First track day booked

Brands? - You must be loaded...
I did Snetterton Bank holiday weekend and am doing Rockingham International on the 17th May.

I'd get hold of a set of track fairings if you can just in case but just take the day pretty easy and gradually work up your speed

MSmilleR said:

I'm not paying :devious
Just want to learn whats possible without always thinking theres a car coming or cyclists or crap on the roads. Really looking forward to it, may have to treat myself to some fairings then, and prob new tyre's and knee sliders, toe sliders, fuel, service dam this hobby is expensive :lol

I saw everyone getting excited about rockingham on EB looks like a tight track

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Done Brands last March mate :thumbup Glorious day and had a ball :biggrin

Top tip is to take it easy (as quoted by V8) and build up session by session rather than just growing horns and trying to race everyone straight away :angry or it will go all pee tong buddy :blush:bawling

MSmilleR said:

Yeah will do mate i'm pretty sensible when it comes to my pride and joy, and keen to learn rather than crash out like a loser, should be a blast tho, its a present for my birthday, and comes with a private tutor too so should be riding like rossi by the end of the day:devious:lol:lol:lol

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If only it was that simple ''Rossi'' :lol:lol:lol:lol

I would not go for different plastics, surely that is a negative thought, may encourage you to push harder as it does not matter

I have not done Brands, are there any quick corners, they are the ones that are hardest as it takes real balls to pin it around a quick bend, and it hurts if you come off at pace.

Keep your calm, do not attempt to stuff it up anyone on the inside of a bend, especially in the novice group. We expect lots of pics

Try playing a ps2 game or look on you tube for someone doing a lap then watch it a few times, you will soon find where you are comfortable going fast, last track day I did at Anglesey, there is a right hander onto the S/F straight, I could not bring myself to nail it around there due to not wanting to drop my bike, I did not mind so much when my TL only owed me about 2k but 6k worth of RSV is a bit different.
even if you treat it as a road, but with smooth tarmac, warm tyres and no oncoming traffic, you have twice the width of road than you are used to, you will be naturally faster than on the road, the hairpin looks a cracker for a photo opp of a good kneedown :thumbup

Posh Johnny said:

Try playing a ps2 game or look on you tube for someone doing a lap then watch it a few times, you will soon find where you are comfortable going fast, last track day I did at Anglesey, there is a right hander onto the S/F straight, I could not bring myself to nail it around there due to not wanting to drop my bike, I did not mind so much when my TL only owed me about 2k but 6k worth of RSV is a bit different.
even if you treat it as a road, but with smooth tarmac, warm tyres and no oncoming traffic, you have twice the width of road than you are used to, you will be naturally faster than on the road, the hairpin looks a cracker for a photo opp of a good kneedown :thumbup

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Wot you mean Druids, and just like this Johnny :devious:thumbup :lol:lol:lol

Any excuse :lol

Have a good read at this bud:biggrin


What do I need on the day?

The absolute basics are licence, bike, helmet (to ACU/British standard), gloves, boots, and one or two-piece (zipped) leathers. I also consider a back protector as an essential.
If you have sparky sliders (knee/toe) replace them with standard ones as you will be told sparkies are not allowed during your briefing. Take your mobile phone and some cash. The mobile to phone someone if necessary (if only to share the excitement!) and the cash to buy drinks, food, fuel and spares if necessary.

If riding to the track – then take a small rucksack or bag on the bike if you can. Ideally you want to take basic tools Eg. allen keys/ spanners to take mirrors off, zip ties and gaffa tape, water, a couple of butties, fruit, crisps and a chocolate bar or two. To keep energy and concentration levels up it’s a good idea to eat and drink regularly thoughout the day rather than waiting until lunch and then eating a lot. If you cant take tools or are unsure what to take don’t worry as there will be plenty of people at the track prepared to let you use their tools if you ask nicely. (If you go on a day where a few of us off Throttlemonkeys are going then meet up and use our tools and store bags and valuables in our car/van).

If you are taking your bike on a trailer or in a van then prepare a check list of everything you need as theres nothing worse than getting there and finding you have left something you need.


Do you need a licence on a trackday?

Best principle is YES. Take your driving licence with you. (Both parts for the newer versions). If you do turn up without it the TDO (Track Day Organisor) will phone the DVLA on your behalf usually for a small charge of around £5. This can only be done on a weekday and you will lose any tracktime until this has been done.


Do I need to do anything to my bike for the track?

Yes and no. Whilst you are not obligated to do anything it makes sense to look at a few areas:

1) Your bike will be working MUCH harder than on the road. Check tyres. Make sure they are upto the job (enough trad and good overall condition). If your bike hasn’t been serviced for a while its worth considering a service or at least an oil and filter change. Check brake pads and make sure they have plenty of meat on them. Have a general check over and make sure bolts are tight, chain is lubed and nothing is ‘hanging off’. Also make sure your exhaust is legal if your chosen day is a ‘quiet 98db’ day. If it’s a normal day (104db) this is not usually an issue.

2) If riding to the circuit – Before going out on track remove or tape up your mirrors as you don't need them and they will be a distraction. Its also a good idea to put tape over the speedo (not rev counter) as again you don’t want to be looking at your speed. Its also worth taping up indicators and lights ‘just incase’ (if you are unfortunate and have an off it stops glass on track).
Some people remove or tape up their numberplates. Its personal but it has been reported in the past that insurance companies have had representatives there (or looking at photos afterwards) making a note of registration numbers should a claim be made on or near a trackday.

3) Reduce your tyre pressures from road settings to about 30 front and 30 rear. If unsure ask the tyre man or one of the instructors. Tyres will be running much hotter on track so this drop in pressure will allow them to work more efficiently. *REMEMBER to put them back to road pressure if you have to ride home*. (If you don’t have a pump – just ask as there will be plenty of folk that will let you use one).

You can buy track bodywork and crash bungs for your bike. Fitting these is a very good idea if you intend doing a few days (or buying older panels which can be swapped over). The bungs can be useful for road riding aswell but if fitting track bodywork bear in mind that it will not have cut outs for the lights.


How is the day organised?

You can usually sign on from around 7.30am. You just need to fill in disclaimers and liability forms (or present them if you have done that in advance) and collect your wrist band (which gets checked before heading onto the track). Briefing is usually around 8.30ish. This is compulsory and you will get a card, sticker or second wristband (depending on TDO) to show you have attended. If you miss this you cannot go on track until you have attended a later briefing.

The briefing will cover what is expected of you on track, the order the groups are out, warm up laps and last lap passing policy, flags/ marshals, ordering photographs and use of instructors amongst other things. (Each TDO has their own briefing format). The briefing usually takes 20 to 30 mins and Novice group are sometimes asked to stay back for a few additional pointers.

There will be three groups - novice, intermediate and fast. If its your first trackday its best to start in Novice. The organisor will be happy to move you up if you are finding the pace too sedate. Likewise if you book straight in the Fast group and aren’t upto the pace they will move you down. The key is to be honest with yourself when you book – accepting that if you are not experienced with trackdays you have a whole new learning curve to go through. Not only do you have to learn the circuit but your riding style in relation to the road will develop very differently aswell.
The groups will be annouced over the circuit PA system. Some TDOs also use flags – a different colour for each group.

Sessions are normally 20 minutes per group which means that you'll get 40 minutes break in between. Lunch is usually around 12.30 to 1.00pm for one hour. Sessions then continue until around 5pm dependant on light. It is fairly normal to get six sessions and sometimes seven sessions in a day. The number can depend on stoppages though so nothing is guaranteed.


What else is available to me on the day?

Instructors. You will be told where to ask for some time with an instructor in the morning briefing. Its free and very worthwhile. The instructor will follow you round, watch your lines. He will then pass you and let you follow his lines. (This is why some instructors leave their mirrors on – so they can see ‘pupils’ behind them). Once the session is over you can find the instructor and get his advice on your riding and lines.

There will usually be a tyre man at the circuit (although this isn’t guaranteed so worth checking beforehand if you are likely to need their services). They will supply tyres, swap your tyres over if you have spares or wets and will (if you ask nicely) alter your pressures if you do not have a pump.

Suspension services are now becoming more available where you can get your bike set to base settings and then to your specific weight and riding style with adjustments throughout the day. This is usually around £45.

There will be a photographer. Some require payment up front in the morning and others will take payment on the day or afterward (off a website). Prices are usually around £7 for a single photo and upto £35 for a disc with a dozen or more pictures.


Will food/ drink be available?

Yes. Larger circuits have canteens and smaller have burger vans. If you haven’t been able to bring plenty of water and food for the day then you will be able to buy at the circuit but as ever be prepared to pay over the odds. Remember to drink plenty to keep hydrated and eat small and often to keep concentration levels up


Will there be fuel available onsite?

Some circuits have fuel on site which opens at lunch time. Be warned its usually expensive but not often available. Best policy (if you cannot take spare fuel) is to fill the tank near the circuit on the way there and then pop out at lunch time and re-fill if you need to. There is asually a petrol station within a few miles form the circuit and the TDO will be able to give you clear directions. If you do go out for fuel remember to re-attach number plate or take tape off if taped up (and mirrors if you need them).


Will the day get stopped if the weather is bad?

No. Not unless the circuit stops the day (not the TDO) which will only happen very rarely. If its raining just take it very easy and concentrate on smooth throttle control and smooth lines – Or sit in a dry garage until it stops!!
Even if you take the cancellation insurance some companies offer this is null an void if they get you on the circuit for even part of a session so is not really worth it. (Just my opinion there).
If a days is cut short because of weather then generally that’s it. No refunds.



The main thing about doing trackdays is to go there and enjoy it. If you can go with mates - or meet up with folk at the track I find that does add a bit of fun to the day with the craic and banter. You can also borrow and lend stuff that way! If you travel over alone then get talking to folk as thats how this Throttlemonkey forum started! cool.png
From a riding perspective just go and take it easy whilst you get a feel for the circuit and prepare to be amazed at how good your bike is! You will be told during the briefing that its not a race and thats exactly right. Whether you are the fastest or slowest out there - ride within YOUR limits and enjoy it. You will find as you settle down you will feel you are improving and going faster each session and with confidence can start to extend your personal limits.

MSmilleR said:

Wont quote it but cheers badger:thumbup, so will i need a different lid to the one i normally use as the sticker is no longer on it as i had a custom paint on it. Hopefully i will be taking the pick up and a mate so should be room for enough essentials and food and fuel.
With regards to tyres, i assume there going to take some serious abuse am i likely to get through a set that day?

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Unlikely you will go through a set of tyres mate unless your name is Lorenzo, go into a shop and pinch a sticker of a lid:devious

a few tips from a guy who has done a few Brands, (I had an R1 racebike and live round the corner);
there is no fuel on site, and at lunch time you have to nip out. You will pass one on the way from the M25 to the track if coming from M25, or if you turn left out of the estate and head to west kingston( i think, i always took a trailer and my own fuel) there is another.
Dont go wide at the top of paddock, it is generally dirty off the race line and my brother spent 3 months laid up after being polite to a less experienced rider. If you go very, very fast off the top, you will belly flop on the tank at the bottom. If it is wet, a very distracting puddle used to form on the bottom of the dip on the left hand side, but track grip in the wet was actually quite good. (dependent on tyres)
Druids is wonderful, easy to slow on the approach as it is up hill even when you have over cooked it and always go for the turn, that gravel pit is deep, if you go in you arent coming out unassisted.
Graham Hill, the first left hander is a good place to pass slower riders as they all chicken out of committing to the left on the approach, but the best place to high side if you get on it too early and too hard coming out. I was also told years ago not to hit the kerb here as it was described as being like ice, not sure if this is true, i believed them and never hit it.
Surtees into clearways is a great left to right flick and try to treat it as 1 corner, smooth lines are very rewarding here.
Clearways seems mentally quite challenging at first, very little run off and seems quite thin, but stay close to the curb and enjoy the way it throws you out on the exit. There is a jump here as you pass the entrance to pit lane and whilst it ***** you up every lap, nice after 20 minutes and you remember it all fondly.
The start finish straight is quite short, but you will be amazed at how fast you approach paddock hill again. Oh, and you cant actually see it, stay left, when you see the kerb for the hill. aim for it and go. Watch out for people in front braking at the last minute when they dont see a road and their arse falls out.

Personal advice:
If there is a big meeting coming up, they got into the habit of cutting the grass on an evening and there were quite a few accidents the following day. Stick to the lines when you can and expect slightly less traction when you go wide.
dont come off your line if you feel a little nervous, a good rider will hopefully go round the outside or wait until you make a mistake and pass safely. Dont compromise your own experience because you think other people are better and more experienced, the ones that are wrong you will see in the gravel traps or the ambulance car. There are also a few p****s who go in the novice group even after 30 track days because they feel better about themselves when they overtake beginners.
Take it easy for the first three laps, then start to push as the tyres start to warm. If you get stuck in traffic, brake and accelerate harder to heat them up before you pass.
The tyre / suspension man will probably not arrive before the first novice session goes out.

Hope you have a great day, the guys who run them are generally really good guys, love bikes and are more than ready to pass on years of experience to lads who want to learn. Dont be nervous, everyone has a first track day. The best thing you can do, is relax and not be tense. Find a good riding position and be loose in your grip and your arms.

And a final controversial comment, dont go round the outside of Ducati drivers at Brands. Every track day i did there I reckon 80% of the Dukes fell over.............. some slower corners and ooodles of twin torque?

Did brands on my ZX7R, had a ball of a day. clearways is the dogs, just make sure you follow the marker cones, it is a three apex corner, get one wrong and your in the ****. if its your first track day, the turn in and apex cones may not apear to be in the right places to start with, this is due to your speed being low on initial laps. as your speed increases it all starts to make sense. smallword of advice, if you are climbing around on your bike and not sitting bolt upright, stay hanging off the right side of the bike all the way from paddock to druids. if you attempt to straighten yourself up between the two, you will pull muscles up the inside of your right thigh. you can pull up to 3G in the dip and so are attempting to lift 3 times your body weight on your right leg. i found this out the hard way and was in agony for days. then watched the pros do it and found out where i was going wrong.
enjoy your day and take your time.:thumbup