Hello there!
Just wanted to say hello.
Very new here and would like some advise on the track day experience.
I'll be on a 600f4I and will try the Formula 40 class.
I just took the LCR class this past Oct at Gingerman to get my Amateur Race Licence.
Looking to try my first race in 07.
I'm a bit older and looking to have some fun next year.
Any noob pointers you might have would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
MJ
Disregard all advice from this forum. :biggrin:
Just kidding. Wrench before you get to the track, drink plenty of water on hot race days, and have a whole lot of fun!
Well, the normal advice is simply to HAVE FUN!
Good gear is a must. If you have anything that needs updating before the season, start looking around now as places are really slashing prices to get rid of inventory and keep their businesses afloat during the off season.
Not really sure where you're at with your bike build, but if you don't already have it, you should consider suspension work. I personally use Ed Kwaterski of www.tracksideengineering.com who attends most of the midwest races and works with a lot of the paddock.
Tire warmers are a pretty good investment as they give you confidence and keep you from cold tire crashes on the first few laps.
Getting and staying in shape will go a LONG way on the track. Physical fitness promotes mental fitness (for me anyway), and those 2 pieces are very crucial to doing well on the track.
That's about it... I don't think there are too many lunatics in the AM F40 class, so it is a pretty decent class to start out in. Other classes to consider would be GTO or some Heavyweight classes. I would personally steer you away from AM Middleweight classes as they get crowded and can be pretty dicey.
Hope that helps!
GREAT!
Thanks a ton!
Mike
Alexa,
Is that you???
It me, Swampthing!
: )
MJ
Yup, that's me. Hey Mr. Swampthang!
Everyone, FYI: another Michael Jordan...no lie...from Illinios! :lmao:
They grow 'em special out there!
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.flickr.com%2F108%2F284898194_354a2789b4.jpg&hash=45cb3066ceed71643ae0677d77067c7d50cb1bdb)
Hey there MJ. Welcome!
One thing I'll share with you for your first race. Ya know how on TV you hear the bikes throttle up and it sounds like the tach's at 13,000 when the light goes green/red light goes off/green flag waved? Well, just remember this. DO NOT get your engine up there then just let go of the clutch :rollseyes:
I've heard the resulting scene can be pretty :ahhh: This seems to happen at Gingerman at that :biggrin:
Also don't think that when you get out there for your first race......and you take that warm up lap and get to your grid spot........look up and see the 3 board.....that you have 3 minutes and can throw it in neutral and kick it. :)
Before you know it the one board will be sideways and you'll have your visor up with your bike in neutral and be screeeeeeeeeeeewed :ahhh:
Swamp Thang! Goin' racin!
Hey, did you know there's a creek and several other marshy spots at Blackhawk? :lmao:
CBR600F4i?
Stock chassis?
Front springs are not enough for a 100 pound rider. Check into front and rear springs for your weight if you haven't done anything.
Have fun, most important.
LOL Mr. K3!
Yes I'm aware of the marshy spots at black hawk!! LOLOLOOL :lmao:
Mr. K3 is the one who gave me the Swampting name (ummm..errr.The Bus Stop at Putnam)......A funny story for later!!!!
I have all the gear, leathers, helmet, gloves, boots.
Just got tire warmers this past Oct at STT store.
Need a generator and will look on ebay in the next few months.
Bike is ready to go..
I have ohlins on the rear and the font was set up by traxion by the previous owner.
I had Ken at Superbike Italia dial in the suspension for me.
The bike was dyno'd by Matt Drucker and he took off this fuel module the previous owner had and put a power commander on it and tuned it up.
Just need practice and confidence.
I don't want to embarrass myself or piss off other fellow racers.
I'm excited though!!!!
The LCR exhibition race was a feeling I never had before!
Was SO different than a regular track day.
The feeling of chasing someone down was just GREAT!
Thanks for all the advise!!
MJ
"Embarrassment is the response of a person who still has an ego investment in how others see him."
Don't fear embarrassment.
Don't worry about pissing other riders off. Just hold a decent line and don't get spooked if someone passes you. It all goes back to HAVE FUN!
Have fun & get to know the people.
Quote from: Jeff on October 31, 2006, 01:11:15 PM
I would personally steer you away from AM Middleweight classes as they get crowded and can be pretty dicey.
We're really not "that" bad...... :lmao:
I know how you feel MJ this was my first year. Come out and have some fun next year.
I know you said you were going to race F40 but what about others? Your bike is legal in many classes so sign up for 4 or 5 races if you can. When I first started I liked the GT races because it gave me a couple more laps to get into a rhythm.
IMPORTANT- Over the winter hit the gym! -Snack
Thanks Snack!
Yes, In the gym already.
I need to just stop eating! LOL
Need to loose about 15 lbs over this winter.
Will look at the other classes as well!
MJ