I know, I know, aren't you cutting this super close to the day. Yes I am as all of my support fell through last night on my birthday no less. I was supposed to be heading down with a group of four that are all way experienced track day riders. Two guys have things come up and can't make it and the other guys schedule did not work to pick up my bike and gear. I will be new and alone at the track and looking for someone to take me under their wing and help guide me through my first track day. My phone number is 262.339.741four if you want to reach out to me directly. I am hoping to get in Friday before 10pm so I can get that much needed rest.
There will be plenty of help, you just need to make sure you ask for it! Someone will respond soon enough. I would if I were going to be there but it's Mother's day so I can't. Just remember to drink lots of water, ride your own ride, look at and follow tech requirements in prepping your bike, and ASK! You will have a great time!
I've been doing track days since 2005 and an Instructor since 2011 and if there is one thing that I'm sure of, if you ask for help/advice/whatever, at an STT event, you shall receive. I've never been around a closer knit community of like minder folks in my life. Most folks at the track remember when they did their first day and how they felt and are more than willing to help someone out, especially if they are alone at the track. Just make sure that you ask, as everyone is on their own schedules, and they may not be the same as the one that you are on. It's a great organization, great folks that participate with us, and usually the only time that you are "alone", is during the drive there and the drive back home!
Always great to introduce yourself to your pit neighbors..... Tell them this is your first day. Ask them if you can follow them through the morning (tech, riders meet, tips, tricks..etc...) to get a better understanding of what to do.. You'll be surprised at the overwhelming show of support. By lunch time....youll look back at how easy everything is.....
Being new means being in Novice Group and there are the many "wings" of all the instructors to make the first experience a most enjoyable one. I started last year and never felt alone at all. As has been stated, it's a very friendly and helpful environment that will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy the day.
I suspect this new rider's issue isn't about once the day starts, it's more about getting in, set up and learning the procedures. Again, plenty will step up to help, and you can ask a staff member ANYTIME (during the day the orange jerseys are a dead giveaway)....
The new rider thing was not an issue once the day started. I got in the night before, a guy asked if I needed help unloading the bike. Ended up hanging out with him and his buddy for the rest of the day. My goal was not to be the slowest one out there. Looked as if I was not going to accomplish that goal until the last session where I passed three people. Great day and a great community. I can't wait to get back out there and develop some more skills. Weirdest occurrence though was during the mandatory riders meeting. I saw a guy that looked like an old grade school friend. Ended up being the guy, we hadn't seen each other since graduation some 14 years ago.
Win, win.. That track will spoil you, wow. It was great except for the rain, and lack of ambulances. Lost 2 sessions. Was my first time there and it is by far the nicest track I have ever ridden on. Only negative is could use some new asphalt. Was a little rough on the tires, but after running Putnam all these years it was only a small negative. Don't know how, don't know when but I want to go back.
Cool on the reunion, glad you had fun! I had a similar experience in April at Barbar. A couple of guys that live in my community were there riding. I bought my house from one of the guys uncles 30+ years ago. Cool meeting them for the first time. STT does a fantastic job with trackdays for sure!