Hello all! Yesterday (6/24) at CMP was my first ever track day. I have been riding off/on for about 12 years. I raced MX in my younger years and broke some bones and had surgeries without insurance which abruptly ended my MX career lol. I then started racing dirt cars for the next 8 years (sprint cars). Racing is in my blood and I am no stranger to speed! However, being on a race track on my 18' ZX10R was quite an experience! My day started slow in the novice group and after the 2nd session I was bugging the instructor to let me go! 3rd session I was on my own and quickly realized I was in the wrong group! I was lapping bikes and to be honest running way too fast on them into corners and passed a rider on the inside which caught the attention of a coach. Immediately after, I picked up a screw and got a flat rear. Almost high siding I was able to save the crash and get off the track safely. Once towed into pits the coach informed me about the illegal pass and I was quick to apologize knowing I was in the wrong. (It was a straightawayish..). I missed the 4th session due to mounting a new tire and then scrubbed it in the 5th session. On the 6th I asked to be evaluated and the coach said to follow for one lap then he will waive me by. Once I got the wave off I went! It was by far my most consistent session and fastest Ive been all day. Thinking the coach is all over me I kept the throttle pinned, passed properly, hit my apexes, and then.... I came up on the coach I thought was on my tail for the last 4 laps. Confused by this I continued progressing and once the checkered came out I saw the coach waiting in the pits. I was told I'm ready for I group and my line was "good". Happy with this information I was brought to the registration trailer and bumped up. This was my last session due to the heat and being exhausted. Sorry for the novel but I was hoping for some more feedback as the bump seemed like it came from a minimum observation. I don't question the fact I should be in the I group but felt I wasn't truly evaluated. Can the coaches make a decision that quickly? They all were great with me and I trust there judgment but I was really after some constructive criticism on my riding more then the bump. Will I get more riding technique coaching with the I group? Racing is something I would like to try on a streetbike next year. I cant wait till the next track day but being a rookie on the track I would like some more in depth coaching. Can I expect to receive such training at my next track day or is I group more of a run your pace type thing with less coaches due to the need in the novice class? Thanks in advance all and I loved how well organized STT was and look forward to learning from you all and grow my riding abilities on and off the track!
Congratulations on getting to the track.... For Intermediate make sure you have your bike prepped and ready... Rules are different than for Novice. Also Passing rules are different as well. To answer your question yes there will be coach's in Novice however you need to approach them if you want 1-1 attention. Take advantage of them...And BTW is straightawayish really a word? If so that's your new name....
Yes I have read up on the bike requirements and my bike was ready for I group when I unloaded. Lol straightawayish may or may not be found in the dictionary but I'll let Webster know it should be and report back! As for a nickname I'll take it! I've been called worse haha. Thanks for the quick reply and look forward to the next event as well as some coaching from the STT team! Now I just need to convince the wife that a track bike and/or track plastics is a well worth investment! You have acquired another new addict!
It was gobs of fun you are correct! If memory serves me correctly, Intermediate you are allowed to pass on the inside as long as you have a minimum of 6' from other rider. Looking forward to running with some experienced riders and learning as much as possible!
There is an old saying about letting your experience level catch up to your riding ability/talent. You might want to consider staying in novice for at least a few more T.D. and soak up some experience at that level...there truly is no shortcut around experience.
My first 2 weekends was with STT at CMP, while I rode for many years and was also faster, smoother, predictable and a better rider than most in novice. I kept my self there for several more weekends at other track with another org. Even tho I was being pushed to go into I. For me hard breaking, faster exiting was just part of it. I studied the track, apex and followed the coaches. It was more important to be safe than be fast. I am now in Advance but this past weekend bumped down to I group because it’s been 4 years on that track. What I am saying is, use Novice to learn track and keep you in check. It’s made me better and probably kept me from making some mistakes. Glad you had fun
I understand completely what you guys are saying! I have no problem staying in the novice group. The only negative is the fact I learn quicker when I can follow someone and watch there body positioning, braking points, turn in points, etc.. So is running in the Intermediate class really going to limit me from learning different lines and reference points then in Novice? I am planning to go to another event at Road Atlanta with N2 next weekend and will be running novice again. I am fine with that but I feel that I was limited to only learning my bike and my abilities as opposed to the entire package. Not saying anything is wrong with that, I just feel I will learn faster in the I group. I am a Sr Technical Trainer by trade and I, like most people learn best from hands on. Hence wanting to ride with more experienced track guys. Is this a wrong thought process? I truly value everyone's input and will do what you guys feel is right. Again, I am the rookie here! FYI great video!