Trackday Guide: Rider & Gear Prep

  1. Rider & Gear Prep (You are here)
  2. Rider Groups
  3. Daily Schedule
  4. Flags

Bike:

  • Tires and brakes must be in good condition. Tires must have at least 75% of their tread left with no visible cracks or dry-rot.
  • Valve stems must have caps.  Wheel weights must be taped over.
  • Check for oil, fuel and coolant leaks and missing bolts/screws. All parts must be secure. No loose bolts/fasteners.
  • Check your tire pressures!  We don’t check it for you.  Use tire manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
  • Headlights, turn signals, and all glass or plastic lenses must be removed or taped over. Remove or tape over mirrors.  Try not to use a tape that will leave too much adhesive behind. Most use blue painter’s tape.
  • Kill-switch must be functioning and throttle return should work smoothly without sticking or hanging up.
  • Regular coolant is permitted for Novice group only. Intermediate and Advance groups must run alternative coolant such as water or a non-ethyl glycol based anti-freeze.  Approved brands are:  Engine Ice, Super Cool, Kool Aid, Water Wetter, Evans, and 7th Gear.  You will be asked what you are using at Tech.
  • It is also highly recommended, but not required, to safety wire the oil drain plug, oil filter, and oil fill cap. Keep in mind that if you spill oil on the track; not only is your day over, but you may create a hazardous condition for the rest of the riders as well.
  • Chain not too loose or too tight.
  • Kick-stands must be able to remain securely in the up position, or be removed.  Center stands are not recommended due to clearance issues.
  • Lowered bikes should be returned to their stock position since clearance could become an issue.  Bikes that are lowered also tend to require more turning effort since the geometry of the bike has been changed.

Body/Gear:

  • Full face, damage-free helmet: DOT, ECE, or SNELL approved is required.
  • Gloves with full wrist coverage (i.e. gauntlet gloves) are required.
  • Over -the-ankle riding boots are required.
  • One-piece or two-piece leathers that zip together.  Two-piece zip together textile is allowed in Novice only.  Keep in mind that leather is the most abrasion-resistant gear.  Gear must provide full body coverage and have reinforced/padded elbows, shoulders, knees, and spine/back areas.  Hip padding is also recommended.
  • Back protector is highly recommended for all groups and is a requirement for Intermediate and Advanced groups.

Pit – Things To Bring:

  • Food:  Liquids (Bring water and an electrolyte replenishing drink, i.e., Gatorade.  It’s best to drink both throughout the day); snack foods (power bars, granola bars, etc.); lunch – XCEL will provide luncheon meats/chips, etc.  No alcohol permitted.
  • Clothing: Hat, sweatshirt, shorts, T-shirt, and sandals.
  • Miscellaneous: Sunscreen, chapstick, sunglasses, camera, canopy and weights/heavy objects to tie canopy down, chairs, gas, aspirin/ibuprofen, driver’s license, health insurance card, cash, credit card, pen, first-aid kit.
  • Tools: Duct tape, compressed air, bike stands, wrenches and other tools, tire gauge, tape measure, battery charger, extra bike parts.
  • Don’t forget your ignition key! You’d be surprised how many times that happens.

Morning of Trackday

  1. Relax.  Prepare ahead of time so you’re not rushing.
  2. Gates open at 7 am March – Oct, 8am Nov – Feb.  Don’t be early at AMP.  We don’t want to block access to the golf course.
  3. When you first get to the track find a spot to designate as your pit area.  Be efficient with your space and mindful of people who will want to pit next to you.  Once you unload your bike and gear, park your vehicle away from the pit area.
  4. Sign in at registration, bring registration form, photo ID, and credit card.
  5. Take bike and gear directly to Tech for inspection.  Don’t wait until the last minute to go through Tech. You risk missing out on valuable track time.
  6. You can’t “Win” trackday.  This isn’t a race day.  If your bike needs extra attention, take the time to get it right.  It’s better to miss a few minutes of track time than to have a part come loose and crash.
  7. Be prompt at the rider’s meeting.  If you don’t attend, you don’t ride.  No exceptions.  You’ll meet your Rider Coaches and the Track Marshall.  Ask questions and find a Rider Coach if you need help or just want to follow a Coach around to see the best line on the track.
  8. Breathe and have fun!