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So, you're going to the Track... Well, here's the answers to some frequently asked questions:
Bike Preparation
In order to ride at the track days that we do here in Colorado you don't really have to do much at all. However, this
doesn't mean that you don't have to plan ahead. Here's a list of stuff you may want to do prior to putting your bike onto
the track:
Mirrors
Remove them or cover them up. When out on the track it's actually better for you if you focus 100% of your effort on what
is in front of you. You are not responsible for what/who is behind you. It is their responsibility to pass you. Thus, you
don't need mirrors. I know, I know, this is totally alien to you. Just take our word for it that you don't want to look in
your mirrors, ever. Remove them from the bike, or if not possible, cover them. This can be accomplished by the use of duct
tape, or placing a sock over them, or if possible, by pushing them so that you cannot see them. If possible, simply unbolt
them.
Tires
You need to ensure that you have decent tires in decent shape. You do not need to mount specialized race tires. Normal
street tires work fine. If you have a sport bike then the tires that you normally use will be fine. If you have a cruiser,
watch out. If you have a sport touring or even dual sport bike you will be fine. Make sure you have an adequate amount of
tire tread left. Riding at the track will wear your tires out much faster than on the street. Check your tires each time
you take your bike out onto the track.
Tire Pressure
In many cases you will want/need to lower the tire pressure to a level well below what you normally use on the street.
If you are planning on just driving the track at a sedate pace this many not be necessary. For example, my track bike is
a Honda CBR600F3. It is supposed to have 36 PSI front and 42 PSI rear. I use 30 PSI front and 30 PSI rear at all times.
You should try to work with someone who has previous track experience to determine what is best for your bike and your
tires.
Coolant
There is no need to change anything. Normal water cooled., street bikes have a mixture of water and glycol (anti-freeze)
in their cooling systems. This is fine for our track days. However, if you go to the next level and become a racer with
MRA or other racing organizations you will need to eliminate the glycol as it is not allowed. However, for our track days
this is not the case.
Brakes
You need to inspect your bike to ensure you have plenty of brake pads left. Riding quickly at the track will wear our
your brake pads much quicker than on the street. In addition, you may wish to change your brake pad compound to a higher
grip compound if you do a lot of track days or get a dedicated track bike. Aftermarket companies make multiple brake pad
compounds for various purposes. Example: EBC makes three different compounds: Black - OEM replacement, Green - Aggressive
Street Riding, HH Sintered - Track, Racing, or VERY aggressive street riding.
Suspension
Most street bikes have adequate suspension for track use. However, you may wish to locate your bike owner's manual and
re-read the sections on suspension settings. If your bike has adjustable front or rear suspension you may wish to set them
to a firmer setting. Please be sure to write down what your original settings are so that you may reset them after the
track day has been completed. You may not believe it, but a few clicks here and there can make a major difference in how
well you can ride at the track.
Nuts and Bolts and Stuff
You should take the time to go over your bike from top to bottom and ensure that all nuts, bolts, screws, fasteners, are
all present, accounted for, and tight. Riding a bike quickly at the track will place extra stress upon it that may cause it
to loosen fasteners that would not normally loosen on the street. This should be done prior to every track day.
Riding Gear
The gear that you wear to the track is critical. It cannot be stressed enough that riding at the track can be dangerous.
Yes, there is no oncoming traffic, or deer, or police, or RV's, etc.. But, there are a lot of corners, a lot of braking, and
other people who may bump into you. Is it likely that something will happen? No. However, due to the speeds naturally
occurring at the track you need to be well prepared. A list of the critical gear is below.
Helmet
A full-face helmet is critical. It should be a good model and should not have previously been crashed in. Helmets that
have been previously crashed should be discarded. What I do is use an older helmet just for track days. Looks and cool colors
are unimportant.
Boots
You should be wearing motorcycle boots of some sort. Road racing boots are popular, not because they look cool, but because
they allow your feet a great degree of motion while still providing good foot protection. However, any motorcycle boot is fine.
Construction boots are fine. Any kind of footwear that does not rise at least to the ankle level is not adequate. Decent road
racing boots cost about $125-$250.
Gloves
Any high quality glove is fine. Motorcycle specific gloves are better. Road racing gloves are best. Your gloves should have
a long gauntlet and fit tightly. You do NOT want a glove that will come off of your hands easily. Expect to spend in excess
of $125 for very good quality gloves.
Riding Suit
Anything with armor. An Aerostich suit with armor is the minimum. Leathers are preferred. Leathers with armor in the knees,
elbows, and shoulders are highly preferred. A back protector is very good to have. Among leather, it is best to have heavy
leathers. Motorcycle leathers tend to come in two varieties - street weight and competition weight. Either is okay but
leathers made for racing will protect you a lot better out on the track. If this is not possible, then get leathers meant for
street riders. About $400-$500 will get you a decent set of street leathers (AGV, Technics, Feldsheer, etc..). About $900-$1000
will get you a set of off-the-shelf racing leathers (Vanson, Dainese) and $1200-$3500 will get you a set of custom leathers. An
Aerostich suit with it's armor will be adequate for folks just starting out.
Logistics
Cost
Track days here in Colorado come in two flavors - half day or full day. The half day option costs $45 at Pueblo and $50 at
Continental Divide Raceway. This entitles you to 4 hours of riding. The full day option is $75 at all tracks and allows you
to ride 8 hours.
However, during the MRA racing season, our track days may be segregated into racers and non-racers. Why? Well, let's
just say that it's better for the racers and us not to be on the track at the same time. We tend to slow them down and
they tend to scare us. So, most tracks will do something like 30 minutes racers and 30 minutes non-racers. Thus, you
get 30 minutes out of 60 on the track. Some places do 15 on/ 15 off and that also works.
Getting Your Bike To The Track
Ride or trailer? This is a good question. Even if you only ride 1/2 day you will get very tired from riding at the track.
I believe it's best to trailer your bike to the track if you can. Many of the local folks have trailers so you can probably
get a ride if you simply ask. Also, just in the remote case that your bike breaks or you fall down, you have a way to get
your bike home. This does happen.
Emergency Contact / Medical Insurance
Before you ever go out onto the track you should think about what will happen to you if you do crash. Do you have
medical insurance? If not I would not recommend you even go to the track. If you do have insurance, does it cover track
days? Does someone at the track know who your significant other or emergency contact is? This is very important should
you need medical care.
Where are the tracks?
Check the web if you have access.
All of the tracks are described at the following URL - www.mra-racing.org.
If you don't have web access then:
- Pueblo Motorsports Park - Located just west of Pueblo off of I-25. It's a 2.25 mile road course that is the least technical of the three tracks. Best track for novices.
- Continental Divide Raceway - This is located right off of I-25 south of Loveland. It's a short, tight track. Technical.
- La Junta Raceway - East of Pueblo and north of La Junta.
What Should I Bring To The Track?
Here's a quick list: food, drinks, chairs, tools, air pump and tire gauge, duct tape, pencil and paper, stopwatch
(you do have one don't you?), and anything else you think will make your stay comfortable. Of course if you ride your bike
you will be limited to what you can bring. Ask a friend to help with the drinks or chair, or whatever. I would bring lots
of water or sports drinks. On a hot day you will consume a lot of liquids in order to stay hydrated. I have seen folks
drink > 1 gallon of water. Some folks bring EZ UP's, these are portable tent-like devices to make shade. Shade is good.
It's normally hot at track days. EZ UP's can be purchased for $125+ at Home Depot like places. Folding chairs are good. Ice
chests or coolers are good. Stopwatches are good.
What Happens At The Track?
Track days are both a social and a riding experience. Many folks use track days to meet their friends, tell stories,
ride around, and help one another. A typical track day goes like this: Folks show up, pay and sign the waiver, unload
their bikes, set up their chairs, shade, etc.. and get ready to ride. Folks just go out on the track by themselves or in
groups. As a new rider you should have someone show you the track or just ride it yourself at a very sedate pace. The pit
area will more than likely have several areas with shade set up for the hot days. Ride a bit, sit a bit.
Personal Expectations
Don't come to the track on your first track day thinking you're a pro racer. You'll be headed for trouble. Come
prepared to learn slowly. Learn what? Learn the track. Learn the people. Learn suspension setup. Look at what other
people are wearing. Look at others people's bike and see what tires and shocks and stuff they are using. Ride the track
slowly until you know it. Then progressively increase your speeds until you can handle the new pace. Learn your limits. Do
not be a hazard to others. Do not get close to others unless you have to (i.e. a pass). Do not try to set a new track
record on the first day. Try to find a mentor to assist you.
References / Links To Good Information
We have collected a couple of really good links that explain various other aspects of trackdays and racing, what class
to get in, what schools to take, and how to go racing.
www.io.com/~duke/newrrfaq.htmThis link is funny and informative
www.mra-racing.org Local racing organizations home page, complete with classified section, pictures, rules schedules, calendar. Etc.
Vanson leathers High quality racing leathers
www.aerostich.com The riderwearhouse on-line catolague
www.zcustom.com Z custom leathers
Special Thanks to Tom Vervaeke for compiling this information
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