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Track day misconceptions

3K views 18 replies 13 participants last post by  prs 
#1 ·
Lately I have seen a lot of people who really don't know anything about track days and have some common misconceptions. I am going to list a few but feel free too add more.

Misconception
1) A track day is a race.

Answer
A trackday is not a race at all. In fact most trackdays either forbid or frown on any kind of racing. A track day is a place for YOU to become a better rider in a controlled environment.

2) Trackdays are too expensive.

Answer
While there are some costs associated with them they are not as expensive as people think they are. If you have decent gear you probably have the most expensive start up cost covered. Not to mention one piece leathers can be found cheap on sale. A trackday is also cheaper than most traffic tickets.

3) I am going to crash

Answer
Your chance of crashing is small if you don't ride over your own head. Take your time and learn and you will get all the benefits without any more risk of crashing than commuting to work. People crash when they push beyond their limits. The decision on how hard to push is entirely up to you.



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#2 ·
I agree, the funny thing is have you ever noticed that guys who don't even ride think they know about track days? "Oh they're expensive...you need leathers, a set of tires each weekend, and you'll end up crashing.."
The tire misconception is what I would add for sure, when starting out you will get numerous days out of a set of tires. And yes, once you accumulate the gear you need it's basically just a matter of the track day fee and gas. Way cheaper than any bs ticket.
 
#3 ·
You guys are wrong;

-you need a designated track only bike with the latest and greatest of ever gadget you can possibly buy for it including a penskeohlinsworks etc suspension for an additional $4k...fitted with atleast 3 GoPro cameras to catch you in action. $15k is a minimum investment, but if you are serious about this you will spend atleast $25k
-you need the latest freddiescwantzrossi replica carbon composite helmet and riding gear in kangaroo of course $4k minimum investment
-you need to buy full on race slicks with a spare set of wheels and warmers for an additional $1.5k, and replace those tires every other track appearances at $500 a set- because performance falls off with every lap
-you need the latest and greatest in enclosed trailers complete with generator, tv (to immediately playback your gopro footage when not watching that have some recording race footage showing non stop with air conditioning and a couch of course then a cool show stopper tow vehicle, another $40-$50k
-you need atleast two canopies, and a carpet and cool ass chairs and tables that all match so everyone knows you are a pro trackday expert, another $2k
Then you need an attitude and to tell everyone how good you are and tell them everything they are doing wrong, solicited or not......lol

I am just digging on some local jackass....Don't mind me


You really just need a good attitude, some common sense and a willingness to learn and grow as a rider. Of course a decent bike and some decent protection "just in case" will come in handy to get you onto the track. Of course some disposable income for your new addiction will become a necessity and explaining to your spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend why you need this "me time" 10-15 times a year could be problematic to your relationship, or not....
 
#4 ·
#7 ·
Great points!

I agree, the funny thing is have you ever noticed that guys who don't even ride think they know about track days? "Oh they're expensive...you need leathers, a set of tires each weekend, and you'll end up crashing.."
The tire misconception is what I would add for sure, when starting out you will get numerous days out of a set of tires. And yes, once you accumulate the gear you need it's basically just a matter of the track day fee and gas. Way cheaper than any bs ticket.
I lasted on a set of dot race tires for 12 trackdays and 5 races (winning 3 of them)


You guys are wrong;

-you need a designated track only bike with the latest and greatest of ever gadget you can possibly buy for it including a penskeohlinsworks etc suspension for an additional $4k...fitted with atleast 3 GoPro cameras to catch you in action. $15k is a minimum investment, but if you are serious about this you will spend atleast $25k
-you need the latest freddiescwantzrossi replica carbon composite helmet and riding gear in kangaroo of course $4k minimum investment
-you need to buy full on race slicks with a spare set of wheels and warmers for an additional $1.5k, and replace those tires every other track appearances at $500 a set- because performance falls off with every lap
-you need the latest and greatest in enclosed trailers complete with generator, tv (to immediately playback your gopro footage when not watching that have some recording race footage showing non stop with air conditioning and a couch of course then a cool show stopper tow vehicle, another $40-$50k
-you need atleast two canopies, and a carpet and cool ass chairs and tables that all match so everyone knows you are a pro trackday expert, another $2k
Then you need an attitude and to tell everyone how good you are and tell them everything they are doing wrong, solicited or not......lol

I am just digging on some local jackass....Don't mind me


You really just need a good attitude, some common sense and a willingness to learn and grow as a rider. Of course a decent bike and some decent protection "just in case" will come in handy to get you onto the track. Of course some disposable income for your new addiction will become a necessity and explaining to your spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend why you need this "me time" 10-15 times a year could be problematic to your relationship, or not....
Haha


I went 12 times, strippers and racers are my only friends now :eek:
 
#8 ·
2) Trackdays are too expensive.

Answer
While there are some costs associated with them they are not as expensive as people think they are. If you have decent gear you probably have the most expensive start up cost covered. Not to mention one piece leathers can be found cheap on sale. A trackday is also cheaper than most traffic tickets.
Trying to talk a friend in joining me for at least one trackday next year now that he has a sportbike. He can RENT leathers for like $60, I think a lot of trackday orgs are doing this now to help new people get to the track. Boots, gloves, and helmet should already be had but boots are as low as $150 for a nice pair of Cortechs. Saw some cheap leathers on the cycle gear site on closeout for $200, granted they aren't great leathers but they will get you out there and protected fairly well.

Initial cost was a little high for me but not bad. Got a canopy, 5 gal gas can, some chairs, and a new cooler for my first track weekend. After a few more days bought a trailer since I was hoping to do it a lot more, that was only $1800 I think. Now it's just the cost of gas and the trackday that I have to worry about. Still a few hundred dollars but if I went to the beach for a weekend it would end up close to equal with hotel costs, food, and gas.
 
#11 ·
It's not expensive to go once or twice and then you get addicted. I have pretty much given up street riding. Now that my first season is over it should get cheaper. Still want to buy a trailer.
 
#16 ·
Track days are expensive, don't believe for one min that they aren't, racing is even more.. But I'll go broke before I ride on the street again :D

Here are some more facts

It's more addicting than cocaine!!
As you go more, the faster you get, the more $$ it cost (you will get faster)
You WILL crash, if you don't it's out of sheer luck
You will find that track family is like no other, cherish it!! I've met some of the best ppl around at the track.

Man there is so much more that I can't think of off the top of my head.
 
#17 ·
don't agree with the 'you will crash' comment. ride off the track, maybe, close calls, sure. crash, that's all up to you.
 
#18 ·
If you are pushing your limits and you have the drive to want to get to an upper 5% pace, you will crash, thats the only way to find limits at some points, its not the most fun thing to do, but it happens. If you're just out looking for a sunday ride, you're prob correct ;)
 
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