Novice track days?

**h20boy** · 26th June 2009, 21:45

So I've just gone from a 60hp kawa twin to a GSXR750 with double that, and i'm thinking I'd really like to do a track day to build up my confidence with the new bike in a controlled environment...

Are there track days run, preferably at pukekohe, for slow-pokes like me where I won't be a danger to faster riders?

**Kiwi Graham:Me** · 27th June 2009, 09:02

ART track day 30th August. Go to the AMCC web site for details. Have fun

**discotex** · 27th June 2009, 12:07

Originally Posted by h20boy

So I've just gone from a 60hp kawa twin to a GSXR750 with double that, and i'm thinking I'd really like to do a track day to build up my confidence with the new bike in a controlled environment...

Are there track days run, preferably at pukekohe, for slow-pokes like me where I won't be a danger to faster riders?

I know you'd prefer Puke but if you want corners you're much better off at Taupo. Makes for a nice ride down (unless you trailer) but you're best off staying overnight the night before.

MotoTT group 4 is well suited to a trackday novice and they take extra time to brief newbies at the start. July 24th is their next one.

http://motott.co.nz/

Would be happy to show you the ropes but I won't be heading down until August or September.

Otherwise wait a little longer and Hampton Downs will be opening for bikes. Sounds like it'll be $200/day but it'll be well worth it.

**p.dath** · 27th June 2009, 13:44

Originally Posted by h20boy

So I've just gone from a 60hp kawa twin to a GSXR750 with double that, and i'm thinking I'd really like to do a track day to build up my confidence with the new bike in a controlled environment...

Are there track days run, preferably at pukekohe, for slow-pokes like me where I won't be a danger to faster riders?

+1 to the Auckland Motor Cycle Club (AMCC) Advanced Rider Training (ART) day at Pukekohe.

It's not just a track day. They also have instructors there to help you.

http://www.amcc.co.nz/

Next one is August 30th. This is the entry form:
http://www.amcc.co.nz/entry_forms/ARTAug2009Entry.pdf

**h20boy** · 27th June 2009, 15:31

Originally Posted by p.dath

+1 to the Auckland Motor Cycle Club (AMCC) Advanced Rider Training (ART) day at Pukekohe.

It's not just a track day. They also have instructors there to help you.

http://www.amcc.co.nz/

Next one is August 30th. This is the entry form:
http://www.amcc.co.nz/entry_forms/ARTAug2009Entry.pdf

Thanks Chaps...think thats a bit of me then

**kudos@xtra.co.nz** · 28th June 2009, 15:15

California superbike school at hampton Downs, nothing comes close.

**Dirty_Harri** · 28th June 2009, 15:46

Originally Posted by kudos@xtra.co.nz

California superbike school at hampton Downs, nothing comes close.

Can you attend this if you're a noob on your learners? I'd be keen!

**p.dath** · 28th June 2009, 16:26

Originally Posted by Genevieve

Can you attend this if you're a noob on your learners? I'd be keen!

I hear this is quite expensive ...

**discotex** · 28th June 2009, 19:19

Originally Posted by Genevieve

Can you attend this if you're a noob on your learners? I'd be keen!

Should be allowed but whether you feel you get value for money is the real issue.

I'd guess you'd want to be a fairly confident open road rider before putting down the minimum of $500 for entry.

**prettybillie** · 29th June 2009, 09:10

Definitely the AMCC ART day on 30 August or the MotoTT track days. Both will provide help and advice. The ART day is aimed at training though - hence it is an Advance Rider Training Day not a track day, so might be ther place to start with. The guys at MotoTT are really supportive as well though. It's a choice of Puke or Taupo you have to make. As an attendee of both, I can recommend both

**Dirty_Harri** · 29th June 2009, 11:18

Originally Posted by prettybillie

Definitely the AMCC ART day on 30 August or the MotoTT track days. Both will provide help and advice. The ART day is aimed at training though - hence it is an Advance Rider Training Day not a track day, so might be ther place to start with. The guys at MotoTT are really supportive as well though. It's a choice of Puke or Taupo you have to make. As an attendee of both, I can recommend both

Okay cool! Sounds like the place to be. I might just get a bit more experience on the road first i think. Did you find Taupo an easier track to handle? I've raced (cars) at puke and I can imagine the front straight and the hair pin/s to be pretty scary on a bike

**prettybillie** · 29th June 2009, 12:25

Originally Posted by Genevieve

Okay cool! Sounds like the place to be. I might just get a bit more experience on the road first i think. Did you find Taupo an easier track to handle? I've raced (cars) at puke and I can imagine the front straight and the hair pin/s to be pretty scary on a bike

I LOVE PUKEKOHE!!!!! The other tracks are cool - but I LOVE PUKEKOHE!!!

**kudos@xtra.co.nz** · 29th June 2009, 12:39

CSS is expensive but not as expensive as repairs after falling off! and much cheaper than a funeral.

On a more cheery but provocative topic I would keep off Taupo until they fix the slippery parts of the track and IMO Manfeild is the best track in NZ. Its a fast flowing track and the turns are banked which makes you feel like u are really leaned over (which is not true of course). Its recently been resealed and rewards skill. A 600cc can beat a litre bike around that track.

Puke is just dangerous.

**MaxCannon** · 29th June 2009, 12:53

I've never been to Manfield so can't comment there.
Last time I was at Taupo I didn't have any issues with the repairs. It's a nice track, just a bit of a trek from Auckland.
Pukekohe is dangerous but then all racetracks are dangerous.
The main issue is over the hill and into turn 1.
Remeber it's not a race, look where you want the bike to go and you'll be sweet.
I think any properly run trackday / training day is 100 times safer than riding on the road.
A few weeks back I did 300kms riding around the back of beyond.
Opposing traffic, blind corners, washouts etc
Add to that the fact that If I did crash it would could take hours for emergency services to get there.