My very first track day was a beautiful March day at Oak Hill Raceway in Henderson Texas back in 1990. We had about a one hour class room session that started at 7:00 AM that went over very basic stuff about braking, cornering, crashing and flags. Had an ex-racer in a wheel chair talk to us about the dangers and the very real risk involved. They then made sure everyone had signed waivers, passed out bright yellow T-Shirts, told us to be careful, try not to do anything too stupid and that first call for Novice practice would be in about 15 minutes. No instructors, no coaches...just go out and learn. They also said that our first race started right after lunch and everyone with yellow T-shirts had to line up at the back of the grid! Run all the practice sessions, run at least two races a weekend, don't crash in practice or the races for two consecutive race weekends and you could remove the bright yellow T-shirt! They recommended endurance racing for extended track time and experience. Lol...that was how I was introduced to the racetrack! Old school brother!
My first track day was in July, 2008 at Blackhawk. After lunch I starting feeling like I was getting the hang of it, then I forgot that the bus stop was there. I trail braked until I leveraged the rear wheel off the ground with the footpeg, then the front wheel locked and I crashed hard over the bars. I became an track addict a month and two track days later, after a Gingerman weekend.
2013 June Putnam with Moto-Series First lap, drove off at bus stop. No harm no foul. Found out my experience wasn't 35 years. It was 1 year 35 times. Also learned I had no real idea how to ride a motorcycle and it was miracle I survived street riding. SO thanks to all the coaches,, especially Jason and Chris. See you at Grattan Oct 8th,
I can go back to April 2007 at Autobahn north. I loaded up and headed to Joliet with Andrew, Nick and Gibson from STG (well before I started working there). Back then they were doing the Michelin Tire Service and trackside vending. Stacks of helmets, boots, tires... Everywhere! I remember the riders meeting, going through tech and gearing up. It was somewhat cool in the morning and I didnt even know the track. As the first day progressed, I felt more comfortable and even started dragging knee. I bet my body position was horrible but I did not care. This was also the first weekend I met characters like K3, Amelio and a squirrel of a guy named Nick Desautels, the Grasshopper. I also recall Vesrah being there and Mark Junge flying out there.
May 2010, BMW Day with STT. Took a small agricultural detour, decided somehow the fastest way between turn 5 and the sweeper was through the grass. Looking back, probably not the best route between corners.