Hampton Downs Ride Days
Contents |
General Information
Hampton Downs is the newest motorsport track in New Zealand. It is located about 1 hour south of Auckland CBD, not far from Meremere.
Hampton Downs Ride Days runs motorcycle-only track days at Hampton Downs.
The web address for Hampton Downs Ride Days is:
http://www.hamptondownsridedays.co.nz/
Further information can be found there, including bookings.
Scrutineering
Bikes and equiment are scrutineered before you are allowed on the track. Scrutineering is a basic safety check for your bike and your gear. Things that will be checked are:
Bike
- Brakes (front and rear) - do they work
- Brake and Clutch Levers - are they free and easy to operate (not too bent), are the ball-ends present (no sharp edges)
- Brake Pads - sufficient material to last the day
- Forks - not bent / siezed, not leaking oil
- Tyres - sufficent tread to last the day
- Throttle - does it snap shut properly
- Fairings are secure (No Duck Tape!) and have no sharp edges
- Any other obvious mechanical problems (missing bolts, oil leaks, etc.)
Gear
- Full leathers (1-piece or 2-piece zip together)
- Helmet in good condition
- Gloves
- Boots
The scrutineers are not out to ruin anyone's day, but they won't let you out on the track with unsafe equipment so it pays to have a look over your bike and gear before heading out to the track. A mechanic is available at the site who can help with minor problems that might otherwise ruin your day, and gear can be rented for the day if yours is not up to standard.
Equipment Hire
Bikes and leathers can be hired for the track day. This can be done as part of the booking process, but it would probably be a good idea to phone and make sure that they have gear available in your size...
Programme
Riders are arranged into 4 speed groups from slow to fast.
There are six 20-minute sessions through the day for each group, starting at 9:00am and ending at 5:00pm.
There is no lunch break.
It takes approximately an hour to get to hampton downs from the Auckland CBD, and you need to be at the track by 8:00am to get scrutineering done in time for the rider's briefing at 8:30. It is advisable to get there plenty early if you want to get yourself a position along pit lane.
Insurance
Some insurance companies will cover your bike at a Hampton Downs Ride Days track day. Usually you have to inform them that you are doing the track day and sometimes there is an extra fee payable.
