First Timers Corner

Track day experience

So why are you doing another track day my friend asked? He knew of course that I had already taken a number of track "schools" over the past few years. Must be that speed thing right? No, that wasn't it I said. I tried again to think about what drove me to sign up for the PrivateTrackTime day at Blackhawk Farms Raceway. Sure, I had attended both Reg Pridmores CLASS ad Jason Pridmores STAR schools, but felt that I still needed something more. Both schools had given me a nice safe introduction to the track, now I was ready to practice and hone my "skills" in a less structured environment.

Exactly how unstructured an open track day would be had me a little worried. I shouldn't have wasted the energy. Prior to arriving at the track, I spoke to Event Organizer Leon Winfrey about my concerns.

First he went over how to prep my bike:
We don't require a lot of bike prep- we want this to be as easy as possible so any rider can come out to our days. Make sure your tires are in good condition (at least 75% tread remaining); bike free of leaks, good strong brakes and in generally sound mechanical condition. All that was left was to tape over my headlight, turn signals, brake light, and mirrors. Leon recommended painters tape to avoid my headlights turning the tape into a gluey mess. This prep is sufficient for anyone riding in the novice or intermediate group (riders in the advanced group need to replace their antifreeze/coolant with either water or water wetter, and should safety wire their oil filter and drain plug). Lastly, Leon suggested that I lower my tire pressure at the track to enhance my tire grip and improve handling. Getting maximum grip by having your tires come up to temperature quickly is more important at the track than on the street.

I already knew I was in good shape gear wise- I had purchased a full leather suit with armor, along with a pair of boots of a few seasons back. I already had full gauntlet gloves and a newer helmet. PTT does not require full leathers for novice and intermediate riders and will accept most textile and leather jackets/pants/riding boots.

My previous track days had already taught me to come prepared for anything- most track days run rain or shine and PTT was no exception. I packed extra clothes, sunscreen, hat, some basic tools and plenty of water and Gatorade. Since I was planning on riding my bike to the track, I couldn't bring along a chair, sunshade or extra gas, which is usually recommended. Fortunately, I knew Blackhawk had gas nearby and a shaded lunch area with seating.

Rested and filled with a nervous excitement, I arrived at the track about 7:30am to orient myself, complete my bike prep, register and go through tech inspection. As I pulled into the staging area, I could hear Leon directing riders over the PA. After taping my bike I headed over to tech- a quick double check of my bike and equipment and I was on my way. They did suggest I loosen my chain a bit to reduce excessive strain on the chain. By the time I went through registration, it was almost time for the riders meeting.

At the Riders meeting Leon went over the track rotations (advanced riders would be on track first followed by intermediate then novice), passing rules (no passing on the insides of corners for novices in the morning sessions, passing allowed everywhere with a 6' margin for intermediate/advanced riders), flags and the various hospitality options available (coaching, video, photography, food, gas etc). While the advanced riders went to their machines for the 9:00am session start, I headed to the track map to orient myself to the track layout.

In short order the 5 minute call for Intermediate riders to prepare for their session was announced. I suited up and headed over to the pit out area for my first session. As pit out waved me on track, I quickly went over my first session checklist: warm up tires for at least two laps, stay to the right of the blend line (the painted line extending from hot pit lane to turn one which keeps riders entering the track away from the riders already circulating at speed), ride my own line, and RELAX.

Coming out of the final turn for the third time, I decided it was time to start working on my corner entry speed and drive off the turn. Accelerating down the main straightaway at Blackhawk Farms had me pointed at my first target of opportunity: turn one, a nice wide (relatively) 90 degree bend to the right with plenty of run off. Shift body, brake, downshift, lean, roll on throttle and away I went, ready to try again next lap. Just as I really started getting comfortable with my bike, the track, and my fellow riders, the checkered flag signaling the end of my session was waving from the control tower. Approaching the last turn, I raised my left hand to indicate I was "off the pace" and exited the track.

Before I could even get my bike parked and my gear off, Leon came up to me with a knowing grin and asked "so, how'd it go?" "Intense" I replied. We went on to discuss some problem areas I encountered. Leon pointed out some of the regulars and suggested I talk to them and see if they had some suggestions that might help me smooth out some of my "problems". Turns out that was excellent advice. Sometimes a problem to a novice or intermediate is not a problem to a more advanced rider. I was worried about a particular pavement patch in one of the turns- aside from the actual pavement issue, it had the added effect of distracting me enough to the point where I would actually stare at it while cornering, which we all know is a bad idea. His suggestion? "Ever try just riding over it?" "It used to bother me a bit till I rode over it- its actually far smoother than it appears". Turns out- he was right.

Each session I tried to work on a specific corner or transition area, until I felt I was smooth and consistent enough to try another section of the track. By the end of the morning sessions I had pieced together every turn and was ready to really try and put in some "hot" laps. Just to be sure, I asked one of the PTT staff to follow me around for a couple of laps to be certain I was riding the proper line.

My afternoon sessions progressed in much the same way as the morning ones had with a few notable exceptions; my riding was significantly more confident and predictable, and I had experienced my first off track excursion. Fortunately, other than a bruised ego, my bike and I remained upright and undamaged. By the end of the day, I was starting to tire, so I chose to sit out my final session and begin getting my bike street ready for the trip home. I tracked down Leon and thanked him for a great day. From the look on my face, I think he knew I'd be riding with PTT again.

Fast forward two years, my track addiction has now grown to include new gear, a dedicated track bike and 8-10 track days each year, along with dozens of new friends. I can't wait till the new season is here.