Just wanted to introduce myself. I recently signed up for my first track day at Barber on Oct 28th, novice of course. I'm really looking forward to Barber, the track looks amazing. I've been wanting to ride it for awhile now but kept putting it off for some reason. I usually just ride the twisties of east TN but after some LEO encounters, I figured it's best that I take it to the track instead. I'm also considering signing up for Nashville Superspeedway on Oct 6-7. Anyone have any input on this track? I've heard all kinds of good things about Barber but not much on Nashville. The fact that it is a converted oval kinda puts me off, but it's only like a 10 minutes ride from my house and it's cheaper than Barber. Also, anyone got any tips for me or suggestions about what I need since this will be my first time? Thanks a lot, hope to see some of you out there.
Nashville is a very very fun Track.... Yes it is a oval/road course but the utilization of the banking really puts it in a class of its own. You will have access of the NASCAR Garages so you really dont need a EZ Up.. I always plan to camp at the track and enjoy the evening in the Pits.. Dont miss out on the fun...
I suggest a pop-up, a cooler with food and lots of fluids, a bike filled with gas, an extra gas can (5 gall usually covers it), an extra set of clothes for wrenching in (you never know) and a couple of chairs. That's mainly the basics. You need to really go over the bike and make certain there are no issues with it. No leaks, brakes are good..etc. Hopefully, if you keep your bike in good order those extra clothes you brought for wrenching can go home and put back in the drawer :wink: . If you plan to camp then you'll want to bring shower gear and clothes to hang out in and whatever you use to camp in. I suggest buying a pair of Cycleskins either before you go or get a pair as soon as you get there. It makes getting leathers on and off SIGNIFICANTLY easier. Best 80 bucks you'll ever spend (not including money spent on porn). Welcome aboard the STT family. Listen to the coaches and have fun
Pull up some videos on Barber to help you understand the layout of the track. Study them. Barber has a lot of blind corners and you feel much more comfortable as you will know what is on the other side. +1 on the EZ-Up / fans/ cooler/ water. Essential. Barber has gas available on site should you forget to bring extra. Most important, have fun.
Here's a decent onboard view of Barber at a moderate pace: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqQetiMExyw And going to Barber without going through the museum at least once would be a shame.
Thanks for the advice guys. I've been to Barber before as a race spectator, and have done the museum (awesome!). I've also watched a bunch of onboard videos of Barber so it's not completely foreign to me. Anyone know where I can see some videos of Nasvhille? Oh, and another question I forgot to ask about. What kind of tires should I go with. I am currently running the Pirelli Corsa III's and they still have pretty good life on them, but I'm not sure if they will be good by the end of October when Barber comes around, especially if I end up running Nashville in two weeks. I have a zx10r and it has a tendancy to eat up rear tires pretty quick. I was thinking this set would make it to Barber and then I would throw on some fresh DOT race tires. Suggestions? And I know it's a bit premature to be thinking about, but what would be a decent lap time on my first trip? What kind of times should you be running in order to move up to intermediate? I'm not real concerned yet, but I'd like to be able to guage my progress when I'm there.
Saw one posted on Youtube of Nashville, think it may have been an STT event, the link may be in a posting not sure.
Check your tires. Nashville was my first STT. The instructors were really helpful, and hitting the turns at Nashville will set you up for the faster turns at Barber's. But...I really have only suggestion to you...get fresh tires. It's worth it. I bought the Pilot Power Race from the Michelin guys at the Nashville track, and they did me justice. however, someone insisted I try the slicks at Barber's. I didn't, so I will be left to wonder. :shock:
This will be my first track day as well. I saw the reference to Cycleskins. Where can I purchase these. I was not able to find them on the web.
Get the knock off Under Armor shirts from Wal-mart. 16 bucks for two long sleeve shirts. (Heads up, get the largest size possible) Cut the sleeves off one of the shirts and use them for leggings. 16 bucks beats the hell out of 80 any day, besides the Cycleskins won’t make you any faster and no one will be able to see any of it after you get your leathers on. You may have the extra money to spend but if your on a budget this is the way to go.