Greetings

swaggboi

New Member
I sold a set of saddlebags to a fella on FB marketplace; he told me he was into club racing so I told him I was interested in taking a class and track days and he referred me to N2. I'm not really competitive just interested in 'gettin gud' at riding. Last season was my first time getting somewhat comfortable leaning more into my turns and I had a lot of fun although I'm sure my technique/form was bad by track day standards.

My bike is a Ninja 650. I upgraded the suspension to be adjustable and I'm hoping to have my brakes somewhat upgraded before the next season. I was told to focus on suspension, brakes and tires for track days.

The closest track to me will be Summit Point, WV but I'm willing to travel to southern VA or PA if needed for the classes/instruction.
 

bmart

Control Rider
Welcome!

Proper suspension setup and decent braking (frequently just fluid and piston cleaning, not really additional parts) are prime to stay on top of. Decent tires too, but most street rubber is pretty excellent these days. I even did a track day last season on my VFR with a sport touring rear tire.

The best $ spent is on safety gear, training, and seat time.

Maybe see you at VIR/CMP. Road Atlanta is worth the trip... Come say hi!
 

swaggboi

New Member
Thanks. I'll plan on being at VIR too; I doubt I can do an ATL trip this year but maybe next year.

I have Alpinestars leather gloves, boots and jacket/pants combo that zip together along with a Bell helmet with SNELL sticker.

I honestly have no idea where to start for the training/classes so definitely interested in learning more about that.
 

The B Team

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I honestly have no idea where to start for the training/classes so definitely interested in learning more about that.
Read the riders manual and then just come on out! Identify yourself as brand new to the director or CRs, and they will show you the ropes and get you familiar with the track procedures the first session. Protip: park next to any of the CRs when you set up. Look for the round orange stickers on the bikes.
ATP runs at NC and Pitt for sure, I believe it runs at Summit as well. Summit you can load in the night before after about 6pm, which is generally better than trying to drive in in the morning. Look for the gummy shark bikes if you need assistance or just want a friendly tent to hang under.
 

HondaGalToo

Control Rider
Welcome! Not much to add to the the above. Summit is a fun track! Definitely check out the Riders Manual https://www.n2td.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/N2-Riders-Manual_v2.0.6.pdf

As mentioned, at your first track day you'll be assigned to a CR (control rider, aka coach) for the morning with other first time track riders. They will do lead/follow to show you the proper race line on the track and discuss body position, etc.

Bring water, shade, chairs, snacks, lunch, gas. There are pumps on site but it's expensive. Best to trailer if you can. If you don't have a trailer you can rent a UHaul, assuming your vehicle has a hitch.

Be prepared to learn a lot and have a blast!

What's with this at the bottom of your post?

ⓘ User is suspected to be a part of a motorcycle terrorist organization. Please report any suspicious activity to N2 staff.
 

swaggboi

New Member
What's with this at the bottom of your post?
It's a copypasta I always put when I don't know what else to put lol.

Someone else recommended the manual so I'll read over that a couple times since I'll have time while snow is still on the ground. Was hoping to just ride to Summit since I live fairly close by; there's no where to buy gas near the track?
 

domarena33

Track Day Superstar
It's a copypasta I always put when I don't know what else to put lol.

Someone else recommended the manual so I'll read over that a couple times since I'll have time while snow is still on the ground. Was hoping to just ride to Summit since I live fairly close by; there's no where to buy gas near the track?
Welcome. beware riding to a track day. I would recommend renting a uhaul motorcycle trailer and if you absolutely can't, have a buddy who is available to come pick you and your bike up at anytime throughout the weekend if and when you go down. It happens to everyone!
 

swaggboi

New Member
I live nearby so my wife could always drive over with the truck if that happened. I may try to scout out the location this spring to see what the loading/unloading situation would be like if I end up having to drive it over in my truck. I honestly just hate driving lol but if it's really such a bad idea I can plan accordingly if I must.
 

The B Team

¯\_(ツ)_/¯
there's no where to buy gas near the track?
Summit has pumps on site.

There's no reason you can't ride to the track, but you'll need to do some work with a roll of tape once you get there.

Not sure if they'll let you in to scout it out...track is closed except for events.

For the loading/unloading, there is a hill that you can back up to in a truck and roll the bike off the back if you don't have ramps, or it's a good bet someone in the paddock has some you can borrow.
 

HondaGalToo

Control Rider
yeah, just buying gas at the track is easier if you ride to the track, it's just expensive. But better than trying to carry a gas can on your bike, lol. I think the gas stations are at least 20 mins away...
I'll likely be a Summit a bunch this year.
 

Donkadillapig

New Member
plus one to all the above... aside from reading, understanding and complying with the manual beforehand, really don't overthink it.
You'll need painters tape if you ride in, to cover your mirrors/signals etc.
Stuff you need to be comfortable (lots of water and snacks).

At a bare minimum that's all there is to it .... for your first track day!

The next one you'll rock up in a 16ft enclosed trailer with A/C, a pop out tent and a Ducati V4 Panigale ... you've been warned lol ;)
 

swaggboi

New Member
The next one you'll rock up in a 16ft enclosed trailer with A/C, a pop out tent and a Ducati V4 Panigale ... you've been warned lol ;)

LOL I don't have the skill to take on a four cylinder as much as I want one but the trailer sounds nice.

I've never backed up a truck with a trailer but I bet I could do it...
 
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