Trackday advice on which org. to join for tracks in Upper midwest

[Breadman]

  I recently bought a street-legal 2001 ZX9r with 8K miles, with plans to ride about 3-5 trackdays per year.  I like to occasionally ride it on the street (or enjoy having that option, for now anyway), so it is registered and insured.  I have been advised to buy some track plastics, and have been told that making it a dedicated track bike is the smartest thing I could do with it.

  I checked out the NESBA and the STT websites, and their fees seem very reasonable to join.  Given the small fees, it is likely that I'll join both of those, in order to increase my accessibility to several tracks nearby like: Road America, Autobahn, Grattan, Gingerman, and of course Blackhawk Farms.  

  NESBA rules look fairly strict regarding safety wiring, no modular helmets, and full-circumference zippers on two-piece leathers.  My trackday experience so far is three days, all at Blackhawk Farms.  One was with Motovid.com, and the other two were run (I think) by Leon from STT.  Those trackday tech inspections were minimal, and I wonder if I can enjoy running in the "I" class (eventually) at some of these tracks without doing much more than pulling fuses and mirrors, taping up the lenses, and sewing a long zipper into my leather jacket and pants.  I have already ordered a non-modular full-face helmet for the track.

  Any advice/input regarding these (or other) organizations, or just general trackday tech tips are welcome.  I will attend a Motovid trackday at BHF for sure since it's close to home, and they run a lot of Wednesdays, which is my weekday off from work.

  Also, I own a minivan with removable seats which, if I compress the forks, should accommodate the ZX9r.  

[Dan K]

I like STT - they actually have coaches as opposed to control riders who just enforce rules.  

I ride my mint '06 Daytona in street form with lots of tape - no track plastics as of yet, but I try to take it easy.

I will continue to ride Novice until I'm kicked out (despite being told at Gingerman I could easily ride I).  

The classes in the AM between sessions are kind of boring, but whenever they let us loose, I have a tendency to take a few corners too hot, have been lucky enough to save a high side or two on my mint bike (PHEW!!!) and have ridden into the grass a couple times.  Plus, it takes a track day or two in the beginning of the season to get back into the swing.  

Watch out for the orgs that run Vintage days (Motovid?)....avoid them as there is often some oil left on the track after the vintage sessions...can be very bad.

I'll look for you out there.

[RocketmanBill]

I'm a STT fan.      Been with them for two years now.  Novice group is very structured, but after the first two or three sessions,depending on you skill level, you can move up to the faster groups in novice. It's very unlikely that you will get to run in the "I" until they get to know you and you have documented track time. Don't  fret, there are some VERY fast people in Novice groups. STT is about teaching and honeing Skills.   I personally stayed in the Novice group for my 10 trackdays. You will always learn something new and the coaches are great.
 Making the jump from Novice to Intermediate.... Wow! want a difference.  You are very much on your own unless you grab a coach and ask questions or have them follow you around the track, and then give you tips. But it is mostly up to you. I have heard some rumors that STT will have some sort of coach and rider class time, but we have to wait a couple more weeks for them to release their 2012 schedule and class structure.
STT run 20 minute sessions. Motovid runs 15 min sessions.   STT trackdays are usually more $$, but they are at many tracks. Motovid is only at BHF.
 I plan to do around 8-10 track days this year. Most will be with STT. Probably 2 with Motovid at BHF.

I don't know that much about Nesba trackdays, but being that they are a racing body, I assume their trackdays are more about RACING! That is not something I want to do. I have my hands full just racing the track.

I saw a couple of guys with your model of bike last year.  For the smaler, technical tracks like Grattan, BHF, and Autobahn North, you will get a workout. You have a big bike. They take work to make them go fast, to slow down, and to turn.  But you will have an absolute BLAST at Road America. Big bike on a BIG GIANT track.

Suggestions: Hummmm #1A Suspension. get it dialed in for your size weight and riding style. Best money spent. Your bike will feel like it's part of you. #1B Tires  I'm riding Michelan Pilot Power 2ct. I love them for the track. They have long life and stick good after they warm up. as you skill level raises you will want more track oriented tires. #2 brakes. Get better pads. Modern brake pads are incredible. #3 Gear. Get the best that you can afford. Again as your skill level imporves, you will want to get safer gear. There are going to be plenty of great sale come March.  Oh, to ride in Intermediate group, a back protector is required. The one in your jacket doesn't coount.

Enough of my rambling on.... I LOVE TRACKDAYS. I hope to see you at a few.  I will be at Road America in June. I will be at the STN Trackday, whenever it is. I am going to go to Grattan and Gingerman, usually in July and August. Sunday of Labor day weekend I will be at Autobahn South course. let's see that's 5. .... I'll fill the rest in later.

Hope to see you out there.

Rocketman bill

[Meemuh]

bump (for info)

[Breadman]

  I just joined STT for $35.

  I popped a new battery into the Ninja late this past summer, and have an air filter on it's way with my helmet.  I happen to know someone with a back protector who recently got much too busy for trackday riding, also.

Things seem to be falling into place already for a fun-filled 2012 riding year!

[Breadman]

Any track specific advice is welcome, also.  Which event not to miss on a certain weekend, etc.  I have to sign up for all of my vacation time in Feb. each year (for May 1 through the following April 30) so advance knowledge is vital for proper scheduling.  I hope to do my first day for 2012 in early May, maybe on a Wednesday.

[phoenix]

I don't know that much about Nesba trackdays, but being that they are a racing body, I assume their trackdays are more about RACING! That is not something I want to do. I have my hands full just racing the track.

Suggestions: Hummmm #1A Suspension. get it dialed in for your size weight and riding style. Best money spent. Your bike will feel like it's part of you. #1B Tires  I'm riding Michelan Pilot Power 2ct. I love them for the track. They have long life and stick good after they warm up. as you skill level raises you will want more track oriented tires. #2 brakes. Get better pads. Modern brake pads are incredible. #3 Gear. Get the best that you can afford. Again as your skill level imporves, you will want to get safer gear. There are going to be plenty of great sale come March.  Oh, to ride in Intermediate group, a back protector is required. The one in your jacket doesn't coount.

Correction - NESBA is not a racing organization. They only do trackdays.
I ran with NESBA for 2-3 years. In 2010, they said participation was too low west of the Mississippi and closed down the events out in my area. So I ran most of my track days with Track Addix over the past few years.

I have not run with STT yet. I have heard a lot of positive comments on them. they sound like they are pretty good at coaching.
With NESBA, and maybe this is because I got to know a lot of the control riders and was doing at least 5 track days per year, but in my opinion, their CR's made it a point to work with you. I've done trackdays with other groups, and received no feedback all day long. Usually I see control riders just blast by me and provide no coaching. I'm not sure what that's all about.

NESBA's tech requirements are no different from Motovid and other trackdays you have done UNTIL YOU GET TO ADVANCED GROUP. Then the requirements step up - safety wiring, water instead of coolant, full belly shield. Otherwise, you can take a stock bike (in decent condition) and a roll of tape to the track.

What Bill said in terms of suggestions  
Brakes, suspension and tires. Really no reason to put money elsewhere until you are near professional status.

Hope to join you guys for a day in 2012.

[Breadman]

I cannot put into words how excited I am to get the chance to ride an actual sportbike at several tracks next year.  This goal was a long time in the making, and I want to park my bread truck and ride RIGHT NOW!

I hope to plan a trackday with as many of you as possible!

[Capirex]

I cannot put into words how excited I am to get the chance to ride an actual sportbike at several tracks next year.  This goal was a long time in the making, and I want to park my bread truck and ride RIGHT NOW!

I hope to plan a trackday with as many of you as possible!

And I hope to do one with you as well Kris.  Your enthusiasm is contagious.  Congrats on getting it sorted.  

[cornercarver]

I cannot put into words how excited I am to get the chance to ride an actual sportbike at several tracks next year.  This goal was a long time in the making, and I want to park my bread truck and ride RIGHT NOW!

I hope to plan a trackday with as many of you as possible!

I had to throw in my 2 cents. Track days are near and dear to my heart. I raced AMA/ccs for five years back in the 90's. Now track days are the way to go. I agree good tires Dunlops and a good set of brake pads. I do suggest going to a familiar track for your first one of the season, helps with the fear factor. Nesba does a good job from what I have been told by corner workers at Blackhawk. Also if you get the chance to go to Grattan do it. It is a very technical track with a bowl, off cambers and a jump! I wish you the best and have fun, there is nothing like running through the turns on a clean track.

[Breadman]

  I do plan to open the season at BHF Raceway, since it is familiar to me.  

  Riding the Ninja well on the street is something I have yet to figure out.  The FJR is EASY to ride well, but the narrow clip-ons of the Ninja are a lot less confidence-inspiring.  Well, I guess it wouldn't be any fun if I could be good at it immediately, right?

[cornercarver]

  I do plan to open the season at BHF Raceway, since it is familiar to me.  

  Riding the Ninja well on the street is something I have yet to figure out.  The FJR is EASY to ride well, but the narrow clippings of the Ninja are a lot less confidence-inspiring.  Well, I guess it wouldn't be any fun if I could be good at it immediately, right?

I think you will find the low clips very comfy on the track and it will be easier to throw it into the turns. It will also be easy to tuck on the straights. You will have a blast.

[RocketmanBill]

First, Thanks Rory for setting the record and me straight on NESBA. I apologize if I stepped on any NESBA toes.

I'm going to look up Track Addix and see what and where their trackdays are all about. Possibly make a trek your way. Always looking for a new track,( read"challenge").

Second:  You know Kris, with this thread, you have opened a can of worms...... But in a good way.  My track bike was setting quietly in the garage, not messing with my mind in any way, then you had to start talking Trackdays.  All of a sudden the UPS truck shows up with a chest protector, new Vesrah brake pads and a gear indicator. I 'm sure Santa has a small box with Lap Timer software in it too. Then to top it off, both Motovid and STT post their 2012 schedules. Now it's all I think about. I'm like a little kid, with anticipation of having a great time at the racetrack. I don't know which trackday to sign up for first.  THANKS!

Great times are going to be had this coming year.

I looked at the Motovid and STT schedule to see if the road America dates and the Motovid date, in the first week of June, worked out as they have in the past. No go. In the past you could go to RA on Monday and Tuesday and then hit BHF on Wednesday. Not this year.

  So what I'm saying is, Someone out there, not me, that would like to work on planning the Region 4 Trackday, the schedule is up. Make your suggestions and lets try to set a date before the calender gets full.

OK you can all go back to thinking about Christmas now.  

Have a Merry one.

Rocketman Bill

[phoenix]

hey Rocketman Bill, no big deal.

For the record, Track Addix only runs days at Mid America Motorplex (just outside of Omaha) and Hastings Motorsports Park (middle of Nebraska). Both tracks are super flat and no trees in the infield.   They have no membership fees, just trackday fees. Their "Motomondays" are all open track time, every skill level on the track when the track is green (noon - 7 pm or something like that). I'm buying one of their bulk credits packages so that my weekend trackdays will be ~$120 and Motomondays will be $91. I have to admit, the coaching is not much.

If you're considering driving as far as Hastings NE, you should consider Heartland Park Topeka, in Topeka KS. Heartland is 300 miles from me, same as Hastings. Over the past 2 years, Heartland has run their own track days. They kicked NESBA out a few years ago for whatever reason. I think Motorcycle Superstore helps sponsor the trackdays and you can get a discount so that a weekend day is $125 with no other fees.  Again, coaching is minimal. Heartland has some elevation and is a counter clockwise track. Mid America Motorplex and Hastings are both clockwise. Heartland is probably my favorite track. the facilities are nothing to brag about, on par with Blackhawk Farms Raceway.

No one has mentioned Putnam, out by Indianapolis. I've heard it is a fun track.

A month ago I was thinking about getting a high end rear shock for my track bike, a power commander, getting the valves inspected and forks gone over. After doing some christmas shopping yesterday, I think half of that is off the list. Although a dirt bike is still on the list.

[Breadman]

  I had been looking at Putnam and wondering if it would be worth the drive down there.  It's probably equidistant to Grattan or Putnam for me, so time and fuel commitment would be comparable.

  I do hear that Grattan is a heck of a lot of fun, so I may set my sight on BHF and Grattan as my first two trackdays of 2012, assuming that Road America dates with STT don't coincide with my vacations.

[Breadman]

  Motovid.com Wednesday trackdays for 2012 at BHF (Blackhawk Farms Raceway) look like:

April 18th (sounds cool & rainy)

May 9th (this might work for me)

May 30th (Memorial week, so I am out. I must work this Wed.)

June13th  (I could do this)

July 11th (also possible for me)

August 1st (could go)

August 22nd (could go)

September 12th (perhaps)

October 10th (perhaps)

 

[RocketmanBill]

305 views and only 15 posts...... Hummmmm There are a lot of lurker wanna do trackday folks watching this thread.

If you want to see what its like to go around a race track on a motorcycle... Go to http://trackdaymag.com They have videos of just about every track.  I especially like the Road America one. Jason Prigmore doing a wheelie @140mph across the Start/Finish line.

You can join http://www.sttforum.com In the Northern section, Go back a few page of threads. Usually after a trackday, guys will post some of their videos. There are some really god ones going around Road America and Gingerman.

Kris, you mention Grattan as a fun track.... That track scared the crap outta me. I think it is more of a motocross track. 13 turns, 10 of them BLIND. It takes a few sessions just to remember which what the track goes let alone go fast around it. But you should see the guys that really know the track. Man can they fly around that thing. Like you are standing still.

Grattan or Gingerman on a Saturday, in early May for me. We can carpool if you want to cutdown on expenses. I'm sure Jai will be in for it too.
Road America June 4th and 5th. The 4th will be crowded be cause it's the Monday after the AMA races, but Tuesday it will be like an empty track. So Tuesday for sure.  
Memorial Day weekend is for the Indy 500, so no motorcycling for me that weekend.

I was thinking about Putnam too, as a new track to go to. But July?  Man it will be Hot down there. Last year that's when I went to Grattan and Gingerman for the first times. It was hot there too.

Motvid?  July11th, or August 1st, or August22 Look good for me.  Even Sept 12th and Oct 10th.  Wow a trackday after Slimey Crud. Cool.

So for some of you lurkers..... Get out and sign up for a trackday! There tons of FUN!

[phoenix]

don't plan your group trackday around me, but August may be the first one I could participate in at BFR. Probably just coming off shutdown vacation trip July 4th timeframe, probably going to be traveling for work in June, and I'm just never certain about weather in April/may (also traveling for work in April - long trips).

[johnnyb]

My bike is lurking in the corner of the garage taunting me.  I've been riding with NESBA the past few years and have enjoyed it greatly.  I'll be rejoining NESBA for this season as will as trying out STT this year.  As others have already mentioned, first place to spend money is suspension.  Sport bikes weren't really engineered with thoughts of gentlemen such as ourselves (I'm talking you and me Kris) that carry a bit more bulk than your average jockey  I'm still running the stock rear shock on my bike but having the front rebuilt and upgraded (Jim Lindemann, Lindemann Engineering) was a revelation.
Favorite tracks?
Road America
Grattan
Putnam
I've ridded BHF plenty and Autobahn a couple of times and I like them fine but the other three....

[Meemuh]

305 views and only 15 posts...... Hummmmm There are a lot of lurker wanna do trackday folks watching this thread.

guilty

[RocketmanBill]

And there you are, in Holland Mi., right in the middle of two very fun tracks: Grattan and Gingerman. I mean they are not even 1/2hr away!

Tape up one of your bikes, and sign up for a trackday. They are great fun.  If you are nervous about it.... Just go and watch one, and talk to some of the guys at the track, especially some of the Novice guys. They'll all say the same thing.  They are nervous and having a great time, and they would do it again in a minute.

What's the weather like up there in April and May. How iffy is the weather, or can I just plan on it raining. STT has dates at Gingerman and Grattan in April and May. Would it be worth the drive?or would I be driving 4 hrs to sit in a rainout, and then drive 4 hrs home? Otherwise I'm going to wait and see if there will be a trackday at Putnam, in early May.

Just think, Spring is right around the corner. just something like 2 months and 26 days. Ha ha.  I'm ready to Ride!

Bill

[Meemuh]

I'd say May is a better bet than April...we'll have to see how spring turns out here.
We don't even have any snow on the ground yet - and they were predicting a bad winter.  It could be a crappy spring...

I'll have to go check one of the dates out - at least to see what's going on.

[Mr. Clean]

If you get around the track pretty well, I recommend that you run a race compound tire, especially if it is a track only bike.  No need to run a set of sport touring tires that you can get 8k miles out of them.   Run good brake pads, and good tires, they are the two things that will keep you safe out there.  I have not run a ton of NESBA days, but there are a lot  of fast riders in that group, STT seems to be a better fit for the newer rider.  Take it easier on the first few sessions on the track, warm up and get faster as the day goes along.  Work a lot of overtime and save your money because this addiction can cost a lot of money.  Have fun this upcoming summer

[Cheddarhead]

If you get around the track pretty well, I recommend that you run a race compound tire, especially if it is a track only bike.  No need to run a set of sport touring tires that you can get 8k miles out of them.   Run good brake pads, and good tires, they are the two things that will keep you safe out there.  I have not run a ton of NESBA days, but there are a lot  of fast riders in that group, STT seems to be a better fit for the newer rider.  Take it easier on the first few sessions on the track, warm up and get faster as the day goes along.  Work a lot of overtime and save your money because this addiction can cost a lot of money.  Have fun this upcoming summer

Quoted for Truth...the Cleanster know much of that of which he speaks!

So far I've held the addiction at bay...but eventually it (and Maggie  ) will catch up with me and abuse me greatly....

[jadziadax8]

Quoted for Truth...the Cleanster know much of that of which he speaks!

So far I've held the addiction at bay...but eventually it (and Maggie  ) will catch up with me and abuse me greatly....

 

Like that?

[phoenix]

FYI - NESBA midwest section is cancelled (dead).

very limitted Blackhawk Farms trackdays other than wednesdays with Motovid.

[johnnyb]

Yep... Mid-West region NESBA is dead.  Right after I got that notification from them I got one saying the Southeast region is expanding.  Oh well. Guess STT will get the bulk of my $$ this year.