Playday at Hampton Downs Good Friday, 29 March?

**Damantis** · 21st March 2013, 20:08

I have a mate who is looking for a ticket if anyone has one but can no longer make it.

Anyone else going? There's only one bike group and has sold out already.

I'm a little worried as it's my first track day and there's only one bike group. There will obviously be a large spread of abilities / speed / experience etc. Guess I'll figure it out. Gotta be safer than going fast on the road tho, right?

**DidJit** · 22nd March 2013, 07:35

You'll be alright. Just hold your line, and don't worry about people who may or may not be behind you. If there are faster riders behind you, it'll be up to the passing bike to get around you safely with a gap of 2m throughout the passing maneuver. Playday also have a "first timers" programme where they'll show you the track, some possible lines and some techniques for riding on track. Just identify yourself as a first timer at the riders' briefing (which they'll ask anyway).

**Damantis** · 23rd March 2013, 08:40

Originally Posted by DidJit

You'll be alright. Just hold your line, and don't worry about people who may or may not be behind you. If there are faster riders behind you, it'll be up to the passing bike to get around you safely with a gap of 2m throughout the passing maneuver. Playday also have a "first timers" programme where they'll show you the track, some possible lines and some techniques for riding on track. Just identify yourself as a first timer at the riders' briefing (which they'll ask anyway).

I hear that people reduce a few pounds of tyre pressure for track riding. What are the reasons for this? More grip or quicker warm up etc?

**DidJit** · 23rd March 2013, 09:13

Yep, more grip. Check with the Playday staff on the day and they'll make a suggestion based on your ride and what tyres you're using. Probably something in the area of 30psi front and rear. Just bear in mind that it'll take you 2–3 laps of "easy does it" to get the tyres up to temperature (unless you have tyre warmers) before you can start pushing.

**BigAl** · 23rd March 2013, 13:12

And lastly Dan, if in doubt wind it out!

**Damantis** · 24th March 2013, 19:12

A friend is still keen on a ticket if anyone can't make it.

**307a** · 24th March 2013, 19:34

Originally Posted by Damantis

I hear that people reduce a few pounds of tyre pressure for track riding. What are the reasons for this? More grip or quicker warm up etc?

Believe me you don't ride fast enough to muck around with the tyre pressure and neither do I.

**Damantis** · 29th March 2013, 18:40

Originally Posted by 307a

Believe me you don't ride fast enough to muck around with the tyre pressure and neither do I.

I was doing 205 on the speedo up the main straight and people were flying past me at about 270!

On the upside, my tyres now look much more respectable! What an awesome day!