whats the deal w/ track days? - Ducati.ms

ducati955 · Apr 4th, 2006, 7:17 pm

I never got into it... I don't want to race... But i would like to ride on the track and "enjoy" my bike... just a few questions..

Can you actually do that?

What are the "usual" rules at the track?

and is there anything specific I need to do to my bike to have it permited on the track?

thanx guys

NCRick · Apr 4th, 2006, 7:22 pm

Hell yea! Some of the orgs are more laid back than others. A lot of us old guys are fragile and need to work the next day so we go slow and careful like. Where are you located?

Most the track day groups have a beginer group. How about going out to watch one. A lot of us Ducati guys tend to be older anyhow, not like the 20ish guys on 600 Jap bikes.

Oilhed · Apr 4th, 2006, 8:26 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCRick

Hell yea! Some of the orgs are more laid back than others. A lot of us old guys are fragile and need to work the next day so we go slow and careful like. Where are you located?

Most the track day groups have a beginer group. How about going out to watch one. A lot of us Ducati guys tend to be older anyhow, not like the 20ish guys on 600 Jap bikes.

There are some track sessions called test and tune that don't allow passing or racing. That might be your cup of tea.

ducati955 · Apr 4th, 2006, 8:58 pm

sounds good, i really don't want to get rid of the bike, may get into the track idea.. sounds like a lot of fun. I'm located in NY (long island) I know there is another member from long island that rides track only... I'm a teacher/landscaper and very into fitness/bodybuilding... So its very important that I stay as much away from getting hurt as possible. I owned a street bike for 3 yrs when I was 19-21, rode dirt bikes, other bikes and owned a yfz450....(I'm 27 now) I can't let this ducati of mine go... Looks like track days are the way to go... I'm sure its going to cost a pretty penny.. Thanx for the replies and keep adding, I can't wait to ride this machine!

NCRick · Apr 4th, 2006, 9:41 pm

Our USDesmo club puts on days for $110 so it is cheaper than golf anyhow

ducati955 · Apr 4th, 2006, 9:49 pm

sounds awesome/// i have a feeling you guys are in NC though.........lol

Fox · Apr 4th, 2006, 11:48 pm

hey, not all of the ducati riders are old. i'm 25.
track days are an awesome way to enjoy your bike. no cops, you can see all the way through the turns, no oncoming traffic.
you can run at your own pace, and comfortably step it up if you want. the setup differs between the track days, but most have pretty easy rules.
basicly:
tape or remove any glass (signals, mirrors, headlight)
replace coolant with water/water wetter. (they don't want anti-freeze on the track)
have serviceable tires and brakes (depends on the track, but 75% tire, no squared off tires, and 50% brake pads left)
most require either full leathers or a 2 piece with a zip (be it 270 or 360... depends) gloves, boots, and an undamged helmet. the strictness on personal safety gear depends on the track day.
its a good idea to bring your own gas to an event... buying gas at the track is super expensive (like 4 or 5$ a gallon)

i think that covers the minimum prep required for a track day... not a big deal at all really. the ducatis are made for the track, so stripping off the street gear is simple and easy.
my personal list of things to bring:
tool set (basic stuff, hand tools, suspension tools, tire guage)
5 gal of gas
tape
food and drinks in a cooler
rear stand
camp chairs
canopy to shield the sun
i usually strip off the mirrors and signals, tape the head light, change the oil and filter, set the tire pressure, check my brakes, clean and lube the chain, check the radiator, tape the wheel weights, (change the tires if they need it) pack all my stuff and get everything all set a few days before. i never have the extra money to stay at a hotel the night before, so depending on the drive i either leave in the am, or sleep in the truck.

ducati955 · Apr 5th, 2006, 1:18 pm

sounds great, my new hobbie.. just have to find some people to meet up with now

DucatiGal · Apr 5th, 2006, 2:09 pm

To ride at a trackday, you'll need to join one of the trackday organizations. There are three main ones in your area: Sportbike Track Time (STT), Team Promotion, and NESBA. There are probably a couple of others I'm forgetting about. All of them offer instruction for new track riders. All organizations have passing rules and groups based on your experience; novice, intermediate, and advanced. I ride with STT. All of them have websites with all the info you'd need. You can spectate at their trackdays to observe and get a feel for what goes on. All of the orgs have their pros and cons. You need to find the one that's right for you.
There is also a NY/NJ Ducati group called DESMO. Check them out at www.desmoducati.org, as they have a yahoo mailing list you can join. They sponsor a trackday at Loudon, NH every year with BCM Motorsports, which is very well-run and offers instruction. That day would be a perfect first time experience. You must be a DESMO member to attend, which just requires signing up for the yahoo mailing list.

The stuff Fox listed does a good job of covering what's needed as far as bike prep and gear. The only thing I'd add is that some require your helmet (full face) to be five years old or newer.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

hank · Apr 5th, 2006, 3:02 pm

Track Days are a bad, bad thing....

The thought of a trackday will consume you and your bank account... it will affect every area of your life including what 4-wheeled vehicle you drive, your job, your relationships and where you live.

Someone once said that trackday addiction makes herion addiction seem like a slight crazing for something salty....

You've been warned.