What will a track day REALLY cost?

[adouglas]

Track monkeys please chime in.

What do I actually need to think about in terms of time and budget, soup to nuts, to do a first track day?

Sure, it's possible to put your leathers on, leave at 3 am (no lodging), ride your bike to the track and just go riding, but that's probably not the right way to do it. At the very least, you run the risk of getting stranded if you crash the bike.

For someone who's never done it, what's realistic in terms of logistics? How much money should be budgeted? Besides leathers and a prepped bike, what do you actually need to bring with you?

Assume that proper gear is in hand and that the bike will be prepped in terms of safety wire, etc.

I have a small car and would probably rent a u-haul bike trailer ($15/day, can't beat that).

For my first day I'd probably try to rent a bike. I only own one motorcycle, it's new, and it's not paid for yet. I'd rather cut my teeth and get comfy on someone else's bike.

[cuong-nutz]

Folding chair $9
Ice chest $15
20lb ice $6
Gatorade/Powerade $8
Case of water $9
Assorted snacks/food $25
Full tank of gas for the bike $14
Roll of painters tape $8
fuel can $15
Sun block $8

Fuel for truck $80
EZ UP Canopy $50-125 (if no shade or cover)
cheap fan (if there's an outlet) $5

Ride and bike hauled to the track (free+ split gas/food)
Rent a uhual van/truck, or trailer (price varies)

track day prices $50-160+ depending on track org, days, and location.

Tools, stands, misc nuts, bolts, duct tape, zip ties, oil, coolant, etc.

Granted if you have majority of the stuff and/or you're pitting with a friend(s) other riders, you'd save some money.

[NevadaWolf]

Plus extra cash for services trackside, like photos

These prices are not average (so I've been told)...

Photo disk for whole day: $20
Suspension adjustment (one time quickie): $20
Tire pressure check/adjustment: Free
Massage: $20

Our track has a $20 theme for extra stuff it seems... Hehehe

[csmith12]

See my sig for a list of things to bring and have with you. If you go with friends you can share supplies/expenses. I can also tell you, never add it all up or you will not go. lol This is NOT a cheap hobby by a long shot.

My first track days (I did a Sat. & Sun.) cost me $800 when all the dust settled. I had to buy a few pieces of gear and have my bike safety wired. I also bought the pics from the guy taking pro pics.

Here is how I budget them;

Not Optional
hotel = $100 per night, camping = $30 per day
track fee's = $200, even if costs less, you may need a tire change or something at the track
gas = $20, a full tank of gas in the bike per day (put any extra in the tow vehicle)
gas transport = depends on mpg of tow vehicle
hook up with a friend and split the gas
go solo and bear the rental load yourself $30 (go for 2 days so you don't have to rush to get the trailer back)
Bike prep = $???? Do the work yourself, it's just taping mostly and replace coolant with water wetter or engine ice, water wetter = $7 for a small bottle
Bike rental = $?????
food and drink = $75 per day, per person. Make sure you eat at least 3 good meals and drink plenty of water, have some high protein snacks on had too with some fruit.
Tires = need some? $200, $0 if your tires are good to go

Optional stuff
Pics = $20-$100 for all pics on disc

This list assumes you have most of your gear, some other items like chairs, an ez-up, coolers and what not.

[ninjamunky85]

For the first non helpful answer... I just had my first track day.

I drove the bike there and back, cause I'm a badass. My bike only has a 2 gallon gas tank, and I didn't even use a full tank all day... so that didn't cost me much.

Cost me $8 bucks to get into the track, $20 to race, and $3 or $4 for a little plastic bracket that holds the transponder (you get to keep the bracket).

I didn't come as prepared as I should, no food and only one bottle of water. I think I spent about $5 at the concession stands.

So by my calculations it shouldn't cost you much over $50. If you have a supermoto and a cart track nearby.

[CC Cowboy]

I'm not sure but I think you can only rent a bike for a track school. Penguin rents the works at Loudon.

[Alex]

When I first saw the title, I was going to point you to Chris's wiki entry, so I'm not surprised he beat me to it. Everything he said. Only thing I'd add is to check with your insurance for what they cover if you do have any damage to the bike while on track. With some policies, things are covered just like anywhere else; with others there might be some surprises.

[Lychee]

what do you have to safety wire for a simple track day?

[JohnnyBravo]

I need to figure it out with my insurance... If I can figure out how to get em to cover any an all track damage my daily ride will be hittin the track, till I can get a track bike

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Lychee

what do you have to safety wire for a simple track day?

Sometimes nothing, different track day orgs require different levels of bike tech. It's best to check their rules and ask questions.

Most of the time, when you get to I or B groups and above, your required to safety wire the following;

Oil fill cap
Oil drain bolt
Oil filter bolt

Some require you to zip tie the side stand as well.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Lychee

what do you have to safety wire for a simple track day?

All of the trackday organizations I've ridden with do not require any safety wiring for trackdays. Racing orgs are where safety wiring becomes required for many.

[Panda]

I was thinking about going to NJMP this Monday to do a trackday. I can't decide because I'd have to ride my bike down there. I have a car but it doesn't have a trailer hitch. If I add a trailer hitch it voids my warranty.

[NevadaWolf]

A note on insurance, make sure you stress that while it is on a race track, you are *not* racing. No timing, no prizes, nothing.

I repeatedly made sure my agent understood I was using this as a continuing education and quoted her the statement off the org website...

"A trackday offers riders of all abilities the rare opportunity to focus on skill development and technique away from the many risks found on public roads and highways. The track is an environment with fewer hazards and distractions, a great place to work on improving your riding technique."

[csmith12]

^^^^ yep, especially if they have a "school or classroom" component.

When I went to Mid-Ohio, I gave my insurance the formal name. "The Mid-Ohio School" not "mid-ohio race track".

[Reswob]

California Superbike School does a 2 day track "camp" for $2500, leathers, food, and BMW S1000RRs all provided :-)

Other than that the closest track seems to be about $300/day, plus gas, tires, leathers, bike transpo, etc etc. I bet it adds up quick.

[Nemesis]

You guys are making it sound more expensive than it really is. I gather OP is asking how much it will cost him to do "a" Trackday, not trackdays on a regular basis.

Could you clarify, OP?

If you plan on doing just one trackday it's not going to cost you all that much if you live in California.


Here are some helpful hints on how to lessen the blow (monetarily speaking):

Trackday cost: Riders are always cancelling at the last minute and willing to sell their spots for cheap. I've seen spots sell as low as $50. Look for those deals.

Become a forum member, and attend/participate in their annual event. Some groups will raffle free trackdays (www.socalmoto.org raffles off 4-6 trackdays at our annual BBQ event).

Track suit/boots/helmets/gloves - can't afford one...rent one from track org (Ti2TT is one of them) or ask friends/forum members if you could borrow their gear. But if you plan on doing more than one trackday I see tons of deals on forums/ebay/craigslist

Drinks/food - some track org (i.e. Ti2TT) provide free water/gatorade. And some tracks provide food service for less than $10. Snacks...just bring some from home.

If you plan on doing more than one day: Sleep in your car at the track. No need to go rent a room at Motel 6 or what have you unless you're a princess and need your beauty sleep and butt face powdered up.

Originally Posted by Lychee

what do you have to safety wire for a simple track day? Not required in most, if not all of the trackday orgs in Socal

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

Folding chair $9 <--but if you don't feel like spending...again borrow
Ice chest $15 <--don't need it...see comments above
20lb ice $6<---again, see comments above
Gatorade/Powerade $8 <--nope
Case of water $9 <--nope
Assorted snacks/food $25 <--bring snacks from home
Full tank of gas for the bike $14 <--Yeah, can't escape that
Roll of painters tape $8 <--eh...you can borrow from peeps at the track. You'll be surprised just how gracious and helpful peeps are at the track
fuel can $15 <---okay maybe if you do all sessions from start to finish flags. And if you're doing more than one day
Sun block $8 <--don't be a wuss...you'll be fine without it
Fuel for truck <--carpool with friend/fellow forum riders
EZ UP Canopy $50-125 (if no shade or cover) <--borrow or share with other riders
cheap fan (if there's an outlet) $5 <--not necessary unless you're a princess again

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

Plus extra cash for services trackside, like photos

I would recommend this.


If you plan on going on a consistent basis is when it starts to get expensive because you don't want to be borrowing stuff all the time because it's an inconvenience for the lender and you.

So for one trackday event it may cost you $220 or it may cost you $120, give or take.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Nemesis

If you plan on doing more than one day: Sleep in your car at the track. No need to go rent a room at Motel 6 or what have you unless you're a princess and need your beauty sleep and butt face powdered up.

Have you seen his avatar? Would you recommend he skimp on any available beauty sleep?

[csmith12]

hmmmm.... while riders at the track are hella nice, coming unprepared and expecting someone to help is not the plan or attitude to have.

For example the ez up... If I had the room, fine. But if I found out they come "expecting" someone to let them in, it would be the last time they pitted with me.

Being nice is one thing, being taken advantage of is another.

[fishdip]

Originally Posted by csmith12

hmmmm.... while riders at the track are hella nice, coming unprepared and expecting someone to help is not the plan or attitude to have.

For example the ez up... If I had the room, fine. But if I found out they come "expecting" someone to let them in, it would be the last time they pitted with me.

Being nice is one thing, being taken advantage of is another.

[Nemesis]

Originally Posted by csmith12

hmmmm.... while riders at the track are hella nice, coming unprepared and expecting someone to help is not the plan or attitude to have.

For example the ez up... If I had the room, fine. But if I found out they come "expecting" someone to let them in, it would be the last time they pitted with me.

Being nice is one thing, being taken advantage of is another.

Sorry I feel different. I've had new riders and regular riders ask if they can spare shade and I nor any of my friends have any problems sparing shade.

Guess that's californian hospitality for ya.

Also our tracks have cafeteria or buldings with plenty of shade so an ez-up isn't really necessary.


But I know what you mean about being taken advantage of and expecting. I'm not suggesting that. I'm just saying that it wouldn't hurt to ask ahead of time if someone would be willing spare shade, loan some duct tape, etc.. Especially if it's their first time out I find we're more forgiving. That's all.

[alex.s]

what will it cost you after your first day? not much.

what will it cost you after you've been tracking and racing for years and have put down countless days because you're so woefully addicted that it's not even funny anymore, and really you should consider seeking mental treatment because your addiction is starting to effect other parts of your life because all that really matters to you anymore is racing? ... alot.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Nemesis

Guess that's californian hospitality for ya.

hahaha! i laughed out loud. it seems bikers are the only hospitable californians huh?

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by alex.s

hahaha! i laughed out loud. it seems bikers are the only hospitable californians huh?

Not even close brah, I have given up my own track time to hand gear off my own back to other riders.

I am saying... come mentally prepared to take care of yourself and be grateful for any hospitality you get from others. If you don't, and it costs you track time, then it's on you, not anyone else. No matter the $$$ costs.


EDIT: They don't say "Californian Hospitality" they say "Southern Hospitality". I have southern, which means.... work for your stuff and don't expect a hand out.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Not even close brah, I have given up my own track time to hand gear off my own back to other riders.

I am saying... come mentally prepared to take care of yourself and be grateful for any hospitality you get from others. If you don't, and it costs you track time, then it's on you, not anyone else. No matter the $$$ costs.


EDIT: They don't say "Californian Hospitality" they say "Southern Hospitality". I have southern, which means.... work for your stuff and don't expect a hand out.

you misunderstood me. i was calling californians assholes.

[cuong-nutz]

Granted that you can probably get away with a lot with the facts that Nemesis stated, I just like to come prepared and not have to depend on others if I have to. Then there are those that take advantage of folks being nice and hospital as csmith12 mentioned. I have had tools go missing which unfortunately sucks.

I just posted a general breakdown of cost of some stuff you would generally need. It's up to you whether or not you think you need to buy it or not. Weather, location/distance, and track organization does play an important part on what you need to get.

[Nemesis]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Not even close brah, I have given up my own track time to hand gear off my own back to other riders.

I am saying... come mentally prepared to take care of yourself and be grateful for any hospitality you get from others. If you don't, and it costs you track time, then it's on you, not anyone else. No matter the $$$ costs.

Agreed but it's just shade and duct tape. LOL

But seriously, I totally agree with you when it comes to regular track goers/racers. Freakin' Max! You're such a princess!

Originally Posted by csmith12

EDIT: They don't say "Californian Hospitality" they say "Southern Hospitality". I have southern, which means.... work for your stuff and don't expect a hand out.

It was a joke brah cuz like Alex said...most Californians are @$$holes. Alex is one of them.

[Alex]

Had to check for the [ you ] tag there...

[csmith12]

FAIL on me I didn't get the joke, that has not been my experience in my few trips west. I can laugh about it now though.

[NevadaWolf]

Anyway!

Originally Posted by adouglas

What do I actually need to think about in terms of time and budget, soup to nuts, to do a first track day?

On my first day, I read the org's page and walked through everything on their site I could do at home. When I got to the track, I went up to the reg table and introduced myself. One of the owners welcomed me on my first day and asked if he could get me anything at all to help make it a good day for me. I explained I was clueless and had no idea what to do. He grabbed one of the instructors and assigned him to me. I had my own personal guide the entire day to go through everything both on and off the track. It was awesome!

Time wise, I can only say from my experience with one org and one track. Show up at 7, prep your bike if you rode it in, go through registration and tech (the staff should be MORE than helpful on getting you through this part), then chill at your pit until the riders meeting. Ours are usually at 8 so that the A group can hear the daily safety stuff then go get ready to ride while the B and C group get the less vital info. Sessions last until 5, but you are free to bail whenever you want. I hang out until the last session even if I'm not riding just to watch and socialize. Break down your area and head off to wherever. So the day of is an all day thing.

Prepping the bike is really simple that can be done the night before or at the track. When I roll in (I live only 30 minutes away so I ride), I yank out all the fuses for the lights (fire the bike up afterwards to make sure she still works), then tape up the lights, signals, and speedometer, and finally remove the mirrors. If the tire folks arrive early, I jump over there to have them check and set my pressure since I suck and can never remember what the PSI is supposed to be. Then I continue up the paddock to the reg table and sign in.

30 minutes, tops!

Originally Posted by adouglas

For my first day I'd probably try to rent a bike. I only own one motorcycle, it's new, and it's not paid for yet. I'd rather cut my teeth and get comfy on someone else's bike.

I rode my bike on my first day and was so nervous and scared that I think I did surface street speed around. But, my argument was it's my bike, I know her quirks and how she feels, I know when she's happy or not (sometimes), so I didn't want to try to learn a new bike and a new hobby at the same time.

But I'm only a one bike gal, so me on a new bike is a comical affair.

[ally99]

Here's my track list. It ain't cheap.

Race Gear
Key(s) for bikes
Race suit
Race boots
Helmet
Race gloves
Back Protector
Extra faceshield
Under Armor
- shirt/pants/cap
- cold/heat gear? Pit Box
Tie downs, bungees
Folding Chairs
First aid kit, aspirin
Gas cans
Rear stand
Duct tape
Painters Tape
Quart of engine oil
Funnel
Tire gauge
Flashlight
New tires

Tools
Wrenches
Ratchets
Sockets
Allen wrenches
Screwdrivers
Wire cutters
Pliers
Tire pressure gauge
Scissors
Hammer
Zip Ties
Camping Gear
Pillows
blankets
Towel
toiletries
Bicycle (for pit bike)

Food and drink
Cooler
Coffee/filters/coffee pot
Ice
Bottled water
Gatorade
MyoPlex
Beer/wine (openers)
Bananas
Trail Mix
PB/Pretzels
Zone Bars/Snickers
Paper plates
Plastic ware
Paper towels

Misc.
Money
Wallet
Cell Phone
Cell Charger
Headphones
Ear plugs

Since I tow my bike with a Honda Accord, I always bum others' shade, but you also need:
an EZ-up canopy
fans
and of course a trailer to tow the bike


I may be forgetting some things here and there, but a track weekend at Barber can easily run $350 including the $250 for the track itself, gate fees, food, gear, electricity at the track, camping fees @the track or hotel etc. Cheaper tracks may be $100 less.

[ally99]

Originally Posted by adouglas

I have a small car and would probably rent a u-haul bike trailer ($15/day, can't beat that).
.

One quick thought, check the weight of the Uhaul trailers. My accord wouldn't be able to tow one. I bought a hitch on etrailer.com for pretty cheap, a cheap, lightweight trailer, and a pitbull restraint system. My 4-cylinder tows it fine.

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Not even close brah, I have given up my own track time to hand gear off my own back to other riders

Right there. People are always willing to help if you've worked something out ahead of time.

You you can cut costs significantly by going with people. Talk ahead of time. Sort out who's bringing what and what you can contribute. That way, if you need to borrow something, say a back protector and suit, it's a lot less of a hassle.

I've been very lucky to be able to schedule my track days so I can go with Chris. My first track day, I needed a suit and back protector!! I was also completely unaware of the need for an ez-up etc. even to tow the bike there, I used my fathers pickup one year, and a friend's trailer the next. First track day, I bought tires, coolant, gloves, boots, and a track ticket. Now I have a suit and I'm trying to get my hands on a used easy up. Baby steps! Just make sure that when you sync your track day with another rider, they aren't inconvenienced.

Side note. I'm not sure a uhaul trailer is a good match for a Fit (that is what you drive, right?) they're not exactly light. there are much lighter options out there that might work better. Of you have a friend with a truck who's going, maybe consider filling their tank for them of they'll transport your bike. Tank of gas costs less than damage from trying to tow too much with a small car.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Seeing how you are in CT, if you do NYST, Loudon (NH) or Thompson (CT) Tony's track days will require wiring a spin on oil filter and a go pro if you have one.

If you do Loudon they have garages included, NYST is new and has little frills. I am going there this weekend and bringing a tent and chair.

[Panda]

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

Seeing how you are in CT, if you do NYST, Loudon (NH) or Thompson (CT) Tony's track days will require wiring a spin on oil filter and a go pro if you have one.

If you do Loudon they have garages included, NYST is new and has little frills. I am going there this weekend and bringing a tent and chair.

Are you a member at NYST?

[backinthesaddleagain]

Originally Posted by Panda

Are you a member at NYST?

no, going via tonys track days. will be my first time to nyst.

[Panda]

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

no, going via tonys track days. will be my first time to nyst.

Cool. Have fun! If you can write a ride report after. I'd love to hear about it since its a new track.

[backinthesaddleagain]

Originally Posted by Panda

Cool. Have fun! If you can write a ride report after. I'd love to hear about it since its a new track.

will do. looking forward to it.

[7oxSin]

omg.... i have thought over the years that i might turn my pregen to a track bike when ever i buy my next one. but this has scared me off lol.

im a cheap-ass and 800$ is more then i paid for my ar15 or my sniper rifle. ive seen decent pregens for round 800$ omg! i guess that every hobby is pricey once you commit to it.


ill do it b4 i die, just wont tell the mrs. how much it cost :P
@Nemesis
"Sun block $8 <--don't be a wuss...you'll be fine without it" i was leaned back in my comp chair with legs up and almost fell out the chair, the only thing that would have beat it would have been a chopper read "harden the **** Up"

[JohnnyBravo]

Originally Posted by 7oxSin

omg... im a cheap-ass

You can get in on a track day cheaper... One I saw was $150, ya just got to rent or buy gear, and who doesn't like surprise gear. I'm always pulling surprise stuff outa my closet gettin the third degree on when I got such an such and what did it cost... Haha can't take it back if they ain't got no receipt

[Old Lemon]

so i got a couple questions:

1. I drive a 2012 mazda 2 which max tow weight is like 1100 punds, i found a hitch for it at etrailer.com. I looked at uhaul and it said that their trailer will work for my car. So idk what some good tie downs and what ever else i would need to secure my bike to the trailer. (a link to the good stuff would be awesome possum)

2. Im looking to go to summit point with TPM, according to their website i need to sign up for like a membership. There is "inside pass" which is 75$ and another 170$ for the track. The other is "inside pass - south" and has less tracks listed and is 40$ for the membership. Since im only going to one track, i would get the south right? But is this membership like a yearly thing even if i only go once? (doubtful but just wondering)