First track day tomorrow - now with added photos!
 

Off to Snetterton tomorrow for a "novice-only" track day. Really looking forward to it :D. I know about making sure the bike is all ready (tyre pressures, chain, oil) and taping up the lights when I get there (not sure what kind of tape works best though). Also reckon I need to take plenty of water as looks like it will be hot.

Once on the track I have no idea, but reckon take it fairly handy and resist the urge to chase others (yeah right!) then slowly wind up the pace. Any tips?

Re: First track day tomorrow
 

Have fun! Let us know how it goes. :D

Re: First track day tomorrow
 

Smooth is fast. Don't go hammering on the brakes and throttle. They day will be hard work so it's better to slowly build up speed than to use all your energy in the morning. Focus on one thing at a time, and don't waste the whole day trying to get your knee down.

As for taping up the lights; make sure you turn them off! Otherwise the tape will weld itself on in the heat. If it's a pointy you'll have to unplug them, but if it's not a trackday requirement I wouldn't bother as the tape is only there to reduce the broken bits left on the track in an off. It won't reduce the damage at all.

Most of all; enjoy it!

Re: First track day tomorrow
 

Yep - Don't use gaffa tape - it leaves cr@p all over your headlights when you remove it. Taping isn't totally necessary, but I usually just put a couple of crosses of insulting tape across the glass.

As for the day - ride for yourself and forget everyone else. There is always going to be someone faster and always someone slower, so don't get hung up on chasing people.

Re: First track day tomorrow
 

I agree with the insulating tape tip, and tape up/remove/fold in your mirrors, you need to try and forget about what's happening behind you. It's worth getting there in good time with all your kit to make sure there are no last minute panics. Are you riding the bike there or trailer/vanning it?

Just take it easy, I am always amazed how hard you can brake out on track compared to the road, Im sure you'll soon have a big smile on your face.

Re: First track day tomorrow
 

well, I guess most of it has already been said:
- from teh moment you get there drink loads of water. don't wait until you get thirsty, that will be too late and your concentration will already be suffering. Continue this all day
- RELAX
- build up speed gradually
- RELAX
- concentrate on improving 1 thing at a time
- RELAX
- stretch after each session, you will be glad you did the day after your track day. Especially when it was your first
- RELAX
- better go a bit slower and do it technically right then go fast and don't improve
- RELAX
- remove mirrors, everything you need to take into account is happening in front of you
- RELAX


Oh, and did I mention trying to keep relaxed is important as well?

In any case: have fun and keep it safe

Re: First track day tomorrow
 

The missus bought me a Novice's Track Evening at Knockhill next month, so it's good to see a few tips for it. Didn't know/wouldn't have thought about the tape on lights for example.

We're planning on riding up there (it's about 90 miles each way).

What's the deal re. insurance on track days, I'm pretty sure that the normal insurance won't want to know if anything gets damaged on the track, but it's not invalidating it or anything is it, providing I don't claim for anything caused by on a track?

Bit worried about binning the bike, but planning to take it easy as it's my first time! (I have a terrible competitive streak however, which I'm trying my best to keep subdued!!!)

Re: First track day tomorrow
 

A fairly important one that I dont think has been mentioned is dont target fixate on the bike infront. You may find yourself watching their rear tyre which can be pretty bad.

At my first bike day I was following a .ORG member, whilst target fixating on their rear tyre, they went of at the end of the straight......I followed lol add that with damp grass and it wasnt much fun.

Re: First track day tomorrow
 

I unplugged by headlight and put tape over it.
I taped over my speedo.
Removed my mirrors.
I let my tyre pressures down to 30 psi each.
Go easy on the first 2 laps of each session cos of cold tyres.
Try to find the racing line.
Slide your rear back in the seat.
Have fun. It is really grippy and I never once had a grip issue, and I scraped the pegs.

Ignore other riders as G says, if they go off you will follow them unless you are concentrating on your own lines.

Re: First track day tomorrow
 

Did you all just use the normal road tyres that were on your bike? I'm running Conti Road Attacks at the moment, reckon these'll be Ok for it?