New Rider Program
History of the program
This program aims to save lives through education.
In 2009 Sergeant Jason Harris (with the FSU Police Department) started a motorsports team to raise awareness to motorcycle safety. A program that started with attending various bike nights and car shows spreading the word that trackdays are a safer enviroment for our sportbikes and education them on safety, has developed into a state wide network of riders, fans, family and friends helping to spread the work and learn about how to be a better, safer rider. Since then, we've had hundreds of riders from throughout the state that have completed their first trackday and have become far safer riders as a result. Many of these riders have not only been back for 2nd, 3rd and even 4th trackday, but they've advanced very quickly to more advanced groups. And now as of 2021, we even have a several students that are now racing competitively! One graduate has even completed in the Daytona 200 (congrats Eric!), and only 2 years from his first trackday. He is also now an instructor for the program. Learning that there are far more fun and challenging places to enjoy the speed of riding a motorcycle than on the street. Many have found the track to be so much better that they have completely stopped riding on the street all together. And they are doing it in safe, controlled enviroments.
Below is to give you an idea as to what you can expect during a tech inspection.
F.A.Q.
- What happens if it rains?The events are rain or shine, believe it or not, students have learned as much or even more in the rain than in the dry! Check out some of the reviews from events involving rain on the facebook page. If the rain is too heavy or there is lightning, the track will cancel the event and it will be rescheduled for another day. We encourage you to participate even in the rain.
- How fast will I have to go? One thing you will hear us preech is that you should NEVER go faster than you are comfortable with. We keep the instructor to rider ratio very low (almost 1 on 1) to make sure no one goes faster than they want or feel pressured to go faster.
- What if I'm too slow? It's not possible to be "too slow." The first session of the day is VERY slow, intentionally so. Then as the day progresses we evaluate each rider and advance the rider based on the skill level of each individual rider. Always keeping the rider within their limits in or to maximize their learning. With that said, for safety reasons, riders need to be comfortable at highway speeds.
- Can I ride my bike to the track? Yes you can, however we don't recommend it. As with anything in life, accidents happen and there are a lot of dangers on the roads between your home and the racetrack.
- Can I bring my family or friends? Absolutely! Having family and/or friends only adds to the experience. And they are welcome to listen in throughout the day if they would like. We do ask however, they bring their own chairs, drinks, etc... as we only bring enough for our participants.
- Can I run a GoPro? Yes you can, most of our staff use them too as they are great coaching tools. There are not specific requirements to run them, but it is smart to tether them to the bike.
- Do I need or should I run race tires? No, not only don't you need them, but we recommend against them. They require a specific amount of heat to provide good grip. As a Novice rider, we won't be riding a pace to maintain that heat. Street or trackday hybrids are the best option for most levels of riding at a trackday.
- Do I need to swap out my coolant? Coolant alternatives are good here in Florida, especially for riding at the track, however they are not required for attending a trackday. Your coolant is fine.
- What do I need to do the bike? Below are more details regarding this, but if it is in good working order, nothing. Make sure you have fuel and the tires are in good condition. Read below for more details.
- You must have a proper suit, this can be a 1-piece or 2-piece. However a 2-piece must have a 360° zipper. Rentals are often available through the organizer or the track. Please ask us if you need help.
- Road race boots must extend well above the pantleg and strap above the ankle
- Gauntlet gloves must extend well above the sleeve/wrist and have a strap above the wrist.
- Full face DOT approved helmet free from damage.
- A clean functional motorcycle, free from leaks or loose parts.
- Throttle must return on its own, we must hear the 'snap.'
- Tires and brakes must be in good condition with at least 50% life remaining.
- FSU/DOT will cover approximately $100.00 of the entry fee for the one day. The sponsored rider is responsible for the remaining cost. This varies depending on the organizer and the venue. It can range between $60-$105.
- You are also responsible for any gate fees for yourself as well as any family and/or friends accompanying you. This is typically $10.00 per person. Cash only, paid at the gate.
- You're responsible for your own fuel. We will typically use about (1) full tank of gas in a day. About 5 gallons.
- You must provide your own food. Some events have food vendors, but not all. Please ask if you need to know about a specific event.
You are welcome to do these on your own before you get to the track, but we will walk you through it and help at the track
- Headlights need to be taped over (typically using masking tape).
- Blinkers need to be taped over (typically using masking tape).
- Any reflectors need to be taped over (typically using masking tape).
- Mirrors must be either taped over (typcially using masking tape) and folded in or removed.
- Brake light must be taped over and has to be done so that the brake light doesn't bleed through. Often we tape them over and unplug them whenever possible.
- License plate removed.
- Remove or zip tie passenger pegs in the up or closed position.
- Wheels weights must be taped, if you chose to do this please use duct-tape (masking tape won't stay) and clean the wheel beforehand.
- Throttle return can be an issue we cannot resolve at the track - Be sure you 'hear the snap' before signing up.
- Fluid leaks, or appearence of leaks are something we can't resolve at the track, address them before signing up.
- Be certain your tires have at least 50% tread, If you have a doubt, don't risk it, they won't pass tech.