FAQ - The Track Day Bible (*DRAFT*)

[Shaman]

- Please see final version -

Mods, please unsticky this version.

Final version here:

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum...rio-Track-Days

[Dresden]

Excellent Post. Thank's for taking the time to write that up, especially the on-track do's and don'ts.

[ShiftyEh]

Wow definitely needs to be a sticky! Only things I'd like to comment on would be about insurance and coolant. I find insurance being a very touchy subject and to even try and achieve some sort of coverage at the track may be risky. I just can't see you coming out on top when mentioning feats of speed to insurance companies. If it has been done before, then sure its worth a mention but I would be leary. Also, regarding the coolant recommendation, correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it a requirement of ALL track day providers to remove the coolant and have water? If not, I'm sure its HIGHLY recommended.

Great note about visualizing the track prior to going, I'm pretty confident I've watched every TMP video on youtube and it helped immensely. It was all new to actually be on the track but knowing the layout helped greatly in focusing on other things. As Keith Code mentions you only have so much attention to spend on things ($10) and if your spending $9 on learning the track, its hard to work on other things.

[Shaman]

Also, regarding the coolant recommendation, correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it a requirement of ALL track day providers to remove the coolant and have water? If not, I'm sure its HIGHLY recommended.

It should be a requirement, but I have been at a number of track days where kickstands and coolant are permissable. The kickstand issue I'm ambivalent on, but the water I am not... so I recommend riders check with the organizer. Chances are the organizer is going to tell them to change the coolant out whether or not they require it on go-day... that's why I mention Engine Ice, for people lazy like me.

[ShiftyEh]

That's what I've been recommended to switch to too. Have water wetter in it now but at least engine ice you can leave through the winter.

[TheDutchDream]

Great read. I'm hoping to do my first track day very shortly....thanks for all the great info

[murf]

Speaking of insurance, it should probably be mentioned that you should check if your life insurance/disability insurance would be void at the track. I still don't know? Some policies state they don't cover "racing". That is the one downfall with trackdays.

[Shaman]

Added the section on "I just got to the track, what now."

I will add a section entitled "I crashed, what now?"

Think I'm done for the night... see you all tomorrow...

[Brian P]

Only time for a brief skim now, but in your "when you get to the track" section, don't forget about tech inspection. Last step in your "set up camp" list.

[djbordie]

Wow very nice post!
great great info for all.

I have proper de-ionized water at work here (not de-min or distil)
do i still need water wetter? or is that just for regular water?

[caboose483]

Gloves - I am not familiar with the term "competition-style" but i guess you mean "gauntlet-style"? A glove that extends over the wrist and overlaps by a good few inches over the leather sleeve.

Helmets - What is a 2008 standard? Never heard of that. Check with the organizers to make sure your helmet meets the organizers requirements. Snell2005? Snell2010?

Engine Ice - Many organizers do not allow any glycol based coolants. Most engine coolant is propylene-glycol based but EI is ethelyene-glycol based.. but it is still glycol based.

[GreyGhost]

Wow very nice post!
great great info for all.

I have proper de-ionized water at work here (not de-min or distil)
do i still need water wetter? or is that just for regular water?

I'd still use water wetter, it reduces the surface tension so the water coats surfaces more thoroughly (improving heat transfer) (and I think it may have some slight lubrication propoerties to help out the water pump). It's cheap and doesn't hurt anything, so I don't have any good reasons not to run it.

[Shaman]

Engine Ice - Many organizers do not allow any glycol based coolants. Most engine coolant is propylene-glycol based but EI is ethelyene-glycol based.. but it is still glycol based.

Haven't seen a track day organizer turn it down, but I've heard that at least one racing org still doesn't like it. AMA and WERA allow it in the states, though. It dries about as quickly as straight water and turns sticky.

Making some wording modifications. Additions? Subtractions? Corrections?

[caboose483]

Haven't seen a track day organizer turn it down, but I've heard that at least one racing org still doesn't like it. AMA and WERA allow it in the states, though. It dries about as quickly as straight water and turns sticky.

Making some wording modifications.

Pro6: water only... first site i checked.

All motorcycles MUST use water instead of antifreeze type coolant. Water Wetter & Distilled water is recommended. This is non-negotiable and includes the liquid contained in the reservoir.

http://pro6cycle.com/TrackDays/BikePreparation.aspx

[Shaman]

OK, so Pro6 does. I've been to two in the past 30 days that don't (because my bud uses it in his bike). Good idea to ask, I guess.

[Jayv]

Don't know whether or not you have read this thread http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum...irst-track-day..

Some things in that haven't been mentioned so far in your bible.

Post#4 has some very wise points.

[caboose483]

OK, so Pro6 does. I've been to two in the past 30 days that don't (because my bud uses it in his bike). Good idea to ask, I guess.

You might be able to get away with it, they might not ask, they might not check, but it's always prudent to check the tech requirements for any track day organizer to make sure.

[Shaman]

FYI, I am concentrating on basics here. I think I will rename it to the Track Day Basics Bible. I don't want to get into how to go faster and get the best out of the bike, etc. Just the usual things that any rider will contend with and help to save them from mistakes. Not going to get into things like geometry setup, etc. etc.

Added a section on travelling to the track.

[Ould]

Great post so far. One thing to add to your list of "mandatory" things not to forget when packing. Your bike's key if it needs one. My bike doesn't need a key but I could easily see myself forgetting it if I did need one.

I made up a checklist that I use when packing the truck. As I pack things I check them off, helps my "ould" aging memory.

Kevin

[arsenalrocks]

great read! thanks a lot