PBIR, how easy to learn?

[JCP636]

I'm doing my first CCS racing this weekend at Palm Beach. I've never been there before, just wondering how easy it is to learn and if there's any tips or tricks you guys have to help me establish a fast race line? Thanks a lot.

[roadracer162]

For me it was very difficult to get to speed compared to my competition. Very long back straight, very smooth pavement, astonishing grip but also wears the heck out of tires. Watch out for the transitions of pavement over the seams-they will give you a little scare only in T5. There were little reference points except for the safety cones used for brake markers. There were no ruts or patches to gauge where you are. Mostly it was depth perception.

Havin said that I do believe that it is a little easier now with some rubber laid onto the track, but don't be fooled by the marks left by the cars. Be ready to get really good at right turns and you may as well get another set of knee sliders after this weekend. Now I see you said it is your first race weekend so I am not sure if all of what I have said applies, so just go out and have some fun. Smoothness pays off at this track like many other tracks, but maybe a little more here.

Mark

[JCP636]

Thanks for the input. I'm a mid-pack advanced track day rider and have done a couple small races up north here so hopefully I can get myself around ok. I have almost new klucky pucks on the new suit I just picked up and a set of brand new chicken hawk sliders so I'm good. :)

[roadracer162]

Well. when you compare a track day with the Florida Region race weekend I believe you come out ahead with the race weekend. For $130 you get a full day of practice on Saturday-usually about 7 20 minute or so sessions. Then on Sunday you get morning practice and your race. Each race is $55 no matter how much or how little you decide to race. Don't forget there is a $30 gate fee for the 2 days.

Saturday will be like any other track day. Sunday is where the butterflies begin for me.

Mark

[JCP636]

How beneficial do you think it would be to do the practice day on friday? Would the practice on Saturday be enough time to learn the track and get up to speed? I'd like to get through the weekend on one set of tires and have them still be decent on Sunday if possible. After two trackdays my rears are usually cooked, and I don't have any old tires with any life left on them.

[roadracer162]

More set time is always beneficial, if it is worth it? Thats a different question. The Friday track day isn't the same as the Saturday practice. Saturday provides more time to get things sorted. I believe Saturday will be enough to get you going but don't expect to burn up the track on Sunday unless you are a fast learner. I don't believe one set will last you the entire Friday, Saturday and Sunday and have it any good for Sunday-also depending on what brand you run. I usually get about 100 laps out of my tires but that is on a lightweight bike.

[d-wire]

The track is very simple IMHO.  Very easy to learn.  You want to double apex or late apex turn 4.  Fast straight, not to many connecting corners.  Basic

[roadracer162]

But that's why you are the lap record holder Sean. For mere mortals like me those things don't come easy. Good job riding Sean.

[DEVINC]

I don't like T4. What Mark said about ref. points. You will notice the seams in the pavement. Those are the best ref. points for my lines. I do feel when I go over the seams in the pavement in other turns besides 5 but that's me.

[ScubaSteve]

The track is very simple IMHO.  Very easy to learn.  You want to double apex or late apex turn 4.  Fast straight, not to many connecting corners.  Basic

I agree!

[DEVINC]

JCP, what races will you run? I'm assuming you have a Kaw. 636. heavyweight SB ???

[JCP636]

Yes I have a 636. I was planning on doing middleweight supersport and superbike.