Update: It was awesome. The weather was not great and a lot of the day was wet. On the upside, there were only 4 people in Novice and I got my coach 1 on 1, and he rocked. I am really looking forward to next time! I am doing my first track day at Grattan on 9/22. I am feeling a little nervous. I would love to hear everyone else's story of their first track day! How experienced were you going in? How did the day go? Any tips or insight? Is anyone else going to be there that day? Kathleen
Welcome to the Most addictive & legal thing you’ll ever do with your clothes on. Don’t be nervous it’s a great group of people. If you’re coming to a track day I’m going to assume you occasionally go out for a spirited ride in the country. Consider your track day a spirited ride in the country with many benefits. Free coaching in novice, no cars, trees for teenagers trying to kill you, an ambulance on site and waiting if needed, everybody’s going in the same direction etc. Unlikely I will be there but I may and if so drop by for a beer. Just ask where Canadian Steve is pitted.
think of it like a long group ride with frequent stops. don't waste your anxiety on it. I know it's easier said than done, but afterwards you will understand why. Depending on what novice group you go into, you might be going just a little faster than you would on a deserted road or highway. Sure you will lean more than you ever have, but how much you lean is entirely up to you and which group you choose. Focus more on not getting too fatigued, maintaining your concentration throughout the day and staying hydrated. Rather than thoughts and anxiety about dragging a knee or racing wheel to wheel or hitting top speed. STT is a great organization for keeping monkey business off the track.
Welcome to STT, Kathleen! Don't worry about being nervous.....you're going to have a wonderful new time and by the end of the day thinking about when you can come back again! Best tips - Ask questions to your instructors! We're here to help in any way we can. We want to make sure you're enjoying your track experience. If possible, try to arrive with your motorcycle already prepped for Novice - basically taping over all the lights, reflectors, wheel weights, etc. (Blue painters tape works great since it's easy to pull off at the end of the weekend. You may need a couple layers on the brake light so it doesn't shine thru.) Make friends with the people pitted around you. The STT group (staff and customers) are like family to many of us and usually willing to lend a hand to help another rider out. I should be there that weekend. Feel free to stop by and say hi. Red trailer, orange EZ-Up canopy on the white Daytona 675R.
Advice learned from my first track day years ago, take it slow and don't rush it. First track day, young and dumb, Barber Motorsports Park, as soon as instructor did the point to pass (where I was free to pass him and ride at my own pace) I didn't even make it a full lap before lowsiding in curve on the back side of the track. Went in too hot, poor form, peg hit hard, slipped right out from under me. Bike was fine, I was fine, rode the rest of the day. Humbled right off the bat. Just take it easy and enjoy yourself, you'll get faster as time goes by. Remember to not feel intimidated by faster riders in your group, it's their job to watch for you, not the other way around. Good luck!
My first track day i was nervous and intimidated because i didn't know what to expect. once i arrived everyone at the track is so helpful and non judgmental. Grattan is by far the best track to learn on due to its complexity. STT by far has the best instructors in the industry and a great program to allow you to progress at your own pace. make sure your bike is prepped ( i would prep at home to save time) tape over headlights/taillights remove mirror's, pack a cooler with plenty of Gatorade, water and snacks for the day. at a novice pace you should be good with a full tank of gas in your bike and 2 to 3 gallons of extra gas at most. i would also suggest hydrating on Monday. stretching everyday leading up to your track day helps as well because you will use muscles you didn't know you had while at the track lol. I will be there on the 22nd as well and can introduce you to the tire guys so that they can set your tire pressures specific to grattan. other than that, have fun, ask questions (no question is a dumb question) and use the instructors as much as you can they love to help and all of them know the track like the back of their hand below is a list of things you will most likely need on your first track day *cooler *ice *gatorade *water *snacks *gas can * microfiber towels *extra motorcycle oil * cash for gate fee $15 * folding chair ( to relax in between sessions) * ammonia free window cleaner ( for motorcycle visor) *zip ties *pedialyte ( life saver if you ever become dehydrated) * tire gauge
Hi Kathy, Welcome! Hey I came across this video that might help shed insight on someones first trackday! ***NOTE THIS VIDEO IS NOT a STT EVENT*** but it should give you a better idea of things. I and a few others will be there. pitted right across, staring at the GAS PUMP. Stop over (or pit next to us) and say Hi. Enjoy . . .
Heres 1 of my videos to give you a look at how to get on the track from the pits, look around the track and where to get OFF the track! (Left arm up) A few of us like to pit right across from the GAS PUMP. That building is where classroom is at, lunch, bathrooms, showers are at. You'll be nearby and less of a walk. (helps save energy throughout your day) ***FAST FORWARD TO 4:50 mark*** And this video, AFTER turn 1, get over to the inside (right) hold the rightside, slow down... LEFT ARM UP, stick to the right most edge and EXIT the track after turn 3. Note where we pit. Easy on/off track area! Hope to see you guys out there!
Go ahead and have your paycheck direct deposited to STT and get ready to be addicted. Lots of good advise above. Post back here afterward. We want to see your big grin.
Scorpion Ninja dude, those are some pretty respectable laps you’re putting down there High 1:3x’s I’m guessing. What bike is that, a ninja 650? Nice riding.
Yea 09' Ninja 650R. My best lap was 1:37 (using stopwatch and watching Gopro video). I'll have my XT lap timer set up correct this time to get real lap times. with med traffic I was avg. 1.43's If I have open track no one in my way, 1.39-40's. I have alot of room for improvement. Looking at the videos I clearly SEE I need to be 1 gear down in certain areas. (stock gearing btw) If only I weighed like 170 lbs soaking wet, I would cut 4 secs off lap times!
1:37’s you keep that up and you’ll be looking for the bump to the advanced group. I just put two & two together and I believe you’re Dave from the team kind of fast group. I’m Canadian Steve.
Glad you had a great time . Let me guess your a swimmer and don't mind getting wet? Justin AKA stickboy is one of out best coaches he said you were doing great. That place is slick when it's wet. Thank you for ridding with STT