Check out this guide to ensure you've packed the essentials to take on your next trackday
IF YOU'VE thrashed your bike at a trackday then you'll know they can be massive fun. But you might also understand how frustrating it can be turning up without your driving licence or running out of fuel halfway through the day. So it's worth assembling a few essentials beforehand to help ensure your day goes as smoothly as possible, so you enjoy maximum track time. We've compiled a simple list of stuff we'd recommend taking with you to the circuit. Some of them are obvious, some aren't but they should all help iron out any glitches which could otherwise spoil your day.
Don't forget to check out our motorcycle track days guide here. It includes UK circuit guides and a full trackday calendar. Enjoy!
Sounds daft, but try finding Mallory Park if you've never been before, especially when signing on starts at 7:00am. Make yourself au fait with where you're going the night before and take along the circuit's phone number in case you get lost.
Get all your riding kit ready the day before. Boots, gloves, leathers (preferably one-piece) back protector, helmet and spare visor. A set of waterproofs is a good idea if the forecast's looking pants. Stuff the lot in a big holdall, so you can grab and go.
Most trackday organisers now insist on seeing a full motorcycle licence before letting you out on track. No licence means no taking part. If you've a new photocard licence then take both halves.
Most trackdays I've been to serve tasty but rather stodgy (and expensive) food at lunch, which isn't a good idea, as digesting a big meal will slow down your reaction times. Take along a light salad, some fruit, cereal bars and drink plenty of water.
Take along plenty of fuel and a decent funnel, as your bike will usually double its normal fuel consumption when you're gunning it flat out. Keep the tank topped up between sessions.
It's worth taking along a basic tool kit, as you never know what kind of mechanical gremlins may turn up. You might also want to adjust your suspension. The kit should consist of some sockets, spanners, flat and cross head screwdrivers, pliers, tie-wraps, wire, duct tape and a tyre pressure gauge. There are usually loads of folk that'll help out if you get stuck for tools but it's always better taking your own.
If you're unlucky enough to have a light spill then you may be able to get back on track with little work. Snapping a brake or clutch lever doesn't mean your day's over if you've a spare in the tool kit.
Last of all, don't forget your bike. We've heard stories of people turning up to trackdays without their bike. Or, perhaps even worse, without their keys.
Posted: 19/04/2009 at 23:03
Well then, you will need to pass your ACU licence and do a race practice day.
I wouldn't like to do a track day alongside an inexperienced 15 year old on a 125.
Posted: 19/04/2009 at 23:47
Posted: 20/04/2009 at 11:08
Now now boys, this could be the next Fogarty, Toseland... Sketchy??
Email the ACU/various organisers of track days and ask, everyone has to start somewhere. Think the only reason they don't want to share the track with an inexperienced 15 year old is pride.
How would they look if you went out and kicked arse?!?!
Posted: 08/05/2009 at 18:25
They forgot to put bike on that check list.
I will come clean and admit that I got halfway to Cadwell (about 25miles) one morning before I realised I had left the bike on the trailer in the garage.
In my defence it was early!
Posted: 08/05/2009 at 19:37
scud wrote (see)
They forgot to put bike on that check list. I will come clean and admit that I got halfway to Cadwell (about 25miles) one morning before I realised I had left the bike on the trailer in the garage. In my defence it was early!
Posted: 08/05/2009 at 20:42
Posted: 13/07/2009 at 22:16
He's wrong, no faired track bikes have brake lights.
Those who turn up on their road bike should tape the light up too, as it's a distraction - we all have our own markers and don't want brake lights distracting us.
Posted: 13/07/2009 at 22:27
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