So you’ve been thinking about a bike trackday for a while? A little nervous about taking the plunge? Well don’t be! Book yourself a place and turn those nerves into excitement! It’s funny that the most common barrier to someone doing their first trackday tends to be being nervous and worried that they will get it wrong and have an accident. Yet they will ride on the road without thinking! Take a look at our scientific table to explain:
| ROAD | TRACK DAY | |
| Oncoming traffic | YES | NO! |
| Cars pulling out in front of you | YES | NO! |
| Pot holes etc | YES | NO! |
| Speed cameras | YES | NO! |
| Padestrians | YES | NO! |
| Not knowing what might be around that corner | YES | NO! |
| Riders there for the same reason as you | NO | YES! |
| Low pressure, friendly atmosphere | NO | YES! |
| Designed for fast riding | NO | YES! |
| Full safety cover and marshals | NO | YES! |
| Instructors to help out | NO | YES! |
May be a bit simplistic by says it all! Trackdays are low pressure, highly sociable fun events where more experienced riders are going to be helping you out rather than anything else. Since you have a licence (which you’ll need to prove to us on arrival) they you already have the base skills needed. There will be no pressure at all to go any faster than is safe and comfortable for you and you can forget about causing a problem for others. On top of organising groups we also typically have 35% less riders on track at any point in time that other organisers, making it a far less intimidating place. You’ll be free to enjoy your Track day and begin to develop your riding skill far beyond that possible through road riding. Don’t forget too that instructors and experts are on site too and regardless of your experience level, there is always something you can learn from a fresh pair of eyes be it throttle control, body position or even suspension and tyre set-up.
The real question is not if you should do a trackday but why you’ve not done one yet!
It’s actually unlikely that you have a bike that isn’t welcome on circuit. Certainly pretty much all road legal bikes are fine.
Sports bikes are of course the most common type of bike you’ll see on circuit but that does not mean that others are not welcome. In fact pretty much all road bikes are fine along with specific track bikes, race bikes and super-moto. The ones that are not permitted on the track are bikes with off-road/knobbly tyres, mini-bikes, bikes with side-cars, trikes, quads and overly low custom bikes.
More important is the state of the bike, it has to be under the noise limits and track worthy. Check the bike preparation section for more information on that.
Although modern bikes are built to withstand stresses above those that they will experience on the road, there are a few simple things you should do to help ensure you’ll be ok on the track and enjoy your track day more:
- Buy a set of extra levers (clutch, front brake, rear brake and shift). Even a minor accident, including when unloading from the van or dropping in the paddock will have a good chance of snapping one. Without an extra your track day is finished. Simple as that!
- Lights. You can either disconnect or tape over lights (a distraction for other riders). If your bike is one where the light are on automatically, beware that tape may heat up and melt so disconnection is the way to go. Tape also should be used on any glass lamps – that’s for older bikes as new ones are plastic.
- Remove mirrors. Obviously if you are riding to the track then you’ll not want to do this and will rely on folding them in instead. You want to be concentrating on what is in front of you not behind.
- Tyres: This is the most important part of your bike after the rider! We aim to have tyre support at all our events but it’s a good idea to begin the day with at least 70% tread depth. It’s a good idea to make sure they are no more than 2 – 3 years old too. The older a tyre is the harder the compound gets and, trust us, nice soft sticky rubber is what you want.
- Chain – if you’re a rider then you know what we mean. Check the slack and keep it oiled.
- Condition. Obvious one but check the overall condition of the bike not forgetting fluid levels, brake pads etc.
- ALL important: put your standard exhaust cans back on! There is no circuit in the country that does not have a formal, legally enforceable limit and if you can’t reach it then you wont be going on track. Ironic but generally “not for road use” actually means “not for track day use either” !!
The thing to remember is that things will wear out faster on the track day than they ever will on the road. So get the bike up to scratch before you head off will pay dividends.
Now if you’re reading this then you think you are a novice but you would be one of a kind if your first track day is your last! Novice or not you might want to consider some after-market bolt ons just for the track. It’s not a sign that you are going to inevitably have an accident but you would not be the first to drop a bike on a track day. A track only fairing, crash mushrooms and swapping those lovely carbon-fibre bits you have is going to pay eventually. Think about it, it’s not compulsory and you certainly won’t miss having them on your first few days but if you do have the chance to change some of your usual road gear for a set of track only spares, it’s recommended.
OK, you’re all booked, you’ve got your bike ready and you are ready to go. Next stop is to get yourself to the day (a very high percentage of riders will take their bikes up in a van and camp overnight) safe and sound.
PADDOCK AND GARAGES:
On arrival at a track day it’s important to remember that while there is no speed limit other than “within your abilities” out on the track, speed limits do apply to pit lane, paddock and garages.
It’s generally 10mph but at some venues 5mph. Never ever break these limits or the venue owner will likely ban you for life from their property! Keep speed on the track, not off it.
Another very efficient way to get yourself banned is to try a brake test, burn-out etc. You won’t even be allowed back to watch! Don’t let over excitement get the better of you and remember you’re on borrowed private property.
Paddock bikes or powered scooters are not allowed at trackdays, so it’s all about walking! Avoid blocking paddock/pitlane service lanes (typically identified by yellow/orange tramlines), the last thing you want is a fire engine to squash your pride and joy. Also no parking in the pitlane. Non-track bikes/cars/vans cannot use the garages, pitlane or main paddock. There are usually car parks at venues that are for spectators, friends and family. Your support van is fine though. There are lots of other rules that differ at the various venues so pay attention to your track day confirmation emails and also any instruction signs at the venue. A few that apply everywhere are:
Engines (& generators) should not be started prior to on-track activity.
After circuit activity has finished you must clear the venue within 1 hour. Please make sure not to leave anything behind, and that includes litter.
On days where there are evening activities are taking place, you must make room in garages the paddock immediately.
Refueling in the pitlane is forbidden.
Pitlane traffic is one way only, which includes reversing.
No sitting pit wall. Pitlane, garage and other indoor areas (inc toilets) are strictly non-smoking areas.
WHAT TO BRING:
Perhaps the most important thing is the track day indemnity forms, licence (either full unrestricted road or ACU road-race) and the correct gear. Your leathers must be either one piece or two piece that zips together all the way around the waist with a CE approved reinforced zip. Back protectors must be worn and CE approved too. Your helmet must be in good condition, less than 8 years old and ACU gold sticker must be attached with no signs that it hasn’t always been there.Other things are optional but a very good idea:Key for your motorcycle (don’t laugh many have made this mistake!); tools/toolbox; spare parts (levers, pegs, sliders); tyre pressure gauge; air compressor (electric); torque wrench; cable-ties (in several sizes); gaffa tape; mechanics gloves; stands; spare fluids/oil; DOT brake fluid; fuel cans. Over time you’ll get to know the essentials that are right for you and being prepared can save you from a short track day. That said, the friendly atmosphere at our events usually means you’ll never get stuck as someone will always help out.One last thing: tyre warmers. These are a very good idea, though no tyre warmer can put enough heat in the tyres to not need to take it easy on your first few laps each session. They do help though, and not letting the tyres cool completely between track blasts will extend their useful life. Word of warning though – some circuits don’t have garages and power supply (Cadwell Park for instance) so you may want to look into getting a small generator in that case.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET THERE:
The first thing you will do, apart from park up, is come and sign-on. Here you exchange your completed indemnity forms for the first wristband you will have all day and also a sticker to put on your bike. These identify that you are entitled to be there and have submitted the required forms. This also shows that your licence has been checked. After that you’ll need to get your bike noise tested. Not an option as there are legal controls governing noise limits so it has to be done. If you have an overly loud bike, you won’t be allowed on track (without refund or appeal)…it’s as simple as that. Our advice is to always use standard road going exhaust systems.Then into the safety briefing which is mandatory and where you will earn your second wristband – you can’t get out on track without one – at the end.
The briefing is the most important part of the day and conducted by those who control the black flag so pay attention! We’ll all introduce ourselves and let you know how the day is going to run and what we expect from the riders. You’ll be explained the rules of etiquette during the main briefing and some are different at some venues so pay attention. We’ll not go too in-depth here but the general rules will cover: Your response to flags; The correct overtaking technique and rule; Awareness of other track day riders and the different speeds; Braking, apex and corner exit zones; Non-competitive riding; What to do in emergency / breakdown situation.
Through the day, be it a grouped, semi-open or an open-pitlane event you are not obliged to stay on track for any length of time. In fact, as a novice we always suggest it’s best to pace yourself. Start off with 3 laps, take a rest then try 4, then 5 and so on. You’ll find you will progress far quicker that way. It’s not an option to pay attention in the briefing, even if you’ve done 100 before. Generally this part of the day will be about 20 minutes long and finishes with that second wristband being issued.
GET READY:
That’s it – now it’s time to take to track. Leathers on (best do that before the briefing), bike ready. It’s time to come line up where directed by the marshals.
Signed on, noise tested, briefing done, bike and rider ready. Now it’s time to get on track!
There is one more thing though and that’s called sighting laps (you may also here the term “ducks and drapes”).
This is not a parade or warm up lap but an opportunity to do 6 essential things:
1. Find out how to get onto the track – it’s not always straight forward.
2. Get used to how the pitlane marshals let you out onto track. There may be lights, flags or hand signals. You’ll need to show your car sticker and wristbands each time and be sure you don’t line up for tracktime without having everything ready so make sure you’ve fastened your seatbelt and helmet.
3. Get used to actually going onto the circuit, following any instructions given out in the briefing. You will likely need to stay within “tramlines” until they stop. Think F1 – a driver crossed the lines leading out of the pitlane early and they get a stop-go penalty. You’ll get a black flag!
4. Learn which way the circuit goes, where the marshal posts are (they will show green flags for this bit), get your sight seeing out of the way and get a general feel of the place.
5. Learn how to get off the circuit, there is a procedure to follow which is different at each venue so it’s important to get used to this.
6. Judge the conditions and satisfy yourself you are happy (at your risk) to ride on track in them.
Once that’s out of the way – approx 10 minutes – you’ll come in off track and into the novice briefing. This time it’s about riding skills and the circuit itself. Which corners to look out for, which ones are good to attack. This is in fact a valuable class based instruction session which will help you approach track day riding and set you up for the day. Don’t miss it!
Then it’s onto track day proper – enjoy!
Perhaps the most important people on any track day are the marshals. There simply whould be no trackdays ever without them!
So the least you can do is pay attention to the fact they are there to make your day enjoyable and safe. On occassion they will need to communicate with you and since shouting, mobiles or telepathy don’t work well on trackdays, they will be relying on flags and, in some cases, lights. All is explained in-depth in the drivers briefing but here is the general meaning:
RED: Slow down, no overtaking and return to the pit at the end of your current lap. Continuing for an extra lap will mean immediate exclusion from the rest of the trackday.
BLACK: Same as red flag but for an individual rider. Could mean a problem with your bike has been spotted. Report to pit marshals on return.
YELLOW: Danger ahead. Slow down, no overtaking and wait for the marshals to either lower the yellow or wave a green.
RED&YELLOW: The next few corners may be slippy (potentially oil, fluid etc), scrub off some speed and take caution until sure of grip.
GREEN: All clear, enjoy your lap.
CHEQURED: Final lap – return to pit. No more overtaking allowed.
Some circuit will also employ lights, usually red, yellow and green. These mean exactly the same and are also sometimes used in pitlanes. When in a pitlane, they are traffic lights. Green means you may go onto the track (as long as the marshals let you) and red you cannot!
Instruction is ALWAYS a good idea, regardless of your experience level there is always a fresh take or something that can be refined. Even the very highest level racers in MotoGP have training and instruction from a separate pair of eyes through their career, so why shouldn’t you?
It always amazes those in the know how much people are willing to spend on trick-bits for their bike when the best upgrade of all will always be to the rider. Don’t let pride get in the way of making the most significant and best value upgrade you can buy.
Instruction on EasyTrack days can take several formats:
On and off track guidance and advice free of charge on any trackday:
Every event that we host is always run by experienced riders. That covers all staff with the exception of the sign-on girls (but even some of them know more than most) but we also have a team of instructors most of who are active racers, usually in BSB. Everybody is at your disposal and nobody has forgotten that the first trackday is often as scary as it is exciting. We’re here to help and we’re proud of our reputation amid trackday riders that we’ve got our approach to novice attendees right. Our aim is that all new riders are made as comfortable as possible and ease themselves into the track.
The Suberbike Academy:
This is for those serious about riding and is hosted by only the best instructors. You’ll start up by having a normal trackday session (unless you are a raw novice) so your instructor can take stock of your current level and how comfortable you are on a bike on the circuit. He’ll then take over and the format will take the form of looking after you in your own exclusive session, chats off it, bike set-up and you’ll also get access to other sessions, if suitable. The instructor will be looking after a maximum of 2 people this was so you are guaranteed to progress.
The Superbike Academy works well for anyone that has a few months riding experience under their belt and though having done a trackday while an distinct advantage, is not a handicap if not. A high instructor to student ratio allows us to work with students of varying skill levels on the same day. The aim of the academy is to improve:
- Riding style and overall body positioning.
- Choosing the right lines, at the right speed.
- Lap consistency.
- Best use of controls.
- Awareness, control and safety.
- Understanding of setup theory and practice. Let’s find out what works for you and why.
- Speed through control and understanding.
After an initial track session you alternate between classroom and track sessions, with emphasis on putting into practice what we learn in the classroom but also will leave time to enjoy the trackday (and many more after we hope!).
Booking instruction is NOT something you’ll regret and highly recommended.
This is where you can really get misled. At this stage, it’s best not to worry too much about the particular circuit. You’ll hear “Cadwell…hmm…not good for beginners”, ”Silverstone, best novice venue”. etc etc all over the place. The truth is that if any track day organiser worth their salt will have everything in place to look after novice track day attendees at EVERY event. Bar none. There is no combination of corners anywhere that are going to be a danger to novices because on your first days, the organiser should be keeping you safe and comfortable. That’s what we do. Our advice is to do a day that does not involve too much travelling the morning of the trackday or make sure you can stay over the night before and be well rested on the day. That’s about it, the rest is down to us.
Leave getting to know particular circuits and getting to know a favourite or one you hate until you have at least 3 trackdays under your belt, concentrate first on getting to know trackdays, getting comfortable on them and getting some instruction.
