For 2011, Trackside Services LLC will be hosting five open track days at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, CA. We will have a 50 rider maximum, open track format, and we'll be sharing the track with the CRST Suspension School (see below). Price per event is $220 and we ride rain or shine. These will be no-frills events; pack some consumables and plan on more track time than you can probably handle in one day! Register by clicking on your choice of date(s) above or contact Eric for more information.
Dito from gotbluemilk.com Motorsports Photography will be there to take pictures like those above... 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.
What’s 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 that’s only part of it… at a conventional track day you get to ride only in your group time slot. If it’s a three group track day, you are riding 20 minutes per hour, at set intervals. What if you can’t or don’t want to ride at your appointed time? You’re going to have to wait for your next time slot. But why would you do that? Say you have a minor bike glitch or you’re dehydrated, distracted, or just plain tired. If it’s an open day, no problem; you kick back, drink some water, work on your bike, and go out when you’re ready.
Less stress? So you’re 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 it’s 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 they’re 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 day’s 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? You’re bike needs to be safe; clean, no leaks, chain, tires and brakes in good shape, no loose fasteners, etc. We don’t 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 it’s rare to see glass on a bike these days.
Your helmet, leathers, boots and gloves should be in good shape as well. We don’t 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. Our small numbers don’t justify opening the track food concession. Many riders bring their lunch to the track, but there is sufficient time during the lunch break to run into town and get something to eat.
Catalyst Reaction's Suspension School
Dave Moss, AMA/AFM racer, noted suspension expert, and CRST founder, is proud to present Catalyst Reaction's Motorcycle Suspension Schools. There will be a total of four schools over the course of the year at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, CA.
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Offering riders a very unique learning experience, the schools will be specifically aimed at helping every rider gain an in-depth understanding of motorcycle suspension, based on classroom learning combined with direct on-track experience designed to show why suspension is such a critical component in ensuring fast yet safe riding. Covering all aspects of a motorcycle’s suspension adjustments that often baffle even the most experienced racers, students will learn why the motorcycle must work with you and how to tailor the suspension to your riding style and ability so that you can continue to learn while trusting the motorcycle at all times. This is a hands-on school where you will be required to work on your own motorcycle in a guided, systematic, and logical way to gain a practical as well as theoretical appreciation of the motorcycle’s suspension, matched with on-track, real-time experience and feedback allowing you to gain direct insights into how the changes you make affect the handling of the motorcycle. No special mechanical skills are required and you will be guided though every phase of the course. Click here to read Ken Hutchinson's MotorcycleUSA.com review of the May 6th School! Click here for MotorcycleUSA.com video of the class. |
"Knowledge creates understanding, understanding creates relaxation, relaxation creates speed."
