Mr. Wizz, I must disagree with some of your generalizations. I wonder if you refer to race practice with formal amateur orgs, e.g. WMRRA, AFM, WSMC, OMRRA? Race practices require race bikes and membership (or reciprocity) with the local club, AFAIK.
Less formal “track days,” in contrast, vary more than the day is long. Those touted as “schools” usually require and cost more. “Track days” seldom offer formal instruction.
Fees seem to vary at different U.S. West, NW, and SW tracks (e.g. Pacific Raceways, Portland International, Sears Point, Laguna Seca, Willow Springs), and significantly between events at the same track. For example, Pridmore’s CLASS at Pacific Raceways (near Seattle) is about $345 for a day of riding, with lectures, lunch, and plenty of instructors. dP Safety School, a little less. Adrenaline Freaks, roughly $200. And the dealership-sponsored day I just did yesterday: $100 for a full day of riding. Each offers a different experience. I believe you get what you pay for.
None of the above require safety wiring or coolant change-out, though neither are “bad” ideas by any means. All but one require a tech inspection prior to riding. All require taped lights and signals. At least one checks tires for sufficient tread and sends guys home if they don’t have it. Check the rules before arriving.
I’ve seen guys go on the track wearing jeans, leather jackets, and boots (plus full-face helmet and gloves), and rubber I’d not waste on the proverbial broke-dyck dog. While not recommended, some track events allow it. I’m not proud of the first track day I ever did wearing similar attire, in 1993, but “live and learn.” Point being it’s possible if budget constraints dictate less-than-optimal attire. Tires are another story, however.
At the opposite end you’ll find guys with race-ready bikes, slicks, number plates, and full leathers. Eventually it becomes self-evident not to ride anything you aren’t willing to crash. Sometimes it takes a crash or two to puzzle this out, however.
Years ago I ran a few track days on street-sport rubber. No more: sooner or later, you’ll outride it. There may or may not be warning when this occurs. I watched a young man on a silver ’03 ZX-6R yesterday outride Metzeler Sportec M1 tires. I’m on the same bike, my black ’03, with Pirelli SuperCorsa front and Rennsport rear. This young man’s about five seconds per lap faster than me, and I’m not slow. The M1 is a great tire, but he outrode it and damn near highsided at least twice when the rear unloaded on the gas. In contrast, I had no issues all day due to my lower pace and stickier tires.
Do not skimp on rubber: if you’re ‘A’ Group, buy race tires. ‘B’ and ‘C’ Groups, new “aggressive street/track day” tires like the Pirelli Diablo, Meteler M1, and Bridgestone BT012SS might be the ticket. I feel strongly about this.
Other than track fees, typical costs include:
1. Transport
If you don’t have a truck, you’ll need to buddy up with friends who do or rent your own truck/trailer. Depending on distance, transport fees can vary from ‘free’ to several hundred dollars.
2. Gear
What’s your skin worth? Full leathers are a solid investment. Decent suits go for as low as $500 these days. Add boots, helmet, gloves. $2,000 isn’t unreasonable. You’ll use it all again, regardless, though things do wear out eventually.
3. Tires
See above.
4. Fuel and other consumables
I burn five to eight gallons at most track days, using high-octane pump gas in my ZX. Drinks and snacks are a great idea. Perhaps build a storage crate with things like chain lube, Plexus, a quart of oil, paper towels, etc. for track days.
5. Equipment: bike-related
Race bodywork’s not a bad idea, but for some the expense isn’t feasible. Frame sliders seem to be a mixed bag, and are another story entirely. You’ll put wear and tear on the motorcycle by running the crap out of it all day long, which is harder to quantify.
6. Time
Vacation time has a soft-dollar cost. Call in sick that day, if possible!
7. Health Insurance
I’d never do a track day without health insurance. Stuff happens and you might need it. My pal’s severe ankle injury cost two surgeries, a month in a wheelchair, crutches, and about $60,000 in medical bills. Fortunately, he’s fully covered. Bet he’ll wear Daytona Safety boots next time, though.
Good luck, hope that helps.