Hi, I just joined yesterday. I have a Daytona 675 that I love to ride in the mountains. I'm thinking about getting involved in Track Days at Thunderhill or someplace more convinient if possible (Fernely?). I think there is a Track Day weekend comming up in Willows CA. Is anyone going? Can I contact you, I'd like to get some info.
Thanks
oldguy1
Two or at least two (?) SSA members are at T-hills this weekend. I believe they'll be going again in July.
Yes, you may contact them. I know there are other trackday junkies on here too. The more interest and posts that spring up, the more likely others will do the same. ;D
Glad you found us and joined up. :welcome2 to the :flagSSA
Thanks Green Machine (ZX10?), I'd like info on how they get the bike to the track, what kind of prep needs to be done, rider gear required, travel the night before(?), etc. The TH website explains a lot of it, but I'd like to to talk to someone who'e actually done it. maybe travel together? Is it possible for you to give me someone's email address? Or phone number?
oldguy1
Quote from: oldguy1 on June 13, 2020, 03:44:10 PM
Hi, I just joined yesterday. I have a Daytona 675 that I love to ride in the mountains. I'm thinking about getting involved in Track Days at Thunderhill or someplace more convenient if possible (Fernely?). I think there is a Track Day weekend coming up in Willows CA. Is anyone going? Can I contact you, I'd like to get some info.
Thanks
oldguy1
There are several of us who are doing trackdays. There are even a few people who work for some of the trackday providers (Dub@Carters). I've had other obligations the past few years, but I'm planning on doing more trackdays this year.
Per your questions, I would look at the different trackday provider's website for the specifics. There may be a few minor differences (which is why you should check it), but in general:
Bike:
Everything on the bike should be in good working order and have plenty of life (tires, brake pads...). All bolts should be tight, nothing should be loose or in danger of falling off.
Mirrors need to be at least taped over (blue painters tape). Its better to just remove them though as they can get in the way.
Tail lights (and running lights if different) also either need to have the fuse pulled, or completely taped over to prevent light.
If there is any glass on the bike (headlights...) it should be taped. If the headlight is plastic as most modern bikes are, it should be fine. Some places might want you to tape them, and or remove the fuse, but most dont care.
Some tracks used to require removal of antifreeze from the radiator and replacing it with just distilled water. I think most tracks are being more lax with this now, but its good to check the providers website.
Wheel weights need to be taped over. Some duct tape is fine for this.
Safety wiring some of the main things on the bike (oil, brakes...) is recommended, but not required.
You:
For yourself, the trackday providers usually requite:
DOT helmet in decent shape.
A riding suit with a 360 zipper. These would be something like a 1 or 2 piece leather suit. Many of the track days also permit a textile suit for the C class.
Motorcycle gloves (usually gauntlet gloves, no shorty's)
Motorcycle boots (generally ones that go above the ankle)
Back protectors and ear plugs are recommended.
As for getting to and from the track, most people either put the bikes in the back of their truck, or trailer it down. I have a small Harbor Freight trailer that works really well. As far as when to drive down, its up to preference. Some people will drive down the evening before and either get a hotel or camp at the track. I generally leave a 3ish in the morning to get to the track around the time the gates open, but that's preference.
I would be happy to answer any other questions you might have. Ill also PM you my email. I'll let you know when the next trackday I'll be going to and see if you can join me.
Headed to Thunder Hill Monday July 27, Sonoma on August 10!
There are three nearby tracks, from what I have gathered: Thunder Hill in Willows, Sonoma, and Laguna Seca (Monterey). Fernley's road course appears to be closed, possibly for sale. Looks like they have an off road course and a dirt track though.
Check out the event coordinators for info: Z2 Track Days, Carters at the Track, Fun Track Dayz
Read the post titled Track Day beginner info on here as well.
I also went the harbor freight trailer route for transport- cost me ~$500 and a weekend to build.
-Jim
'04 gixxer 750
Oldguy and I are actually heading down to Thill this weekend for the Z2 event. Should be a fun time.
Jimjoe- I never did hear how your last trackday went? Did the trailer and everything work out ok?
Last track day went well, overall. After searching for a trailer to borrow, I ended up buying and building the harbor freight medium duty with plywood decking. Worked out great! My car, not so much.
In truckee stopped for gas and to caravan with a friend- - found a puddle of coolant: water pump seal busted. My buddy brought me back to Sparks, where i had a newer vehicle, but that vehicle did not have a tow hitch. I had ordered one from amazon that arrived the day i was leaving- so he helped me install it. Bolt holes barely lined up, but with enough torque from the HD Impact Driver we got it to stick.
Saturday on the track was a bust too - my clutch fell apart inside the clutch housing. I was on track and suddenly my clutch lever went limp! No prob to keep going on track, but starting and going slow would be an issue :|) Fiddled with it until i got some master mechanic advice to tilt the bike over onto a paddock steel column, open the clutch case. The whole clutch basket was in tact , undamaged, and came out in my hands ??? .
Turns out there is a retaining nut inside the clutch basket that came loose. Must have been a home jobbie replacement. Cranked that down with the impact driver, bolted it all up, had the master mechanic adjust the cable and lever, and voila the clutch felt better than before!
So I missed out on all day Saturday riding, but Sunday was a blast. Rode the entire 5 mile course at T-hill, and put up competitive numbers. Convinced myself to register for B class next time
Definitely bringing my tool kit again next time, including this bad boy https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Bare-Tool-IWHT180B-Lithium-Ion-Friction/dp/B004BG222I/?pldnSite=1
I'll be out Monday with Fun Track Dayz.
Best,
Jim