"I am nervous and a little scared to book my first trackday" We would really be more concerned if you weren't.
I was definitely nervous, asked about a million questions related to procedure and safety beforehand, and after my first session the first day, I was hooked. Er, I actually wrote a story about it here. If you're really worried about it, maybe get more comfortable on the bike and wait until next year. If you do the Novice day with STT you'll be better off for it than I was when I first started riding. I'd had my bike for three months, and decided to go on a weekend ride up to Minneapolis (800 miles round trip). On that trip, I did five things I'd never done before up to that point, the first two within the first five minutes of the ride: rode on the freeway, got over 50mph (and actually hit 100 a couple times), rode longer than half an hour in one trip, rode in the wet, and tipped my bike over on the side of the road just before I got home (which got the attention of three police cars). I was scared out of my mind most of the way. I look back on that now and realize it was a really stupid idea. (Although I admit it was a load of fun.) You'll learn a lot in the Novice class. Talk to the instructors, let them know you're nervous, they're there to help. They start you out really slow, and work up the speed throughout the day so you can go at a pace you're comfortable with.... and learning all this stuff is much easier on the track than on the street.
Its so funny how we are all alike. I sold ne of my guns to so I had money for my rearsets,tires,frame sliders haha. As to answer ur question def rent first but u will def be hooked. I drag raced for 10 yrs and then did my first track day and now I dont drag race at all. In fact now when im on the road course and riding in the straights thats when I relax and catch my breath getting ready for the next turn just the opposite thing I did when I drag raced. In my opinion the 2 dont even come close to each other. 9 seconds of pleasure or 20 mins ill take the 2nd choice. If u are looking for a good deal I have Joe Rocket 2 peace suit only worn 2 times never been down in it and im selling it for 500.00 its a 800.00 suit im told. Black and gray. Im selling it because I have a one peace now and I need money for more track days
jjm004, FYI - I did my first track day with STT in the beginner group this year at Grattan. I have to tell you, you came to a great place to begin! The instructors that I met (in this forum prior to the event, and during the event at the track) were not only knowledgeable, but they really care whether you are learning or not. Remember the principle "the squeaky wheel gets the grease"? I asked a ton of questions and was not turned away once. If you have questions and make a point to ask them you will get quality help from this team, just make sure you ask. Each time you go out on the track for a session you'll learn and practice new techniques and probably have more questions too, but you'll be learning safely and having a darn good time doing it!! Have a blast, I did!
the next time STT comes the BeaverRun is Oct 6, 7. there is a very slim chance i would ride with team promotion before then but i doubt it.