Re: Yes, I like to whore out my videos.

[DarkNinja75]

So here's my last track day one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUBaIz7IMkk

[NotHisRealName]

Why the cover on the fluid bottle?

I've always wondered that.

[DarkNinja75]

Why the cover on the fluid bottle?

I've always wondered that.

Poser points.

The real reason is because racers change their brake fluid so much there's a likelihood of spilling it sometime, so the band is to absorb it. Also, if you crash, the band will help absorb the fluid if the case cracks. People just copied racers doing it so now everyone does.

It has nothing to do with sunlight.

[socks86]

Looks like a fast track. Beautiful too. No wonder they call it "big sky country" out there.

[HarryH87]

Such a nice track. Way better than tracks in Uk with grandstands.  Looks like the desert tracks on need for speed.

[NotHisRealName]

That does look brilliant.


Noob question and answer time...

What are the general rules for track riding as far as passing goes?  You pass when you can, or only passing on the outside? (I didn't notice a pattern or anything - just asking)
I presume you pulled into the pits to change camera angles (sorry, but I don't think you're good enough to switch them mid-lap ).  Do you pay per lap, or for the day or what?
Are the classes for track days (meaning 250's won't be on the track at the same time as 1000's)?

[Heartlesspinto]

There's usually different skill groups, independent of bike size. You pay for the day. The rules for passing varies with each organization, but many say no passing in turns, especially for the novice group.

[DarkNinja75]

What are the general rules for track riding as far as passing goes?  You pass when you can, or only passing on the outside? (I didn't notice a pattern or anything - just asking)
I presume you pulled into the pits to change camera angles (sorry, but I don't think you're good enough to switch them mid-lap ).  Do you pay per lap, or for the day or what?
Are the classes for track days (meaning 250's won't be on the track at the same time as 1000's)?

All the groups I've ever gone with allow passing at anytime anywhere, just safely. The C and B groups prefer a 6 foot space, while A group has no restrictions. I had someone get mad at me because I passed them on the inside in C group with only about 4 feet of room. Oh well, get over it.

You pay for the day. Typically it's three groups of A, B, C, with 20 minute sessions each. So you go out for 20 minutes every hour. Sometimes they'll do a 2 group setup with 30 minute sessions but that's rare. Even more rare is an open session, with everyone all together, and you can go out whenever you want all day long.

Groups (A, B, or C) is determined by skill/lap time, not engine size. In my video there are R1's as well as my SV650, which was probably the slowest bike there in terms of horsepower. You can have a good enough rider on a Ninja 250 in A group, but that's really rare. SV650's in A group is fairly common, although it's usually the 600's and 1000's.

[Hurdler10]

great video and riding.  where is the track located?

[ilanidrac]

God if I had the cash, and the bike to do this, I would love to do track

Looks like so much fun.  You on the SV650?

[DarkNinja75]

great video and riding.  where is the track located?

Willows, CA. It's Thunderhill Raceway

God if I had the cash, and the bike to do this, I would love to do track

Looks like so much fun.  You on the SV650?

Yep, SV650S with a GSXR front end. I had a guy on a Daytona 675 compliment me because he only managed to get by me once, and that was on the front straight.

[susieokc]

Where is Thunderhill?  I have heard of this and want to go.  There is a track here in Oklahoma, think in Tulsa somewhere but have not been.

[DarkNinja75]

Where is Thunderhill?  I have heard of this and want to go.  There is a track here in Oklahoma, think in Tulsa somewhere but have not been.

It's in California, so probably not worth going to if you're in OK.

[Hurdler10]

it's 450 miles from where i live. but the track looks really nice so i might go there in the future.  and i gotta give u props darkninja cuz i saw the track on google earth and it has a lot of straightways.

[DarkNinja75]

it's 450 miles from where i live. but the track looks really nice so i might go there in the future.  and i gotta give u props darkninja cuz i saw the track on google earth and it has a lot of straightways.

Yeah, it's one of the higher speed tracks in my area. There's on in Fernley, Nevada (Reno-Fernley) that's a lot better for my bike. Something like 23 turns.