Calling all CT MA RI NY riders - 2015 track days

[csmith12]

@ttd - I left you a vm and sent a message about Palmer in Aug. Please get back with me at your convenience please.

Basically, my TTD sticker has worn off and need another. I can pick it up at Palmer in Aug. lol

See ya soon.

[csmith12]

Mr. Fist, Ant, Jay, Ben...

Get your names on the prepaid list ASAP. I will do the same.

Greg, you're invited too!

Anyone else want in on this while there is still time?

EDIT: Kevin is considering coming with me as well. He says Palmer looks like a "video game". lol

[adouglas]

@Ducati999 @Bigballsofpaint

Gentlemen, that sounds like a commitment to me. I believe it is our duty to step up and be in attendance.

August 10-11. Yea or nay?

[csmith12]

Yes sir! It is a commitment if Tony will have me.

I will go to Wal-Mart and get the supplies for my Palmer shrine now. Great weather will be pretty much guaranteed. lol Sacrificing a few small furry animals hasn't failed me yet and makes for a good dinner too!

[adouglas]

OK done, both days. Put in for yellow this time... hopefully I'll be ready. Can always bump down, and Tony always reshuffles a bit in the morning anyway.

Chris, a few items:

- First time out Tony ran three groups instead of four, with 20 minute sessions, and it seemed to work well. So each group had a bit more of a spread in terms of speed.

- Follow the directions to the track on Tony's web page. Your GPS will steer you wrong. You'll reach the track, but the written directions are way better.

- Nearest fuel and supplies are miles away. Plan for that.

- I assume you'll have your grill. Let me know what I can bring. Expect good coffee in the morning.

[Bigballsofpaint]

oh man, you guys can count me in for 2 days! ill sign up tonight. My only question/concern, if im staying at the track, anyone want to stay in my tent (and help me setup etc) Its a 10 person, and i dont feel like going out and buying a small tent....

Otherwise i can stay at a friends house who lives in sturbridge.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by adouglas

OK done, both days. Put in for yellow this time... hopefully I'll be ready. Can always bump down, and Tony always reshuffles a bit in the morning anyway.

Chris, a few items:

- First time out Tony ran three groups instead of four, with 20 minute sessions, and it seemed to work well. So each group had a bit more of a spread in terms of speed.

- Follow the directions to the track on Tony's web page. Your GPS will steer you wrong. You'll reach the track, but the written directions are way better.

- Nearest fuel and supplies are miles away. Plan for that.

- I assume you'll have your grill. Let me know what I can bring. Expect good coffee in the morning.

Noted and thanks! You got coffee and we can plan a menu on my grill. I love to cook at the track so ya'lls know. Sky's the limit too, nothing is too fancy.

I have the most most redneck gps in the world. Will adjust as warranted.

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

oh man, you guys can count me in for 2 days! ill sign up tonight. My only question/concern, if im staying at the track, anyone want to stay in my tent (and help me setup etc) Its a 10 person, and i dont feel like going out and buying a small tent....

Otherwise i can stay at a friends house who lives in sturbridge.

Count me in for a tent or a spot in my trailer. Either way a cozy place to sleep is based on effort put in. We got dis...

[DEFY]

[Bigballsofpaint]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Count me in for a tent or a spot in my trailer. Either way a cozy place to sleep is based on effort put in. We got dis...

Ill bring the tent and what not, we can decide track side what we want to do then! I posted in my group of friends, MAYBE 1 or 2 will come out for this, but thats a big if. I even offered up my 250 for them and ill ride the Duc

[Ducati999]

CONGRATULATIONS on the decision! I am transferring money so I can buy in both days now. I am not sure if the wife will join us. She will be doing her first track day at Thompson on July 12th and all will depend on her experience there if she will want to try Palmer. I will have 2 bikes for this trip to Palmer. Either my NON-exsistant bike or a new one! I live 30 minutes from Palmer so I can bring fresh food in each day rather than store food on ice. I can also pack in Ice and fuel if necessary since there is nothing for miles. Hope we can fill the entire entry road paddock with NINJETTE members I am off to reserve my spot and will C U ALL there

[csmith12]

I should have both my 250 and an 08 r6 to ride. Pilots of respective bikes are always subject to interpretation.

[csmith12]

Ant! I am in for a shower at your place this time. lol The ride home last time was brutal. lol

Will love to have a few laps on track with your wife and you to have some fun! Tell her, I request a desert at the end of the day please.

[ttd]

Glad to hear you peeps are coming.

For what it's worth, this place (and TTD) tries hard to support the local community - so all meals are available.

One company does Breakfast and Lunch items - and then we have options for Dinner. This past event we did a Pizza buffet for $10. Basically all you can eat of several "gourmet" style pizzas, salad, and soft drinks.

Bottom line, I would not suggest worrying about coolers and how to keep food... just fill it with adult beverages (and maybe some water and gatorade).

For the meals - buy from the local vendors at the track and/or join TTD for the group meal. (I was looking for the photo of about 50 of us all in a big circle enjoying our pizza... but can't find it)

Speaking of which... look for the Tonys Track Days Group page on Facebook and join up. You'll see lots of images from our last event, plus this is a way we send out the latest info about upcoming trackdays (in addition to our email list)

[adouglas]

+1 on the local food if you can. The pizza dinner was awesome. (By "awesome" I mean the pizza was not your usual stuff... both high quality and interesting.)

I know the track manager from way back (he got me into track days in the first place, driving cars). He's very aware that the community has yet to embrace the track and is doing all he can to support the locals. Important to step up, especially in these early days.

I'm going to buy at least one meal if not more. That's what I did last time and it worked out well.

Chris, I've got a solar shower and I didn't come close to using all of it. You're welcome to use it.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by DEFY

[ttd]

As far as "showers"... I leave a gallon or two of water out in the sun all day and bring some shampoo. I stand outside in my bathing suit (not birthday suit!!!) and take a shower.

Nothing fancy, but works just fine and been doing it for years at tracks with no showers.

[ttd]

Also, I think I saw some Pirelli tire comments earlier?

I am also the Northeast Track Tire distributor for Pirelli. Happy to help answer questions or I can have some Pirelli tires waiting for you at these trackdays.

If you just wish to order...here's the website for that business.

www.goMTAG.com

Motorcycle Tires and Gear

Thanks,

Tony

[csmith12]

Kevin has confirmed he is 90% in if the spots are open closer to the date. We don't mind riding rain or shine, but planning for a $1k event doesn't happen last minute ya know.

[Ducati999]

Ok, Based on all I have read above,
Chris, My wife will be making some special deserts and you are welcome to shower here if you would like. We are only 25-30 mins from the track and 10 mins from 84W

I fully intend to buy some food at the track and possibly do the group dinner if I am not as exhausted as this last trip left me. I want both Thompson and Palmer (especially Palmer) to continue to thrive.

My wife may or may not join us at this event. She will be there but her riding will depend on how much she likes riding track at Thompson on July 12th. I believe she will be addicted like the rest of us but time will tell.

Anyone from this forum is welcome to stop by our house and shower, borrow tools, lock up valuables or whatever they might need any time they are in the area. I am Italian and my wife is Philippino so hospitality and feeding people is in our blood!!

This is going to be an incredible event with somany forum members together with TONY's Track Days.

PS: Tony (TTD) My father was so impressed with your organisations focus on safety that he is seriously considering coming out to Thompson. My dad is 75 years old and still rides a Ninja but he has never had the courage to fully open it up, the No cops, no cars no limits moto really sold it to him!

Cant wait to see you all out there

[Sirref]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Mr. Fist, Ant, Jay, Ben...

Get your names on the prepaid list ASAP. I will do the same.

Greg, you're invited too!

Anyone else want in on this while there is still time?

EDIT: Kevin is considering coming with me as well. He says Palmer looks like a "video game". lol

I'll post up when I get my pre-pay in but that will be a week or two as I'm working on potentially racing at VIR N on the 12th and have court on the 10th which will determine how my finances are in the next few weeks. If all goes well I will be confirmed pre-paid around the 15th of june (plenty of time for it to not fill up)

[Bigballsofpaint]

Just paid for both days, yeehaw!

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

Just paid for both days, yeehaw!

[backinthesaddleagain]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Mr. Fist, Ant, Jay, Ben...

Get your names on the prepaid list ASAP. I will do the same.

Greg, you're invited too!

Anyone else want in on this while there is still time?

EDIT: Kevin is considering coming with me as well. He says Palmer looks like a "video game". lol

Thanks doing a day at Thompson Monday with a couple friends. One just had a ktm super motard built. Custom triples and suspension and brake. I'll check the work calendar and see as some of the gang is thinking about Palmer as well.

[ttd]

Originally Posted by Ducati999

PS: Tony (TTD) My father was so impressed with your organisations focus on safety that he is seriously considering coming out to Thompson. My dad is 75 years old and still rides a Ninja but he has never had the courage to fully open it up, the No cops, no cars no limits moto really sold it to him!
:

That is great to hear!

[adouglas]

Ant, tell your dad that Tony says he should do it.

Seriously... it's just like a great road ride. What an opportunity for him!

Just downloaded the pics from May 25/26... what a great weekend that was.

[DEFY]

Well, like said earlier, give me some time and I would get the gf to come around. She told me today that she would be fine with letting me go to the track. I would have a lot to do before hand, to get setup, but the opportunity is there now. I want to pick up another bike for the street, though, before I track the 250. I am also still deliberating on trading my car for a truck, since a truck would be more helpful to me than my car.

[adouglas]

Just FYI... your first track day will be a whole lot more like a ride on a nice road than anything hard core. The risk of laying the bike down is very low (unless you're "that guy" who has something to prove).

This, while true, would not have deterred me from buying race bodywork before my track day. I totally understand hesitation to risk your bike.

[DEFY]

@adouglas thanks for the advice. I been looking for a bigger bike for the street as it is. I would just be getting the bike setup for basics, removing the mirrors/turn signals/lights and safety wiring the fluid caps. Not fully customizing it for adjustments till after first run.

[Sirref]

^ that depends entirely on mentality

you shouldn't try to be fast out of the box though, that doesn't end well. Fast at the end of your first day is different

[Bigballsofpaint]

Originally Posted by DEFY

@adouglas thanks for the advice. I been looking for a bigger bike for the street as it is. I would just be getting the bike setup for basics, removing the mirrors/turn signals/lights and safety wiring the fluid caps. Not fully customizing it for adjustments till after first run.

While it all depends on the org you ride with, @ttd is pretty relaxed for beginners in this regard. Just fold the mirrors in, blue tape on the mirror lens, headlight, tailights and turn signals, pull your fuses for them as well. No safety wiring required since its an internal filter.

[csmith12]

@ttd - Still haven't heard anything back from you regarding my question(s). Let me know if you didn't get them please and I will resend.

Trip is getting close and gunna cost me over $1k all said and done. My friend Kevin is also in a holding pattern as well.

Please let me know ASAP. Thanks!

ps. count me in for the group dinner. Pizza, wings, buffet, whatever..

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by DEFY

@adouglas thanks for the advice. I been looking for a bigger bike for the street as it is. I would just be getting the bike setup for basics, removing the mirrors/turn signals/lights and safety wiring the fluid caps. Not fully customizing it for adjustments till after first run.

If you go with Tony's Track Days, prep is super-easy. In fact, on a 09 the ONLY thing you actually have to do is unplug the tail light. Seriously. That's it.

Basic requirements are to safety your spin-on oil filter, either with a hose clamp that impinges on the frame so it can't rotate, and/or by safety wiring if needed. Since you have a cartridge filter, this does not apply AFAIK.

That, and ensure your tail light is not visible. Blue painter's tape won't do, because you can see the light through it. You can tape it over with duct tape but it's easier to just pull the plug.

You don't need a race suit at first, either. Hit up Tony's site at http://www.tonystrackdays.com for full details.

While it's certainly not a bad idea to do more than the minimum, it shouldn't stop you from giving the track a try.

One thing you might want to do is go to one of Tony's days up at Thompson and just watch. It's a good track for spectating (you can see all but two turns), and you can get a really good idea of what the day is like. Feel free to sit in on the classroom sessions too. You'll learn a ton. It's also just up the road from the casinos... you can make a day of it with your GF, assuming you're into that kind of thing.

Palmer is NOT good for spectating, but if you hang out until after the sessions are done on the first day you can do the track walk, which is spectacular.

[csmith12]

2 layers of painter's tape will do the trick. I always have an extra roll on hand if needed.

[DEFY]

The gf is interested in coming with so would bring her. I would much rather remove the lights then tape them, incase something might ever happen.
@csmith12 Thanks, I got plenty of tape though. Perhaps I will take you up on that offer if I ever run out lol.

[ttd]

Originally Posted by csmith12

@ttd - Still haven't heard anything back from you regarding my question(s). Let me know if you didn't get them please and I will resend.

Trip is getting close and gunna cost me over $1k all said and done. My friend Kevin is also in a holding pattern as well.

Please let me know ASAP. Thanks!

ps. count me in for the group dinner. Pizza, wings, buffet, whatever..

I responded via email... Basically the answer is no problem. See you there!

[csmith12]

Got it, went to spam.

Thank you sir!

[adouglas]

My email from Tony goes to my "crack dealer" folder.

[csmith12]

^^^ lol for realz

pm sent to @ttd

Ready to pay ya'lls, let's ride!

[Ducati999]

Originally Posted by csmith12

^^^ lol for realz

pm sent to @ttd

Ready to pay ya'lls, let's ride!

I am in for 1 day and possibly both. I will not be getting paid for theses days as I have all my leave time spoken for. Hope to see lots of you there

[csmith12]

I got everything squared away. Will be buying my spots (both days) next paycheck. Kevin is now a 100% confirmed rider as well.

Dis gunna be fun!