How to prepare for your first track day!
So... it's really happening, huh? You'll never forget your first Circuit day.
And not long after, the wallet opens to immediately book your next one.
Christian has been riding on the circuit for a while and in this blog article, he tells you how he, and eventually you too, can prepare for your circuit days. Here are his Tips & Tricks and what he always does before going to a circuit day and during the day;
Let's start by leaving out the budget.... If you add it all up in the end, I don't know if it's that fun.. Well, actually I do know, and it's definitely just as fun! If it's your first day, this is of course far from applicable and we'll just skip that topic right away.
Even though I have already spent quite a few days or laps on the circuit, the nerves don't really get any less. You do know a bit better how everything works, but still, after session 1, there's always a weight lifted off your shoulders. By the way, it seems like the whole paddock experiences this too. To the point!:
Do you still have a street motorcycle? Then you need to remember the following points:
- Masking lamps
- Remove mirrors
- Checking the motorcycle
Taping off your lights is mandatory in some organizations. The reason you need to tape them off is; first of all, you don't need your lights and don't have to see someone else's brake light, plus if you crash causing the lamp to shatter, you'll be busy picking up your shards all day and will be out of action the entire day. Moreover, there are photographers around, and that shot just looks cooler without lights, haha.
Remove your mirrors at the same time, you can also fold them in, but I personally find that very annoying and it obstructs the view. Often it is a small effort and a great pleasure to just remove them for a moment.
A good check of your engine is the safest way to drive at high speeds. Not only for yourself, but also for others. You take the risk of driving together on the road, and of course, the same applies the other way around: well-maintained equipment not only drives safer, but you are also faster.
What should I check?
Well, there is no need to completely disassemble your brakes or suspension..
Of course, it's a nice little connection, but by thoroughly washing your bike you get closer to your engine and in that way, you are more likely to notice malfunctions or screws that are no longer properly tightened. And here it comes again... there will be photographers present, so polish that bike so you'll be photographed a lot!
Mainly look at:
- Start the engine again, you seriously don't expect how often it happens that a battery needs to be found somewhere early in the morning;
- Check if your front fork seal is not leaking;
- Does your engine still brake sufficiently and are your pads + discs still in good condition;
- Is the cap work still securely attached;
- DB killer in the exhaust;
- Lamps taped off & mirrors removed;
- Are your tires still in good condition;
And speaking of those round black rubbers, let some air out right away. On the track, your tires get much warmer than on the regular road and therefore harder.
There are always organizations at the circuit that can advise you on this and help you lower or raise the pressure again if you make a mistake. This way, you don't have to bring a compressor yourself.
In short, make sure your motorcycle is in good condition and that you can confidently ride at high speeds. If it's your first time, you definitely don't need to worry about whether your tires provide enough performance or if you should already switch to slicks. If you have a good street tire, you're going to have the time of your life and definitely don't need to worry about this.
And the racer himself?
It is important that your motorcycle is in excellent condition, but what might be even more important is that you are in excellent condition! Always ride with a leather suit, preferably a One-Piece Suit and preferably not a two-piece suit. Sturdy boots and good (long) gloves. And of course, to protect that head, a well-rated helmet.
To take with you:
- Base layer or Thermal clothing;
- Long socks;
- Motorcycle suit;
- Boots;
- Gloves;
- Earplugs, You can thank me later;
- Helmet.
Since you are riding your motorcycle on the road, I will conveniently assume that you already have the above. Furthermore, you should especially consider whether you are going the day before, staying overnight at The Paddock, or booking a hotel. Are you going there in the morning and doing that with a motorcycle trailer, or are you riding your motorcycle to the circuit?
If you go to the circuit by car + trailer, you can of course take significantly more with you. Below are a number of items that I definitely can't do without on a circuit day:
- Extra chair to rest between sessions;
- Eat what nourishes and no greasy snacks ;);
- Water bottle and significantly refill throughout the day;
- If you don't rent a pit box, an umbrella on a sunny day is not an unnecessary luxury;
- Dose of energy and fun!
It may seem like a lot from what is written above, but for beginners, it is very simple. The engine is good enough, you are good enough, and the circuit is good enough. Just having fun is the most important thing that day and, of course, riding where the big guys ride on TV. How cool is that?!
Of course, you drive with instruction and try to learn as much as possible from those guys. Learn to follow the lines and remember the braking points. Positioning is a major aspect that usually comes up on a day like that.
With the above, you will definitely be well prepared and that will reduce a lot of stress. Learn, Accelerate, and Enjoy.
Welcome to the world of circuit driving!
