so, vman, I know you rail on the sweepers and such... tell the boys and girls the differences you have found between street riding and track riding?
There is no comparision.
I would hold back on the street(some may not say that
) for fear of a car, police or other danger. I have responsibilities that have to be meet so the fear of a BIG ticket, major crash due to a car in my lane was always in the back of my mind. Not to mention death.
At the track, I could charge hard and work on improving my skill level without some of the fears of street riding. I do know there is a danger with our beloved sport however that fear is greatly reduced by doing it at a track day under a controlled environment.
By the last two sessions at Road Atlanta I was riding harder than anywhere in my life. Pushing deeper into corners and spinning all the way from the apex out was such a great feeling.
There were times on the back straight, going from 1st gear at turn 8 all the way to the start of 6th gear, then banging 5 downshifts, hard on the brakes, real wheel sliding, backing in for turn 10a and 10b. Before the kink(turn 9) I was seeing speeds over 170 indicated on a quick glance.
Now the BIG question, "am I done riding fast on the street?" I think that answer is no. I will still be at the Gap a few times in 2006. I always try to ride within my limits at the Gap or any road, maintaining a good line with good braking points.
The next question "am I done trying to improve my skills on the street?" The answer to that is a resounding YES. I will reserve my track time to making me a smoother and therefore faster rider.
I know there are quite a few people who are afraid of track days. Maybe uneasy at a new experience, who knows. I know there were a few butterflies on my 1st lap, but those were soon gone.
Nesba runs a quality track day. I am sure the other orginazations are similar in setup. Their Control riders allow you to pick up the pace during the day and are constantly watching and evaluating your progress.
I know my days in the B group are limited, I was told this this past weekend from quite a few.
If you are even considering a track day, lets go together. I will be at VIR in March, Road Atlanta in May and November and maybe 1 more, possibly Barber.
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