Track Days/Development Days/Tuition

Sin_Chase

Sin_Chase

Sin_Chase

Soldato
Joined
13 Jan 2004
Posts
21,171
Chaps,

I'm looking into various options about getting on track however I am a total novice and this would be my first experience of it.

Looking for some opinions and feedback on which route is a good balance between track time, tuition/input, learning opportunity and cost.

So far I have looked at:

Straight up track days aimed at novice level riders
Straight up track days with tuition available at extra cost
School based stuff (California Superbike School and others)

The school based stuff seems quite expensive. While it seems to offer a good balance between development, classroom input and a decent student:trainer ratio the actual track time offered seems quite low for the price. I'm loathed to pay out for leathers (which are mandatory on track) for a school based environment which will only see me getting 100 minutes or less on the actual bike. Maybe 100 minutes is actually quite a lot of track time though?

Not looking to become a track hero. The aim is to discover more of the capability of what my bikes can offer in a safe environment while picking up some development along the way, some of which would hopefully translate to the road.

Ideas?
 
A standard track day is normally 3 groups with 20min sessions each (15 or so by the time you factor in leaving and returning to the pits). It doesn't sound like a lot but if you run at any kind of reasonable pace it will take it out of you physically. A standard track day you're probably looking at 6-7 sessions depending on any delays etc.

I did a novice event at Mallory for my first time and found myself stuck in traffic all the time. I suggest just signing up to a normal track day, turn up and go into the novice group. You will probably be surrounded by people with dedicated track bikes, slicks, tyre warmers and the works but don't let it deter you. The novice group generally has a 'safe' pace to find your feet so just go and give it a go :)

While I've never had any tuition I wouldn't say it's necessary, as you say its quite pricey.
 
Book a road bike only track day and go in the Novice group. There are instructors available on the day to help / guide you.

Once you've got that under your belt and know what it's all about then go get some proper lessons.

IMO anyway :)
 
I'd say go for just plain trackdays initially, do a couple then see how much you enjoy it.

The California Superbike School is supposed to be very very good, but as you say pricey.

I'd also plan to get one-piece leathers (and a proper back protector) anyway, there's a reason they're required for racing and the schools, they offer the best protection, which is what you want, if you end up doing more track days and pushing chances are you will crash at some point...
 
edd1e said:
Book a road bike only track day and go in the Novice group. There are instructors available on the day to help / guide you.

Once you've got that under your belt and know what it's all about then go get some proper lessons.

IMO anyway :)
Click to expand...

This pretty much, doesn't even need to be a road bike only day as long as you are in novice, its amazing fun and you will get addicted :D
 
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