1st Track Day Jitters-WHat to expect and how to overcome?

Question

I've never done a track day before and have always wanted to do it. I've always had a track phobia because ever since I started riding (3 years ago), I heard a story of a fellow rider, who I know personally, who died on the track (broke his neck). Any thoughts or feedback on this? how can i mentally prepare myself and what can i expect on my firs track day?

Answer 1

when u get to the track make sure to get there early, this is to walk the track and think about the different sections. then mentally picture yourself riing on the track and figure gearing and speeds at which to ride the track. mentally prepair yourself by zoning out everything but riding.  then when riding comes around  get on your bike and take a few slow laps!!!! this si crucial faster riders might only need one or two laps then they are hot. but once you get your rythem start small on jumps and work your way up to the bigger ones by the end of the day. just have fun dont get worried there is allways alot of others who have never riden the track, so ride with the begginners then work your way up.

Answer 2

1) Listern to to EVERY word the track instructors tell you.

2) DONT treat it like a race. Its not, its a track day.

3) Have a good breakfast. Eat loads of banana's. Sound like a joke but its not. They give you slow burning energy.

4) Dont worry about people been faster then you.

5) Ask question to the regular people there after your first session. Ask them what little tricks they know.

6) DONT  drink ( booze ) the night before. You will sweat like a pig, and that no good.

7) Make sure the testers ( for your bike ) check your tyre pressures. My advice ( free of charge ) is to lower them 2 PSI if the track is damp. This will give you that little more contact patch.

8) The biggest thing to do..................... RELAX.

Your heart will be racing. Mine was off the clock on my first track day ......... over 14 years ago now ! It does race, your heart that is. It will beat faster in the holding paddock, then if you were about to bungie jump. I know, Ive done both!!

Most sessions are 20 mins long. After a couple, mybe at break time, find the rider who you have been riding riding the same speed as, and have a chat.

2 heads are better then one.

There are alot of w4nkers on the road, but 99.9% of track day riders, do it because they love it.

If you thought the motorcycle "world" has alot of nice freindly people it, your right, but nothing like track day petrol heads !!!