2013: Who's tracking?

[Hotbrakes]

Schedules are out, where is everyone going to improve their skills?

Less than two months away til CMP with Track Tactics.  I worked with them last year and all the riders seemed to have an amazing experience.  The coaches really go out of their way to work with the riders both on and off the track.

[expatbrit]

If the new RC8R gets here in time, Arroyo Seco first weekend in Feb; if not then might still do it on the Wr250x. Last years last track day there was my first knee down, and that on said WR.

Race school and a race licence at SMRI, though I think no racing this year; going to support the girl as she races the VTR250 I got her for Xmas.

Yamaha Champions at Miller in May.

Apart from that ... Not sure!

[DogBoy]

Started last Saturday with a flat track school. A bunch more flat track, TT and Supermoto practice on the schedule along with racing for each discipline.

[Hotbrakes]

If the new RC8R gets here in time, Arroyo Seco first weekend in Feb; if not then might still do it on the Wr250x. Last years last track day there was my first knee down, and that on said WR.

Race school and a race licence at SMRI, though I think no racing this year; going to support the girl as she races the VTR250 I got her for Xmas.

Yamaha Champions at Miller in May.

Apart from that ... Not sure!

WR to RC8R?    Such an easy bike to ride though, and easy to ride fast.  You'll get on that YCRS R6 and wonder what's wrong with it lol.

[tomek]

Illinois roads might suck but I have 7 ( seven) race tracks within 200 miles distance from my headquarters . There is no need to plan anything ahead , it is possible to find  a trackday somewhere , with somebody on an given weekend in the summer  .
Unfortunately NESBA left Great Lakes region so I`ll probably burn couple sets of absolutely awesome AMA spec N-tec slicks with STT . And get my annual yell at for too aggressive passing .  

STT is a bunch of pussies compared to NESBA .


     

[miles]

Started last Saturday with a flat track school. A bunch more flat track, TT and Supermoto practice on the schedule along with racing for each discipline.

Hey, what tires are you running?  I'm thinking of trying a set of Goldspeeds, but I love the Michelins so much...

[DogBoy]

For supermoto slicks, the Goldspeeds are great for crashing. Michelin or Bridgestone still offer supermoto-specific slicks. Pirelli offers something that may work. My next set of slicks will be Michelins (only because Dunlop is out of the market).

For flat track/TT, it doesn't matter at my limited skill level. I run 17" road racing rains.

[miles]

For supermoto slicks, the Goldspeeds are great for crashing.

More info?  

Michelin or Bridgestone still offer supermoto-specific slicks. Pirelli offers something that may work. My next set of slicks will be Michelins (only because Dunlop is out of the market).

I've been running the Michelin 'cut slicks' (the ladder tread) and love 'em.  DagoR6 has a set of dunlop sumo slicks he's offered me, but they're so damned heavy...

[DogBoy]

There are a lot of variables but the Goldspeeds are known to have significantly less grip than the other brands and don't warm up on cool days. Stick with the Michelins.

[garry]

I think I will be attending a Shane Watts dirt school in late May. I'd like to do a track day or two at the BeaveRun, sorry Pittsburgh International Race Complex, as well.

[Hotbrakes]

I think I will be attending a Shane Watts dirt school in late May. I'd like to do a track day or two at the BeaveRun, sorry Pittsburgh International Race Complex, as well.

We're going to PIRC May 11-12 and July 6-7.  

[garry]

We're going to PIRC May 11-12 and July 6-7.  

The May weekend might work for me. Does TT offer formal instruction for Novices (not just random tips from CRs if you can find one to work with you)?

[Hotbrakes]

The May weekend might work for me. Does TT offer formal instruction for Novices (not just random tips from CRs if you can find one to work with you)?

Yes, there will be classroom sessions with Power Point presentation instruction for all groups.  Beginners (Level 1) also get special on track attention that is not random, not quite sure where you fall as a "Novice" rider.  I'm guessing with your experience that would be Level 2.

[expatbrit]

WR to RC8R?    Such an easy bike to ride though, and easy to ride fast.  You'll get on that YCRS R6 and wonder what's wrong with it lol.

Yeah -- going to be one hell of a change. I'll probably be slower for a while while I figure out the riding position.

 I really enjoyed my 950SM on the track, though, and I've had a friend's race-prepped RC51 out there, as well as my Mutleystrada. Getting the RC8R was ... a HUGE stroke of luck (thanks Revzilla and Scuderia West; I did something /right/ in 2012!) and it'd be a crying shame to NOT track the thing.

[miles]

There are a lot of variables but the Goldspeeds are known to have significantly less grip than the other brands and don't warm up on cool days. Stick with the Michelins.

OK.  I'm lazy about warmers for the motard, so that's good to know.

[Hotbrakes]

Yeah -- going to be one hell of a change. I'll probably be slower for a while while I figure out the riding position.

 I really enjoyed my 950SM on the track, though, and I've had a friend's race-prepped RC51 out there, as well as my Mutleystrada. Getting the RC8R was ... a HUGE stroke of luck (thanks Revzilla and Scuderia West; I did something /right/ in 2012!) and it'd be a crying shame to NOT track the thing.

You're the winner!!!???!!!!!!  Hell yeah!  The wife entered the contest, glad someone won who will appreciate that machine and didn't opt for the Hardley.  I'll take over payments for you when you're tired of it...

[expatbrit]

You're the winner!!!???!!!!!!  Hell yeah!  The wife entered the contest, glad someone won who will appreciate that machine and didn't opt for the Hardley.  I'll take over payments for you when you're tired of it...

I'm the winner. Hello, moto-Xmas present. Like I said, it was a deal that I couldn't turn down.

Sure the tax is going to be a killer, but it's a whole lot better than retail, right?  And it's not like Revzilla didn't already have my e-mail address, etc.

[Hotbrakes]

I'm the winner. Hello, moto-Xmas present. Like I said, it was a deal that I couldn't turn down.

Sure the tax is going to be a killer, but it's a whole lot better than retail, right?  And it's not like Revzilla didn't already have my e-mail address, etc.

Sell the WR, that should cover taxes and part of an exhaust system lol.

[expatbrit]

Sell the WR, that should cover taxes and part of an exhaust system lol.

Sadly, I love the WR and it's hella fun to have a light bike for around town. This might be the thing that finally gets me to pick up the Warp9 21" front for it, though, which was the original plan when I bought it.

(Now, it has a Graves, so sparky. That's a bigger issue)

[garry]

Yes, there will be classroom sessions with Power Point presentation instruction for all groups.  Beginners (Level 1) also get special on track attention that is not random, not quite sure where you fall as a "Novice" rider.  I'm guessing with your experience that would be Level 2.

With STT or a local shop that runs track days, I'm a mid-pack Intermediate (on a good day). With someone like NESBA, faster half of Novice probably. Didn't do any track days last year, so I'm probably rusty/slow/cautious. Never was one for putting the hammer down on straights (plus I'm on a slow naked bike), but do OK in the corners. I'm mostly looking for personal feedback on what I'm doing right, and what I need to work on. Not worried about lap times per se, just riding smoother/better.

[Hotbrakes]

With STT or a local shop that runs track days, I'm a mid-pack Intermediate (on a good day). With someone like NESBA, faster half of Novice probably. Didn't do any track days last year, so I'm probably rusty/slow/cautious. Never was one for putting the hammer down on straights (plus I'm on a slow naked bike), but do OK in the corners. I'm mostly looking for personal feedback on what I'm doing right, and what I need to work on. Not worried about lap times per se, just riding smoother/better.

I suppose you enjoy PIRC then with its relatively short straights and hilly turns.  You should be good for Level 2 then.

One of the best ways I've found to improve skills and keep them fresh is to hit a nice clean parking lot from time to time.  Find one with little islands in it and make up a little slalom course.  Do circles, figure eights, braking drills, etc.  Really helps get a feel for the bike and prevents rust from building.

[phoenix]

I hope to get out to Mid American Motorplex, Motorsports Park Hastings, and Heartland Park Topeka in 2013. MAM and MPH with Track Addix. HPT with an independent organization. Not much else to choose from and I don't want to drive 6 hours to get to any other track.

[nantahala]

I'm in for WERA southeast region again this year, along with maybe a couple of USGPRU rounds and a few track days on the little RS125. Just had a new crank (and clutch and piston) put in and a couple new sets of bodywork are on the way. Trying to get stuff together for Tally at the end of February.

Over the winter I stocked up on some $pares as the supply is drying up...

Matt

[Mastros2]

Looking to get to NJMP for a few days this year with Team Promotion.  Last year was too busy for me to get to the track. This year should be a tad better. I always plan for 4 days. We'll see!

[Hotbrakes]

I'm in for WERA southeast region again this year, along with maybe a couple of USGPRU rounds and a few track days on the little RS125. Just had a new crank (and clutch and piston) put in and a couple new sets of bodywork are on the way. Trying to get stuff together for Tally at the end of February.

Over the winter I stocked up on some $pares as the supply is drying up...

Matt

Isn't Jaime James out near you?  He fields a USGPRU team amongst others.

[nantahala]

Yeah, JJ is just up the road and I see them every month or so. He and Doug Crawford (JJ's mechanic through the years) have Jamie James Productions. I bought the RS through them and they've done all the work to it. They're both super great guys. Unfortunately, they are likely moving back to LA within the next few months. They will be sorely missed.

The USGPRU bikes are Adrian Jasso's, and they are some fine machines... Doug takes top-notch care of them and takes them around in the semi-hauler to all the USGPRU races (and elsewhere) for Adrian to race. Anything that goes through the JJP doors is done right.

Matt

[Bowtie76]

I'll probably get out for 2-3 days this year.  Ran VIR and Summit with NESBA last year.  Not sure if I'll ride with them again this year or check out another group.  I enjoyed NESBA but still curious about what else is out there.

[Hotbrakes]

I'll probably get out for 2-3 days this year.  Ran VIR and Summit with NESBA last year.  Not sure if I'll ride with them again this year or check out another group.  I enjoyed NESBA but still curious about what else is out there.

Last year I began coaching with Track Tactics, they do they things a bit different that seem to make lots of people very happy at the end of the day.  Lots of learning and structured coaching, friendly atmosphere etc.  We're working on VIR dates right now and trying to get North and South courses in the lineup.  

[expatbrit]

I wish we had more coaching here. I'm lucky, inasmuch as by mate is racing, and helps out a lot. Just want more!

Especially on the superbike.