot I got leg cramps, didn't drink enough water.
I want to thank everyone for the responses. They've been very helpful and it's encouraging how friendly everyone has been. I will most likely be hitting someone up to let me grab a corner of their canopy to put my chair in since I think finding shade between sessions will be a necessity tomorrow. Please say hi if you see me around tomorrow, I'll be on a graphite and blue Yamaha FZ-07 in black/white/red Dainese leathers.
At the drivers meeting, tell the host your new to the group, new to track days and drove down on the bike. SO you have limited resources like shade, ask if he would let it be known if anyone would be so kind to take you under there wing and be able to share some shade and maybe a chair it would be fantastic. Would be shocked if you don't get several reply's offering to help. Look forward to your report back, considering the temp, plan on one bottle of water between every session and if your not peeing after each session or two your dehydrated. PUSH water.