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First Track Day


GuardRail-Mike

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I would like to try and run my first track day this season.  I am not able to really get into track days yet ($)... But have been told it is a great learning experience and will help alot.  If not this season, next season for sure.  My question is what should I bring/expect for on the first day.  I was planning on running Mid Ohios School. 

 

I know Lights and anything that can shatter need to be taped. Also Leather and ATG.... Is there anything else major for a Novice trackday?  Also is it a bad idea to ride the bike there?  Guess I'm trying to figure out whats necessary for first Track day. 

 

Just trying to learn here.... Thanks for input

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I've also seen people ride in to trackdays but I would not recommend it because of the "what if's".  There are plenty of TD'ers in your area and you could probably catch a ride if you don't have a trailer or rent a u-haul. 

Second, I would not recommend MO for you first ever day it is a fast and challenging track.  Yes, the CR's will try to keep you safe but I would recommend a track that you can see more through the turns and less elevation changes.  My recommendations are Nelson Ledges or Putnam with an org that is doing classroom instruction.  I know MotoSeries has classroom time at NL and STT has classroom at most of their events.

People at the track are usually quick to help if your in a bind or missing something.  Don't be afraid to ask you neighbors for help.  If I see a first timer at the track without a canopy, cooler, water, etc.  I always invite them over to offer shade water and help/answer questions.  In fact we ran into two this past weekend.

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Putnam is a spa day compared to Nelson, and Nelson still isn't as bad as people make it sound.

The fact is that (even at a "crappy" track), the conditions are 100 times better than the best street ride you've ever done.

Nelson is cheap too, which is huge for a new track rider. I wouldn't say that Mid Ohio is a "bad" first track, but it's kind of like banging a porn star as your first time. A newb doesn't get the full effect of a world-class venue. Frankly, you won't be going fast enough for the surface at Nelson to be an issue... And money saved can be put toward more track time.

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Putnam is a spa day compared to Nelson, and Nelson still isn't as bad as people make it sound.

The fact is that (even at a "crappy" track), the conditions are 100 times better than the best street ride you've ever done.

Nelson is cheap too, which is huge for a new track rider. I wouldn't say that Mid Ohio is a "bad" first track, but it's kind of like banging a porn star as your first time. A newb doesn't get the full effect of a world-class venue. Frankly, you won't be going fast enough for the surface at Nelson to be an issue... And money saved can be put toward more track time.

Haha that's probably the best way someone could put that lol. Which is closer Putnam or Nelson ?

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Nelson is a smidge closer but Mid Ohio is by far the closest to you. Just saying. 8-10 hours driving to and from when mid o is 3 hours total makes it the same if not cheaper than the cheaper tracks.

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my first TD was at mid-o, havent been to any other tracks, its a great track ama races there so you can see it on tv and brag about it, only thing is to not get intimidated, and dont go out trying to break records and you will be fine, a thought about riding to the track, some do it so they wont push to hard and crash knowing the have to ride home.

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Nelson is a smidge closer but Mid Ohio is by far the closest to you. Just saying. 8-10 hours driving to and from when mid o is 3 hours total makes it the same if not cheaper than the cheaper tracks.

 

 You need to look into a new GPS if it takes you that long. :lost:

But yeah, MO is closest for him.

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Get over to SportbikeTracktime (www.sttforum.com) and check their schedule. Look for Putnam Park events. STT has a program (Ride Right) to help first timers get out on the track and they offer up a few spots periodically. http://www.sttforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=35 Nice part is that they have leather rentals.

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I've done three track days so far, all of them at MO. You will have a blast and the instructors will keep it at a pace you are comfortable with. Just make sure you are FOCUSED, get off the track for a breather if you get distracted or tired.

 

Plus, COOKIES.

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