Trackday checklist

[El Diabro]

Okay gang....so for those who've done the track days numerous times, what should I expect, and also what should I have to be prepared?

I can imagine plenty of water, and or something to replenish calories i.e. protein shakes? Anyone have an idea of what color painters tape I should use so it shows up in contrast in pics and what not? I read that somewhere in the forum a while ago. Any advice and/or heads up would be appreciated.

Oh, and mods if this needs to be moved to a different forum, please feel free to do so

[sckego]

They have coolers full of water there for the taking. I tend to bring along a few bottles of gatorade, some fruit, and some crackers or other snacks. Just something to much on throughout the day to keep your energy levels up. They do serve lunch (wonder burgers and ha dogs), so you don't need to worry about bringing a large meal.

You want standard blue painters tape, available at any hardware store. I have a few rolls of it that you can use, so don't worry too much about running out to get some.

A small set of tools is always a good idea, but again, I'll probably have a full set there. If there are any specific tools that your bike takes for certain things, yeah, bring those. And find out where your fuse box is so you can pull fuses.

Start drinking lots of water the night before. You want to be fully hydrated by the morning of, and stay that way throughout the day. If you've got any underarmor sweat-wicking stuff, wear that; it's much more comfortable then a t-shirt and makes getting in and out of the leathers alot easier.

[El Diabro]

Thanks Sckego!!!!! I do have several different types of under armour and nike dri-fit short and long sleeves so I'll be ready!!!

[Meat of Snail]

As for contrast of colors for photos. Blair's cameras are using an auto focus, and your bike already has enough color contrast as is, you should not have to worry about what color tape to use other than personal preference.

Food, I like to bring trail mix (nuts, raisins, and M&Ms) to munch on throughout the day.

Hydration, I like to bring extra water and Gatorade. Make sure you stay hydrated, if you are drinking enough fluids that you have to pee between every session then you are in good shape. If you don't have to pee at the end of every session, DRINK MORE LIQUID!!!

Tire pressure, Find a good tire pressure to run your bike at, ask the tire guy at the track when you get there (this is VERY IMPORTANT for a safe track day). If you don't have a good tire gauge, I am sure someone will let you borrow one.

[El Diabro]

Thanks MoS! I forgot about the tire pressure stuff! I'll make sure I ask when I'm getting the bike checked out. There is some serious excitement going on in my head right now as I anxiously await this weekend!!!

[DemonDuck]

I am excited for ya Diabro.... Im sure you will have a blast this weekend.

[DarcShadow]

Food, I like to bring trail mix (nuts, raisins, and M&Ms) to drink and munch on throughout the day.

You can drink trail mix?

[Meat of Snail]

Oh, and this goes for anyone that is attending their first track day...

Level 1 and 2 have classes, all day you will either be in class or on the track, not much time for anything else. The first few sessions will tend to feel quite overwhelming, you will usually feel as if you are being rushed to get to the starting grid. Just a word from the experienced, take your time getting to the starting grid, no need to rush there, you do not HAVE to start when everyone else does. This will give you time to slow your heart rate down, catch your breath, and really cut down on the distractions from anticipation. Going out on the track with a calmed/cleared head will help you from making mistakes that you might make when feeling rushed. Just remember, they are not rushing you to get out on the track, take your time putting your gear on, no worries if you start your session 5 min later than everyone else. You will find yourself having a session were you are able to concentrate more on learning and having fun.

And always make your first lap or first half lap slower, gives your tires time to come up to temp.

Food, I like to bring trail mix (nuts, raisins, and M&Ms) to drink and munch on throughout the day.

You can drink trail mix?

HAHAHAHA!!!! LOL, yes, I DRINK trail mix
yeah, I originally was posting up saying that I bring water and trail mix in the same sentance, then decided to split that up but forgot to take out the "drink" part... there, fixed it

[El Diabro]

Awesome! I can't wait to get out there! Oh, and sckego, I found out that my fuse box is behind the left fairing close to where the clutch lever is

[Grinner]

Here is another question for ya'll...

Instructional form...it asks for Instructor preference. Who comes highly recommended?

[sckego]

The only L1 instructor I really remember is Guy. He's pretty good.

[WillK675]

Plus Dave moves the instructors around between Lvl 1 and Lvl 2. But I agree Guy is a good instructor, and a great guy to work with.