Getting better on the track, or become a track demon
Apply
Common Sense
For me common sense has generally been left behind in the
pit garages and maybe that's why I've crashed on track 3 times
so far (this was written in 2004 before I started racing -
I've crashed a whole lot since then!). But little
thoughts such as "my tyres have had it so perhaps I shouldn't
go out on that last session" really should not be ignored
in favour of making the most of the day and trying to beat
your mate's time. |
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Get
fit
Having tried a few track days you will know how much physical
work is involved. Racers aren't muscle-bound, lean, fitness fanatics
for nothing. The fitter you get the more enjoyment you are likely
to get out of your day. Concentrate on exercises which strengthen
the heavily worked thighs and shoulders. If you move around a
lot on your bike, you should put some effort into Core Stability
- in other words strengthen the back and stomach so that you are
using muscle power from this area rather than putting pressure
on other areas, such as the upper back. |
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Get
Tuition
This is the best way of improving your track performance. |
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Get
Timing
Getting friends to time your laps is inadvisable and I don't do
it. I sometimes lie like a cheap Japanese watch. This is one of
those occasions.
Well, we all want to know how much we're improving and there will
always be an element of competition involved. If you're going
to time eachother just make sure you don't get fixated by it.
If someone is 10 or 20 seconds faster than you then they could
be more experienced, have a faster bike, better tyres, or maybe
they are just plain nuts. If you try to knock 10 seconds off your
time to compete then only one thing is going to happen - you will
crash!
Timing is not generally allowed at Track Days so you will have
to be discrete. |
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Add
some Performance Enhancements (we're not talking popping
steroids here)
Tuning: You can get yourself a
rejetting, trick filters, a race exhaust system and a session
on a dyno to make sure everything runs smoothly. This can improve
performance and response as well as looking and sounding cool.
You can laminate the dyno before and after sheets and bore your
mates too. If tuning is done badly it can run the risk of damaging
your engine so make sure you go to a reputable company.
Exhaust: Just popping on a
race can is unlikely to improve performance. The can which
comes as standard on a supersport bike has been developed
specifically for that bike using all the technology available
to the manufacturer, but of course taking into account environmental
issues and decibel output. So unless you just want a cool
look or sound, or you know that a specific can has been developed
for a specific bike and requires no tweaking, don't change
the can without getting on the dyno rolling road.
NOTE: many tracks now have decibel limits. You may not be
allowed on track if your can is too loud. Check first or buy
a can with a removal baffle which you can pop in if there
is a limit.
Computer
Chip: Getting your bike chipped will cost a few hundred
quid but will iron out those flat spots and speed up the throttle
response.
Basic tweaks: Play
around with the controls a little for maximum feedback - this
is free! Turn the throttle cable adjuster so that it opens up
immediately rather than, say, after an eighth of a turn. Wind
in the throttle and brake levers so that you can reach them easily
and operate them with one or two fingers - buy adjustable levers
if your bike doesn't have them and won't adjust enough for you. |
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Sticky
tyres are fab!
To make the most of your track sessions
you should take advice and get some sticky tyres on. They will
improve the feel and boost your confidence dramatically.
If you are really keen then you could always use tyre
warmers, though be aware that they
look really posey so you'd better be good! These will warm the
tyre all round so you don't need to be quite so tentative in the
first couple of laps, or on the rarer left corners for several
laps. Be aware that you still need to be a little careful
though.
We'll soon have a section for limited tyre advice. In the meantime
please refer to MCN, PB, Ride, other web resource, etc. for tyre
reviews. |
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Get
a Van or Trailer
If you are serious about improving your skills then you will have
to accept that you are likely to crash at some point. Lots of
people don't and you may be one of those. But to really push your
limits you have to find those limits, and that process usually
means going past them. If you accept it as inevitable then it'll
be great when you don't and not such a trauma if you do.
Going to the track with a van or a trailer will allow you to get
your bike back home if you come a cropper. It will also mean you
can take a mate, carry all your kit, lunch, water, camera, oil,
spare bike (!), spare tyres, paddock stands, etc, etc. |
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Get
a Track Bike
If you use your road bike and it's your only bike you will always
hold back a little. If you have a bike just for the track then
that mental block is likely to lift. |
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Book
a track to yourself
Believe it or not it isn't that expensive to book a smaller track
if you get a bunch of mates together. Trying to book Brands Hatch
or Donington will obviously cost you an arm and a leg and should
only be attempted if a) you are loaded b) you have lots of biking
friends c) you invite me too.
We booked Folembray in northern France two years in a row. Between
20 people it will cost you around £100 each including the
prerequisite medic. You can organise the day however you like
and could potentially spend 8 hours solid on the track! Added
to the fact that you'll be stopping for a couple of nights so
it's a great social occasion too. |
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