A question

[herrman]

I would agree with Ade on this 'just loads of fun' and no bloody (speed) cameras to spoil it. Its not racing but some do see it as that, I would say if your good enough (or think you are ) some club racing wouldnt cost any more. I would like to do some more but funds have to be spent on Tyres/Ferries and all the other bits that feed my addiction.

I would go along with the 10% figure although I think more would LIKE to do one!!

Peter

[Boxered]

As I see it there is no playing pretend in doing a track day, there is no racing, no timing and no competition really. Its just the safest way to push your riding and the bike (no diesel, old dears pulling out or cars coming the other way).

I learned an enormous amount from riding on the track and it certainly helped my road riding (not that I'm fast or try to be). But that isn't the point either - track days are simply loads of fun - and nothing like racing.

Ade

I couldn't agree more. just 'cos it's on a closed circuit, you don't necessarily race, I know I dont, some may. There are always the boy racers who simply couldn't cut it in a pukka race series, but can afford tyre warmers but I agree with Ade, it's a fun way of exploring your bikes, and your own limits.
Just my £'s worth

Steve

[Dog Tyred]

[quote="Boxered
I couldn't agree more. just 'cos it's on a closed circuit, you don't necessarily race, I know I dont, some may. There are always the boy racers who simply couldn't cut it in a pukka race series, but can afford tyre warmers but I agree with Ade, it's a fun way of exploring your bikes, and your own limits.
Just my £'s worth

Steve[/quote]

What he said. Just a good way to see just how far you dare push your bike (usually without getting anywhere near its limits) without the risk of diesel spills, car drivers, etc, etc and everybody travelling in the same direction (hopefully). As for a percentage I would say overall, well less than 5%. Now if you split it down to bike types, i.e sports bikes, tourers, nakeds, cruisers, etc, the sportsbike riders would probably be up in the 10>15% bracket, maybe higher.

One thing I find really interesting about trackdays is to get to know a little bit more about the circuits. Makes watching MotoGP, WSB and BSB a whole lot more interesting if you actually know what the Gooseneck or The Mountain looks and feels like, even at sedate speeds. Sad I know

[Desmo904]

You're dead right with the bit about appreciating the circuits.
Now for my sad anorak confession;
If you want to learn a circuit - do it on the playstation. You will not believe how realistic and accurate they are.
Just need someone to bring out a game/sim that has Cadwell and Oulton Park.

Phil

[winger]

I spent all day at Brands yesterday,the look on peoples faces when they've realised they just thrown their pride and joy down the road and smashed it to pieces!!

[Ade B]

touch of schadenfreude there Chris?

or are you setting up a trackday repair/counselling business

Ade

[winger]

Na mate i just sit in the sunshine and fuel the bikes up and let all the other silly buggers crash their brains out,but must some have someones dream job,free bikes,fuel and tyres,could ride nearly all day,and still ain't interested.

[PBBoxer]

Its a difficult question.
If it was percentage of sportsbike riders then I'd still say only 10%, but of the other types of bikes I'd imagine less than 5%.
Do you have a figure at all? I bet you could contact the main few companies and ask for attendance figures?

[winger]

There are a lot of manafacturers useing track days as a marketing tool,i'm not convinced it's the best way of comunicating to the masses.

[PBBoxer]

Sorry, I meant contact the main Trackday firms, or a selection of them, not the Manufacturers.

Ive only ever done a couple, becuase it's kind of frustrating having the fear of binning a shiny new bike and not pushing like you would otherwise. You're right about it being a poor substitute for racing though. I used to race 125cc Karts and the buzz is amazing, along with all the other emotions.

[Harry]

Never been round a track on 2 wheels. Done many hours on 3 though
Just got home from Cadwell. what a brilliant circuit that is to ride.