I Haven't done a trackday in 4 years, But I consider myself a slightly better than average rider. I was an Intermediate rider for several trackdays when I was involved more regularly, and I expect to be riding in intermediate for most of my trackdays. So here's the question: My trackbike is new to me and I'd prefer to get adjusted to it with a session or two in Novice. I don't have street plastics for it, and I'll have very few miles on it before I go to the track. Is that allowable? Do I just need to book intermediate and ask at tech on the trackday? Or can I book the first day as Novice and ask to move up after the first couple of sessions?
It will really depend on if the event is sold out. If Intermediate is full, you will have to stay in novice for the duration, if that is what you signed up in as far as I know. Now for my opinion. If you are truly an intermediate rider, then you will be fine riding in Int even on a "new to you" bike. If, on the other hand, you really still belong in novice, and Int is slightly over your head, then sign up in novice until you come back up to speed. But basically whatever you sign up in, more than likely that is where you will be for the day/weekend.
You have two choices, since you have experience on the track. First, run Novice, explain your situation to your coach, therefore, he/she can evaluate you and give you the bump. Second, run Intermediate, grab a coach right from the start and explain your situation to them. He/she will be able to evaluate your riding ability. I'm guessing this is rather obvious, but ultimately, it will come down to your confidence in your riding. Good luck, and I hope you have a great time getting back on the track..
Sounds like I'll book Novice for the first day Intermediate for the rest, and ask for a bump after I've shaken off the cobwebs.. If the space isn't available, I'll stay in Novice for that day. I just realized that the question was a bit silly, as I'd still enjoy myself in Novice, and the classroom time surely wouldn't hurt me.
+1 You can always run the 1 or 2 group and those usually run as fast as mid-pack for intermediate (at least it does in the midwest region)