[Khatouche]

Hello folks, I've had my 1999 918 Blade RRX for a wee while now and I am seriously thinking about going to a track day type of event. However, I have never been to one of these events before.

I would appreciate any advice you guys have to pass on...

As a complete novice, I don't want to be charging round and getting in everyone else's way. Can I just turn up with my bike and go?

Given that I am a novice rider and no longer in my bendy twenties - I'm 46yrs old and I don't wanna crash if I can help it!! What are the chances of crashing? Plus I don't want anybody crashing into me!!!

Also(!) I'm not very mechanical either (sorry!) I just want to ride them! Much to my friends mirth and exasperation I have trouble even adding oil!!! I've got no patience see...

But anyway back to thread, any help and advice for a complete newbie on a track day would be appreciated my friends...and like I said, I just wanna get round and enjoy myself. Hitting Rossi-esque type speeds is definitely out of the question...

[smkeatr]

Visit the track in question during an open track day and take mental notes. See what people bring to the track and how they set up. Ask about bike set up and prep for that track. Well thought out preparation will go a long way. If you just want to take it easy, stay in novice and take it easy, work on lines and being smooth. Some tracks only allow passing on the straights in novice which cuts down on wrecks in the corners between riders. I typically went out last in intermediate, giving the rest of the group a good head start so I can focus on my riding and kept pretty clear of traffic. You'll want to drop air pressure in your tires also for track riding. Surely everyone will chime in and somewhere in here there is a long list of stuff to bring to make your day a little more enjoyable.

[bulldog12]

agree w/ above ^

might start the day w/ an ibuprofen or 2. (helps me) a banana or 2. take a chair you may get tired. WATER. you'll probably pit with someone so ask questions---if they seem knowledgeable and helpful stay there, if not move somewhere else. we're alway's helpful w/ newbies.

from my experience: my first track day i did 3 sessions and at the end of the third decided the track was not for me. the rear kept slipping BAD and i couldn't figure out why...i finally remembered i'd lubed the chain and it got on the tire. i cleaned it up and finished the day. 2 years later i'm going on my 26th track day, and have found a hobby i wished i had started 10+ years ago (i'm 35 now)

Relax, have fun, listen, don't forget your key!!!!

oh yeah, triple check your oil drain plug---you don't want to be that guy!