How do I learn to track race?

Hey i really want to start getting into track racing my bike. i dont know anything about how to start. im sure i should take some classes or something like that. i guess my question is how did you all start track racing? did you go to a school? if so how do i find out what are the best ones to go to in my area? do i need certain things for my bike for this? i dont want to learn this stuff on the streets, because i dont want to be endagering other people. any and all advice on this is greatly appreciated.

In order to ride your bike on the track, you have to go through a school before they will allow you on the track. You can either go by your local bike shop to ask what schools are in your area. Wether you choose a beginner, intermediate, or expert class, once you complete it and get a cert/license you can ride on most track days on any track. Check out these links, this is a good start. Corner Speed Race School (http://www.cornerspeed.net/photos.html) MARC Riding School (http://marrc.nova.org/html_docs/rrs.bikeprep.html) Sport Bike Track Time (http://www.sportbiketracktime.com/schedule2005.html) NESBA (http://www.nesba.com/info/member.aspx) CCS (http://www.ccsracing.com/) You should beable to get most of your information from these links, good luck.

in our area we dont need a license.... all we need to do is pay the money for that day and were good as long as our bikes past inspections and we obey all the rules!

As a newbie trackday rider all you will need is a GOOD set of leathers, full leather "racing" style gloves (preferably with real carbon and/or kevlar), and racing type boots (a back protector is sometimes required by some tracks or trackday organizations). As for your bike, tires should have at least 75% of tread life, you should safety wire the oil plug and filter, your brakes should be firm (if they are soft you might experience some serious fade which can be scary when you grab for brakes and your lever touches your grip but you're not stopping), check to make sure everything is tightened or torqued. Sign up for the beginner group and take the trackday school for beginners if they offer one (most do have them). If they don't, then get with an instructor and tell him this is your first time on the track and would like some pointers and he will take it from there. Don't worry about getting your knee down. Work on technique, lines, reference points, throttle control, and braking. The rest will come with more saddle time. Make a check list before you go to the track for items you will need or possibly need. Oh, and don't ride your bike to the track. Have fun :thumbup: . Send me a PM if you want some suggestions as to what to bring to the track. After you do some trackdays then find out what racing organizations are in your area...such as WERA, CCS, CMRA...etc, and get with them and they will tell you what you will need exactly to obtain your racing license...it's easy.

I think nesba offers a introductory beginner track time at no cost. I have a friend that is a control rider, and he told me that you will have two free sessions. You will have to pass tech inspection, have a leather jacket, gloves, double jeans, and leather boots that cover your ankles. I don't think you have to prep your bike for these two sessions. If you like and want to ride the rest of the day, you can pay for the rest. This whole program is aimed at getting people of the street racing and onto the track, it also gives them a good idea if riding on the track is for that person or not. Check your local track and look for openings, from my understanding they fill up pretty quick.

As a newbie trackday rider all you will need is a GOOD set of leathers, full leather "racing" style gloves (preferably with real carbon and/or kevlar), and racing type boots (a back protector is sometimes required by some tracks or trackday organizations). As for your bike, tires should have at least 75% of tread life, you should safety wire the oil plug and filter, your brakes should be firm (if they are soft you might experience some serious fade which can be scary when you grab for brakes and your lever touches your grip but you're not stopping), check to make sure everything is tightened or torqued. Sign up for the beginner group and take the trackday school for beginners if they offer one (most do have them). If they don't, then get with an instructor and tell him this is your first time on the track and would like some pointers and he will take it from there. Don't worry about getting your knee down. Work on technique, lines, reference points, throttle control, and braking. The rest will come with more saddle time. Make a check list before you go to the track for items you will need or possibly need. Oh, and don't ride your bike to the track. Have fun :thumbup: . Send me a PM if you want some suggestions as to what to bring to the track. After you do some trackdays then find out what racing organizations are in your area...such as WERA, CCS, CMRA...etc, and get with them and they will tell you what you will need exactly to obtain your racing license...it's easy. is there a specific reason why you say not to ride your own bike to the track???? cause im planning on going to a track thats 2 hours away from home but dont have a trailor! so my only way is to drive there! :headscrat

is there a specific reason why you say not to ride your own bike to the track???? cause im planning on going to a track thats 2 hours away from home but dont have a trailor! so my only way is to drive there! :headscrat i think because you'd want to bring some spare equip. and/or tools with you and probably cant if you're riding the bike...plus if anything happens, god forbid....how you gonna ride a busted bike back home? youdaman - nice tips!!! :thumbup:

is there a specific reason why you say not to ride your own bike to the track???? cause im planning on going to a track thats 2 hours away from home but dont have a trailor! so my only way is to drive there! :headscrat You can't carry extra 5 gal. gas can, EZ-Up shelter, toolbox, folding chair, cooler, the all important pit bike, video equipment, clothes, and spare parts on your bike. If you have a car, U-Haul rents a motorcycle trailer for $15-$25 per day. Like someone said, God forbid you have a "get off" on the track or have a mechanical problem. Lastly, if you get in a full 6-7 sessions on the track, the last thing you will want to do is ride your bike home. Shit...after a trackday/race, I don't want to see my bike for 3 days.

thanks for all the info....im gonna start doing this. im so excited to learn all these things at the schools.

well my car is a show car.....so putting a hitch on it is a sure "no no :headshake " and my parents audi A4 doesnt have a hitch either! :cool:

find a group of people that are doing it already and go when they go. advice is a wonderful thing!! get the best protective gear you can afford. ie full suit, gloves, proper boots. helmet. start using race tyres. if that means getting a spare set of rims and mounting race tyres for when your at the track then its worth it. for safety and performance. if you can afford it get a cheap track bike it can be old and scratched in fact that is preferable. you will crash, its inevitable. road bike farings etc are expenseive. one crash is going to amount to a similar price to a cheap oldish 600. go to the track in a van with someone, and your bike in the back. that way if you bomb it you have a way home, and if anything worse happens your stuff is taken care of. i dont really know about tracks in the states but you can pretty much just get on them after getting a liscence here. that means that the number plate class is filled with newbies and not the safest experience in the world. things to think about when you get out there. hold your line. dont change it because theres a fast guy about to overtake you. dont shut the gate, be considerate and leave space on the outside of you as your exiting corners for people to pass, you rarely need the entire track to take a corner. leave space on the inside as your entering and be ready for bikes to appear at anytime. dont freak out just make room. there is room. if you miss a brake marker, very often youll have room to stay hard on the brakes and end up motoring around the outside of the track. if you must hit the gravel straighten your line up before you exit, and get on the back brakes into the kitty litter. dont freak out!! if your back wheel starts to go, stay on the gas and ride it out. the natural reaction is to let go, that is when your rear tyre grabs and you go sailing. its better to lowside than highside. stay focussed and aware and itll be the ride of your life!! anyway 2cents from moi.... goodluck and enjoy its a world of fun!!!

well said man! :thumbup: