Ok, in an attempt to keep the thread going (and on track..)

1. Pick the right group for YOU (not you and your friends)

Fast : Generally means racer, ex-racers and 'race wanna bes'. Any slower than them and you'll find yourself scared or into the gravel.
Medium : Tends to be busy as it contains 'average' riders. If you can, go for either one of the other groups.
Slow : Doesn't really mean slow as such, just sensible. Don't worry about being too quick because the organisers will simply move you up.

2. Check the chain tension. Run it a few millimetres looser than normal for better power transfer.

3. Change your engine oil and filter, you'll be thrashing your bike more than normal.

4. Check the suspension, if you are not sure about it and have fiddled in the past it's best to go back to stock settings at first and change it during the day to suit your riding.

5. Check the tyres and the brake pads. There needs to be a good thousand miles of 'normal riding' in them or you won't last until lunchtime. If the centre is a little won then don't worry, it won't wear at all compared to the edges. If it's squared off then it should be ok but the bike won't handle as well as it should. (You may even 'save' a squared off tyre by running on the track for a day)

6. Replace the brake fluid. Tiny air bubbles unnoticed in road use can cripple the system when it gets hot.

7. Check YOUR kit. Do you have to zip your leathers together? Make sure there are no holes on your leathers, gloves and boots.

8. Does the track have a noise limit?

9. Check your helmet is correct (for the UK BSi type-A and ACU Gold approved (Blue and Gold stickers).

10. Pack a good tool kit, more than usual. Include tools to play with your suspension and if you can bring a long screwdriver, pliers and a mallet (just in case you have to move any body work after a spill).

11. Gaffer tape and electrical tape.

12. If the track doesn't have a cafe then make sure you take LOTS of water (you will sweat and de-hydrate). Take salt and potassium tablets if you can. Bananas are a good source of potassium which helps re-hydrate your system. TOP TIP....if you start getting headaches and/or your urine is dark them you are dehydrated GET SOME WATER IN YOU!

13. Remember your driving licence (UK track days may refuse you without one!).

14. Make sure you know the route to the track, if the travel time is more than 2 hours consider staying closer the night before, don't forget you have to ride back after the track day too.

You can pick and choose which if any of the above you really do....these are just some guides (with a little help from Andy Ibbot California Superbike School). And NO, I didn't cut and paste, my bloody 2 middle fingers are bleeding now.

1. Arrive in plenty of time. Try to get there an hour before the first briefing if you can. You'll need time to take in some water and chill out after your ride to the track.

2. Book in! Ask the booking in people where scrutineering is and how it works.

3. Get your machine ready for the scrutineers. This normally means taping up the lights and anything else that shatters. It may be worth checking the chain too.

If you have the time and the skill then you can:

Remove everything that can smash, light, indicators etc.

Remove your mirrors! You don't need them and they are just something else to break if you have a spill.

Tape up your speedo, you won't need it and it'll be more of a distraction than anything.

4. Cover/remove your number plate. It has been known for insurance companies to attend track days and take photos of bikes to prevent fraud when riders fall off on the road 'following a track day'.

5. Find out where the nearest petrol station is, is it at the track or do you have to leave the track (if you do don't forget you've taped everything up). Fill your bike to the brim BEFORE if you can.

6. Turn your lights OFF (a little hard on our bike but if you know where the fuse is....)

7. Drop the tyre pressures, a good start is front 32psi and rear 30psi.

8. Double check what time your group leaves and who will be leading it.

9. DON'T MISS YOUR BRIEFING!

Ok, so, now you are on the track. Time for some more pointers.

Again, NONE of this is is gospel and you don't have to take a single bit of advise but, if you take a little advise from some of this thread then you'll have a great day on track. If I'm teaching some to suck eggs then I'm sorry, for the new guys...read on! 

1. DON'T GO FAST! .Don't even think about going fast. Your tyres, brakes and engine are all cold and so are you. Simply sit back and get a feel of the track. If you can do it then go round without braking (hard) or accelerating hard at all. If you can get round just using one or maybe 2 gears and NO brakes then even better.

2. Stay near the back and try not to overtake anyone. If someone overtakes you, ignore it. Ride ay YOUR pace and start to learn the track. Even if you have been on the track a thousand times, things may have changes so just take it easy.

3. Make sure you bike is acting normally before you go on the second session.

This may all sound boring but you will get LOADS of time to 'play' later.

Ok, it's time to make my fingers bleed a little more.....

So, you've done your 'warm up' session and you've taken a break, eaten some bananas and taken on some water. Lets move on.....

Morning session (second session)

1. Pick up the pace a little, you should have got a feel of the track by now. The key to going fast isn't speed, its SMOOTHNESS. Smooth is quick. This means knowing the corners and the lines.

2. Approach either a racer or an instructor and ask them to follow you for 2 laps. Most guys (or gals) will be happy to help out. 'Pit-in' have a chat and then follow them for 2 laps, pit-in again and see how you both feel, where their lines better? Did you improve? etc etc...

3. KEEP DRINKING.

4. Check your bike over after your second session and chat to other riders about lines etc and get ready for your next session.

The whole point of these sessions is to learn the track and get used to the lines, find out where your breaking points and turning points are and to warm you and the bike up again.

Best advise is to RELAX in the straights, move your arms around and get ready for the next corner. Anyone can go fast in a straight line!

1. Relax, don't eat a big lunch - it'll make you sleepy. Stick to something light and plenty of fluids (keep away from Coke/Pepsi etc).

2. If you're not happy with your group, have a word with the organisers and try and change (don't worry about sticking with your mates, YOU are here to learn and have fun).

3. If you can lie down and relax then do so.
 

1. Don't worry about the people behind you (there will be some!). If they are going to come past, they'll do it without effecting you. Feel free to let annoying hangers-on get past you by signalling with your hand or foot (point to the direction you want them to pass). This is another reason for taking your mirrors off.

2. DON'T always assume that 'if he/she can make it then so can I'. He/she might be on race tyres, have more ground clearence, be a better rider....OR he/she may not even make it!

3. When slowing down or leaving the track ALWAYS raise your hand to warn others. (This should be explained in the morning brief)

4. NEVER go flat out on your first two laps. Tyres need to warm up gradually, as does the bike...AS DO YOU! Build your speed up gradually.

5. If you want to get past someone but keep getting blown off on the straights, try to work out where you are quicker. Drop back before you reach this section. Take it as quick (and safely) as you can and catch them up. If all goes to plan, you'll be up close as the corner finishes, giving you the advantage on the straight. 250's and 400's can pick of the likes of R1's doing this - with a bit of practice.

6. Don't showboat, piss around or lose your temper - all of those things will get you black-flagged and you'll be sent to bed early. Both a waist or your time and your money.

7. If you find you are getting 'red mist' (pure focus on one rider that you HAVE to get passes) simply drop back or pull in for 30 seconds.

8. It's NOT a race, it's a track day...there is NO prize money. You are there to have fun and LEARN!
 

1. Ok, most crashes will happen after lunch. FACT! Treat the post-lunch session much like the first session of the day and take it easy. Ignore all the (idiots) 'experts' that go out after lunch and do flying lap times.

2. Ask for more tuition or advise. You should be ready for some faster laps now.

3. Be careful of the track temperature, as the sun drops in the afternoon so does that track temperature as does the grip level. By 4 o'clock on a spring day you will REALLY notice the change.

4. There is NO shame in leaving the track early. If you feel you are getting tired or maybe nervous then leave. It's better to keep you and your bike on once piece than risk the last session.

5. If you feel fine but feel that you are not getting enough time on the track then speak to the organisers who may be able to fit you into another group, just don't over do it - you'll be VERY tired.

1. Check the beast over. The tyres are more than likely a bit worn and the pressures will need to be done again (wait until the tyres are COLD before you do this). Adjust the chain...it may need it.

2. Remove all the tape and re-fit any lights that you may have removed.

3. Once you leave the track take it SLOW! You'll be amazed how fast you can be on the roads following a day on the track.

4. BE CAREFUL AND RIDE SAFE

1. Relax, have a beer! It may be the best one you've ever had. 

2. Book another track day and make the most of the summer.