Originally Posted by ceo012384
The main problem you're going to have is INFORMATION OVERLOAD.
There is so fucking much to learn. Just go in with an attitude that caters to learning and soaking in the information. Accept the fact that you know absolutely nothing, and you suck at controlling your motorcycle. And I'm not saying that to be a dick.
A couple little tips:
1. Get a good night's sleep beforehand, and eat a good breakfast.
2. Bring too much stuff. Tools, energy bars, snacks, extra gas can and gas, spare oil and filter.... ANYTHING you might need that could ruin your day if you don't have it. Also, if you have spare parts (clip ons, levers, footpegs, frame slider pucks, etc.), bring those so you won't be done for the day if you have even a minor dump (like a lowside on pit road... trust me it's happened).
3. Eat some breakfast and get there early, find a spot to pit, and try to relax. You'll be nervous, and it's normal.
4. Listen to EVERYTHING the control riders and instructors say, especially in the beginning of the day when they'll be telling you track procedure and (sometimes) they will take very slow laps with the beginners to show them 'the line'. Ask them midday if you can get some personal follow-time and some help. They're there to help you.
5. Pay attention, keep your head up, look ahead. Develop your reference points. If you don't pick spots for WHERE you want to do things lap after lap, you'll never be consistent and you'll never get fast.
This may be the most important one:
6. YOU SUCK. YOU'RE SLOW. Get used to it. Don't go in there thinking you're going to ride balls out... because trust me, someone out there is on a 20 year old 50 horsepower bike and they can get around the track faster than you. Don't wail the shit out of your bike on the straight and then park it in all the turns... use the straight to collect your thoughts and think ahead. When I'm coming out of the last corner I'm already thinking about my brake on/off points into the first turn, and when I'm rolling off the throttle on the straight I'm already thinking about my drive out of the first corner... it helps to slow things down for you.
7. Yes, I know you want to drag knee. If you 'try' to drag knee, you're doing it wrong. You'll hang off like a monkey and scuff your knee puck and be very happy about it... but it doesn't mean shit. Do it that way if you want just to do it once... but after that, concentrate on being smooth and fast, and positioning your body properly. ASK an instructor about body positioning... most people hang their ass off but keep their torso over the bike. That's a no-no.
8. RELAX. No, really, RELAX YOUR BODY. Keep your upper body loose, or if you start to push limits, you'll crash. It is absolutely imperative that you don't have pressure on the handlebars mid-corner. You WILL crash. I've done it.
These are just a few tips off the top of my head. I am by no means a good rider or a fast rider... but these are my tips that I think will help you get the most out of your first track day. There's more.... but like I said... concentrate on being smooth, and being alert and soaking in all the information you can. Fast comes later.
Oh, and by the way... you'll have a fucking blast. Look in your wallet right now.... that's the most money you're ever going to have again.
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