Where to find track days?

[mdr14]

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.

[Ridgeway]

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.

[Dutch110]

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.

[STT-GUY]

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.

[Super Dave]

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.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

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!

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING beats oreo cookie ice cream.

[STT-GUY]

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING beats oreo cookie ice cream.

I had a oreo cookie shake last night... only a small but dang was it good!!!

[Dutch110]

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.

[STT-GUY]

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.

[Dutch110]

Sure thing Monte. You da man.

[G 97]

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.