getting ready for track racing

[kev1180]

what all needs to be done to get a person and a bike ready for track racing.

[natedogg624]

racing or trackday riding?

if racing:

http://www.wera.com/rulebook/

trackday:

http://www.sportbiketracktime.com/policies.html

(more relevant info towards the bottom)

as for yourself: good physical shape running some weightlifting, not to build muscle but to tone.

[kev1180]

just trackday, cause i dont think i could do full on racing.

[Moto-Brian]

Was going to email you, but will post here. I will email you my info and feel free to get ahold of me with any other questions...

Here goes:

1) Have the bike prepped for track use:

-Tape ALL lenses. That means side reflectors, too. Try and remove all those things as they are a pain in the butt anyways, but if you can't, tape.

-Unplug the headlight and tail light. Reason for the headlight is that it will make a gooey mess of the tape adhesive. The tail is so there is no light whatsoever seen when you brake. If it shows ANY light, you will be sent back to tape it until we can't see it. It is a simple plug you can pull under the passenger seat.

-In Novice group, we do not require removing the anti-freeze. There are good reasons for this, but IF you can, that would be stellar. I'd appreciate it. NOT required and can be a pain in the ass so, no worries if not. IF you do Intermediate or Advanced, it needs removed and you can use a supported additive. I suggest Maxima Kool-Aide or Water Wetter. There are others, but they suck and are hard to clean up. I use what is approved for racing...

-Tape the wheel weights. Again, not required for Novice, but doing it saves you any issues. If they are the clip on style, they still need taped. Use Duct tape - NOT painter's tape.

-Check tire pressures. Typically, a good rule of thumb is 30/30. It's a good place to start with street compound tires. Race tires are lower and depend on the brand/model.

-Check all your oil retaining places like the drain plug, oil fill, and filter. Too often guys change oil and forget to tighten these due to being in a rush. That's bad and will end your day and could result in a fine. No safety wire is mandated except for Advanced. If no safety wire, you can use a silicone to dab on the bolt and oil fill cap to secure it.

-Go over the bike. Check things like frame sliders, swingarm spools, rearsets, levers, etc. for being loose.

-MAKE SURE YOUR CHAIN ISN'T TOO TIGHT. If I had a dollar for every rider who had their chain banjo string tight, I could retire from working. The track will have your suspension working over time and the rear wheel travels a ton. Loosen it up a bit vs. tightening it. I use three fingers on top of the swing arm about 1/2 way from the axle to the counter shaft as a rule.

2) Make sure you as a rider are ready:

-Helmet is DOT/Snell

-Leathers can be 2 piece or 1 piece (preferred). You can use textile based suits or jacket/pant combos that zip together in Novice. Wouldn't recommend them in the other groups.

-Boots need to cover your ankles. We do get work boots a lot, but suggest road race style or similar street style boots for your safety.

-Gauntlet style gloves. Need to cover the wrist and over the jacket or suit. We allow short cuff leather gloves, too...

-Hydrate. Drink at least a gallon of water the day before and drink loads of it the day of. If you are peeing clear, you're good. Keep good fluids like water or even a bit of Pedialyte. Do not drink energy drinks or sugar filled sodas, etc. They rob you of hydration and hurt more than help.

3) Misc. items for at the track:

-Gas. You usually burn 2 gallons per session at times depending on how you run and at what pace. If you get 10 gallons, you are usually good to go.

-Tools. Bring tools. At least the essentials.

-Chairs. You need to sit and relax.

-Food. We get a free lunch (unless an LED event), but you need more than that to keep your energy level up.

4) Luxury items:

-Tire warmers - ONLY if you have race compound tires.

-Canopy.

-generator for the warmers in case you don't have a power outlet.

There are a pile of other items, but this should get you started. Others can chime in on what they bring and other ideas as to what they try and bring.

I usually have enough tools to tear a bike down 100%, have all the needed things like a fan, canopy, generator, warmers, spare rims, tires, fuel jugs, blah, blah, blah. Usually what we would ever bring when racing. That's a little overkill, but we never usually "need" anything...

[natedogg624]

tools - i bring everything i can fit into my tool box. which is pretty much everything. i could theoretically tear down my bike with only the tools in my tool box.

lunch - bring your own food. at least at mid oh their food is very heavy and its not really appropriate for the work you'll be doing and exerting. good food for spectating not so good for riding. fruit and gatorade and packed lunches are good.

rent a garage. you won't go back. especially if you can get 1 or 2 other people in on it the price will go from 50 for 1 to 25 or 18 per person easily. i would limit it to 4 people/garage though. i did 7 in one garage and that wasn't fun.

[35RFTW]

Good info Lizard!

[magifesq]

Some guys are just 'give you the shirt off their back' kind of guys, I have a friend who does track days all the time and he's always reminding me that when I line up the track day he's got the bike setup and prepped. The only requirement for him is that you replace the parts if/when you wreck.

[gixxie750]

Here is what i print out every time b4 i go to the track.

Gear

____ Helmet and visors

____ Gloves

____ Boots

____ Leathers

____ Back protector/chest protector

____ Underarmor/Under leather cloths

____ Sunglasses/riding glasses

BIKE AND BIKE PARTS

____ BIKE

____ Front and rear stand

____ Extra wheels

____ Extra tires

____ Tire warmers

____ Extension cords and splitters

____ Parts box

____ all lubes(oils,lubes,cleaners,DIALsoap,Wd-40,grease)

____ Lap timer

____ Extra key

Tools

____ Tire irons

____ axle tools

____ Safety wire pliers(safety wire)

____ Bead breaker

____ Rachets

____ Alen wrenches

____ Batteries(AA and a 12vlt)

____ tool box

Trailer

____ bed

____ tent

____ blankets/pillow

____ cooler

____ EZ-UP

____ Straps

____ canyon Dancer

____ Chairs

____ Floor jack

____ Lugnut wrench

____ fixaflat

____ air tank(full 120psi)

____ Flashlight

____ Heater

____ Shower towel

____ shampoo/soap/deoderent

____ 4 sale stuff

____ camera(charged w/charger)

____ Camcorder(also charged with charger)

____ Memory sticks for both

____ Helmet cam(charged)

____ Umbrella

Cloths

____ pants/shorts

____ shirts(long/short)

____ undies

____ Socks X4pair

____ hat

____ Sweater/Jacket

____ Neck warmer

____ gloves(jersey)

____ sandles

Misc

____ cooler

____ food

____ grill

____ pans

____ map

____ Generator

____ fan

____ radio(dewalt)

____ Drill

____ light

____ check book