FAQ

What happens is, an organizer will rent out a race track and then sell "slots" to riders. The organizer typically provides staff to handle registration, instruction, emergency services, etc... They then decide up the riders into groups based on skill level. This ranges from the first timer to the most experienced professional racer.

Seems like a simple question, but it gets asked quite a lot. A trackday is merely a group of riders that are out on a closed course riding at their own pace with friends. Whereas a race is just that, a race... A competitive event based on who's the fastest rider. No awards are given out at a trackday. And there is NO pressure to ride any faster than anyone wants to ride. In fact, the instructors will try to get you to ride well within your comfort level.

Any time someone is operating a motorvehicle there is risk, absolutely. But at least on the race track you have trained medical professionals always within a reasonable distance to you, just incase something were to happen. A stark difference to riding on the street. On the track, the surface is maintained and checked regularly for anything that could cause a problem. From debree, oil, rocks, etc... And if something is found, the session is stopped while the items or concerns are resolved and the event resumes. Consider also that at the race track, everyone is divided into groups based on skill level. Everyone is traveling in the same direction at relatively the same speed. No cars, kids, animals, guardrails of Cadillacs to get into your way. In our opinion it is a FAR safer way to enjoy your motorcycle.

Honestly, they can be... Like any hobby, you get out of it what you put into it. If you're an occasional trackday rider who just wants to satisfy that "itch" in a safe enviroment, it can be accomplished for far less than a speeding ticket. But, if you get hooked like many of us have, it can cost you quite a bit. Some riders will use their street bike, just prep it with the minimal requirements, rent some gear (or borrow it) and it can be done for less than one might think. Others of us have dedicated "track bikes" and toy haulers, all sorts of tools, stands, race tires, spare wheels, gear, etc... and it has become a way of life for us. You don't have to take that approach. Although once you try it, you just might... ;)