For 2012, Trackside Services LLC will be hosting four open track days at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, CA. We will have a 50 rider maximum, open track format. Price per event is $220 and we ride rain or shine. Register by clicking on your choice of date(s) above or contact Eric for more information.

New for 2012, Trackside Services LLC is partnering with Viets Performance and Bridgestone Race Tires. Stay tuned for information on upcoming promotions.

Dito from gotbluemilk.com Motorsports Photography will be there to take awesome action shots of you!

Catalyst Reaction Suspension Tuning will of course be there to help you get your suspension dialed in, and ForTheTrack will be on hand to provide Dunlop, Bridgestone and Pirelli slicks and DOT race tires and parts support. Need a particular compound or tire size, like 16.5" slicks? Let them know in advance and they'll have it at the track for you. Email Paolo or call (800) 977-5909 x2 to reserve your tires.

Whats an Open track day anyway, and why would I pay a premium to ride one instead of a conventional track day? In short, more riding time and less stress!

More riding time? Do the math at a two or three group track day, you are riding only one-half or one-third of the time, respectively. At an open track day you could ride all day if you wanted. But thats only part of it at a conventional track day you get to ride only in your group time slot. If its a three group track day, you are riding 20 minutes per hour, at set intervals. What if you cant or dont want to ride at your appointed time? Youre going to have to wait for your next time slot. But why would you do that? Say you have a minor bike glitch or youre dehydrated, distracted, or just plain tired. If its an open day, no problem; you kick back, drink some water, work on your bike, and go out when youre ready.

Less stress? So youre watching the clock, waiting for your group to go out on track wait, there are 40 riders in your group! That means all 40 of you are entering the track at the same time, to ride for 20 minutes. If its an open day, you get a few of your buddies together and watch the track to pick a good time to go out with little traffic. You ride for as long as you want, and then go back to the paddock and talk trash to each other about the session. To be honest, at most open track days, there are rarely more than 10 or 12 bikes on track at any given time, and theyre spread out over its three mile length. That means that by timing your entrance you can almost always have clear track in front of you.

How does it work? The gates open at 7:00 am. You sign in at the gate, then proceed to your favorite spot in the paddock and get set up. 50 is a relatively small number of bikes, so we do tech in place; we come to your spot and check your bike and gear. Our mandatory riders meeting is at 8:30. We discuss flags and safe track conduct, introduce our trackside vendors, and go over the days schedule (pretty simple, what time is the lunch break and what time does the track day end.) The track goes live at 9:00, with the first 15 minutes under yellow flag to give riders a chance to get acclimated. Other than an hour break for lunch, we ride until 5:00!

How do I prepare? Youre bike needs to be safe; clean, no leaks, chain, tires and brakes in good shape, no loose fasteners, etc. We dont require you to safety wire your bike. Water Wetter or similar non-glycol substitute for coolant is highly recommended, but not required. Head and tail lights should be disconnected (or the fuses removed). Any actual glass should be taped over, but its rare to see glass on a bike these days.

Your helmet, leathers, boots and gloves should be in good shape as well. We dont require back protectors, but they are highly recommended!

What do I need to bring? In addition to the normal track day stuff (bike, KEY, riding gear, tools, chair, etc.) you should bring plenty to drink and snack on.