trackday newbie

[ianmallee]

hoping for some newbie help
cant find the right thread on the search (maybe too lazy/excited to use all possible keywords)

im one click away from entering my creditcard details to booking my first track day (28/6 EC)
so far the things iv accumulated and gotten ready
tracke bike check
fixed fairings check
helmet check
gloves check
leather suit check
boots check
new tyres check
new oil etc check
trailer check
fiances permission CHECK :ayyy:

now my questions are the following
-what should i expect on the day, a bit nervous about going in all new and as all my mates that said theyd come have all chickened out
-should i run out and buy some tyre warmers?
-what happens with garages etc? is it first come first served? heard there's a RATS one?
-who's gona feed me that day as the lunch box isn't available
-tyre pressure to run on the day?
-what time to get there?
-anything else that I should bring/be aware of/ track courtesy?
-can someone hold me hand?

any help would be greatly appreciated or point me in the right direction

CHEERS :ayyy:

[HYPE]

now my questions are the following

-what should i expect on the day, a bit nervous about going in all new and as all my mates that said theyd come have all chickened out
don't be nervous, relax and take it all in.... and tell your mates they're soft!

-should i run out and buy some tyre warmers?
unless you 'need' to run tyre warmers a) compound of tyre b) hard starts ... you won't miss them

-what happens with garages etc? is it first come first served? heard there's a RATS one?
jump in any pit or look for any familiar faces

-who's gona feed me that day as the lunch box isn't available
pack a lunch or venture out to the caravan of courage

-tyre pressure to run on the day?
30/30psi cold is a start

-what time to get there?
from 8am

-anything else that I should bring/be aware of/ track courtesy?
bring a chair to sit on, keep your head on your shoulders and try keep the bike upright

-can someone hold me hand?
do you f&#k on first dates?

[senergy]

-The first time I went I didnt know anyone, but if you know RATS you know everyone :), you will be fine, the RATS crew are great to have at the track as they can help as much as you ask.
-You have the trackie already, so it seems like you have already invested some money, thus commitment. Its upto you if you want warmers.. I waited till I had done a handful of days before I bought mine but that said I hadn't invested in a trackie either. Warmers are good, especially for cold weather to keep your hands warm. If you look around you can get a decent set for cheap enough.. that said, you can do without them if you want as well.
-FOGGY can answer about the Garages, i cant keep up with the changes that are going on.
-There is a canteen there with "food".. it will do if you cant bring your own.
-Depending on the tyres, but a good start is 30 front and back.
-7.30ish is a good time to get there for your first time. So you wont be rushed and frazled.
- Bring a camping seat if you want, gives you somewhere to sit.
-Fog can also help you with the hand holding too i believe.

[senergy]

damm you hype, you beat me with almost the same answers too.

[Foghorn]

now my questions are the following
-what should i expect on the day, a bit nervous about going in all new and as all my mates that said theyd come have all chickened out
-should i run out and buy some tyre warmers?
-what happens with garages etc? is it first come first served? heard there's a RATS one?
-who's gona feed me that day as the lunch box isn't available
-tyre pressure to run on the day?
-what time to get there?
-anything else that I should bring/be aware of/ track courtesy?
-can someone hold me hand?

any help would be greatly appreciated or point me in the right direction

CHEERS :ayyy:

No need to chicken out - we all had to start somewhere - trust me and yourself you'll have a ball.
In the longer term would you want warmers etc - yes. However first time not essential - just make sure you do a few laps first to warm the tyres. Only wankers weave to warm up the tyres - straight line acceleration and braking will do the trick.
Depending on the numbers on the day a RATS Garage may be secured.
Pressures, they will probably recommend 30F 30R psi can depend on track temp on the day.
Entry is through Gate 7 generally open at 7.30am.

Take some light snacks and keep yourself hydrated and re-hydrated.
You don't have to ride every session, listen to your body.

Listen to the morning briefing and take it on board - Al from CSS runs the first timers program after the briefing - he will lead out the first timers for the first few laps of Session 1.

Go to Shed 50 Devilish is there, he's 6'9" he'll give you a cuddle and make you feel good about yourself - tell him Fog sent you and you'll get special treatment.

Lastly - have a great day :-)

Edit: So you have a trackie - are you running cuts or slicks?? Chair an absolute must - motorcycle mags and iPod optional

[Foghorn]

Shit it would appear Hype and I are scarily similar................


.............that can't bode well

[OutOfControl]

Get yourself a backprotector if you haven't already done so.

[OutOfControl]

...and some earplugs.

[ianmallee]

thanks for the replies guys
Fog im running road tyres, do have slicks but didnt want to use them yet (no warmers)

dont know any faces from RATS yet but im sure il see a few rats stickers on bikes. will put up another post later to see who's going and maybe be able to bunk with them in the garage

WOOOHOOOO.....cant wait!!!

[LAW]

Hell f*ckin' yeah!!! I remember how much I was bricking it before my first trackday but you relax pretty quick. the first timers laps are good, just rember which is left and right and build your pace.
pretty much just take it easy and hang out with the rats for a day. wish I was there but my minister for finace and entertainment won't let me until we've found a place up here :(

[*Oggy*]

May want to bring some fuel (not sure what trackie you have).
It might be getting a bit cold, so make sure you can fit some warm layers inside your new leathers.
If its a trackie, then start her up a few days before your trackday to make sure the battery has enough beans in it.
Also whilst your at it, (I see you checked the oil), but make sure you have enough meat on your brake pads.
They have salt tablets and water there, but good to bring some fruit and nibbles to snack on between sessions.

Its worth having a map of the track to look at... I know theres only 12 corners, but its good to be able to picture the corners...

DONT play the V8 touring car games, or if you have, the lines are no-where near the right ones ....

[phillmac]

You will feel the nerves in the morning but their gone by the time you get round T2 and then it is pure addictive fun

[Falco]

9am is the rider briefing and white group (C) is first to go out, so have it sorted with pressures and registration beforehand if thats what group you have booked into.
We dont need to tell you to have fun....you'll love it! :ayyy:

[ianmallee]

yep brake pads all good to go, put the wheels back on last night, gave the brand new tyres scrub and gave it a quick run and no oil leaks :ayyy:
need to bleed the brakes sometime but that will be sorted easily
battery is always on the trickle charger so that's checked

with fuel do you guys give it a full tank? half tank and run that each session?
ive got a 20L fuel drum to bring along for the day which should do for the whole day. confirm?

so is this right:
turn up at 7:30
find a garage
go to the front office
wait until 9 to start?
when is scutineering etc? what am i missing?

[Captain]

with fuel do you guys give it a full tank? half tank and run that each session?
ive got a 20L fuel drum to bring along for the day which should do for the whole day. confirm?
Everybody does it differently. If it's your first time, (if it were me) I'd just fill the tank up and IF you run low later on just throw a bit more in. I'm guessing that a full tank will probably last you the whole day, but it really depends on your bike, size of tank, riding, gearing etc.
Enjoy :ayyy:

[Foghorn]

You need to take your bike through scrutineering which is located next to Madaz (tyre guys) wheel the bike through don't ride it - make that a priority once you get there so you don't feel time pressured.
Near Garage 22

Registration is next to scrutineering, if you are able to print the Ride Day Registration Form complete it before you get there. Queue up at registration in the right line first to complete the temporary MA licence.
Then take your copy of the MA licence and line up in the left hand queue where you will be issued with a white wrist band (for white group)
This process takes time so allow for that. There are quite a few RATS on the staff there so treat them with due respect.

Finally - Johnny (he's the hobbit with the mullet) be afraid be very very afraid

[Stu23]

At least 2 laps to warm up your tyres...very important....Also dont get sucked into racing someone do your own thing, dont let your ego get you into trouble, relax, have fun......ask questions lots of them :) people love to talk go home safe

[ianmallee]

all booked and ready to go!!!!
now to get some practise before then, motogp this sunday in front of the tv :lmao:

[oldblade]

As it's your first time there they will take you out first so make sure your kitted up and ready to go before the chat at about 8:45am. Then follow the lines of the instructor for as long as you can It's not about speed the first time it's about lines.

Now all I have to do is remember those lines:o

[Lets Torque]

You'll fuckin love it.....you'll have bricks in the undies for the first lap and then you'll be right at home...any drama's the RAT pack is there ..

Are you a Balmain boy ianmallee? im 2041 Local...:ayyy:

[ianmallee]

Are you a Balmain boy ianmallee? im 2041 Local...:ayyy:

yep really look forward to it, already eyeing out the EC 30/7 and have marked on the calendar
first mission is to get the bike out there and get it home in one piece by the end of the day

no im not a local. i work here though so feels like i am, ride to work everyday so if you see a black cbr1000rr with a massive tank bag then nod
any chance you ride a white gsxr? seen one parked on the sidestreets with cover on it regularly

[Lets Torque]

yep really look forward to it, already eyeing out the EC 30/7 and have marked on the calendar
first mission is to get the bike out there and get it home in one piece by the end of the day

no im not a local. i work here though so feels like i am, ride to work everyday so if you see a black cbr1000rr with a massive tank bag then nod
any chance you ride a white gsxr? seen one parked on the sidestreets with cover on it regularly

youl love it..... a mate and i booked in on the 12/6 but changed as the weather is looking shit. We moved to 31/7..if you want to join us on that day pm me ..

i ride a rvf 400..would love a gixxer one day, but for now im happy with my pride and joy

B

[ianmallee]

im eyeing the 30/7 as i cant do weekends but if i can make it will do! :ayyy: