I was there that night too. Its great when you're going around mid turn and the cone has been bumped and knocked over right into your line.
Unfortunately no, but there are several others within 3-5 hours depending on where you're at. Mid Ohio, Putnam, and Autobahn. But Grattan is awesome with all the different corners, elevation, etc. And being able to ride it both directions makes it feel like a whole new course going counterclockwise.
Since it's your first trackday I'll assume you'll be in the novice group. I've been teaching novice since day one at STT so I have a good insight as to what's ahead of you. Riding on a track is way better (in every way) than on the street, but it is way different than street riding. There is many (new to most novice riders) techniques/skills you will be introduced too and you’ll need to get comfortable doing. Learning & practicing new techniques is hard enough without having to also learn & remember where the track goes. So which track? Grattan CW has a few blind corners (cannot see the turn before you need to turn). It also has a few sections of closely placed series of turns, if you are way off line you'll need to complete the series before you can get back on line. Both of these can make a novice track rider very nervous and harder for them to concentrate on that sessions drill. The good part is there are a variety of turns and elevation changes that make this a fun track/direction to ride. Pretty well know if you can ride Grattan CW, you can ride anywhere. Grattan CCW has the same turns, but in the opposite direction, so you can now see through those turns which are blind in the CW directions. So to me the track is lees intimidating and easier to ride. At Gingerman we usually only ride it in the CW direction. The track is pretty flat and the turns are spaced out, so you are able to see through the turns and if you make a mistake you can recover before the next turn. Yes the track surface has bumps & seems, but nothing compared to what MI roads have. Race tracks are designed to challenge us. Tar strips, patches, seems, bumps, grip,... are all also part of the change. Part of our instruction is how to handle the challenges. We have had thousands of first timers ride either track (we teach the same at both tracks), so depending on your schedule you'll be OK at either. In my opinion the easiest track for a first time novice rider to learn is Gingerman, followed by Grattan in CCW directions then Grattan CW. The most satisfying is eventually Grattan CW.
1. Read Kozy's post above and take it to heart. 2. My first ever track day was last year at Gingerman. My second was at Grattan. This worked well for me. I found Gingerman less intimidating but still no slouch. The seams are an issue only if you ride improperly over hem (I too experienced the Friday with the last min repair and cone on the track). Grattan on a cold morning can be slippery too (late Sept after new sealer was put down). After 10 track days last year I like Grattan much better, but because it is challenging and has a lot more variety. 3. Either way, take it one step at a time and don't rush it. You do this and you will be able to ride them both. 4. Find a good source if income. It is wonderfully addicting.
i think if i would have started out my first day at grattan i'd be scared shitless LOL, i just went there this previous season for my first time & i've done ALOT of trackdays, even then it was a tad intimidating. I started off at putnam for my first day ever. Everyone is different & just learn at your own pace.
I only ridden G'man a couple of times (test & tune days) and didn't really notice any seams, where are they? ...never mind, I don't wanna kno. LOL Grattan CW was my first track day which kicked off this addiction I have and I thought I was gonna die! But, by the end of the day it turns out I got the turns worked out and was happy I chose gratten for my first track day. To this day it turns out to be one of my favorite tracks in either direction. Be sure to ask you rider coach lots of questions they don't bite..(some of them) and don't forget to have fun!!!
If you did not notice the seams - good job. Never an issue if you go over it perpendicular. The trouble starts when you are near parallel and get both wheels caught up in them. Just so you know, it is right down the middle of almost the entire track. It seems (no pun intended) me that they paved it in two runs and now the two "lanes" have been separating ever since.
Ahhhhhh, okay. Man I put off riding this track for two seasons because I didn't wanna have to deal with no seams people kept telling me about. However, this past season was my first time there and I'm all mad cuz I waited so long to ride such an awesome track LOL. Same goes for Autobahn South when people kept tellin me about some crazy bumps and I hardly noticed it when I went over them. Actually, it made for a more exciting time LOL.
LOVE this attitude! Ding, WINNER! :first: You sir, are entitled to a lead-follow session with me at your next Autobahn date. That is, if I'm fast enough to show you anything. :crutch:
Ive never done a track day before, plan on going this summer. Gingerman looks more.. beginner friendly I plan to try out Gingerman, I dont see why not to. I do always hear how many people crash on Grattan though lol.
Good to see the move to try the track, you should enjoy it!:bounce: - I started at Grattan and it was on track day 10 there before my first off....which was R6 rider error.
Thanks guys, I think I will try grattan out first. I have never been afraid of a little challenge and the more things I have to focus on the better I do for some reason.
Team Chicago is hosting a track day at Grattan on April 6. Cost is $75.00 and there will be 5 classes with plenty of instructors to help you learn the track.
Haven't ridden Gingerman yet, but this is what I've been told multiple times at Grattan and it seems about right. You get used to blind turns and everything else. I feel like the biggest feature Grattan doesn't have is a big sweeping double-apex turn. It's a lot of fun.
