Newbie from Chicago!

Discussion in 'STT General Discussion' started by mrlooneytoon, Jun 12, 2020.

  1. mrlooneytoon

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    Hi friends

    I just signed up for my first STT track day at Autobahn in Illinois on July 4! Never done a track day before so I'm equal parts nervous and excited.

    Hope to meet some of you in person and maybe I'll get hooked into track days. :)
     

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  2. E-Van

    E-Van What's an apex?

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    Welcome!
     
  3. svpauly

    svpauly What's an apex?
    STT Staff

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    Welcome to STT mrlooneytoon! Congrats on signing up for your first trackday......you're gonna love it! Lots to be excited for as this is quite an addiction you'll soon find out. :)

    Don't worry about being nervous. Many of us have been in your shoes. Just come out and enjoy the day. Relax, listen to your instructors and ask all the questions that you want. We're all here to help you enjoy your track experience as much as we do!
     
  4. Sam McKinney

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    I saw this post and I had to jump in too! I just signed up for July 11th at Blackhawk for my first ever track day. Equal parts excited and anxious!
    Can't wait to learn everything I can and meet everyone in this awesome community.
     
    Dharvey and mrlooneytoon like this.
  5. mrlooneytoon

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    Thanks for the kind words! I'm going to bring my girlfriend and dog to spectate. Once they experience it they'll probably understand. :)

    Awesome! I had a hard time trying to decide between Blackhawk and Autobahn. But with Autobahn being only an hour away and with a few more days available in the summer I felt it was a better choice for me.
     
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  6. yzfrookie

    yzfrookie Rides with no training wheels

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    Glad you giving track days a try, I know many who just won’t try. You’re gonna be fine. For the record, I’ve been doing track days for a few years (slow still) and the nervous part is still there each and every time because I get very excited. Enjoy
     
  7. phkz24

    phkz24 STT Staff
    STT Staff

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    Welcome! I hope you have a great time at your event! come with an open mind, listen well, and you will have one heck of a great time! I don't think I can make the July 4th weekend, but there are lots of other great staff that will be there to help you, take advantage of them :)
     
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  8. mrlooneytoon

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    Side bar, does anyone have any recommendations on how to rent a race suit?

    STT is not doing the rentals now because of COVID-19 and I'd prefer not to purchase a suit unless I know I want to keep doing track days.

    My current gear is good but doesn't zip together, just loop and snaps.
     
  9. 224wheels

    224wheels n00b

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    I would recommend buying a good used set. That way if you don't want to continue ( I highly doubt this outcome) you can sell it for what you paid for it or close to it. Just clean them thoroughly to get all the old ball sweat off of it. Welcome to the addiction
     
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  10. theaphextwins

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    I was thinking of driving down from Chicago for the 5th of July at Autobahn to try out my new bike. I've done one of the Autobahns before, and I don't remember if this is the same one or the other one. But I forgot there would be a Blackhawk later in the month.
     
    mrlooneytoon likes this.
  11. design-engine

    design-engine What's an apex?

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    I live in Chicago. Im thinking about ripping north course to on the fourth
     
  12. John C Lewis

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    Just signed up this past week, looking forward to Autobahn and Blackhawk coming up. I moved to Illinois this past year. I see camping is option at autobahn. Is there a camp area or do they let us sleep in our vehicle or trailers in the paddock?
     
  13. mrlooneytoon

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    Do it!


    I moved here in September from Boston. Where are you coming from?
     
  14. phkz24

    phkz24 STT Staff
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    Camping is allowed in the paddock, just let the gate know and you can pay for the camping pass. You can use your car, trailer, or even set up a tent in some of the grass areas. Most of the paddock is asphalt though. They have restrooms and showers available 24hrs while we are there, and usually the cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, but not sure how covid is affecting the cafe.
     
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  15. John C Lewis

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    I am in Lindenhurst, IL
     
  16. John C Lewis

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    Thanks
     
  17. Xiyang Liu

    Xiyang Liu n00b

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    Dude, it was my first track day too! I think we were in the same group, I was riding a white ninja 300.
     
  18. mrlooneytoon

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    Hey Xiyang, yes I remember your Ninja 300!

    I may have you on some of my track video if you want to check it out. Sorry for the poor video quality and my very slow pace!


    I will probably go to the next one in August, maybe I'll see you there?
     
  19. Xiyang Liu

    Xiyang Liu n00b

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    I'm still deciding between 7/25 Putnam and 8/1ACC, but I'll definitely go to ACC in Sep.
     
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  20. theaphextwins

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    Signed up for 8/1 at ACC; I've only done the short one, and this is for the long (medium, I guess, really) one, so it should be interesting. It was cool to watch the cars all go by on the other course while we were waiting. Excited.
     

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