I'm interested in track days

**racefactory** · 24th August 2011, 18:37

Originally Posted by Quasievil

Racefactory are you on drugs ?

the guy is on a 250cc bike, as an ex racer I dont want to be TESTING a race bike to see some NOB on a 250 in the fucking way learning how to ride a bike.
Trackdays are for this, NOT test days

In fact I'm not on drugs.

When I was there last time some dude was having great fun on his Ninja 250r, not minding at all us lot hooning by at 250kph, and there was no problem from anyone. It's really not as crazy as it sounds. A Bandit 250 would be just perfect. There are also guys who've had only positive things to say doing it on MC22's/ZXR's as well.

I know what it's like to be in this guy's position- there is fuck all easily accessible info out there regarding how to get on track and I just wish to encourage him to enjoy what is a very good opportunity to do so. There needs to be more people getting on the track on bikes and I wish to see as many as possible join in the fun and help the overall scene in NZ.

**sinfull** · 24th August 2011, 19:31

Have to agree !

Test days are not the place for learners !

And that as many riders as possible need to do as many track days as they can !

**slowpoke** · 24th August 2011, 22:26

Originally Posted by racefactory

In fact I'm not on drugs.

When I was there last time some dude was having great fun on his Ninja 250r, not minding at all us lot hooning by at 250kph, and there was no problem from anyone. It's really not as crazy as it sounds. A Bandit 250 would be just perfect. There are also guys who've had only positive things to say doing it on MC22's/ZXR's as well.

I know what it's like to be in this guy's position- there is fuck all easily accessible info out there regarding how to get on track and I just wish to encourage him to enjoy what is a very good opportunity to do so. There needs to be more people getting on the track on bikes and I wish to see as many as possible join in the fun and help the overall scene in NZ.

"Fuck all easily accessible information"? I just plugged "motorcycle track day New Zealand" into Mr Google and there's MotoTT and HD Ride Days on the first page, both of whom have good info how to get started, bike prep, gear and what to expect. How hard is that?

It's not about whether anybody minds being on track with much faster bikes, it's just not smart. I've been on my superbike passing a slow (in a straight line) motard at Manfeild when he decided to sneak a peek over his shoulder and drifted right across the track, sucking up the tarmac I'd planned on using. With a closing speed of 100kph it's not good enough to say "she'll be right". Shit happens, and with big closing speeds it happens in a big way....like coronial inquest kinda big. And it's not just you or the other folks you're on track with, if it all goes pear shaped you ruin it for all of us: riders, insurance company's, track day business's, and track operators, health professional's etc etc.

So just be smart and use the better options that are available.

**Quasievil** · 24th August 2011, 22:38

Good Post Spud, To many people on this site seem to think they know it all and happily advise people, when infact they dont know shit and should shut up.
There isnt a rule that newbies musy post on every fucking thread generated as far as I know.

**racefactory** · 24th August 2011, 22:43

Originally Posted by slowpoke

With a closing speed of 100kph it's not good enough to say "she'll be right".

Oh come on it's our Kiwi way of doing things.

Anyway- I was a learner, I had a bloody amazing time and highly recommend it!

**B17DUF** · 25th August 2011, 09:21

Well i recently did a "Ride Day" @ Hampton Downs and I had a fantastic time. I am a competent Rider but far far from a racer, this was my first Track Day in NZ (Been off a bike for a few yrs) so booked myself into the Slow group and also signed up for the first timers programme. This instantly put me at ease, knowing that other guys in my group were at a similar level / speed to me meant that i could concentrate on my skills and not worry about guys coming by me and scaring the sh*t out of me. Having a CSS coach on hand to take you round the lap, show you recommended braking / turning points was also very helpful. The day was very structured and there was plenty of friendly staff about to help out, give advice. HDRD have strict rules in place to make sure that everyone has fun and stays safe, meaning that if guys are riding like Di*ks and putting people at risk they will be black flagged and removed from the track.

I really can't recommend HDRD enough, perfect for anyone wanting to experience the thrill of the race track. Will be looking at doing another day early in september.
Hope this helps (Remember this is just my opinion )

Duff

**SPP** · 26th August 2011, 11:29

All are better than CoroGP, however…

Puke’ Testing
Mixing a seasoned rider on a race bike and a noob on a 250 is risky. The speed differential will be greater than walking your bike on the motorway. I'm not saying Puke’ testing is out of the question but it really depends on who and how many show up on the day.
Seriously, do ART and HRD and Taupo before Testing. You’ll enjoy it more.

Racefactory
Is actually a competent rider on a supersport with Dukie attention and upgraded brakes. I’d eat his shorts if a 250 hornet laps puke in 64s

Oooo look…
http://www.hamptondownsridedays.co.nz/
http://www.amcc.org.nz/advanced-art
http://www.motott.co.nz/bookings.html

**shonofear** · 28th August 2011, 07:36

hey,
cant find what time the track day starts ???
i couldn't book online cause credit card not working, but now the website is saying no spots available, maybe cause its actually the track day today.
either way i'll be riding down to check out the place with cash to potentially get on the track.

is it 10am start
4pm finish

?

Cheers, i'd have to leave i the next hr so would greatly appreciate a response if anyones awake out there...

**slowpoke** · 28th August 2011, 08:06

On ya bike son, prolly starts at 9am

Originally Posted by shonofear

hey,
cant find what time the track day starts ???
i couldn't book online cause credit card not working, but now the website is saying no spots available, maybe cause its actually the track day today.
either way i'll be riding down to check out the place with cash to potentially get on the track.

is it 10am start
4pm finish

?

Cheers, i'd have to leave i the next hr so would greatly appreciate a response if anyones awake out there...

**shonofear** · 29th August 2011, 17:55

yea, all good.
had a flippin blast hey. totally recommend to all.
gonna hit the Cali superbike school for sure now.
yew

**Autech** · 29th August 2011, 18:29

My first track day was an ART at Puke, was fun but on a 250 it's not ideal, the speed difference down the back straight, while not scary, often meant that in the slow group, heading back up over the hill on the front section the riders which had shot past you on the straight with all their horse powers, were less inclined to pin it up over the crest. Yet you on the 250, with your smile widening, you have no power to throw you wide (you'd have to deliberately try to fuck this corner up), so love that section, yet get held up. Basically ending up pissed off.
That said the instructors did get me straight out of some learner habits and put me on the right track and overall I had a good time. So give it a crack.
Never got to ride Hampton but did Taupo (Open day with speed groups) next, fanstatic track! Now I'm in Christchurch so look out Ruapuna!

As for gear, get the best stuff your budget can afford.

**tbs** · 30th August 2011, 09:43

I did my first track day at HD this weekend. I had an absolute blast! I started out in the slow group for the first two laps and had the same issue. I was getting blasted on the straights on my little Ninja but getting held up in the corners. A quick chat with Ash from Superbike School assured me I should go up a group. After that I was still getting blasted by the bigger bikes, but could hit the corners a lot harder. It did mean I got carved up a few times by other riders entering the tighter turns. I was hanging out side and trying to hit the apex right to get maximum exit speed, while others would be closing so rapidly that they would shoot the inside line just as I was turning in. Some apologized... some didn't. It was all good though. I just tried to focus on riding optimum lines and speed will come later.

Next stop Taupo and MotoTT.

**Devil** · 30th August 2011, 10:36

tbs and shonofear: Well done guys, you were getting along well out there. Not doing anything that would result in the marshals calling you in was a bonus too

See you again soon I hope!

Cheers,

Matt
Course Control.

**tbs** · 30th August 2011, 11:34

Originally Posted by Devil

tbs and shonofear: Well done guys, you were getting along well out there. Not doing anything that would result in the marshals calling you in was a bonus too

See you again soon I hope!

Cheers,

Matt
Course Control.

Thanks Matt.
Hey I saw a few photographers around the track. Any word on where we can see photos? Looked like they had a good angle at turn 4.

b.