track day question

[cbartlett419]

ok so there's a track day coming up and, quite frankly, I have no idea what that is. I understand the fundamentals (people ride their motorcycles on a track) but that's about it. what's required of me and my ride? what's it cost? what's the process? track etiquette? or anything else that would broaden my understanding would be cool too

[Pedro-bot]

ok so there's a track day coming up and, quite frankly, I have no idea what that is. I understand the fundamentals (people ride their motorcycles on a track) but that's about it. what's required of me and my ride? what's it cost? what's the process? track etiquette? or anything else that would broaden my understanding would be cool too

Attending a track day is FREE! 

Riding costs $$ depending on the track and track organization that hosts the event.

If you're interested in checking out what it's all about without committing just swing by during one. I'm sure Frank will chime in with details on what a track day entails. I'm too lazy and too tired to go into detail about it. It's bedtime....sorry Chris

If he doesn't chime in I'll gladly post up some better details tomorrow. 

[Red5]

Chris,

The main purpose of attending a track day is to learn and test your skills as a motorcyclist on a closed course circuit.
Without cars or semi-trailer trucks.  Without police chasing you for speeding.  Without errant gravel spots or oil slicks.  Without soccer moms mindlessly weaving into your lane in her 2-ton Navigator 'cause she's chatting on her cell phone.
You get the idea.

You will learn proper throttle control, proper body positioning, proper entry lines going into a corner, and other goodies.
All of which can translate to you being a better rider on the street.
I've always said that I'd unlearned over ten years of bad riding habits in just a couple of trackdays.
If you go in with a relatively open mind, I guarantee you that you'll get something positive out of it.

For bike requirements, refer to this post:
http://www.motohouston.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4310

For riding apparel, most local organizations require a full-face helmet, leather gloves, over-the-ankle boots, and a 1-pc or 2-pc motorcycle suit (preferably leather, but some places allow textile suits such as Aerostitch's if you're in Beginner level).

As Joe mentioned, cost varies with the track used and the organization holding it.
Duc L' Smart posted a list of the local organizations:
http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?topic=2000.0

All have their pros and cons. 
RideSmart is considered the cheapest overall per trackday, but also the most crowded.  TTD has the most weekend dates, but is also one of the more expensive schools.
LSTD is the most organized IMO.

Signing up with any of these organizations is usually done through their websites.  Pay online, and show up at the appointed date and location.
Walk-ups *can* be done, but you take your chances with the more popular tracks/weekend dates selling out early.

Wouldn't worry about track etiquette; the instructors will let you know of the riding rules during classroom sessions held for Beginners when off the track.
Just don't be stuffing people into the corners on your first session out, and you'll be fine.


Next one for me will either be on the 21st (ridesmart) or 22nd (lstd) of this month.
Both will be at TWS in college station.
There should be other dates coming up at closer venues, such as MSR-H in Angleton.

[DesmoLu]

Chris, thanks for posting this question! I'm seriously thinking about doing my first track day sometime in the next few months as well.

[bryant8]

If a small track day is more of your thing, AMS has private days with Jeff Nash every few weeks.  Only rub is that it's usually on Thursdays.  But you get a solid 3hrs of riding in and there are only about 12 people on the track.

I did my first track day at the private day and it was great to get personal feed back

[Duc L'Smart]

Close your eyes & imagine yourself on fabulous roads, big sweepers, tight switchbacks, elevation changes, good road surface, but no debris, obstacles, cages, traffic signs, animals, etc... You go at your own pace (as you always should do anyway), & you really get to learn the road, & there's experts watching you & giving you personalized instruction.
It's the best & safest way to learn the limits of your bike & improve your already mad skillz

[cbartlett419]

that's what I was looking for, thanks fellas

[hiero]

hey, let me know when you decide to do your first, I'm looking to do one too

[Red5]

hey, let me know when you decide to do your first, I'm looking to do one too

For you newbies that are considering doing your first trackday, there are two dates coming up in July at a nearby track: MSR-Houston.
Located off hwy 288, about 35 minutes south from downtown Houston.
http://www.msrhouston.com/

LSTD is holding a date there on July 4th.
And Longhorn (Buck Beasley) is holding a "noob-only" day there on July 19th.

IMO... MSR-Houston might be better suited for a Monster; Texas World Speedway is more fun with a SBK or a liter bike.

[hiero]

For you newbies that are considering doing your first trackday, there are two dates coming up in July at a nearby track: MSR-Houston.
Located off hwy 288, about 35 minutes south from downtown Houston.
http://www.msrhouston.com/

LSTD is holding a date there on July 4th.
And Longhorn (Buck Beasley) is holding a "noob-only" day there on July 19th.

IMO... MSR-Houston might be better suited for a Monster; Texas World Speedway is more fun with a SBK or a liter bike.

I was gonna take the monster for my first day, would you recommend a n00b only trackday?

[Pedro-bot]

I was gonna take the monster for my first day, would you recommend a n00b only trackday?

Although this question wsa directed at Frank, I think you would be just fine attending either track day posted above by Frank. As mentioned by Frank, LSTD runs a well organized outfit on their track days. 

I'm planning on attending the July 4th event so it would be alot of fun if you came out as well. BTW, bring out the SBK. 

[Red5]

I think you would be just fine attending either track day posted above. As mentioned, LSTD runs a well organized outfit on their track days. 

Correct.  I've seen you ride, David, and you'll be fine doing Beginner's (or even Intermediate) group in any of the organizations.
I only mentioned Buck's "noob-only" day for those who may have only a year or two of overall riding experience, and may feel more comfortable riding in a more controlled pace.

[Duc L'Smart]

Correct.  I've seen you ride, David, and you'll be fine doing Beginner's (or even Intermediate) group in any of the organizations.

I recommend anyone start in the Novice/nOOb/Beginner group. Ride at your own pace, no pressure, learn your bike, the track... You'll know when you're ready to move up [moto]

[hiero]

doh!  thanks for all the help folks!

I was just about to sign up for the july 4th event, but it turns out they don't have a beginner's class on friday events... 

I guess the 19th will have to be the day?

[Gone Ape]

I am no expert....period...but here in Austin there's:

www.elitetrackdays.com

They run down at Harris Hill Raceway located near San Marcos/Kyle right off IH 35...I went to the track orientation Ducati Owners Group thing and had a blast.....instructors are great, the track is fun and is brand new....

There's a July date coming up........