[fumbducker]

I've already searched the .org and have a good idea what to take/do to get prepared but am curious if anyone has done a Steen Hansen's Motorcycle Track Day? Any insight or thoughts? This will be my first track day and at a pretty fast course with poor run off in the cornersSpokane Raceway Parkor so I have heard...It's next Saturday, May 1, any input is appreciated.


J

[bwhip]

Have fun, take your time, enjoy, and ride safely!

[fumbducker]

Thanks B! You have friends that have ridden this track...if you get a chance might you ask them for any suggestions? Thanks again...I hope you make it up this direction this summer....


J

[Keith_929]

Spokane Raceway Park has a few turns that have problems with run offs. The turns at each end of the straight are very high speed and the run off is bad. Turn 1 at the end of the straight and the run off drops off into some gullys that are full of larger boulders and appliances, from what I hear. I didn't take a tour luckily. The last turn, turn 10, comes off a large sweeper and comes out onto the dragstrip. There are some trees and then the bleacher walls. You also have to watch out for the startline for the dragstrip, the traction compound is very slick if wet and the island is in the middle of the track. A the transition from the corner asphalt onto the concrete of the strip I got a little headshake just about every lap because you are trying to accelerate onto the straight and the front is very light.

A damper is very highly recommended. The surface was in good shape year before last but they race cars on it as well, and they tend to tear up the surface some.

Understand, this is the only track I have ridden so the following comments may, or may not, have any validity. Overall, the track is really good with long straights and a combination of big and tight corners. The surface was very good overall with a few minor rough spots in corners. The hairpins in the middle, turns 7 and 8, are really tight. There is an interesting apex between the last two turns, 9 and 10 that kept throwing off my entrance to 10.

Try not to get caught behind slower riders going into 1, there are only a couple of safe places to pass without experience. The 954 with stock gearing will hit top speed just about the braking point on the front straight so you can pass easily there. It's only a mile or so long, I was easily seeing 155 with correction at some points on a 929 without mods.

The paddock is fairly large and paved for the most part. We had thirty riders at the class and there were a lot of open spaces. It can get pretty windy out there in the open so take some big weights and stakes for a canopy. I broke the hell out the fiberglass poles in my older EZ-Up so watch it. The track has a good reputation and over half of the class I went to was from the Seattle and Vancouver, BC area.


I might try to get out for an open track day or two later this summer. Enjoy the experience and don't worry about the run-off at this point, concentrate on technique and smoothness. (Disclaimer: I am in no way fast, nor have I claimed to be fast in this or previous lifetimes) The speed will come with smoothness. As I used to hear when skydiving: "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast"


Track map

[fumbducker]

Keith,
Thanks for the insight! Having never done a track school, I am "moderately" anxious, to say the least. After reading and re-reading your post my nervous level has dropped a few points.
Thanks again!


J

[Chain]

fumb, take it from another track newbie, you're going to have a BLAST. The track is self governing for new riders, that is to say, you simply won't let yourself crash. You won't charge mindlessly into corners or heap on the throttle on exits. You'll see for yourself, but believe me, this is going to be a great experience, one that will open your eyes and reward you with much improved riding.

While I know nothing of the track or class you're talking about, you did say it was a school. If it's worth a penny (and I'm sure it is), the instructors will not simply turn you guys loose. I doubt they'll even allow passing until very late in the course. It'll be a controlled atmosphere - you've got nothing to worry about.

Have fun!

[fumbducker]

Thanks for the encouragement Chain. It is indeed a school and in the novice group passing will only be allowed on the long straight in "the courtesy passing zone"

Nice write up on your experience by the way


J

[CBRVFR]

Have a blast, Fumb. There's nothing like it.

It took a while for me to come to terms with my 954 as a street bike. It's not real comfortable, too damned fast for the surroundings, quck turningto the point of twitchiness, suspension exaggerates bad road conditions, etc.

I've had a better time riding it out on country roads than in any kind of urban environment.

But I find it's actually pretty comfortable on the track, and the design suddenly makes sense. You'll love it. It's like a fish IN water.