Hey guys/gals. Where can I find track days, time, dates, cost, etc? I live in the Chicago suburbs, so BHF, RA, even Grattan, anything within 3-4 hrs. But most likely for BHF or RA. Could anybody please give me and idea of what it costs and how the day goes for a regular trackday?? Thanks in advance for any replies.
www.blackhawkfarms.com
www.nesba.com
www.privatetracktime.com
www.trackaddix.com
www.ccsracing.com
www.roadamerica.com
Does that help...
Sportbike Track Time is the way to go, Pete. You'll find a staff there that will go out of their way to work with you and help you get faster. We run track days at Autobahn, Gingerman, Blackhawk, and Road America, which are the four CCS tracks closest to you. There are many other tracks to chose from, including Grattan and Putnam Park. Our schedule is so full that you can ride almost every weekend! In fact, we were at Road America yesterday!
Our LED days are the best bang for your buck, featuring a limited number of entrants, and thirty minute sessions instead of twenty. Most of our events are not LED days, but you still ride for 20 minutes each hour. The cost is between $150 - $200, depending on which track you choose. That's a real track time bargain compared to CCS racing, which is why many aspiring racers spend time with us to learn and get fast before they mount a serious assualt on racing.
www.sportbiketracktime.com (http://www.sportbiketracktime.com) is our web site.
Thank you very much for your information guys!!
Hey Chris...what is the deal with Autobahn on the 19th...is that different....I see you need to call MCC to register. What is the cost?? Thanks so much for your help. Wish I knew about this a couple days ago so I could have gone to RA. Oh well!!
With K3 on this. STT is a fine group. Also after watchign the PTT trackday at NHF yseterday I was quite impressed with how well it ran. Was nice to see a vintage class full of early 70's cafe bikes.
Yeah Pete, MCC bought some time that weekend. We've been selling blocks of spots to shops that want to provide trackday experiences for their customers. I know MCC bought all the slots for Monday, and that is sold out. Chicago Sport & Cycle has some Sunday slots available. Call them at 708-371-2201, and you'd better call first thing tomorrow. Kathi Wolf is the primary contact there, but there will be others who can sign you up as well.
Hope to see you out there!
BTW, STT is holding an LED day at Blackhawk this Monday.
Here is just a different perspective on the different track day organizations
http://www.nesba.com/TrackTalk/bb/Forum8/HTML/002473.html
Each organanization appeals to different riders for differnt reasons.
Don't listen to opinions.
Check both groups out and make your own informed decisions.
Thank you guys!!
Quote from: mdr14 on June 09, 2006, 02:54:15 PM
Here is just a different perspective on the different track day organizations
Matt, this kinda rubs me wrong. Why would you post a link to a thread where people are dissing STT? I could surely find more than a few similar threads dealing with problems that have occured at NESBA events. I know that a big part of your business comes from the NESBA crowd, but dude! What is that old saying about glass houses and bricks?
It seems to me that people can and do get hurt with any organization. Even your mom got hurt at a NESBA day, and she's a highly competent Control Rider! (BTW, tell her I said "Get well quick! Your mom is AWESOME!)
Road America is a difficult track to patrol. It's four freaking miles long! Aside from that, no matter how you try, as a coach you can't control the throttle hand or decision-making ability of a customer. What racer hasn't seen an amateur crash when he was already 15 seconds off the pace? Anyone can crash at any time. All they need to do is make a bad decision.
We had a number of people out there riding outside the intermediate rules. All who were seen were talked to. We actually held several extra rider's meetings throughout the day to emphasize the rules, and to caution riders about the specific problems inherent to Road America. The rider who was passing under waving yellow recieved a tounge lashing so severe that he lodged a complaint. This rider was given a second chance, and he went right out and broke more rules! It just goes to show that some guys don't listen.
There's something about Road America that brings out the testosterone in riders. You do what you can to control them, but in the end each rider rides his or her own bike. NESBA's passing and Control Rider policies really annoy many of the riders who have therefore chosen STT instead. I guess that's the great thing about America. You have freedom to choose, and options aplenty!
K3,
Don't worry about it, you and I and Rob have forgotten more about class than many will ever know.
It's just kind of sad that some people will never come to know or maybe just don't care to understand that "Discretion is the better part of valor"
Unfortunately at times the high road can also be a lonely road.
i don't know why you are attacking me. are you insecure? I just told the guy to make his own decision about what organization he chooses to frequent.
You posted your opinion about how great the organization you are apart is. Good for you.
I showed him a post about someone who had a different experience, that was different than your expressed view.
If you choose to read into it any more than I have stated, you need to stop watching reruns of the X-file. There is no conspiracy. No one is out to get you or Monte or stt.
And I just looked at some of the other posts on that link. I don't see anyone dissing STT so I would chill out.
Right now, I do not bare any ill will towards you, Onweiler, Monte or STT, But if you continue with this pissant petty shit i might have to rethink my stance.
Information and opinions are what they are.
Here's my (sort-of) short take on the orgs I've run with:
1. NESBA - The first couple track days I did at BHF were with NESBA, one prior to getting my CCS license, and one after. The events seemed reasonably well run and organized, but they seemed to cram a lot of riders on the track compared to the other orgs I've run with. Wasn't particularly happy with the emphasis put on getting "bumped", particuarly from I to A. It's worth noting that it's many of the riders that seem to get worked up about this, and it's not encouraged by the CR's directly. I do know a couple guys though that clearly were capable of running "A" for a long time before they got bumped but had to constantly seek out time with a CR to prove themselves "worthy". I do think the NESBA CR's as a group are overrated as instructors. They should focus on keeping participants safe and following the rules, not telling them how to pilot a motorcycle. Not a big fan of having to buy an annual membership just to be able to sign up, so I let mine expire once alternatives presented themselves.
2. PTT - Ran 1 PTT day last year at BHF as well. This was probably the most fun I had at a track day. Atmosphere was casual, organization was a bit lacking, but this was one of their first events if I recall correctly. Seemed to attract a bit more of a mature crowd vs. NESBA. Passing rules were a bit relaxed in the Intermediate group compared with NESBA as well, leaving room for common sense to previal and preventing the session long freight-train from forming. Attendance was lower as well though, which helped the on-track traffic situation. In all fairness to NESBA, I'm not sure if the smaller group size was actually by design, or just due to fewer signups. I do think at least one of the groups was "full" but I don't recall which one. Safety riders were present but not intrusive unless you did something particuarly dumb or sought them out for advise.
3. BHF Hosted - I've attended one self-hosted track day at BHF to attend Dave's RacerU, and I've done 2 friday racer-practice days. The open track day was much like the PTT event atmosphere-wise, relaxed and trouble-free. Same story with the safety riders. The Friday practice days are put together pretty well and are flexible to accomodate the situation. The first one I attended had enough LW riders to warrant their own group, which as a LW guy, was very nice. Unfortunately I managed to crash on the most recent racer-practice day and spent the remainder wrenching, but it seemed to go ok. In the tracktime for the dollar equation, you can't beat the racer-practice days, provided you have a CCS license. It does seem that people are catching on to this though and are getting licensed just to be able to ride at the practice days. This, combined with lack of any safety riders, passing rules, or tech inspection could lead to unsafe situations, so I think it's something that really needs to be watched closely.
I haven't run with STT, but have friends that have, and haven't heard any complaints that I can remember at the moment.
At any rate, it's always good to have options. With so many track days available now, you can pretty much pick a weekend and figure that you'll be able to get on a track somewhere with somebody. Don't be afraid to try a couple different orgs out and see which suits you best.
Quote from: STT-GUY on June 11, 2006, 05:32:16 PM
K3,
Don't worry about it, you and I and Rob have forgotten more about class than many will ever know.
It's just kind of sad that some people will never come to know or maybe just don't care to understand that "Discretion is the better part of valor"
Unfortunately at times the high road can also be a lonely road.
Kind of like a certain back protector thread going on over on that other forum? Please Monte. This is the pot calling the kettle black if there ever was a case. Personally I didn't see anything in the thread that Matt posted that slammed STT in any way. In fact there were a few comments that commended the way STT ran events. Was it a bold move? Sure. Maybe agressive marketing? No doubt. But you of all people should understand that. You guys sure are on a persecution kick over there in Ohio lately. Not everyone is out to get you. Relax.
Dutch,
The only thing I asked for in the BP thread was a name. (never did get one!!)
You may simply consider my reply to Matt as "bold and agressive", which you seem to be ok with based on what I'm reading in your post.
So let's all take your good advice and relax a bit, yes?
Be safe and have fun.
I've done a few days here and there.
You've got a lot of opportunities. Prices are pretty competitive, meaning that there is pretty much a target price that is available at most days.
You might find that a particular program has a person you want to work with. You might find that another program limits the number of participants. That can be important if you don't want to be stuck among slower or faster riders.
I think the idea to try several orgs is a good one. Different people have different expectations. With so many options, the trackday customer is bound to find an organization that suits him. Since I work for STT, naturally I feel we have the best program. I have spent time with other orgs, so this isn't an uninformed opinion. But like I said in my other post, choice is good!
On to the next topic of discussion. Chocolate ice cream is the best! All you people who like strawberry or vanilla are mindless idiots! So there! And let's not EVEN talk about the people who prefer TOOTY FRUITY! :biggrin:
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING beats oreo cookie ice cream. :biggrin:
Quote from: Woofentino Pugrossi on June 12, 2006, 10:58:25 PM
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING beats oreo cookie ice cream. :biggrin:
I had a oreo cookie shake last night... only a small but dang was it good!!!
Quote from: STT-GUY on June 12, 2006, 07:09:41 PM
Dutch,
The only thing I asked for in the BP thread was a name. (never did get one!!)
You may simply consider my reply to Matt as "bold and agressive", which you seem to be ok with based on what I'm reading in your post.
So let's all take your good advice and relax a bit, yes?
Be safe and have fun.
Dude I'm fine. I was just pointing out that lately you boys have had a nasty habit of gang raping anyone you thought was a dissenter. When the guy on the other forum didn't post his name you and Van launched a personal attack against him, calling him a coward among other things. Truth be told the guy had some legitimate questions and you guys came accross as a vendor that didn't have the answers to his questions so instead went on a personal counter attack. It looked very school yard bullyish and unbecoming of you both. But in the end it's all good. It's your business to run as you see fit and not my place to tell you how to run it.
Dutch...
I thought we were going to let this go and relax..?
Are we embarking on more "bold and aggressive" marketing? ;)
Let's don't and say we did.
Sure thing Monte. You da man.
Quote from: Ridgeway on June 11, 2006, 11:34:54 PM
Here's my (sort-of) short take on the orgs I've run with:
1. NESBA - The first couple track days I did at BHF were with NESBA, one prior to getting my CCS license, and one after. The events seemed reasonably well run and organized, but they seemed to cram a lot of riders on the track compared to the other orgs I've run with. Wasn't particularly happy with the emphasis put on getting "bumped", particuarly from I to A. It's worth noting that it's many of the riders that seem to get worked up about this, and it's not encouraged by the CR's directly. I do know a couple guys though that clearly were capable of running "A" for a long time before they got bumped but had to constantly seek out time with a CR to prove themselves "worthy". I do think the NESBA CR's as a group are overrated as instructors. They should focus on keeping participants safe and following the rules, not telling them how to pilot a motorcycle. Not a big fan of having to buy an annual membership just to be able to sign up, so I let mine expire once alternatives presented themselves.
2. PTT - Ran 1 PTT day last year at BHF as well. This was probably the most fun I had at a track day. Atmosphere was casual, organization was a bit lacking, but this was one of their first events if I recall correctly. Seemed to attract a bit more of a mature crowd vs. NESBA. Passing rules were a bit relaxed in the Intermediate group compared with NESBA as well, leaving room for common sense to previal and preventing the session long freight-train from forming. Attendance was lower as well though, which helped the on-track traffic situation. In all fairness to NESBA, I'm not sure if the smaller group size was actually by design, or just due to fewer signups. I do think at least one of the groups was "full" but I don't recall which one. Safety riders were present but not intrusive unless you did something particuarly dumb or sought them out for advise.
3. BHF Hosted - I've attended one self-hosted track day at BHF to attend Dave's RacerU, and I've done 2 friday racer-practice days. The open track day was much like the PTT event atmosphere-wise, relaxed and trouble-free. Same story with the safety riders. The Friday practice days are put together pretty well and are flexible to accomodate the situation. The first one I attended had enough LW riders to warrant their own group, which as a LW guy, was very nice. Unfortunately I managed to crash on the most recent racer-practice day and spent the remainder wrenching, but it seemed to go ok. In the tracktime for the dollar equation, you can't beat the racer-practice days, provided you have a CCS license. It does seem that people are catching on to this though and are getting licensed just to be able to ride at the practice days. This, combined with lack of any safety riders, passing rules, or tech inspection could lead to unsafe situations, so I think it's something that really needs to be watched closely.
I haven't run with STT, but have friends that have, and haven't heard any complaints that I can remember at the moment.
At any rate, it's always good to have options. With so many track days available now, you can pretty much pick a weekend and figure that you'll be able to get on a track somewhere with somebody. Don't be afraid to try a couple different orgs out and see which suits you best.
You gathered all of this from running only a couple of NESBA days at BHF?
My response: I agree, if you just want to show up and ride around in any group that you, yourself, can chose to be placed in on your own account; with out being held accountable with your skill level, while riding in a controlled and learning environment - then NESBA is not for you.
I guess CR's being called "over-rated" is a subjective term. FWIW, currently we have seven Midwest CR's who have held or hold an AMA pro racing license. Most have been involved with racing for several years and continue to be involved with track days only to pass on what they have learned.
In the end each individual riders satisfaction level is solely up to them. Those who check their egos and chose to take advantage of the opportunities invariably have a higher satisfaction level while increasing their skill level towards becoming safer and faster riders. Those who do not, typically complain about not being bumped.
i ahve experience with only three different track day orgs (NESBA, TPM, STT), mostly due to the frequency and location of the events. in the four shourt years of riding with these orgs, i have been able to see that although each org handles itself differently, each orgs main concern is safety. but there is only so much policing an org can do, it also depends on the riders. they have to follow the rules set forth by the org. but even if everyone is playing nicely, incidents do occur. and when they occur, do we immediately blame the organization? mistakes are sometimes made, accidents sometimes happen, but we are all human.
i have also noticed the fickle nature of peoples impression of track orgs. of the three orgs i am familiar with, each one has been in and out of favor a few times based on the ebb and flow of the riders impressions. i have heard people refusing to ride with organizations becuase of "no refund because we did four laps in the rain", "that event was a crash fest, i am never riding with them again", "i cant get bumped because the CRs never notice me even when i ask them for help", "we ran 15 minute sessions" or whatever teh bithc was. but this is constantly changeing. at the beginning of a season A is better than B, but mid season, C is WAAY better than A and B, etc.
my point is, people need to ride with different orgs to see which one they like better, and not let single incidents taint the reputation of an otherwise good org. as i stated above, each is has safety at the top of their goals, but they each run their events as they feel is best for them.
and when it boils down to it, track time is like pizza. even when its bad, its still pretty good.
That was the best post of this entire thread yet :thumb:
Quoteand when it boils down to it, track time is like pizza. even when its bad, its still pretty good.
I dunno man... I had that Papa John's fajita pizza the other day. That was rather bad. ;)
Quote from: splyn on June 14, 2006, 10:59:04 AM
my point is, people need to ride with different orgs to see which one they like better, and not let single incidents taint the reputation of an otherwise good org. as i stated above, each is has safety at the top of their goals, but they each run their events as they feel is best for them.
and when it boils down to it, track time is like pizza. even when its bad, its still pretty good.
GOING, GOING, GONE!!! A home run with bases loaded!
:cheers:
Yeah, but NESBA still sucks.
I love nesbians. But only if they both are hot.....