Finally popped my track day cherry this morning at Donington in the Ron Haslam school. It felt good . Tuition was very enlightening and confidence inspiring, despite it raining from 1/2 way through. Saw a Ducati owner from round York way who had a nasty off, but did regain consciousness in the ambulance - hopefully all is well for him (if you are on here, hats off to the speed you were carrying round Donington). So, to plan for next summer ...
The warning of putting it in the kitty-litter still resonates with me. As I did the haslem-600cc in the rain also. Are you planning on doing the 1,000cc course?
I did my first track day with them. I really enjoyed it. Esp sitting at lunch chatting to Ron and Leon. I was a tad starstruck. But they're genuinely normal down to earth midlanders. Really nice guys. I'd recommend it to any novice who's a tad reticent about track days. Vic Cox was my instructor. Kinda put it into perspective for me when I thought I was giving it the berries into Redgate when Vic passed me on outside sitting for all intent and purposes, side saddle looking backwards at me watching what I was doing. That was when I truly understood these people (racers) are a different breed to us.
So much to remember, and looking at the photos I can see improvements (from 10to2 feet to balls of feet, upright rigid to hanging off a bit, etc), but so much more to learn and improve on. Possibly a bit pricey at £300 for 1/2 day (total 60 mins on track), but the quality of tuition, kit, bikes, etc far outweighs the limited time on track. @GunZenBomZ - will have to be next year as 2017 is fully booked for the elite 1000cc sessions. @El Toro - 85% was the score. Commented on smooth style and big improvement in hanging off the bike. 30 years of road riding in a mostly upright position takes a bit of unlearned. Glad I did it and definitely want more track time
My uncle did a one on one day with Neil Hodgson. My uncle is a fast rider in the fast group but he always goes on about Hodgy coming past him, round the outside with the back tyre spinning and smoking up a treat
No Limits do Road Bike only days at Donington, which are a bit more sedately paced than the normal track days there, if you fancied doing a day on your own bike and didn't want to smash it up
Ive just bought a new 1299S, so I am reticent about tracking it just yet as the cost is still forefront of my mind. However thats useful to know greame as I love Donnie. Craner still scares the fuck outta me but the blind double just before the straight which leads onto foggie esses are exciting. Coppice I think its called. I love that but its so easy to go wide on exit for novice schmucks like me. My main worries about track days are not me. I can control my own enthusiasm. Its holding people up who are faster accidentally and them having to jump me somewhere. I find it difficult to not want to see whats behind and that is a difficult reflex action to stop. Ive decided to track the 916 instead as its plenty quick enough for me as an intermediate, plus its got good R&T Ohlins suspension, brakes and lightweight wheels. Engine was Full Monty'd by Snells. Its a good tight bike. I'll look that up Graeme, so thanks.