Tips for the first track day

[robacks]

Ok, so I am thinking of doing a track day this summer. Can any of you offer any tips on what I will need for the track day. I want to make sure I have everyting to make it a success.

[Martyn]

Try and go with a buddy who has been before. You know the kind of bud I'm thinking of... A friend who knows his way around a bit, will keep you cool, calm, and collected. And will keep an eye on you on and off the track to see that you're not getting too overloaded on your first day. Have fun, it's a blast!

[ducatiboy]

Be open minded. Drink plenty of water and Have fun!!

Oh yeah... TRACK WALK the day before with someone that knows the track.

[08hyper]

Jack the bike ALL the way up, you'll need the ground clearance, wear your "old" race boots, as they may get ground up. I ruined a brand new pair of boots on my first track day, Aloha Alex

[SoCal90]

Don't for get your KEY.. you might laugh, but I've seen it many times..

Bring ear plugs..

Wear your best protective gear, it's made to get "ground up" so you don't..

Check with the tire vendor at the track, good rubber is a must and the correct air pressure for the track conditions will vary depending on tire type and weather etc... The tire guys always help out..

Also, I highly recommend getting your suspension set up by the suspension vendor at the track, it usually only costs about $20 or so and if it's your first time it can be the difference between having the time of your life and taking a ride in the ambulance. (don't jack your bike up for clearance, set it up correctly, if you are scraping pegs on the ground, buy some rear sets)

Drink water between each session, and snack throughout the day

look ahead, where you want to go(braking markers, turn-in points, apex, exit markers), never look at something you don't want to hit, because you usually go where you look!!

Relax, breathe, then relax some more
Have fun! And don't try to ride above your head.

[oalvarez]

Alex buddy, if i read that as a first time track day rider on a Hyper i'd sell the bloody thing!

Robacks, listen to Alex, he is the real deal, a fantastic rider, super accomplished, and the like. But if you're not of James Stewart's caliber, don't.

Listen to everyone, and give special consideration to going with a buddy who has been before (thanks BroMike!). There is lots to plan and prepare for, here are some thoughts that yet to be mentioned:

-good night's rest
-cooler w/ light foods and snacks, fluids
-extra fuel
-fold up chair and ez-up shade provider (if garages aren't made available)
-contact lens re-wetting fluid if you wear them
-tire pump, pressure gauge, tools
-baxley chock for your trailer
-cycle cynch front end tie-downs
-rear end tie downs if need be (distance dependent)
-make sure your bike meets all tech inspection requirements (wired items)

i'll let others chime in from here

enjoy and have fun...this in itself can become a challenge.

see ya

[Antigrav]

Copied from my check off list...

RIDING GEAR-------
Helmet
Gloves
Leather suit
Boots
Back protector
Chest Protector
Padded shorts
Spandex undershirt
Socks
Extra pair of gloves, boots, ect

REGULAR CLOTHES--------
Shorts
Wallet- MONEY
Shoes
Sandles
T-shirt
Big Hat for sun
Sunglasses
Sweaters if cold

MOTORCYCLE STUFF

KEY TO MOTORCYCLE!!!
MOTORCYCLE STANDs
LAP TIMER
Gas Can

TOOL BOX------
Tire pressure gauge
Allen wrenches
Combination wrenches
Sockets
Electrical Tape Duct tape
Safety wire
Exra nuts and bolts , washers
Loctite
Ultra blue gasket sealant

OTHER STUFF----------
Lawn Chair
EZ Up shade
Water/ Gatorade diluted
Food
Sunscreen
Camera- Go Pro

Remember the nerves are only before you ride... once your on the bike it all goes away.

[NoPower]

Most of all have FUN. Track days are NOT a race and nobody wins a trackday. Follow the rules and have good track manners. Everyone there is just trying to have a good time. There will be very helpful people there and you will prolly walk away with some new friends. I was super nervous about my first trackday but when I got there I found a ton of other people who were also doing there first trackday so it turned out to be a great time Just try and relax and it will all come together...Good luck and have fun

[sakurama]

All really good advice actually. Obviously a lot of folks here have put in track time.

My advice, if you haven't already done so, is to sign up for a track school or riding school. Going to the track if you've never been is like going to Rome by yourself and not speaking the language. You'll struggle, you'll miss most of it and you'll still have fun despite yourself because how could you not?

Going to a track school is like going to Rome with a tour group. You'll be mildly embarrassed but you'll learn enough phrases to get what you need, you'll be shown all the important sites and you'll generally have a far better feel for the place than wandering in circles. Ditch the group the second day and have fun.

G

[Decreasing Dave]

Robacks,

This is a good list but I highlighted the stuff that is Antigrav specific and not necessary for your first trip. You could probably ignore the stuff in red.

Originally Posted by Antigrav

Copied from my check off list...

RIDING GEAR-------
Helmet
Gloves
Leather suit
Boots
Back protector
Chest Protector
Padded shorts
Spandex undershirt
Condoms
Socks
Extra pair of gloves, boots, ect

REGULAR CLOTHES--------
Shorts
Wallet- MONEY
Shoes
Sandals
Thong
T-shirt
Big Hat for sun
Sunglasses
Sweaters if cold

MOTORCYCLE STUFF

KEY TO MOTORCYCLE!!!
MOTORCYCLE STANDs
LAP TIMER
Gas Can
Suction Cup Dildo

TOOL BOX------
Tire pressure gauge
Allen wrenches
Combination wrenches
Whips
Sockets
Electrical Tape Duct tape
Chains
Safety wire
Extra nuts and bolts , washers
Leather Straps
Loctite
Ultra blue gasket sealant

OTHER STUFF----------
Lawn Chair
EZ Up shade
Water/ Gatorade diluted
Whipped Cream
Food
Sunscreen
Camera- Go Pro

Remember the nerves are only before you ride... once your on the bike it all goes away.

Dave