Newbie Track Day on my 02 Viffer - Help

It is a tard, but not at Jennings. That's littly Tally (TGP), closer to me :smile-new:. She's an old '01 XR650R, plated, and set up with Excel/Talon 17" wheels, as well as a Braking systems 320mm front brake (one finger does it). She's a blast on a smaller track like Tally where my Mille wears me down faster :wink: ...

ACE

 

Very Nice!

Looked like Jennings. Ever been there? The grip there is extremely good. I want to get a 600 for tighter more technical track like it and Tally. I run my CBR 1000 there and it can be a work out.

 

just speaking out of experience but generally novice is 6 foot passing on straights and outside of corner with no inside passing. But this will vary with who you choose to ride with.

 

Back in the 90s, when Jerry and I were racing, Texas World was rough, really rough. The lower line around the oval would buck you off and it was hard to get high enough for the fast line. In those days we had a choice of that track (very fast but rough) or Oak Hill which was more like a kart track. Yes it was hot a hell but that's racing in Texas.

 

The TDP here, require an 8ft cushion for passing in the 'C' group.

Don't worry about being in anybody's way. Just hold your line and be predictable. The faster riders will find a way around you. You don't need to let them by. If you try to make room for somebody else, you become unpredictable. If there are instructors available from the track-day provider, work with one. Don't try to drag a knee or elbow, or try to go as fast as possible in the first session. Focus on your lines first and try to learn the track fast. Picking a good line and knowing what is coming up will help you the most as a newbie. Never freak out when someone passes you. Remember to take the first lap and a half to warm up your tires. Hard braking and accelerating will warm up the tire quicker than swerving( I don't think swerving does anything to warm up bike tires lol).

And very important, Pay attention to what they say at the riders meeting about entering the track and exiting. A mistake here can have dire consequences. People already on the track, with warm tires are going to be much faster than you can go entering the track and into turn 1. So follow the what you are told to do!


have fun, and drink lots of water. if you are not peeing after each session your are not drinking enough water. Bring some electrolyte water like Gatorade too. Eat small portions of fruits throughout the day. Only eat a light lunch. If you feel the need to sit out a session do so. There is no requirement to run all sessions. Have fun

 

Never been to Jennings, but have considered it. Long tow for me, ~8hrs. Yep, even a light wt. 1000 like the CBR can feel heavy towards the end of the day. Of course, if I was still a young punk, it would be no problem ... :biggrin: ...

ACE