Improvements for the NEXT trackday.

[FROSTY]

Thanks for the words of praise folks Its given me the incentive to run another track day.BUT I would like to hear ways the day could have been improved.
Douggie and I have been talking about it on the way back to dorkland.
1)The food be included in the price and you place your order when you sighn in.-simplified menu
2) possibly 4 groups instead of 3 -There were people in the slow group NEEDED to move up but the middle group was full.
3)streamline scrutineering -I think that comes with experience.
4) sort out the Marshalls marshalls at riders brief. That was a poential disaster.
5) The "emergency braking" session needed a corner marshal giving the all clear.

I had a couple of bits of feedback that I took on board -Rainbow wizard was a bit concerned about the cones into pit lane being a bit intrusive.
Please guys n gals I really wanna know how to make this better next time

[BNZ]

A bit less rain to and from the track would have gone down a treat, and if you could get my bike do some better mileage i wouldnt have had to blow $80 on gas :msn-wink:

[FROSTY]

dude--It diddn't rain on the day :2thumbsup :2thumbsup
Yes folks its official--i think God is a motorcyclist.

[BNZ]

Yes folks its official--i think God is a motorcyclist.

Well he doesnt live anywhere between Taupo and Wellington, thats for sure!

[Sheep Dags]

yea i think we could do a lunch all together next time... maybe bring a barbie down and have a cook-up... it'd be a good chance to mingle more anyways.
there'll be room in my van for one next time anyway cause i won't have a wreck filling up space.

[JohnBoy]

i agree, a BBQ lunch would have gone down a treat.
maybe we could add on a bit to the cost of the day to cover it??
who knows?? we could organise a few (:drinknsin ) beers the night before, the locals seemed nice enough when me and a mate went out on the sat.

[trev]

Probably a stupid suggestion but can you go around the track the other way.
I wrecked my left boot & then I could wreck the right one to match it.
Go one way before lunch & the other after lunch.

[Draco]

Hey Frosty,
I think many would agree with you that having four groups would be a good option next time. Perhaps newbies, slow, moderate & fast. It would be really helpful for those of us who aren't quite ready for the moderate group but are too quick for the newbies, who sometimes aren't sure what to do when a few riders are bunched together and aren't as consistant at holding their lines when it starts to get competitive (not that anyone was racing of course).

Adding lunch to the price also sounds like a good idea, it was really convenient not to have to pack food, especially for those riding down and back. Just a note to remember if it's a bbq guys that not everyone eats dead cows! Subway was a great option for those of us who don't really do the junk food thing.

Many of us were pleased with a change in the overtaking rules, it helped keep the levels of frustration down having more options for overtaking. I would like to see the no overtaking through the hairpin reinforced in the slower group just to keep things safe (just my opinion though).

It was also a big help for us newbies to have experienced riders to talk to and follow around the track, and i'm sure it would be well appreciated if offered again at the next track day.

I hope this feedback all sounds positive because i don't have a single thing to bitch about after such an awesome day provided by a hard working team.

Cheers again Frosty & Team for an awesome day! :2thumbsup

[ajturbo]

first up...


THANKS A HEAP tony!!!!:banana: :banana:
improvements.... was not going to say untill next time, but as you want ideas...

1. rotation of the flag marshalls...say after each section (ie before the start of the slow class....each time) ?? i will bring small bike and one flaggy could use it to get to next post, pass on bike to that flaggy...etc, should only take a couple of minets and everyone (flaggys) could see all the track, ...(note: where i was that person should stay there all day, as you would not have to retrain each time... )

2..thats it!!!
:2thumbsup :2thumbsup :2thumbsup :2thumbsup :2thumbsup :2thumbsup

[Riff Raff]

Well you could have come up with an answer to Jimbo600 and WT's questions at the riders briefing!!!

Otherwise I think it went really well - the BBQ idea sounds good to me tho.

[Rodders]

:niceone: Frosty,Douggie and all the crew did a fantastic job I thought -its not easy giving up your own track time so others can have a blast but you all did -THANKYOU
Only a few MINOR improvements I reckon,
Scrutineering - you probably have enough people who could scrutineer to have 2 even 3 lines to make it abit quicker....more tracktime but I'm just greedy!!!!

I thought it was a good decision about no passing from hairpin to S's but maybe only for 2 sessions (for med group anyway) and maybe no cones to pits needed as its marked on the track anyway - got close to them after lunch!!!

What happened to the unofficial dropping of the flag down the straight- not a race ......of course. Was great fun dicing with a few people and all in a safe manner.

WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED

Bring on the next one!!!

Cheers
:ride: :ride: :ride: :ride: :ride: :ride: :ride:

[DEATH_INC.]

Make me faster so WT doesn't lap me on LB's pos TL again and make the front straight longer so I don't run outta wheelie room and....no that's it, it was pretty much perfect as it was.
Again,bloody well done :niceone: ,can't wait for the next one. :banana:

[Two Smoker]

Thanks for the words of praise folks Its given me the incentive to run another track day.BUT I would like to hear ways the day could have been improved.
Douggie and I have been talking about it on the way back to dorkland.
1)The food be included in the price and you place your order when you sighn in.-simplified menu
2) possibly 4 groups instead of 3 -There were people in the slow group NEEDED to move up but the middle group was full.
3)streamline scrutineering -I think that comes with experience.
4) sort out the Marshalls marshalls at riders brief. That was a poential disaster.
5) The "emergency braking" session needed a corner marshal giving the all clear.

I had a couple of bits of feedback that I took on board -Rainbow wizard was a bit concerned about the cones into pit lane being a bit intrusive.
Please guys n gals I really wanna know how to make this better next time
Let me do some instruction... i got bored beating the big bikes... And i second the cones, couldnt go full tits out of the hairpin some times...

[DEATH_INC.]

Let me do some instruction... i got bored beating the big bikes...
Bastard!!!

[dss3]

How about trying to make the next one a saturday? That way we can all get together afterwards for a pit of a party and hit the town. :banana:

All good things are better with beer... :drinknsin :niceone:

_daryl

[Kwaka-Kid]

I think you should have a no crashing rule.

Or wait, was there already one? My bad on not knowing the rules neither, i aint too good with them! Apologies to all those i may have overtaken when i wasnt meant to, Though it was a really hard position i felt trying to run a bike in, flex the engine and keep shifting for best results, but have to be stuck at a constant pace often thru some corners so i figured just slooooooowwwlly go the whole way around the very outter of the corner and it would be all good. So yeah, again sorry to those whom i may have made uncomfortable, i thought what i was doing was safe - haha then again that dont mean much when i tossed the bike @ turn1 only running mid-pace :( My bad! but thankyou Frosty, Curious george, and massive thankyou Bruno despite me already crashing someone elses bike, handing me your bike to attempt the same deal on straight afterwards! :) it made my day. Also big cheers to greg. Beast will be back up ready to race for pukekohe in a fortnight

[Racey Rider]

4) sort out the Marshalls .
What?! Did someone complain about my singing? :spudwhat:


marshalls at riders brief.
Yes,, As a first time marshall, I really needed to hear what the riders were told.

and some extra coloured flags would've made me feel more important.
and maybe a Police hat!! :2thumbsup

[NC]

Next time I'll sort my shit out and come up, to the discust of everyone else:)

[StoneChucker]

As I have said, brilliant day, had the most fun I've ever had on the bike...
But, noone told me about the no passing rule change after lunch. I heard about it as I was leaving at the end of the day. It really would have made a difference to me, as alot of the time I was held up waiting for the back straight. In heinsight it was obvious, but people were passing me while I dutifully waited for the back straight. I reckon I could have improved on my time, had I known about it. (not that I was being timed ofcourse).

Ahh well, next time ey?

[SPman]

I could turn my brain on, before 5pm!

[FROSTY]

And i second the cones, couldnt go full tits out of the hairpin some times...
Thanks TS ,You just hit the nail on the head with the cones.
There was a double reason for em. Mark off the pits entry and slooow people down into the first right hander.Cold tyres -only right hander on the track. Did ya notice I pulled em in a long way after lunch.

[MadDuck]

Hey Kwaka I was one who had a bit of a gripe about being over taken on the hairpin.

It was just because I wasnt expecting anyone to do it and it kinda thew me off balance. I know you MORE than have the skill to do it safely and when I realised it was you I did retract my gripe :msn-wink: but I can also understand the rules were there for a reason and that was for us new ones.

Next time beep ya damn horn or summit so the peps you passing dont drop their guts when you fly past :shake:

[BNZ]

Hey Kwaka I was one who had a bit of a gripe about being over taken on the hairpin.

It was just because I wasnt expecting anyone to do it and it kinda thew me off balance. I know you MORE than have the skill to do it safely and when I realised it was you I did retract my gripe :msn-wink: but I can also understand the rules were there for a reason and that was for us new ones.

Next time beep ya damn horn or summit so the peps you passing dont drop their guts when you fly past :shake:

No, I second that gripe. I was told clearly no overtaking on the hairpin, and was a bit peaved when i was held up behind someone so held back, and someone else cut under the two of us only to hold me up again at the sweeper! Although it is more fun when you have people to pass, but I think everyone has more fun when you all play by the same rules.

[FROSTY]

NO madduck you do not have reason to say sorry. The no overtaking rule was there to protect the inexperienced riders. Nuff said -lets leave it alone
Another area to clean up a little is to have a second riders brief for late arrivals.

[Kwaka-Kid]

What late arrivals?

I WAS ON TIME!! hehe

Yeah-Nah its fully my bad. Its cool. im a rebel... i was born to break the rules.. *cough*
I was going to beep my horn, had my thumb in the ready and all but then as i went to press it like dissapeared or summit? somebody fully took it off. I reckon it shoulda been picked up in scrutineering. i mean, what the?! a bike without a horn is like a dog without a bone... the lack of combination can be deadly.

[curious george]

FFS KK, get some sleep!

[TwoSeven]

How about getting a van that works :) :)

[Rainbow Wizard]

Probably a stupid suggestion but can you go around the track the other way.
But when I mentioned it I was told "that's what Puke's for"

[Rainbow Wizard]

Let me do some instruction... i got bored beating the big bikes... And i second the cones, couldnt go full tits out of the hairpin some times...
While I didn't miss Merkel's ego I would have loved some genuine how to be a better/more competant rider. Only thing I got to experience was my incompetance!

[FROSTY]

dude dont sweat it.Get those front forks sorted and youll be amazed how much better you'll ride. I can't fail ya for those seals but its gotta be seriously fucking ya handling

[FROSTY]

While I didn't miss Merkel's ego I would have loved some genuine how to be a better/more competant rider. Only thing I got to experience was my incompetance!
Next time I promise you'll get advise from one of the instuctors --at least one
+

[ajturbo]

a little birdy was talking to me yesterday and let slip about ANOTHER track day..:banana:

about october 9th -on a sunday


nothing for sure yet..........

BUT hell where there is smoke......... there is TS crashing:killingme :killingme :killingme

[White trash]

Let me do some instruction...

What you're teacing, I don't wanna learn.


i got bored beating the big bikes...

Some of the bigger bikes...............

[Two Smoker]

What you're teacing, I don't wanna learn.



Some of the bigger bikes...............

hehehe... can someone teach me how to ride (honestly)???

Yes i admit, i only bet some of the bigger bikes :( and yes it was only when they were pulling into the pits that i bet them :crybaby:

[Gixxer 4 ever]

While I didn't miss Merkel's ego I would have loved some genuine how to be a better/more competant rider. Only thing I got to experience was my incompetance!

Not true. You ride well. You did have a bit of a set- back but I did see you on the track later in the day. You are a good bloke and it was nice to chat with you. I would look at the bikes set-up to improve the ride and handling. I did see it missbehave in the hair pin and felt it would be different if firmed up.
It would be nice for WT or Frosty or some one in that top group to ride corner by corner with us tagging along. Walk to the corners while they do the corner on their bikes then come back and talk about WHY they do what they do. Hope to ride with you at the next track day. :2thumbsup

[FROSTY]

gixxer--funny you should mention that cos thats exactly what doug and I have been discussing. A track walk with me. I'll explain the corner whilst doug,MR trashy etc are riding around showing the lines
Follow this with the 4 slow laps to get comfortable.
Also I think yes I do need more instructors with perhaps a more structured aproach. Maybee a list of names in each group wanting instruction.
Douggie and Motoracer did a bloody good job but it was a big ask for them to spread themselves around you lot.
The other thought would be to have an actual mechanic along and perhaps a suspension guru.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

gixxer--funny you should mention that cos thats exactly what doug and I have been discussing. A track walk with me. I'll explain the corner whilst doug,MR trashy etc are riding around showing the lines
Follow this with the 4 slow laps to get comfortable.
Also I think yes I do need more instructors with perhaps a more structured aproach. Maybee a list of names in each group wanting instruction.
Douggie and Motoracer did a bloody good job but it was a big ask for them to spread themselves around you lot.
The other thought would be to have an actual mechanic along and perhaps a suspension guru.
Yep you got it. Apart from the top riders the rest of us would really love to have this type of information available. I would be happy to give up track time to have someone sit down and work threw the info on how and why things happen when going forward at speed or otherwise. This has always been a disappointment for many. We go to a track day but there is no info other than what we ask for and we don't ask to much because people want to ride.
For example I am getting a bit older and as I picked up speed on the track at Taupo I found I was riding to the very edge of the rear tyre. I also noticed it was getting loos out of the hair pin. I ask someone why the riders get off the seat? Being older I can do it but it is harder work so don't bother. After it was explained that the tyre foot print is preserved etc I realised I was trying to pull the bike over to far and was about to drop it. Angle doesn't mean track speed with out a cost. That cost is more work from the rider.
This is what I would like from a track day but am to shy to ask. If you could have a gathering of riders and talk about it I would be in.
How about a venue in Taupo for lunch and an information sharing day? Would only take a few hours. Would need people that can give correct info etc.

[FROSTY]

bro I hear ya -Im just trying to figure out how to fit it all into ONE day.
Its a heck of an ask but lets see what we can do.
A part of riders brief is going to be explaining the track to you lot
Im thin king of a newbees brief after the main one possibly.
One point I will emphasise is that a racetrack has been desighned to fool ya
It is n't desighned to be easy to corner on.

[magnum]

maybe discuss the reasons for "hanging off",i saw a lot of the newer/middle class scraping pegs etc which can b dangerous,observation not critisysym from a flag marshall :ride:

[BNZ]

maybe discuss the reasons for "hanging off",i saw a lot of the newer/middle class scraping pegs etc which can b dangerous,observation not critisysym from a flag marshall :ride:

I agree, I was surprised to follow some bikes through the sweeper holding the same line as me while sitting in the middle of the seat. Im liking the ideas your have here about the instruction, and maybe we could squeeze more out of the lunch break. There appeared to be quite a break between the last morning session, and the first arvo session. Dare I say it, we bypass the wheelie session? Or maybe bump this to the end of the day? I would love to see this become a true training day and not just a blat around the track.

Is it harder to get the track on a saturday? Or was Sunday just an easier day for everyone? If the track day was on a sat then it would allow for a lot more socialising on the sat night. :niceone:

[White trash]

How about you run four classes, same three as before, with the addition of Motards?

Means you could get another 30 entries for the same days track hirage, drop the price for everyone.

Just a thought, I'd be a starter for that class too.

[BNZ]

How about you run four classes, same three as before, with the addition of Motards?

Means you could get another 30 entries for the same days track hirage, drop the price for everyone.

Just a thought, I'd be a starter for that class too.

Would love to watch the Motards, but $50 is pretty cheap allready. More numbers = less track time. Dont know what everyone thinks but I would rather have all the track time than lower the cost $15.

I think we need to hire a track for a weekend!

[White trash]

Yeah, don't know if you noticed or not, but alot of people stopped after the first afternoon session. A couple of faster guys can only do three or four sessions and their tyres and bodies are wrecked anyway.

Maybe have a session or two just for motards, use the dirt, and lump them in with the medium group for the rest of the day.

[That Guy]

Yep you got it. Apart from the top riders the rest of us would really love to have this type of information available. I would be happy to give up track time to have someone sit down and work threw the info on how and why things happen when going forward at speed or otherwise. This has always been a disappointment for many. We go to a track day but there is no info other than what we ask for and we don't ask to much because people want to ride.
For example I am getting a bit older and as I picked up speed on the track at Taupo I found I was riding to the very edge of the rear tyre. I also noticed it was getting loos out of the hair pin. I ask someone why the riders get off the seat? Being older I can do it but it is harder work so don't bother. After it was explained that the tyre foot print is preserved etc I realised I was trying to pull the bike over to far and was about to drop it. Angle doesn't mean track speed with out a cost. That cost is more work from the rider.
This is what I would like from a track day but am to shy to ask. If you could have a gathering of riders and talk about it I would be in.
How about a venue in Taupo for lunch and an information sharing day? Would only take a few hours. Would need people that can give correct info etc.

Gixxer - if you're looking for some go faster advice try Keith Code's The Soft Science of Motorcycle Racing (I think that's the title - haven't got a copy meself but someone here will) - some good bits in that you may not of thought about (eg hanging off is not actually for show it helps keep more of the tyre on the road).

[Skunk]

Gixxer - if you're looking for some go faster advice try Keith Code's The Soft Science of Motorcycle Racing (I think that's the title - haven't got a copy meself but someone here will) - some good bits in that you may not of thought about (eg hanging off is not actually for show it helps keep more of the tyre on the road).That's the third in the series. Twist of the Wrist 1 and 2 are the first two. Both good books. Haven't read Soft Science yet so I don't know what it covers.

[Gixxer 4 ever]

Gixxer - if you're looking for some go faster advice try Keith Code's The Soft Science of Motorcycle Racing

Thanks for that. I will hunt it out. :niceone:

[Gixxer 4 ever]

maybe discuss the reasons for "hanging off",i saw a lot of the newer/middle class scraping pegs etc which can b dangerous,observation not critisysym from a flag marshall :ride:
When I was chasing...........oooops I mean following Rainbow Wizard I saw it happen and realised it was time to ask. I was next because I got in to the feel of the roll over and it was good. Will have to start shifting the fat butt around next time. :whistle: Sounds like work. :confused:

[Gixxer 4 ever]

bro I hear ya -Im just trying to figure out how to fit it all into ONE day.
Its a heck of an ask but lets see what we can do.
It is n't desighned to be easy to corner on.

This info does not have to be presented at a track day. Yes it would be good to put it in to practise on the day but if we had a venue in Taupo on a nice winters day and sat around a white board while someone explained it to us with a pen it would work. Meet mid morning and leave early avo. I am going to try and get the book "That Guy" recommended. The reason I suggest this is because I was at Manfield a few years ago and someone was explaining the lines on a white board and why things happened the way they did. I could not stay for long and have regretted moving on ever since.
I am happy to start a thread and see if people would come to such a thing but we would need people that actually know what they are talking about not just think they know. I do not have those contacts. And if it rained on that day we could end up with 3 people not 50 people.
So would this type of info sharing, with out the track, work? in your opinion.
I did a pro drive course a few years ago. Yes I was 20 years older than everyone else, long story but one student did turn up so I took his place, but they explained how the suspension and sway bars etc worked. Never forgoten it.

[magnum]

have you ever done a honda riders club day?[dont need to own a honda to participate]just to be a member.3 classes and when not on the track,or lunch time people in the "know" discuss lines,body position,braking with the aid of a white board,almost like a classroom,with q &a thru it as well. :ride:

[Gixxer 4 ever]

have you ever done a honda riders club day?[dont need to own a honda to participate]just to be a member.3 classes and when not on the track,or lunch time people in the "know" discuss lines,body position,braking with the aid of a white board,almost like a classroom,with q &a thru it as well. :ride:

No I haven't. Sounds like the sort of thing I was keen on.
I will jump on the net and have a look for them. Thanks for the help. No good reinventing the wheel if someone is already doing it. Wounder if they would come along to a K/B day and share the knowledge with other bike riders? Can only ask I suppose. Cheers

[FROSTY]

I guess it really depends what you are hoping to get out of the day.
My format was to get as many people track time as possible Have it remain a social event with rider training really a secondary purpose.
I hear what you're saying and I feel a Rider training day would be in order.
Not reinventing the wheel but perhaps a base level course for those still getting to grips with the mechanics of actually riding a bike. An advanced course for those more experienced riders wanting to increase their skill and a race introduction course for the faster riders perhaps thinking of getting into racing or just wanting to get that edge for their country riding.
The 3 courses could be run at the same time. with trainig being reinforced by track time.
Ok you lot now ya see my Evil plan -I want to see if I can contribute just a little to motorcycling in enzed.

[MadDuck]

Frosty stop!

You did a damn good job (nah a damn awesome job) and with just a few tweeks it might be improved. I wasnt looking for riding lessons just a chance to experience what its like to be on the track. And thats what we got plus some!

Dont make it a newbie training thing because the faster guys might stay away and thats not what we (ok I) want. We learn as much from watching them. If you cant ride a bike you shouldnt be there. If some of the lads decide to get into racing even the better.

Well IMHO

[Two Smoker]

second what madduk said... and dont get me to instruct... i cant ride and have problems staying on the track...

[FROSTY]

no madduck you're missing what i'm saying. Track days will still be track days.
i have an evil grand plan. I want to also have rider training days with proper instructors.Bike setup courses for racers and fast riders. First aid courses
sheesh now i'm prattling on. :angry2:

[MadDuck]

second what madduk said... and dont get me to instruct... i cant ride and have problems staying on the track...

Well I am still waiting for my lessons TS ...lmfao

[Two Smoker]

Well I am still waiting for my lessons TS ...lmfao Well i tried a bit of MX style on my 400.... can teach you that if you want...

[Kwaka-Kid]

I went Fairing surfing down turn1. worked out good till she got caught in a swell and upturned, barrell rolled a bit and that was my lot.

Anyways! sounds like some good ideas are coming of this thread, wicked stuff. -My bikes basically repaired now and just being modd'ed to fit tank cover. Pukekohe here we come.

[Two Smoker]

Anyways! sounds like some good ideas are coming of this thread, wicked stuff. -My bikes basically repaired now and just being modd'ed to fit tank cover. Pukekohe here we come.
You soft bastard, you should be doing the winter series!!!

[Kwaka-Kid]

hahaha :P Yeah bit too far, and cant get friday off to do practise day to make it worthwhile as i have gearing to adjust... at the mo not looking good for pukekohe but at least i have the saturday practise day up my sleeve.... Least i got the fairings all fibreglassed back together today :) as backups.. and seat bracket made to sit me further back... and bent exhaust back out some more... its all coming together i hope.