Finally Back On The Track - Ducati.ms

akdoc · Nov 2nd, 2010, 12:17 am

Hi everyone,

It has been four years since my last track day and three bikes later. My last track day was at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana CA and my track day yesterday (10-31-10) was there too. This time, though, I was on my Hyper 796 vs my Honda 600rr. In fact, I have given up the sport bikes and their respective position a month ago for the hyper.

Now, I was nervous since it had been a while being on the track, and, being on a hyper. Compared to all the superbikes there, I might as well have been on a Harley. Saying that, though, I expected my lap times to be the slowest in the entire group (Level 1 is where I was at). To my surprise, I was not but I could have been faster had the slow pokes not been in the way.

Now I know that group 1 has the slowest but I was riding with beginners who where really green, slow as molasses in the corners but fast on the straights. Now, my hyper had only 250 miles at the beginning of the day so I had to take it easy. I knew that going into the track day and I knew I would be slow. However, my lap times were at least 20 seconds faster this time around vs. on my 600. I also did not have the fatigue factor that I had last time either. The hyper, to me, is just so comfortable. I also came off the bike after each session with a smile on my face and at one point, I peeked at the spedo and saw 100mph and just laughed. I had no idea I was going that fast and I felt completely in control.

Since it was a "Ducati" track day, 98% of all the bikes were Ducatis. I saw only one other Hyper and it was an 100 evo sp (nice bike). I had my rear suspension tuned over the course of the day and that made a difference too. Going back to the bikes, though, I saw everything from 2000 models, 749s, 999s, 1098, 848 and some of the new replicas. If Ducati made it, it was probable there and I wanted to try an 848 but that did not materialize.

The day started for us group 1 riders with our first session being scraped because a guy in the group before us blew his engine and dumped oil all over the track. Second session started with our scout laps and then it was every rider for themselves. I was being passed on both sides, inside, outside, up, down, etc. I nearly crapped my suit when I had about 4 feet from me to the retaining wall on the front straight when a guy on an 1098 flew past me (between me and the wall) as though I was standing still. WOW.

As the day continued, my time stabilized and remained constant but I definitely gained more and more confidence in the bike. I wish I had gone after my 600 mile break in period but that's just the way it goes. Next time it will be that way with no rev restrictions. I can't wait but as I started this story, I smiled after getting off the bike after each session. I am also glad I put the Plexiglass windscreen on as I was able to crouch behind it a bit.

Here are some pics of me during the course of the day. I've never put my knee down and maybe one day that might happen. The hyper gave me great comfort and a good riding position all day. I can't wait to go back.

DrGonzo · Nov 2nd, 2010, 1:30 am

Fontana is a great track....a lot of people dont like it but it really is diverse and allows you to practice a lot of riding skills from tight corners, late apexing, high speed chicanes, heavy braking.....

it looks like you had fun, im jealous I couldnt make it to that one

Fits848 · Jan 11th, 2011, 4:33 pm

I wanted to go that day too, but couldn't. That track is really fast; I got up to 133 on the straightway last March. Chuckwalla is fast like that, from what I've heard; that one's next on my track day list.

akdoc · Jan 11th, 2011, 5:12 pm

I agree. I am hoping to go to Chuckwalla as well.

AsaadB · Jan 31st, 2011, 3:32 pm

Nice write up, thanks for sharing! I just did my second trackday at Chuckwalla (first was at Buttonwillow). Chuckwalla has lots of nice, fast corners that blend into one another, which makes it a fast track. Buttonwillow felt much tighter, more technical and for me, more challenging. Chuckwalla's turns gave me the space to experiment with turn in and body position, so I felt that I learnt quite a bit from that trackday. I am sure you'll enjoy yourself out there!

Here's a write up of my experience at Chuckwalla: Track Day Ambitions Petrolhead's Paradise

tye1138 · Feb 2nd, 2011, 3:44 pm

Nice write up!

Fontana is my favorite track in so cal. Pavement is good, it's got super fast stuff and slower stuff as well. Willow springs is just fast, streets is just slow and chuckwalla is in the middle of nowhere. My second favorite track is buttonwillow and if they ever repave it, that track will be awesome!

Now that AMA is not going to fonatana, I wonder if the infield will be neglected...