I made a move from Michigan to Minnesota this winter, so my access to tracks changes a bit this year. Of STT tracks, the easiest for me to get to are Road America, Blackhawk Farms, and Autobahn. I'm a happy novice rider, enjoy the instructional time, and enjoyed Grattan and Gingerman quite a bit. So, for a novice like me, are any of the tracks above better suited to start with? Admittedly, Road America and Autobahn seem a bit intimidating to me, but that's not based on any real experience.
Road America is a must go to track. but it can be intimidating because of size... if your on a 600 it can get boring.. but I love it.. that said ACC is a 2 or 3 for 1 kinda deal.. there are weekends that you do north only some do south and there are special 3 day weekends you get 3 tracks north, south and full with out ever going anywhere... thats my fav... ACC shouldn't intimidate you it is a great track to learn on. Blackhawk is short and fast I dont get there often so I haven't too much to say
I have yet to make road a or blackhawk. I did do all 3 at ACC this year north is fun with good flow, south is has less flow for me personally but has some longer straights into hairpins. combined is pretty cool
I'm on a Monster 696, so straights are slow for me no matter what track I'm on. I kinda like the idea of the variety ACC can offer, although I seem to benefit most from a few days in a row on the same track. I'll probably give all 3 a try, but maybe start with ACC and work up to RA.
Not to argue with Jason (top 3 in coaches) I'm with E-Van (hi brother) Road America. Road America is the only track I made it to 6th gear on my 600RR, will admit having the liter bikes smoke me on the long striaght sucked but the rest of the track your the limiting factor on a 600cc bike. I loved the beauty of Barber but for fun. It's RA.
no argument here! I love some RA. I just have other preferences! thats whats so great about all of the available tracks choices! PS thanks buddy, that means a lot
Don't be intimidated by ACC - it is a GREAT track for learning. We block our calendars for Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends every year (that's the only time I'm aware that run the "full" track). Also, Road America is amazing. I'll be going back. But for what it's worth, I really enjoy doing tracks like Barber and RA for one day...so to make the trip worth it, we love the MotoAmerica stay and play options....watch the pro's all weekend, then ride Monday.
Having been to all the Midwestern tracks, less brainard, Autobahn north is by far the easiest to learn and most forgivable..much easier than Gingerman. Road America is intimidating but really not a hard track to learn, but it can get boring if you don't go full out out the straights. After Autobahn north and RA in difficulty, Blackhawk is next. Finally Autobahn south is a surprising tough. It is really a car track as the corners are odd and deceiving. The full Autobahn course is fun and a great mix. The 3 day weekend would make you trip worth while. If you can handle Gratten, you can definitely handle RA.
All good things to keep in mind. With the way the schedule is fluid now, I'll probably just go with whatever works and give it a go! A lot of uncertainty, but I'm just so anxious to get back on track, I can be flexible.
Fellow novice here - I've done ACC (both north and south) and Gingerman. All great tracks in my opinion - like the others said - ACC north is flowy more like Gingerman, and south is more stop and go. I'm riding a twin, so I've gotten held up in the corners by bigger bikes, but that's why you can hot pit and get let out with clear track behind you.
That's easy, ALL OF THEM, as frequently as possible. Seat time give you great experience. Each track has it's own character, nuances and challenges. Enjoy the ride.