I'll did my first track day last fall at Barber, Novice group. Felt good, especially toward the end. Have no idea what my lap times were, but I was probably one of the faster guys in the group. I got passed by a few guys, but I'm pretty sure they didn't belong in novice though and only signed up since "I" was full. So I signed up for the "I" group in March. I'm a little nervous, a lot of those guys looked really fast. I think once I get a few laps under my belt and warm up, I'll be alright but I'm worried about being a rolling road block early on. I am very uncomfortable on cold tires and like to take it really easy the first lap or two. Any advice? I was thinking that I should start out at the back of the pack so I'm not pressured during the first lap or two. Is there anything else I should think about?
Don't let anyone pressure you into going faster than you feel comforatable going, especially on cold tires. Impatience on cold tires can be a very dangerous thing, so you're doing the right thing by being cautious & patient while your tires warm up. Most people in 'I' group aren't running warmers, so if anything you'll serve as a good example/reminder about taking it easy initially. Also, grab an instructor and ask to follow/be followed. They will be able to offer good advice right off the bat on how to be smoother and safer. The only thing you should be thinking about when you're out on the track is riding your bike safely, i.e. maintaining your lines. It is the responsibility of those around you to pass you safely which - in the 'I' group - means staying a minimum of 6' from you. Regardless where you start, as long as you maintain your lines you should have no problems.
Couldn't put it any better, hold your line be predictable, have fun! Hook up with any Instructor, I think they live at Barber, LOL. See ya there you'll pass me
Hey flojoe, from a fellow Nashville area resident. I will be down at Barber in March too, in the "I" group for the first time, so I'll stick with you for some laps and warm the tires up. :lol: Then you can zoom away... You may have passed me (or me you?) and my graphite Daytona 675 last fall at Barber.
Yeah, I think I remember your bike. I was on the green kawi 6r. I actually think I have a picture with both of us in it at the hairpin. Look for me in March, I should be wearing white and green kawi race replica leathers. But I'll probably be on my track bike, a flat black 06 zx10r, but I may bring the green 6 too. Look forward to riding with you again. Name is Joe, btw.
Another Nashville resident.... ...I'll be there in Intermediate in March. My wife and I wil be driving down from Nashville on Friday. Stop by and say Hi. We will most likely be on the second tier. Black ZRX and black Ducati 750M, pulled by a grey Pontac GTO.
Hya Tac :twisted: Ill be dere to running I on my Gixxer 750. Never been to Barber , Mid-O is my normal track of choice ( only an hour away)
Hey flojoe. Good to see you on here man. I have talked to you some over on Kawiforums. See you on the track and maybe at Deals Gap this year bro.
I'll look for you Joe and tacmedic. We will be in a red CRV and should be there both days. Hopefully I'll have the Catalyst body work on the 675 by then. Only graphite color left will be the tank so she won't look the same, but I'll still have the same gear. Rick.
I gave intermediate a shot at Barber back in October (after a day spent learning the track in novice). I think it went pretty well. I held my line, never had any "incidents" with anybody, and even passed a few folks myself ( :shock: ). I definitely was in the slower group of the folks that were out there, but starting in the back of the group meant that, even at my pace, it took till near the end of the session before the fast guys were catching (lapping) me. If you're careful and know your limits, I think it helps to be out there with guys (and gals!) who are faster. I rode faster in the "I" session, and felt more comfortable overall. My plan will probably be to do novice sessions at tracks I've never been at and intermediate where I've ridden before. Sure wish I could make March. Looks like all my "track buds" will be there (in force!). (Note: If I did hold you up in that session, don't crush my fragile ego by pointing it out. Oh yes, tscriggins passed me in turn 5... that is all... :lol: :wink: )
Same here. I did fine, until I crashed out I definitely still needed some coaching though, so I decided to go back to novice in March.
Awesome, I'm going to Senior Bowl this weekend, maybe Andre Woodson will have a good week. I think he's better than a lot of other QBs in the draft.
Main thing is keep your line and watch your braking. I know when I went from novice to intermediate it was intimidating! Those guys seemed so damn fast!!! when I first went to advanced it wasn't that much of a difference comparatively.
Joe amd Josh, Check out my hello to you earlier. I will be looking forward to riding with you in May if you can be there. Had to cancel May trip. Rob