I'm doing my first track day on Sunday at Gingerman and I'm excited and a bit nervous. I'm not sure what to expect when I get there, but reading through the forum post everybody seems very welcoming. So I just wanted to introduce myself. Max
Welcome! You are correct that this is a very welcoming community. So if you have questions or need help, ask some staff, that's what they are there for. Or at the very least ask your pit neighbors, I've never had anyone turn me down for help, and I've never turned anyone down that has asked.
Hi Max. This is a great forum and organization. When you attend the drivers meeting they will point you to the novice coach. Most times they will ask, who has never been at this track and or never done a track day. Most novice groups will have 4 to 6 sub groups and those new to the sport will be in the last couple. After the first session they will ask how was the pace, you say fine stay in that group. Too fast they already know and won't pick up the pace. If you say I was so bored let's pick this up they might just speed it up if everyone else is on board or bump you up towards one those looking to move up to the intermediate group. For me there was no hurry and I like the extra coaching. Everyone just want's you to be safe, learn and have fun. You will get out of it what you put in. The only advice I will give is don't push too hard, it will take more than one day to be the next Nicky Hayden. Might watch Twist of the Wrist II and understand SR. Listen to your coaches and have a BLAST. Look forward to your after action report on the experience. OH, and welcome to the addiction.
Welcome Max! Enjoy your first trackday at Gingerman! Don't get too nervous and feel free to ask questions to any Staff members there. We'll gladly help out where we can. Be sure to let us know how your first event goes and then start planning for all the next ones once you've become addicted!
Thanks for the advise I have watched twist of the wrist and read the book multiple times I love how cheesy the DVD is.. I have been riding for about 20 years, mostly we go down to the mountains to ride twisty roads but I have been wanting to do some track days to improve my skills more. My wife did one a few years ago and she got so much better at riding just from that one time. I'm mostly excited about learning some new things to improve my riding. One of the things we were worried about was being in a group that is slower than we want to go, but it seems like that won't be a problem.
I promise, if you tell the coach. That was nice but can we double the pace, the coach will move you up. I've seen more than one get bumped to Intermediate in one track day. How does that happen, your smooth, your predictable, your CONSISTENTLY running the correct (race) line. The I group saves the couple morning sessions of basic's and allows you to pass on the outside of corners. Which I found is harder than it sounds against a liter bike. (I've got a 600cc) Will reiterate, being first in the N, I or A group will contribute ZERO dollars to your back pocket not to mention no umbrella girls. Novice has the most coaches and the first group will have a coach, many times in the afternoon they run the same pace as I. So avail yourself to the coaches and have a blast. I'm excited for you and think your going to enjoy being able to stretch your legs, not worrying about cagers and no tickets.
We had a great time on our first track day. Looks like we have a new fun thing to do with our bikes. We will probably be a grattan next weekend.Thanks everybody for being super cool and welcoming.