Pics from my track days

The first track day I did was in 2006 Riding a stock 1992 Kawasaki EX500 Ninja at NHIS, Had a ball.

In 2009 I had the chance to do another track day, this time at Pocono. I had a 1984 Honda VF500F so I took that and again had a blast, was in the white group as I really did not have to power to move up, but was still able to pass all the bigger better bikes on the track and the old VF500F got lots of attention in the pits. After that I had the chance to 2010 to do two more track days, one at NHIS and a second at Pocono. For both of these I took my 2005 SV650S. Was a great time again and I am looking forward to doing it again in 2012 if I get the opportunity.

Following area couple pics of me from a couple of the events.

This is me on the VF500F




This next one is me making an outside pass on a R-6 with the VF500F




Here is a pic of me on the SV650S in 2010 at NHIS in the Bowl





These next pictures are October 2010 at Pocono riding the SV650S



Coming onto the straight after making a double pass

 

Hopfully you will be able to someday compete against some dudes that aren't white.

 

Great pics! That SV is sweet ride.

 

Very nice. Passing people on the Miniceptor is awesome!!!

Rollin

 

Excellent pictures very good riding can't wait to tale my 500 to the track.

 

Those really are nice pics. Forgive me for asking... Buddy/friend of yours or professional track photographer? Just wondering if you had to shell out $$$ for the pictures and/or proofs?

 

Great photos!

I would enjoy hearing a bit more about the 500 Interceptor.

Any mods to the bike? What were your impressions riding this at a track day?

 

If he got those pix free, he got a deal. The pix look pro mostly because of the forced lean angle and chosen showing or indicating the passing of other riders. We all wanna look good... Look around on race days, track days and school days. The photogs get photo passes. In some instances they work in teams. 1-4 shooters stationed on various turns with a clear view. Bigass pro cameras and glass that is fast and a pocketfull of memory cards. The pros have it down. They will shoot a session or a heat, have a runner schlep the card to a central location download the info onto usuall a laptop or sometimes even a tower and crank out proofs in minutes. These central locations have print capability too. Some of the big boys even have large format printers for prints up to 16X20.

Do they do it free? Hell no.. Not when just a camera and a lens to get those spectacular shots runs as much as ten grand. For a real treat, scope out the dudes that shoot pro football.

 

The VF500F was stock, Got it for my Daughter after she completed the MSF Class. It was a little rough, I had the steering head bearings replaced and forks rebuilt. New Chain, Sprockets and tires. She ride it for two years, I used it for the track day, did not want to risk my FZ1 and I would rather ride a smaller bike fast than a big bike slow! If I was to take it again I would remove the center stand, it really limits the lean angle.

 

Track Day Photographer, He was a one man show, but had a trailer with computers and printers. I actually made friends with him and did a bike trade with him.

The Pics at NHIS were a different guy, that pic is not angled, the "Bowl" is really banked steep.

I try to ride like no one is watching, do not want to be distracted knowing pictures are being taken.

 

Cool pics David. :thumbsup:

My fave is the first pic,puck down on the the Miniceptor. Looks like Big Fun.
Saw the centerstand and was gonna ask but read your later post.

No offense intended here my friend but I just gotta ask.
You aren't one of those NASCAR track day riders or nuthin' are you?

Couldn't help but notice that you're only making left-hand turns. :lol:

Thanks for sharing. I like pics so keep 'em coming. :whoo:

 

I have a similar question on which of the blue masking tapes by 3M is best for taping up mirrors and headlights.

 

Its a toss up between "ScotchBlue Painter's Tape 2090-1E2" and
3M Automotive (3M 26334) Scotch Performance 233+ Automotive Refinish Masking Tape Single Roll.
Now, aren't you sorry you asked?:redface::tongue:

 

Sorry? No, but I was kinda hoping he'd use the 2750.

 

Nice Pictures! You should invest in a tinted shield for racing. On street I use a clear with sunglasses as it give me greater flexiblity but on the track I always wanted tint...I love the SV btw...faster than the ole EX :smile:

 

Seems like the Photographers like certain corners and it always catches the left turns. Not many rights at Pocono Either. I dont care which Way I am tuning, The track is a blast, but have only been to four in the last six years, NEED MORE!

 

The majority of riders are better at making left turns than right turns. The photogs wanna catch you looking as good as you can so you will be more likely to buy a picture or 3 from them. Therefore, they camp out at left turns during bike events.

 

The majority of riders are right handed. The photogs look for constant radius slightly banked left turns with unobstructed views. They also shoot for low angles, tilt the camera to "enhance" the lean angle, and use fast shutter speeds to freezeframe the action. This is what sells the most. Most of the pros will if asked, shoot something more artistic. Much of what is shot during sessions or heat races is the shotgun approach. ie a shitload of frames.

Pucks can be dragged for a photo op as well at 40 mph as 140 mph.

 

I have an in-house graphics guy if I want to make them artistic.

 

That's cool!