NZ Track days could be better
I've done 3 track days in NZ having come from the UK in 2006 where I did 40-50 at various circuits and with lots of different Trackday organisers ( TDOs).
I think there is a need to open up a few points on how track days are run here. Before I begin I want to say that my 3 days have been very enjoyable and I dont want to come across as some sort of whinging pomme... The points below dont stop me from riding, I just raise them because I think things could improve. I also recognise that there is a much smaller market here and there are cost implications (which I will cover below) ...
Anyway...I love track days and I think I can add something or stimulate some positive debate... simple as that.
- Track time. Track time is everything. Its what we do track days for. We all make a big commitment to get to a track in NZ. I found it a bit frustrating that there was less track time than was feasible. In the UK, tracks open for riding at 9am sharp and finish at 5pm ( there are also evening sessions) . That means all registration and track rules etc are dealt with before then . Track sessions are 20 minutes and 6 or 7 sessions are quite normal. I've only been to Taupo but it is such a waste that it opens at 10am (or slightly earlier). I once asked why there was such a late start and was told about track temprature.... Having ridden in November and March in the UK this didnt wash with me...
- Safety/emergency cover. I think there should be 2 ambulance crews on duty at track days. If there is an injury and he has to be taken away to hospital then there is cover for the rest. No riding should occur without emergency cover...I was amazed at one day I attended when we were allowed to ride without ambulance cover. If a serious accident occurred it would have been unforgivable.
- Track rules. In the UK Pillions are banned, stunt riding is banned (black flagged) and leathers must be worn. I'm not entirely convinced by the leathers rule but I am disturbed by seeing pillions and riders using a track day as an opportunity to lash around with pillions or stunt ride. Both circumstances are serious accidents waiting to happen which could be avoided. I don't think this is appropriate on a track where there are varying riding abilities around. Other sessions for stunts could be arranged....but a track days is not the time or place IMO.... Overall though I think general track behaviour is good here (if the boys on supermotards can be avoided - but that is a seperate issue ay )...
- Instruction. One of the things I and many others (in the UK) have benefitted from is having instructors there on the day to act as rolling marshals and to give advise to riders. For me this greatly enhanced the benefit I got from the day and added to the overall impression that the day was fully managed. Usually these were competent racers who valued the (free) track time and enjoyed the responsibility of the marshal/instructor role. I've seen very little of this here in NZ but I am sure it is feasible. It does raise the total number of track day addicts.... which is a good thing yes ?
- Costs - In the UK many of the TDO's have gone to the wall because of lunatic insurance costs making running a TDO difficult. Thankfully there is a more sensible view on that here. There is also the high cost of running tracks there and the fact that people have more disposable income.... but in any case...the track days industry is booming. Almost every day at every track in the spring-autumn is fully booked before the day occurs. In other words, demand is strong. It is stong because the track and the TDOs have realised there is a market there... They have encouraged riders to come to the tracks... as a result the industry has grown...
I do think here could be quite strong too... especially for a firm that gives maximum track times, efficient management of the day and value-adds like instruction. There is scope for higher prices if the rider gets the benefits.
Here are some typical costs for tracks in the Uk :
- Donington (without noise restrictions) : $452
- Oulton Park (2005 price) $416
- Cadwell Park (2006) $312
- Rockingham Raceway (2006) $312
- Silverstone (rare) $520
- Brands Hatch (Full Circuit) $626
Add to that the cost of fuel now at $2.75 and accommodation (min $65 per night) and its an expensive hobby doing
track days
Think yourselves lucky kiwis...
So when we pay $90 - $120 we have a bargain yes ?... but what do we get as a result ?.... and could it be better if we paid more or some things were changed...? From what I have seen the track day scene here could expand , could provide a better event and could be a profitable enterprise. There is a market for an improved product perhaps at a higher price.
- More could be done for accommodation links (from track and TDO websites).... many folks are from out of town and could do with some info...
- a better map on the Taupo motor sport park website and a few road signs around the place would be handy !!.... why spend millions on the circuit and not have a signs anywhere around the circuit ?
- and why are all the garages at Taupo closed....???....what's that all about ??...At all UK tracks ALL the garages are open... (including the one Rossi uses at Donington.... I always use that one....
)... it costs nothing.... Having all the punters sweating in the sun....thats pretty mean..... not to mention detrimental to the riders who need shelter during a long hard day.... surely a deal can be done on this !!!
Anyway.... as I say..... hopefully some debate will ensue....
Cheers
Mort
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Mort
, I too kinda have a curvy figure which makes it worse beacuse im a guy. Well the waist kinda goes in and the bum pushes out. When I was in college the girls in my year would slap me on the arse and squeeze because apparently it is firm, tight...
I wear jeans
Yeah right
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