My first trackday

I will be going to my first track day on the 6th of November.Any advice you pros may have :headscrat

Leave your ego at home, bring plenty of water, and make a check list of EVERYTHING you think you MIGHT need to take........ you will still forget something, but a list makes it less likely.

Don't listen to the demon on your shoulder.

What those guys both said + ride at your pace = Pure Enjoyment! :thumbup:

What those guys both said + ride at your pace = Pure Enjoyment! :thumbup: And, advice frommy last track day.......... accidently banging TWO downshifts when you only need one means putting your bike in the Kitty Litter..... dont do it :headshake

Thanks guys I can't wait :thumbup:

1. Start drinking water/Gatorade 2 days before your trackday 2. Don't forget the key to your bike (it happens, I've seen it) 3. Take riders school if they have one 4. Change your oil/filter the day before 5. If you are going with a group talk to them about any tricky corners or lines 6. List of things to bring: Leathers, gloves, boots, back protector (see if you can borrow one) Extra clothes to change out of when you are done for the day Extra fuel and 1 qt. of spare oil Bike stands E-Z up shelter if they don't have covered pits/paddock Chair Cooler for drinks/food Basic tools (include duct tape, zip ties, rags, something to clean visor) TIRE GAUGE, TIRE GAUGE, TIRE GAUGE, TIRE GAUGE Flip flops...yes, flip flops (for chillin' in between sessions, easy on easy off) That's about it for basics. I also bring extra wheels with tires mounted, tire warmers, pitbike, pitbike, pitbike (did I mention pitbike), box fan, extension cords, generator, small air compressor, tools tools and more tools, spare parts such as rearsets and clip-ons. 7. Check your tire pressure before you hit the track. If you are on Pilot Powers the front is 30 and rear is 28 (per Michelin specs). All other brands of street tires 32f/30r or 30f/30r is a good starting point. If you are on DOT races then consult some racers at the track since DOT races vary (example: Michelin Power Race is 30front and 22 rear...yes 22 rear). 8. No trophies at the track so leave the ego at home or in the paddock. 9. Get with an instructor or control rider and ask them to follow you for pointers. Instructors and control riders are always willing to help a newbie on the track. After that find someone who is a little faster than you AND is riding smooth and controlled. That is the person you want to follow for a few turns. 10. Lastly, don't hog the entire track. Being this is your first trackday you will not have the speed to stay on the "race line". You don't have to apex the turn one foot off the apex, then drift all the way to edge of the track. Leave alittle room on the inside of you and the outside of you for faster riders to get around you cleanly. 11. Very lastly (sorry) a common mistake for newbie track riders is to look behind you. Don't worry who is behind you, the track is in front of you. If you hear a bike behind you (and you will hear them), they will find a way around you. Just stick to your line and be predictable to other riders. Its the riders that are unpredictable that cause accidents or in up in accidents on the track in the beginner group. 12. Post some pics too, we want to see you having fun :thumbup: 13. Track riding is a disease, welcome to the addiction.

100% agree 1. Start drinking water/Gatorade 2 days before your trackday 2. Don't forget the key to your bike (it happens, I've seen it) 3. Take riders school if they have one 4. Change your oil/filter the day before 5. If you are going with a group talk to them about any tricky corners or lines 6. List of things to bring: Leathers, gloves, boots, back protector (see if you can borrow one) Extra clothes to change out of when you are done for the day Extra fuel and 1 qt. of spare oil Bike stands E-Z up shelter if they don't have covered pits/paddock Chair Cooler for drinks/food Basic tools (include duct tape, zip ties, rags, something to clean visor) TIRE GAUGE, TIRE GAUGE, TIRE GAUGE, TIRE GAUGE Flip flops...yes, flip flops (for chillin' in between sessions, easy on easy off) That's about it for basics. I also bring extra wheels with tires mounted, tire warmers, pitbike, pitbike, pitbike (did I mention pitbike), box fan, extension cords, generator, small air compressor, tools tools and more tools, spare parts such as rearsets and clip-ons. 7. Check your tire pressure before you hit the track. If you are on Pilot Powers the front is 30 and rear is 28 (per Michelin specs). All other brands of street tires 32f/30r or 30f/30r is a good starting point. If you are on DOT races then consult some racers at the track since DOT races vary (example: Michelin Power Race is 30front and 22 rear...yes 22 rear). 8. No trophies at the track so leave the ego at home or in the paddock. 9. Get with an instructor or control rider and ask them to follow you for pointers. Instructors and control riders are always willing to help a newbie on the track. After that find someone who is a little faster than you AND is riding smooth and controlled. That is the person you want to follow for a few turns. 10. Lastly, don't hog the entire track. Being this is your first trackday you will not have the speed to stay on the "race line". You don't have to apex the turn one foot off the apex, then drift all the way to edge of the track. Leave alittle room on the inside of you and the outside of you for faster riders to get around you cleanly. 11. Very lastly (sorry) a common mistake for newbie track riders is to look behind you. Don't worry who is behind you, the track is in front of you. If you hear a bike behind you (and you will hear them), they will find a way around you. Just stick to your line and be predictable to other riders. Its the riders that are unpredictable that cause accidents or in up in accidents on the track in the beginner group. 12. Post some pics too, we want to see you having fun :thumbup: 13. Track riding is a disease, welcome to the addiction.

That is some great advice I thank you very,very,much.I am a little neverse but yet I can't wait again thank you.I will take my camera and get some pics.Again thank you :thumbup:

few things to add, I found an Air compressor is not needed........... Go to any autoparts store, or Walmart, they have emergency Air tanks ( I think they are 5 gallon) that you can fill up with 120PSI of air and it will be MORE than enough for a trackday or even two, and not as expensive as a compressor and doesnt take electricity if the track has none and you dont have a generator. Oh edit......... he didnt have helmet on his list :bounce And non greasy sunscreen, you WILL pull your leathers down, and you WILL be sweaty...... which magnifies the sun, and thus you more than likely will get burned. if you can swing it.... and if you pull off your kickstand bring BOTH a spool type rear stand AND one that lifts by the swingarm itself (or a convertable style) because if you crash you most likely will bust a swingarm spool, and it sucks to not be able to find a good way to park the bike casue you busted a spool. I have seen it, it sucks. I always bring both.

few things to add, I found an Air compressor is not needed........... Go to any autoparts store, or Walmart, they have emergency Air tanks ( I think they are 5 gallon) that you can fill up with 120PSI of air and it will be MORE than enough for a trackday or even two, and not as expensive as a compressor and doesnt take electricity if the track has none and you dont have a generator. Oh edit......... he didnt have helmet on his list :bounce And non greasy sunscreen, you WILL pull your leathers down, and you WILL be sweaty...... which magnifies the sun, and thus you more than likely will get burned. if you can swing it.... and if you pull off your kickstand bring BOTH a spool type rear stand AND one that lifts by the swingarm itself (or a convertable style) because if you crash you most likely will bust a swingarm spool, and it sucks to not be able to find a good way to park the bike casue you busted a spool. I have seen it, it sucks. I always bring both. Hey Joe...the air compressor is one of those rechargable/cordless ones by Campbell and about the size of a shoebox (not a Craftsman :lol: ) and takes up about 1/4 of the room as one of the air bottles (I used to have one too) until I found the air compressor at Wal-Mart ($29). Oh, how could I have forgotten the sunscreen, that's a must for you fair skinned people.

Fassina , you gonna be ready to ride in March?

Fassina , you gonna be ready to ride in March? Oh yes! I cant wait! I am going to try to run race compound this time around. Maybe I can get alittle quicker with out the damn back tire wanting slide out. I hope to see some of you there. I want to try out some different tracks. I love barbers but I would like to experience some others. I will have some new suspension parts ont he bike as well. I hope I can bust out a 1:40 and under at Barbers. Are you guys coming down again?

The guys I go over there with are going to be there Sun. the 30, my riding is done until March. Hoping to have sold the 1K by then and have a 600 trackbike. Since the wifey can't keep from getting pregnant, I decided to stay off the street for a while, so I'll be hitting a few different tracks next year. Hope your healing ok, I know you can't wait to try out the new goodies on the bike.

1. Start drinking water/Gatorade 2 days before your trackday 2. Don't forget the key to your bike (it happens, I've seen it)Hey I only did it once. 3. Take riders school if they have one 4. Change your oil/filter the day before 5. If you are going with a group talk to them about any tricky corners or lines 6. List of things to bring: Leathers, gloves, boots, back protector (see if you can borrow one) Extra clothes to change out of when you are done for the day Extra fuel and 1 qt. of spare oil Bike stands E-Z up shelter if they don't have covered pits/paddock Chair Cooler for drinks/food Basic tools (include duct tape, zip ties, rags, something to clean visor) TIRE GAUGE, TIRE GAUGE, TIRE GAUGE, TIRE GAUGE Flip flops...yes, flip flops (for chillin' in between sessions, easy on easy off) That's about it for basics. I also bring extra wheels with tires mounted, tire warmers, pitbike, pitbike, pitbike (did I mention pitbike), box fan, extension cords, generator, small air compressor, tools tools and more tools, spare parts such as rearsets and clip-ons. 7. Check your tire pressure before you hit the track. If you are on Pilot Powers the front is 30 and rear is 28 (per Michelin specs). All other brands of street tires 32f/30r or 30f/30r is a good starting point. If you are on DOT races then consult some racers at the track since DOT races vary (example: Michelin Power Race is 30front and 22 rear...yes 22 rear). 8. No trophies at the track so leave the ego at home or in the paddock. 9. Get with an instructor or control rider and ask them to follow you for pointers. Instructors and control riders are always willing to help a newbie on the track. After that find someone who is a little faster than you AND is riding smooth and controlled. That is the person you want to follow for a few turns. 10. Lastly, don't hog the entire track. Being this is your first trackday you will not have the speed to stay on the "race line". You don't have to apex the turn one foot off the apex, then drift all the way to edge of the track. Leave alittle room on the inside of you and the outside of you for faster riders to get around you cleanly. 11. Very lastly (sorry) a common mistake for newbie track riders is to look behind you. Don't worry who is behind you, the track is in front of you. If you hear a bike behind you (and you will hear them), they will find a way around you. Just stick to your line and be predictable to other riders. Its the riders that are unpredictable that cause accidents or in up in accidents on the track in the beginner group. 12. Post some pics too, we want to see you having fun :thumbup: 13. Track riding is a disease, welcome to the addiction. I agree It is not a race. If you can change your coolant to Water Wetter. The last thing you want to do is ruin everyone elses day by overheating or something & dumping a bunch of slippery coolant on the track.

I want to thank all of you guys for this great advice I am so excited I can't wait to go on the 6th .I will make sure and take my camera and get some pics to post.Again thanks to all of you :thumbup:

One question.What kind of tape do you put over your head light?Sorry for the noob quetion,just want to be sure I am using the right stuff

Duct tape or painters tape. I prefer duct tape. Whatever you use be sure to unplug your headlights or else they will heat the glue on the tape to the point to where you will spend a ton of time trying to get it off. Duct tape peels off with no residue.

I don't even bother unplugging the bulbs when I tape over the lights. It's easier to just remove the fuses from under the seat. And the best part about duct tape is that they make duct tape in black, which matches my bike, and is therefor faster. Also, you may need some electrical tape. You can put a strip of it across the top of your visor during the last couple of sessions to block the sun, especially at this time of year. When I went in June I never had an issue with the sunset, but last weekend at Barber it was a big problem in the afternoon. One more piece of advice that I didn't see anywhere, but that the folks running the track day SHOULD mention is this: if you're not absolutely certain that you can get around the guy you're trying to pass, DON'T DO IT! Somebody banged fairings with me during the last lap of the last session on Sunday afternoon. All it did to me was knock off the blinker (which is designed to be knocked off like that and put back on very easily), break the ball end off the clutch lever and bend it out, and lightly scuff my pristine fairing. Oh, and it knocked me right off the track, across the grass and into the gravel. I didn't drop the bike, but I'm still rather upset about it. I have ridden 15,000 miles without a single scratch. The only way you could tell mine had so many miles was to start it up and scroll through the displays and read the mileage. Don't try too hard to get your knee down. Let it happen naturally as your speed picks up, but don't try hanging off the bike so far you can't control it midcorner. If you've never gotten it down, the first time you do it will be shocking and you'll flinch. Yes, you will. And if you've got yout outside foot hooked on the gastank just so you can stick your inside knee out farther, you'll probably have a bit of trouble keeping it under control when you flinch. I flinched the first time I got either knee down, plus the first time I got each toeslider down. So relax. And when you've relaxed, relax some more. edit added the following: Oh, and I should have pics posted in a couple of weeks or so. I'm waiting for the 2 DVDs full of pictures to come in. They took over 6000 pictures throughout the weekend, and I've looked through the ones posted online and there are some good ones of me and I can't wait to get my hands on the fullsize versions...

As always thanks again,for all your advice.Thank you,thank you :thumbup: You guys have been a big help :clap:

Most deff dissable the lights. And In all reality, for your first few track days, only pass on the EXIT of turns and straight aways. Most accidents in passing happen on the entrance when someon unexpectedly takes a weird line.

Yup went to the track and I am hooked,But the fucking camera guy was a no show :2hard .No worries I will be racing agaian tomarrow,and I will bring my own camerea so you guys can see how slow I am :lol: But No hurry I will be up there soon.

Ohh kina late on this one but I would invest in some race plastics like I did just to be on the safe side if you do go down it is a hell of a lot cheaper just fixing rearsets clip ons and bar ends than to repair all of those items and your stock plastics.. Stock plastics are PRICY I KNOW!!! I am damn glad I put all race plastics on cause I had a low side at oak hill a few weeks back and I know I would have had to replace the upper left and rear fairings.. Race plastics did their job and they dont need to look great!! GIves your bike some charicter too hehehe!!! OHHH YEA FRAME SLIDERS!!! I got lucky with my low side and only got a little scratch on my stator cover. I didnt break or bend any clip ons or levers or rearsets. sliders and my spool sliders had me go away with no damages to my tank or frame or swing arm. A GOOD SET OF LEATHERS DONT GO CHEAP ON THEM EITHER!! get a decent brand about the middle of the road in cost. :bounce :bounce :bounce

godfatherracing.com about $400 or so a set

godfatherracing.com about $400 or so a set Is this a good set and what else will i need to buy with it(hardware, fairing stay, etc)

I don't think you have to buy something else. you can use the originaly mounting points.u just have to make some holes...

Is this a good set and what else will i need to buy with it(hardware, fairing stay, etc) I didn't like my Godfatherracing plastics for my R6 and sent them back due to defects. They were gracious to refund my Paypal in less than 48hrs with no questions asked. For race glass you will need some mounting hardware unless you can take the clip/bolts off your stock plastics and use them. Typically racers/track junkies use Dzus fasteners. Some prefer the rivet ones while others prefer slip-ons. If you are going to use your street bike for track duties it is very wise to get an aftermarket fairing stay (preferably one with replaceable ears). That way you can just unbolt the stock fairing stay (just 2 bolts) and the entire stock front end of the GSXR will come off and you don't have to work about taking off the upper fairing, the windscreen, the headlight assembly. Then have the aftermarket fairing stay attached to your race glass and it's just 2 bolts to mount the upper. I used to be able to get my stock bodywork off and install my race glass in like 15-20 minutes. If you decide to use your stock fairing stay for your race glass and disassemble the front end, you will be frustrated getting everything back to street conditions everytime you ride the track. I recommend Morse Racing Products for the fairing stay.

I don't think you have to buy something else. you can use the originaly mounting points.u just have to make some holes... Only in some mounting points. Stock bodywork has 4 pieces: front, right side, left side, and tail. Race bodywork has 3 pieces: upper, lower, and tail. You can use the stock mounting points for the tail. The upper will mount on one spot on each side only (typically and you can use stock hardware), then the lower attaches to the upper (aftermarket fasteners) and maybe once behind the kickstand area (use can use stock hardware here). The upper will attach to the fairing stay with zip ties easy