| Author | Message | ||
     Guambra2001 |
Hey guys, I know most of you have some experience with the track. For years i've wanted to do a track day but for many reasons I haven't been able to do it. High plains raceway is offering winter lapping days for $100 and I really want to attend. My question for you guys is, should I attend this event if I don't have any track experience? I've been riding for about 4 years with just my MSF course under my belt; I'm a little worried that I will be over my head. I just want to know if I will be able to complete a track day with no previous experience and still be reasonably safe? | ||
| Nukeblue |
i'm not sure what that is but if it's a free for all track day with no instruction i'd say do not go. cause it will most likely be track riders & racers tearin it up and you'd get in their way big time. if it's a day laid out with different skill groups, instruction etc then go for it. | ||
| Pwillikers |
Most track day organizations split riders into groups one of which is for novices. That group is very controlled and led by licensed racer/instructors whose job it is to keep it sane and SAFE. Honestly, if your sponsoring organization is like any here in TX, a day at the track is safer than a commute through Austin. Also, I'd recommend finding an experienced buddy to accompany you and show you the ropes. (Message edited by pwillikers on November 13, 2011) | ||
| Ratbuell |
"winter lapping day" sounds like parade lap stuff to me. Cold track. Cold tires. Riders with cabin fever. Does not sound like a good mix to me. $100? Does not sound like it includes any tutorials to me. If you've never done a track day...stick this $100 somewhere safe. Add to it when you can. Once you have enough in the pile, go to a real trackday with instructors, classes (both "classroom" classes and "of riders" classes), and some promise of education and safety. | ||
| Tbowdre |
here's an idea Contact the organization and let them know your concerns. They should be able to recommend either attending the "winter lapping event" or another event better suited to your experience todd | ||
| Jdugger |
> Contact the organization and let them know your concerns. +1 | ||
| Guambra2001 |
Thanks guys, I'm a little skidish about it but I might try it. The way they are portraying it is usually two groups fast and slow and no sort of racing allowed. They will have a some sort of instruction before the event but after that is it. All I really wanted to know is will having some experience on the road transfer to the track? I just don't want to wipe out in turn 1. I figure if I take it slow enough and get the hang of it first, hopefully I will be fine. | ||
| Xb9er |
do it and go have fun. You'll find yourself riding differently right away. How you ride on the track and how you ride on the street are not the same. You will adjust to track riding and not realize that your doing it. Control riders will help you from start to finish. Most important thing is to have fun and push yourself. Remember its a track not the road. No gravel, animals, and oncoming traffic. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Everyone starts out with no track experience.... | ||
| Guambra2001 |
that's good to know, thanks guys. | ||
| Nm5150 |
I just got sent to Livingston,TX.Can someone hook me up with some track days around here and Houston?Thanks. | ||
| Stirz007 |
On one hand, $100 is a pretty sweet deal for a trackday. On the other, I'd have to agree with Rat. HPR's calendar shows they are closed until first week in December. When are these days scheduled?** If you were to hit some of those freakish December weeks in Colorado where the temps hit the 60's and they offer a novice or "C" group session, then maybe. If it's in the 30's and a free-for-all, then be prepared for the carnage.... **The track is shut down here until April or May, and HPR is within reach so I'd be interested in at least knowing when these are being offered. Thx | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
just finished my first track day ever yesterday. wow what an experience that was. thankfully knew some people there before i went. there are some extremely helpful control riders there that truly watch and know how to teach. i learned sooooo much yesterday. i swear it felt like the first day i started riding all over again. and i guess in a way it was. as for your question i would be leary as mentioned but the best thing to do is call and ask with your questions. see if they have a forum with local people that you can go talk to face to face before hand. if they are going to have control riders and classroom sessions LISTEN when they speak and ask questions lots of them. | ||
| Slaughter |
A reasonable "rule of thumb" is that for less than $150 you're going to get organized chaos. ASK: Control riders? Corner workers? Ambulances on site? If you don't have corner/safety/flag workers at most turns, you MAY have issues if there is an incident. Cheapie operators will often ONLY have a safety/flag person at start/finish and they may save another couple thousand $$ by having an ambulance available with a 911 call. For the $100, I'd bet you'd see a breeding ground of squids and street-racer-wanna-bees but at least ASK to see what kind of course control they offer and express your concerns. Sometimes you can do pretty good with "off-season" discounts for first-time track riders... but ask. | ||
| Slaughter |
I read their policies (link below) and it really sounds like a squid-fest... but ask your questions of them directly. http://www.highplainsraceway.com/pdf/HPR-Lapping-D ay-Policies.pdf I'd also see if any local racers have used them to get a sense of whether they use ANY rider-controls at all (doesn't look like it) | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
true true Slaughter. we have corner workers at i think 6 or 7 of the 14 turns our own ambulance with medics and recovery trucks to pick yo busted bike up off the track when needed. cash on day of 150 we had a southerntrackdays deal this weekend for 120 a day with full services available from track including full staff and the usual vendors for tires repairs and food. | ||
| Slaughter |
Motorcycle Racing Association runs their race series at High Plains a few times a year. They also have a forum. I'd recommend posting up there. Trust me, legitimate RACING forums are VERY friendly to newbies since it's not like trading spec sheets at Starbucks, you're actually going to be MEETING these people and like the old expression says: "When the green flag drops, the B... S... stops" I'd recommend signing up to their forum and posting as a newbie who is thinking about track days but has concerns. I'd bet you will get LOTS of local help. http://forums.mra-racing.org/ | ||
| Slaughter |
Jeff Brown, #277 MRA New Rider Director 303-210-0425 jeff@12voltracing.com You'd be more likely to get GOOD answers from Brown than from the track operator. Give him a call or email... | ||
| Guambra2001 |
Thank you guys I'll give them a call. |
