Track days — What to Expect and How to Prepare

When I first read about track days, I was at once excited and unsure.  How much experience would I need to attend?  Can anyone do this?  Does this make me a racer?  Do I need a special motorcycle?

Ron Perel

There are many questions that come to mind and we can easily convince ourselves not to try the racetrack if someone we know hasn’t already done so.  For those of us that have come to the track first the first time on our own, it can be intimidating and without others that we know to answer questions, it can cause anxiety which if not dealt with can cause our very first experience to leave a bad impression.

Those reading this article for the first time should know that track days are meant to be enjoyable, to help us learn something about our motorcycles and ourselves so that we can become better riders.

In my experience, people in the motorcycle racing industry and in the track day and race event paddock are some of the very best.  They will answer your questions, offer advice, are often willing to help, and are true competitors and sportsmen.

Before a track day, do your homework.  There are many websites, forums, and reference materials for the track day rider and amateur racer.  Ask questions and expect an equal amount of information to both heed and ignore.  Also realize there are many things you may have to do further research on to fully understand but do so with an approach that suits your style and does not overwhelm you.  For example, before asking questions about how to best tune your suspension for your first track day — ride first — this will allow you to feel differences in street riding and the high performance race track environment.  Also, don’t be offended by a response to a question or take an article (even this one) too seriously.  Use your own judgment, arm yourself with as much information as you can, and then commit to getting to the race track for your first experience.  The winter months are a great time to ask questions and read books from authors such as Nick Ienatsch and Keith Code.  In my experience racers are nicer in the winter when they are answering questions.  While they are unhappy about the lack of riding they are much more apt to answer “new-rider” questions positively in the off-season.  This is my homage to all those that helped me when I was starting out and asked many questions of those in the track day and racing community.

We have established that track days should be fun.  I will repeat that point throughout the article because it is so important.  While the new rider may be nervous and anxious, the track day environment is a very welcoming atmosphere for those new to the sport.  There is no starting grid, no getting the best start to get into turn one first.  There are no points, no contingency money to battle elbow-to-elbow for, no protesting of rider machines, and there is no trophy to the winner.   There are no speed limits, curbs or guardrails, and no coffee-swilling, late-for-work, morning commuters whose focus is not the road but the dashboard clock.  A track day is the place to learn to ride your machine and push yourself to be the best rider you can be.

There are however rules and regulations which many track day organizations use to make the days run more smoothly and help riders get the most from the day.  Rules are in place to help each rider remain safe, learn as much as they can, and be respectful to others.  Most organizations have a manual, newsletter, or other publication which lists rules and regulations, machine and gear requirements, and expected pit behavior.  Before arriving, be familiar with the rules and regulations set forth by the organization you’ve selected.  Understand that gear requirements, rules, and technical inspection procedures are in place so that you and others are can enjoy the day and mitigate injury.  By showing up to an event with improper gear or equipment, you are putting event organizers and other riders in difficult positions.  Be  familiar with requirements and adhere to them — there is no shame in riding a sport bike on the street wearing the same gear you wear at the race track.  By wearing purpose built boots, jacket, and even pants from a two piece , wear the riding boots you use for the track or

There also exists an etiquette in the paddock that has been developed over many years which many expect all to follow and sometimes these aren’t obvious or apparent for the new rider.

Track day clubs are an industry and as such require detailed planning and passionate staff members to be successful.  In this industry, success is measured by the enjoyment of the rider and the satisfaction of the staff.  Passion for the sport can be perceived in different ways and may lead some to shy away from particular clubs or events for any number of reasons.  Regardless, if you are passionate about the sport you respect them all — you don’t have to attend a track day with all the clubs, but understanding the rules and structure of the major organizations and their differentiators may help the new rider to better select the organization that fits their needs.  This can lead to a more enjoyable first trackday experience and offers seasoned riders the chance to move to a different organization as their skills develop or they begin to define goals for their progress.

In short, be familiar with the rules posted by the organization you will ride and/or race with.  Additionally seek help and welcome help from others.  Finally, as you learn more about the sport and begin to develop your own habits and approach, share them and remeber that none of us can know everything and our first day or first season can be intimidating so help others when you can.