GuardRail-Mike Posted July 20, 2013 Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 (edited) I would like to try and run my first track day this season. I am not able to really get into track days yet ($)... But have been told it is a great learning experience and will help alot. If not this season, next season for sure. My question is what should I bring/expect for on the first day. I was planning on running Mid Ohios School. I know Lights and anything that can shatter need to be taped. Also Leather and ATG.... Is there anything else major for a Novice trackday? Also is it a bad idea to ride the bike there? Guess I'm trying to figure out whats necessary for first Track day. Just trying to learn here.... Thanks for input Edited July 20, 2013 by GuardRail-Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nautical1 Posted July 20, 2013 Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 There's a sticky in this section that should help. http://ohioriders.net/index.php?/topic/16134-typical-track-day-qa/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuardRail-Mike Posted July 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 Awesome Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habi Posted July 20, 2013 Report Share Posted July 20, 2013 Don't ride there, but I have seen it done. You will be tired at the end of the day and won't want to ride home. Hell I don't feel like driving home half the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubbersidedown Posted July 24, 2013 Report Share Posted July 24, 2013 I've also seen people ride in to trackdays but I would not recommend it because of the "what if's". There are plenty of TD'ers in your area and you could probably catch a ride if you don't have a trailer or rent a u-haul. Second, I would not recommend MO for you first ever day it is a fast and challenging track. Yes, the CR's will try to keep you safe but I would recommend a track that you can see more through the turns and less elevation changes. My recommendations are Nelson Ledges or Putnam with an org that is doing classroom instruction. I know MotoSeries has classroom time at NL and STT has classroom at most of their events.People at the track are usually quick to help if your in a bind or missing something. Don't be afraid to ask you neighbors for help. If I see a first timer at the track without a canopy, cooler, water, etc. I always invite them over to offer shade water and help/answer questions. In fact we ran into two this past weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuardRail-Mike Posted July 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2013 Thanks for the advice rubber side down, ill have to look into nl ... I heard Putnam isn't kept up very well but it is a good starting course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkow97 Posted July 24, 2013 Report Share Posted July 24, 2013 Putnam is a spa day compared to Nelson, and Nelson still isn't as bad as people make it sound. The fact is that (even at a "crappy" track), the conditions are 100 times better than the best street ride you've ever done. Nelson is cheap too, which is huge for a new track rider. I wouldn't say that Mid Ohio is a "bad" first track, but it's kind of like banging a porn star as your first time. A newb doesn't get the full effect of a world-class venue. Frankly, you won't be going fast enough for the surface at Nelson to be an issue... And money saved can be put toward more track time. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuardRail-Mike Posted July 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2013 Putnam is a spa day compared to Nelson, and Nelson still isn't as bad as people make it sound. The fact is that (even at a "crappy" track), the conditions are 100 times better than the best street ride you've ever done. Nelson is cheap too, which is huge for a new track rider. I wouldn't say that Mid Ohio is a "bad" first track, but it's kind of like banging a porn star as your first time. A newb doesn't get the full effect of a world-class venue. Frankly, you won't be going fast enough for the surface at Nelson to be an issue... And money saved can be put toward more track time.Haha that's probably the best way someone could put that lol. Which is closer Putnam or Nelson ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habi Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Nelson is a smidge closer but Mid Ohio is by far the closest to you. Just saying. 8-10 hours driving to and from when mid o is 3 hours total makes it the same if not cheaper than the cheaper tracks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sac Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 my first TD was at mid-o, havent been to any other tracks, its a great track ama races there so you can see it on tv and brag about it, only thing is to not get intimidated, and dont go out trying to break records and you will be fine, a thought about riding to the track, some do it so they wont push to hard and crash knowing the have to ride home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfs81 Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 If your participating in TD, can people just come show up and watch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfs81 Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 If your participating in TD, can people just come show up and watch?Not participating* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_Copeland Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Not participating*Yeah,they can come watch but if there's a gate fee they will have to pay that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madcat6183 Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Id just search first track day, or track day newbie, then read a few of the threads at the top of this section. Everything has been covered many times, in extreme detail. Come out and enjoy, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubbersidedown Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Nelson is a smidge closer but Mid Ohio is by far the closest to you. Just saying. 8-10 hours driving to and from when mid o is 3 hours total makes it the same if not cheaper than the cheaper tracks. You need to look into a new GPS if it takes you that long. But yeah, MO is closest for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidgetTodd Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 You need to look into a new GPS if it takes you that long. But yeah, MO is closest for him.Reynoldsburg to Putnam and back is 8 Hours. 10 if traffic and food stops. His GPS is fine. I've made that trip several times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1crusher Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Reynoldsburg to Putnam and back is 8 Hours. 10 if traffic and food stops. His GPS is fine. I've made that trip several times. Shut up you spaghetti whore! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Revelstoker Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Get over to SportbikeTracktime (www.sttforum.com) and check their schedule. Look for Putnam Park events. STT has a program (Ride Right) to help first timers get out on the track and they offer up a few spots periodically. http://www.sttforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=35 Nice part is that they have leather rentals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidgetTodd Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Shut up you spaghetti whore!Like you doubt I waste 2 hours eating on a road trip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limitedslip7 Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 I've done three track days so far, all of them at MO. You will have a blast and the instructors will keep it at a pace you are comfortable with. Just make sure you are FOCUSED, get off the track for a breather if you get distracted or tired. Plus, COOKIES. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidgetTodd Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 God I love the Mid O cookies lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_Copeland Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 God I love the Mid O cookies lolSo why was I not informed of said cookie's ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidgetTodd Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 They are in the lunch garage. Did you not eat the provided lunch? Always a big tray of them sat out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_Copeland Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 They are in the lunch garage. Did you not eat the provided lunch? Always a big tray of them sat outAh,I need to do a TD to get cookies!It's on my list ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue03636 Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Ah,I need to do a TD to get cookies!It's on my list ! I keep some in my trailer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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