New guy question

that's a tough question to answer. Off hand, I'd say no. OTOH, it's not unheard of for a rather talented rider to do one novice day and be completely ready for the Intermediate group, but this seems to be the exception, rather than the rule. I personally recommend at least two weekends in novice group and encourage doing even more. Many riders move up to I to assuage their ego's, rather than because they're truly ready. as a result, Intermediate is the most dangerous group to ride in because you not only have the riders who should have stayed in Novice for a few more track days, but riders who should have moved up to Advanced, but like being the fastest guys on the track, in addition to those who truly belong in the I group. With such a wide range of skills, you also have a lot of different speeds, approaches to passing, cornering etc. In my opinion, many of the riders in the 1 & 2 novice sub groups are faster and safer than a majority of the people in the I group as a result of the excellent instruction by the likes of K3 and DJBaker and others. My advice: don't wait until August, do as many days as you can afford and work closely with your instructors, ask lots of questions- be a pain in the ass. While STT's policy is to let riders decide when they're ready to move up- unlike the other leading track day orgs, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND developing a close relationship with your instructors and seek their input when you feel that you're ready to advance. This can save you alot of trouble.

welcome!

Lance

 

I agree, having moved to the I group at the middle of last summer, ( on my own, not being told to by staff ) I have been run off the track, nearly rear ended a few people in corners, but over all I like it better because I don;t have to spent the first 4 sessions crawling around the track.

OTOH, if you could start off full speed in the first group of B with the great coaching there I would much prefer that. Then the coach would be the person to tell us when its safe to move up. IMO we should have to be bumped up by a STT coach and not be allowed to just sign up for what we want to. They could check records of prior track days to make sure no no one cheats.

It seems to me this would not only help with the fun but more importantly safety. Merry Xmas ya'll

 

+1



Even though it is not STT policy, IMO no one should move into the I or A groups until one of the seasoned instructor tells them they're ready (which they will). It is not just having consistent speed, predictable lines and common sense when it comes to passing, but also being comfortable and relaxed on the track so that you're capable of thinking clearly (instead of panicking) and reacting appropriately when something goes wrong. What really sets STT apart from other track day providers is their excellent Novice group instructors. Take advantage of them as much as possible.

 

Unless you have racing or track experiance I would reccomend at least one day in Novice . This way there will be no surprizes . Most intermeadiate people would also benafit from K3s classroom . Probably learn a couple new things or clean up a bad habit or two .

 

+1



Passing people is easy - learning how to be passed actually takes more skill and control. Get a solid foundation in the Novice group and experience/getting used to riding on a track - which really is significantly different than riding on the street.

 

I would look at all the replies here and take a little bit of everything. Simply said, do your first day in beginner. Feel out the group where you are comfortable. if you move yourself or are asked to be moved up in the B groups throughout the day, you will be surpised how quick the first two groups can go out by days end. Good Luck!

 

I'll have to agree with everything that everyone on here said. Also, the instructors at STT are AWESOME!!! I'm running somewhere in the middle of I and I still bug the living crap out of them. I love to get input. Group 1 and 2 in Novice is actually at a pretty good clip later in the day. I have to agree with what someone else on here said too. If you can start doing track days earlier in the season it would definitely be good to get as much practice as possible.

I was actually one of those guys that was in Novice for more than just a couple of track days too. I think I did 5 or 6 before I moved up. To be honest with you I probably could have done another one before I moved up, but I'm stubborn I guess and moved up anyways. I was one to learn the stubborn way. Use the Novice group as much as you can. If you learn quick that that's AWESOME!! Good instruction never hurt though. I must warn you that you WILL HAVE A BLAST THOUGH!!!! Hey, welcome to the club dude!!! It's great to have you on!!! :wink:

 

We're always doing whatever we can to make sure riders are in the appropriate group, although sometimes we're somewhat handcuffed if the event is sold out. Your plan really depends on your riding abilities. Many have done it successfully, others not so much. Unfortunately, there really isn't anything to keep people from just signing up for Intermediate. There are a couple things that could work in your favor. There are still plenty of Instructors available at LED events, especially ones right after a couple of normal events. Also, LEDs after normal events tend to have a wider range of riders. If you do it, be sure to work your way up to one of the first couple of Novice groups during the first two days & let your Instructor(s) know what your intentions are. Lastly, don't be shy during the LED event. We're all there to help, but it's a lot to do, so be sure to let someone know you want help. Otherwise you might go unnoticed, unless you stick out like a sore thumb. :wink:



Lance, Thanks for the props. Now I have to go look up assuage. :wink: