Doing my first track day

[vfrchick]

Okay so, last weekend on the track with Ducati's... yesterday went to do the Red Rock loop at 6am before anybody was there, and had a blast... did it twice in a row. Rode like a banshee the rest of the day and even popped a partial wheelie totally by mistake.

My friends Patrick and Nevin have been telling me I ride like I've been on the track a million times already so I need to go and they have been planning on going May 17th for a few weeks now, and trying to convince me to go. And, of course my good friend Bubba Zanetti keeps telling me I have to do a track day.

So, yesterday afternoon, I visited a couple leather shops and left my jacket to have the zipper from my pants sewn in so they will zip together. I checked out the website for the track day... they are running a special $85.00 for Novice School, $199.00 for level one. How could I argue with a price of $284.00 for the total price?

I guess the point of all this is.... I WILL BE DOING MY FIRST TRACK DAY IN A COUPLE WEEKS!!!

Now I just have to figure out all the stuff needed to prep the bike... and possibly find a trailer or just ride up.

Hey Marrib, if you feel like doing a track day May 17th, come on out... the guest room is yours and there shouldn't be quite so many birds here!!

Anybody have suggestions or tips from those who have been there? My front tire is looking a little low on tread. Was going to replace in about 1K miles. Will they let me go with a tire like that or should I just get a new one now? Should I just get stickier tires for the day anyway then put my street tires back on after?

[betarace]

if you are worried about your tires, would replace them... most track orgs have rulebooks that talk about prep, but most rules are tape/remove mirrors/lights/reflectors and go...

[two4one]

^ Agreed. Get tires.

A word of caution, if this is in fact you're first track day AND you have friends telling you you're "fast", make sure you check your ego at the door. There WILL be guys there who blow you away. Don't chase. Do your own thing and make smart decisions. Your adrenaline levels will be way above normal which can blur your judgement. Keep your plastic nice and shiny!

I only say this because I've been there...have fun.

Oh and I wouldn't listen to anything Bubba has to say. He loves fat chicks on bikes!

[cebuVFR]

that's good to hear chicky. can't make it, wifey's bday that weekend. i heard track days can be addicting! be sure to post pics and video if possible.

[joshbea6]

Good luck chick!

I would check the rules of the track school. I know that you cannot have any more than 2K miles on your tires for the track school here. When in doubt... just get the tire.

I am hoping to go to my first track day/ school next year once I've got more time in on my girl.

[osb]

you're going to need to prep your bike. tape all of the lights, pull all of your light fuses
remove or zip tie your centerstand.

take it nice and easy, dont worry about going fast or dragging knee. being fast comes after

1) have fun
2) dont crash

[Bubba Zanetti]

OK, looks like betarace and Two4One got to you first.

And don't listen to Two4One, he's just jelous.

Chicky, I'd just make sure and read the track day orgs. rule book before hand. That should tell you what you need to know.

BZ

[vfrchick]

I can get tear-offs for $200.00 for the set... mounted. Think that's a good deal?

[hooter13]

Tires run about $300.00, another set of body parts run about, what, $1500.00 per side? Tires are cheap insurance. I didn't really know what fast was until I went to a trackday. The thing is to have fun but ride within your own limits. Get good tires and leathers, worry about going fast later.

[Badbilly]

Whoever is running the "track day" should have all the info you need. If not I would advise being a little wary. Some "track day" sponsors ( Reg and Jason Pridmore as one example) mandate nearly new tires both front and rear. Show up without and you don't get your money back.

You are not fast.

[two4one]

What kind of tires are you talking about? I'm assuming they are a SuperCorsa or similar compound? $200 sounds a little steep for take offs even if mounted. Room to negotiate?

If the tires ARE a Supercorsa or similar compound, chances are you won't be putting enough heat in them on your first track day to take full advantage of the grip. It's your call but if it were me, I'd put on a fresh set of DCIII's, 2C2's or whatever your brand preference is and have at it. One reason being you can get the feel for the brand new tires on your bike during your first track day. Might be best to take all unknown variables out of the equation?

Depending on the organization and their tire particular deal, you can probably get a new set of tires mounted for around $300.00 at the track. Plus you can leave them on after the day is done.

Get ready to spend money if you get addicted. Tire prices SUCK right now.

[betarace]

for $200 you can get a set of Pirelli Diablos 120/170 delivered from Motorcycle Superstore - Motorcycle Accessories and Motorcycle Gear will be plenty for a VFR on the track, I use them all the time on the track and love them. Fast heat up, stick fine, good wear... more tire than that may be overkill...

takeoffs are a false economy, if they have too many heat cycles or you arent running track warmers between sessions, not worth the trouble.

[hooter13]

Used race tires are a waste of money. Like Beterace said too many heat cycles make a tire stiff and hard. If they were still any good the guy selling them would be keeping them. Pirelli Corsa lll. Great tires and you can get a lot of use out of them after trackday. Make sure you put a few miles on them before you hit the track. DON'T go out there with the "release agent" (that's the shiny, slippery stuff) still on the tire.

[NorcalBoy]

I might be able to put you in touch with a couple gals that could possibly help you out. Misty Hurst, who raced the AMA Supersport Series last year for Slednecks and another gal who is a track instructor for ZoomZoom Trackdays. That might give you the gals perspective. Shoot me a pm and i'll see if I can make it happen.

Update: I took the liberty of starting the process, I have sent some emails and hopefully they will be willing to give you a hand.

[douglasthecook]

Also if there is someone there taking pics, get the CD, or whatever they are selling. You may think you're doing everything right, but a picture is truely worth a 1,000 words!!! Find someone near the same pace as you, and ride with them, you will both slowly increase your pace throughout the day. Stay hydrated and if you're tired by the last session, it is not necessary to ride it. When we were at Valencia a few weeks ago for the race and track day, alot of crashes happened in the last session, as people were tired, and wanted to push just a little more. Also like previously stated above, have fun!!! Oh yeah, be preparred to get addicted to the track, as you will not be able to ride that pace on the street, you are fortunate that you have Pahrump not too far away either and they do track days as well. If I remember right Willow Springs is around a 4-5 hour drive away as well and Miller MotorSports Park is 6 hours away, so there are plenty of track in the near by States.

[two4one]

Used race tires are a waste of money. Like Beterace said too many heat cycles make a tire stiff and hard. If they were still any good the guy selling them would be keeping them.

I don't agree with any of these statements at all. I've used nothing but low-lap, used Supercorsa's since I got back into the track thing and bought the SV. With the right supplier, they are a gold mine when compared to new tire prices. No way I want to pay $225.00 for a new 160 rear each time I hit the track.

Some racers aren't comfortable using a tire past X amount of laps. Some of us aren't comfortable running a tire down to the wear mark. It's a personal preference. I know of no racers that do not use tire warmers therefore the heat cycle thing is a non-issue. On any given weekend, a race tire goes through 2 or 3 heat cycles. One for Saturday, one for Sunday. For track day use, race take offs are more than sufficient.

What it boils down to is, either you can feel what the tire is doing or you cannot. This only comes with time and experience. For the benefit of all who read this, do not blanket ALL used race tires as grenades.

[Badbilly]

Looks like she is doing a track day or one of the riding schools that use tracks. These are a whole bunch different than racing.

Used tires? Eeeek!

[betarace]

How to choose the right motorcycle tires. Street Tires vs Race Tires - Sport Rider

[two4one]

That's a good article. Only one issue I see. "Race tires are meant for one heat cycle". If that were the case, there would be no club racers or Advanced class riders who could afford to hit the track without major sponsorship and/or taking on huge debt.

For those skeptical about used tires, we're not talking about thrashed out, stunt tires you buy on eBay that are clearly worn and unusable. We're talking "massaged" tires that are clearly in good shape with plenty of life. I've got three, low lap Supercorsa fronts still in bubble wrap waiting to be used at home. I can take pictures of to show you what I'm talking about if it helps.

Anyway, without further thread jacking, have you looked in your requirements for the track day vfrchick?

[Badbilly]

Re-wrapped in bubble wrap would be the better discription IMO.

Come saturday I will have up for the highest bidder some slightly used Golden Spectro re-bottled in the original containers and as an added bonus 4 (ea) spark plugs again only slightly used. Sorry, no boxes, I lost them. However if someone acts right now I will put the old plugs in the new boxes.

It might be a good idea to take a closer look around the pits the next time you attend the races. Lots of racers don't have tire warmers nor do they run SuperCorsas unless you are running that SV at WSB. Great bikes at WSB for pit bikes..

[two4one]

Re-wrapped in bubble wrap would be the better discription IMO.

Come saturday I will have up for the highest bidder some slightly used Golden Spectro re-bottled in the original containers and as an added bonus 4 (ea) spark plugs again only slightly used. Sorry, no boxes, I lost them. However if someone acts right now I will put the old plugs in the new boxes.

It might be a good idea to take a closer look around the pits the next time you attend the races. Lots of racers don't have tire warmers nor do they run SuperCorsas unless you are running that SV at WSB. Great bikes at WSB for pit bikes..

Have you any experience in this arena whatsoever? Seriously. If not, just let it go man, let it go.

[chomper]

Vfrchick prepare your self!!! .....your going to have a blast once you do 1 track day thats all it takes to get addicted.
what tires are you running now? most street tires are fine for track days corsa III are fantastic street/track tires. did my first track day on conti Rd attacks and did just fine.as long as your tires are in reasonable condition they will let you on the track. if your still running OEM tires i would strongly recommend upgrading those. go out and have fun and always ride your own piece of pavement. you will be shocked @ how fast some of the other riders are remember every time you do a track day you get a little faster
Have FUN!!!

[Badbilly]

Have you any experience in this arena whatsoever? Seriously. If not, just let it go man, let it go.

To address the specific question, yes. Unfortunately, your argument which started our with some credibility has lapsed into one of those illogical "do as I say" deals.

Just for that you can't have my used oil or plugs.

[two4one]

How do you figure? Where have I said, or have I EVER said do as I say? I don't mind the banter but when you're just making shit up.

[two4one]

To address the specific question, yes. Unfortunately, your argument which started our with some credibility has lapsed into one of those illogical "do as I say" deals.

Just for that you can't have my used oil or plugs.

Could you possibly direct me to the location where I say or imply "do as I say"? I don't mind the banter but when you're just making stuff up??? Statements like "it's personal preference" and "it's your call" sure don't sound like "do as I say" but I digress.

If you feel the need to continue this, take it to PM. Noboby else wants to listen I'm sure.

[Bubba Zanetti]

Hey Two, I was starting to suspect Badbilly is one of the many WERA board trolls for a moment.

BZ

[Bubba Zanetti]

OK, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Chicky, can we please have a little more info? What I mean is; What track day org are you running with?

And to recap some great advice given:

Betarace suggested Pirelli Diablo tires that he found for a deal for around 200 bucks a set. That is a great price. The old Diablo is a great tire (He’s talking about the regular Diablo, not the Diablo Corsa III’s) They will be more than enough for you at the speeds you will be going.

Also, whatever tires you run, make sure you start your tire pressures front and back at 30 psi. Set them to that pressure in the am before you start the day.

Norcal boy has offered some links via PM.

And “ride your ride” as many with more experience say. If you are not having fun on the track, then something’s wrong (i.e. going faster than you like, etc.) Basically riding outside of where you want to be.

Keep us posted !

BZ

[NorcalBoy]

Hey Two, I was starting to suspect Badbilly is one of the many WERA board trolls for a moment.

BZ

I used some of this on Silversurfer in the Supertex thread, seemed to work pretty good.

[douglasthecook]

Bubba had a really good point about tire pressure. Normally on the street I run 36 front, and 42 rear, but on the track I run 32 front and 38 rear, and adjust from there. It also depends on the outside temp. If there is a tire guy there, you could ask, as most are quite helpful!!!

[Bubba Zanetti]

I used some of this on Silversurfer in the Supertex thread, seemed to work pretty good.

Norcal, gotta hand it to you brother. You've got a line on ALL the good products available to us VFRW members

Although, you'll probably be using that on me (and others) at the end of the MotoGP season too

BZ