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Trackday Virgin... no more! – Kevin Turner (a man who has ridden the Nurbergring... twice) finally takes to riding on a track

With thanks to Raw Action for the photographs and Motorsport Vision for the trackday

Kev follows and learns from one of the instructors - follow their lead, take their advice and... I’ll begin this article with a caveat: everyone’s trackday experience will be different, some may love it, others may never want to see a bike again. From chatting to the people in my group, I think my first time at Brands was fairly typical of what most trackday novices will experience and so hopefully this article will provide a half-decent introduction for newcomers (although I’d also recommend a quick read of Simon Bradley’s 'Motorcycle Trackdays for Virgins'; not to forget the useful and informative 10 ways to get the most out of a trackday feature written by my Editor... always good to be nice to the man that publishes the articles... future contributors please note)

Like a lot of people who've been riding for a while (I got my license six years ago) the fear of looking like an idiot and getting in people’s way had always prevented me from booking track time, but when I saw an entire day’s session for just £75 advertised on the Motorsport Vision website, I decided I couldn’t delay the inevitable any longer. I’m glad I didn’t.

I’d describe myself as a moderately fast road rider; experienced and reasonably safe, quick in a straight line but always scrubbing off too much speed before a corner, then cursing myself and getting back on the gas in the wrong gear. I’m guessing quite a few people can empathise with this – you can almost see your bike rolling its eyes in disgust.

It’s a frustrating process and something of a ‘Catch 22’ – you want to improve and you know a track is probably the best place to do so, but at the same time you don’t feel anywhere near confident enough to mix it up with a load of other riders who are bound to be ten seconds a lap faster than you.

Except they’re not. Not in the novice group anyway. The blokes in my group (all men btw, read what you will into that!) ranged from the terrified to slightly nervous before getting on track and then from CBT level to capable whilst riding around. Some people got quicker as the day went on, some didn’t; the important point is that no one was judging anyone. The slower guys were given a courteously wide berth when overtaking and the faster ones got on with things at a pace that suited them.

It was exactly as I’d hoped it would be, with the exception of the weather – a wet Brands Hatch isn’t the best place for a first trackday and prior to our first session, those of us in the novice group stood staring ruefully out of the garages, cursing the weather forecasters who’d led us to believe the day would be cloudy but dry.

Once out on track however the nerves quickly disappear, replaced with excitement and adrenalin and, for me anyway, relief that I wasn’t the slowest guy out there. But it wouldn’t have mattered if I had of been; the only person putting pressure on anyone was themselves.

Each session lasts 20 minutes and thus each group – novice, intermediate and advanced - gets a session an hour, so you never have to worry about being on track with the really fast guys who arrive in vans and wheel out bespoke track tools with tyre warmers and slicks!

For the novices, there’s a briefing in between sessions to talk about riding position, which I’m convinced resulted in me finally getting my knee down after six years of trying!

Then it’s back on track to put theory into practice, or just carry on what you were doing before if you prefer. No one’s grading you (Editors note; you ARE being watched. The instructors will be keeping an eye on you and if you’re struggling with the pace in your group they will move you to a slower group. Likewise, if you’re way ahead of the pack, they’ll move you up to a faster group to give you the best level of enjoyment) the whole day need be as relaxed or as manic as you want.

It’s also worth mentioning the camaraderie and general friendliness that certainly defined this particular trackday (and I have no reason to believe this was any different to any other event). The more experienced riders were happy to give advice and pass on their wisdom while the rest of us stood around in between sessions gibbering like (very happy and excited) idiots. To demonstrate just how chilled and welcoming everyone was, a complete stranger leant me a set of leathers when I discovered mine weren’t up to the job!

... you'll be looking like this as the day progresses











Some key points I picked up along the way:

• If you’re wearing two piece leathers MAKE SURE THE JACKET AND TROUSERS ZIP TOGETHER AT THE WAIST!!! (i.e., they effectively become one-piece leathers) If they don’t, you won’t be allowed on track. This isn’t an idle threat either; before each session a marshal checks your lids done up and your leathers are zipped together. If it wasn’t for the generosity of a chap called Matthew I’d had been sent home without so much as a lap.

• Tuck your mirrors in or tape them over (same with your speedo): it’s up to the guy overtaking to do so safely; don’t let yourself get distracted by what’s going on behind you.

• Don’t forget your licence, you’ll need it to sign up.

• Don’t forget to eat and drink plenty of water, it’s surprising just how exhausted you can get (both mentally and physically).

• Talking of exhausts, your bike will be checked over when you arrive so if your can sounds like something dropped on Dresden, consider putting the original back on for the day.

• Drop your tyre pressures to 35 psi front and rear to increase heat and grip (this advice came straight from the instructors lips, it’s not personal preference). (Editor’s note: I would qualify this; that refers to Kev’s ZX6 – not all of us will take to the track on a sportsbike – this might not be the best thing for your bike. If you want to reduce pressures, ask the instructor first. And also make sure you have access to a pump to put correct road pressures back for the ride home!)

• Do your homework on the circuit, take a look at the 10 ways to get the most out of a trackday guide on this site – and if you’re really serious, read Simon Bradley’s 'Motorcycle Trackdays for Virgins'

Verdict: Pretty much everyone I spoke to went home that day already planning their next trackday. Seriously, if the only thing stopping you from giving it a go is the fear of looking daft, don’t worry. The longer you leave it the more you’ll regret doing so!

Thanks again to Raw Action for the photographs and Motorsport Vision for the trackday

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