First trackday

Screwy

Screwy

New member
So Ive finally bitten the bullet and am going to do my first trackday at the DOC trackday at Mallory , Any suggestions for bike/rider prep ? The only other experiance I have of track riding is taking a LC 350 production racer round Aintree at an open practice more years a go than I care to remember :D
 
Just take it easy at first to learn the track a little and forget about people behind you. Best take mirrors off tape up all the lights (don't forget to switch off the headlight behind the tape or the heat will cause a right sticky mess) tape up/ take off the reg plate. I've heard rumours that insurance spotters are sometimes at trackdays. Take extra fuel if you can as you soon get through it and is sometimes hard to source at some tracks. Some little things like cable ties and gaffer tape can save the day sometimes and if you run with a dark visor take a clear spare if poss. Just chill and enjoy it, it's still fun even if it rains.
 
If you suffer from hayfever, make sure you get it sorted before you go. Get the antihistimes in you. Cost me a mirror and support bracket :mad: :mad:
 
Oh and don't forget to take 2 or 3 laps to warm the tyres through or it'll be vrooom.... Scccrshhhhhhhhhhhhhh....... sound of weeping
 
Richie996 said:
Oh and don't forget to take 2 or 3 laps to warm the tyres through or it'll be vrooom.... Scccrshhhhhhhhhhhhhh....... sound of weeping
Click to expand...

A right jobes comfort you are :mad:



:D:D:D:p
 
Screwy, Mallory is an OK track it'll be good for your first experience as it's not very long and only a handful of corners, plus it's known as the friendly circuit :D

Firstly make sure your bike is in good working order, no leaks and nothing loose, same for your gear, helmet, gloves, boots and leathers.

No idea if you're riding or taking a van/trailer if you have the luxury of a van etc remove mirrors, plate etc and if possible disconnect the brake light.

Make sure you get a good nights sleep the night before as you'll need all the energy you can find on the day, take plenty of fluids on the day even when you feel OK, eat at regular intervals no big lunchtime meals as you'll become lethargic in the afternoon sessions.

Bike wise check and adjust/lower tyres pressures to suit the conditions, make sure you have around 1/2 tank of fuel in for each session (you won't need anymore than this).

Make sure you have spare fuel as you'll get through probably 20-30 litres at Mallory, it might be short but it's quick, take a good selection of tools, gaffer tape, cable ties, nuts and bolts, Dzus fasteners etc as you never know.

There's only one of two garages at Mallory so if you want one get there very very early!

When on the bike make sure you're relaxed and take it easy, think it's only a road which goes round and round, no old dears in volvo's not grids no diesel spills and make sure you listen in detail to the briefing, take in the flags, the sighting/warm-up (tyres) laps the cool down lap (can you over take or not?) ask for instruction and for one of the guys to show you around, you'll learn more in one session with an instructor in 20 minutes than you will in 10 track days.

.....Finally Gerrards goes on and on and on...... Enjoy :D
 
My first track day was with the DSC at Cadwell last year and was amazing, I was scared to death, I mean shaking scared but wow, what a fantastic day out.

I entered novice and found it a bit tame for me, had great fun nevertheless, entered in Inters at Oulton this time and am going through the same scared feelings again !

You won't be first, or last, just enjoy it, listen to the briefing, watch whats going on and don't look behind you !

Enjoy !
 
My very first trackdays were at Mallory in 1989 ILOC on an RGS. I took it steady for a few sessions then the red mist came down.....I will not let that 851 past.......and ended up on the grass bank at the hairpin. I didn't drop it but after that scare I settled down and took it steady. I found out that the guys riding the 851's were a couple of journo's testing them for a mag! It's up to the riders behind to overtake you safely so you can concentrate on where your going!
 
Sorry mate didn't mean to disarm you. It's excellent fun, go and have a ball, don't worry just give it beans with a big smile on yer face.
 
Screwy,

Fuel is available at the circuit If you cannot take any, expensive and cash only IIRC. At Mallory you are inside the circuit and cannot get out easily, captive audience! Food available as well if you wan to travel light.

The circuit is bit like a tardis, looks small but loadsa room once your on it.

If you are riding down I would personally go the night before and B&B it or whatever, I find it just a bit too far to travel there and back and do the trackday in one day from Yorks. Donnington, Oulton, croft and cadwell are within "range".

Treat the track like yer favourite road except that no one is gonna pull out on ya, no speed traps and everyone is going the same way.........hopefully.

Ray.
 
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