Question for SoCal track junkies/racers - Which track ?

abhijitz · July 16th, 2012, 11:17 PM

So, i want to go out and ride some tracks in SoCal. The farthest i went was Buttonwillow 1.5 years ago on my previous 05 R6. If i have to take the 250, which track would you guys recommend that would be a blast to ride.

Thanks !

Zombiphone · July 17th, 2012, 01:23 AM

Well that's really, really obvious- Race CVMA!

No really though, Chuckwalla is probably my favorite track down here, and it's great either direction (although I maintain that CCW is still better). The surface is still smooth and grippy, it's challenging, and it's pretty decently fast, but still technical enough that you're not necessarily going to be a sitting duck for anyone who has a horse stable with a few more cubic centimeters. The only downsides to chuckwalla are the weather, as it tends to be really unliveably hot during the summer, and the complete lack of amenities, as it's in the middle of BFE and still being built up. But the track and the people who run it are all fantastic, so that would be my number one recommendation.

But if for some reason you don't want to do CVMA (ludicrous that I'm even entertaining this scenario, I know), Streets of Willow at Willow Springs is well suited for the 250, as it's tight and technical with pretty minimal horsepower sections. And if you're really ambitious and a man of last minute "throw all your **** in the truck and go!!!" then you can come down and actually race there THIS WEEKEND

I wouldn't say it flows quite as nicely as Sears Point does, but it's very much so a physically exhausting track, as you very rarely get a moment to be straight up and down.

Otherwise, we have Auto Club Speedway (aka AAA Speedway, aka California Speedway, aka Fontucky), which is a Nascar track and thus is in the middle of everywhere and has great amenities. But while I've only been there once, I didn't really care for it. The heavily banked front straight is fun, and it's got a few sections I enjoyed, but it just seemed like a lot of long straights connecting tight corners so it was a constant game of recovery. Maybe it's better than I remember, but it costs way too much to be worth a second go for just a trackday to me.

Then there's Big Willow also at WSIR, which you are literally pinned a majority of the track. It's only 9 turns and most are quite fast and wide, so it's not a particularly challenging course on the 250. I actually enjoy it in it's own right just because it's such a different experience and isn't terribly difficult, but I wouldn't really say it's worth travelling much more than the 80 miles or so that I do for that one.

And well, you've already been to Buttonwillow, so that's old news.

And I think that's it for SoCal, unless there's still a track down here somewhere that I've never been to or am inconveniently forgetting off the top of my head. So basically, in conclusion, COME DOWN AND RACE CVMA!

abhijitz · July 17th, 2012, 06:42 PM

Thank You Tiffani. Hope to do 1 CVMA round this year.

Rexbo · July 18th, 2012, 12:08 PM

Chuckwalla = the place to be. October - April preferably. Best track around, no amenities, cheap.
Cal Speedway (auto club) = best amenities, WAAAY too big for the 250, expensive.
Buttonwillow = Super fun layout, terrible pavement, excellent amenities, closer to NorCal.
Willow Springs = Fast track, sorta fun, better on a big bike if you really want to get rid of the right side of your tires. Decent amenities.
Streets of Willow Springs = Really fun on the 250, lots of elevation change, extremely difficult to get right.

Just come race CVMA in November and you won't regret it!

abhijitz · July 25th, 2012, 10:30 AM

Thanks Steve. I will show up in Nov.

cynicalkit · July 25th, 2012, 11:01 AM

Oh really? Man you guys make it really hard to quit. I was sorta planning to take the rest of the year off.

tooblekain · July 25th, 2012, 05:12 PM

PIR...Palomar International Raceway

abhijitz · July 26th, 2012, 10:36 AM

Is it @ Nov 10-11 ? When do i get my "R" license. The day before, ie Nov 9?

http://chuckwallavalleyraceway.com/w...-schedule1.jpg

cynicalkit · July 26th, 2012, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abhijitz

Is it @ Nov 10-11 ? When do i get my "R" license. The day before, ie Nov 9?

http://chuckwallavalleyraceway.com/w...-schedule1.jpg

With trackdaz Nov 9. You need to sign up for their NRS, if you pass they will give you your certificate at the end of the day. You can pay for your license and pick it up with CVMA the next morning.

alex.s · July 26th, 2012, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tooblekain

PIR...Palomar International Raceway

oh man i havent been to the south grade in at least a year...... hmmm......

abhijitz · July 26th, 2012, 10:45 AM

I already have an AFM license. Do i still need to do NRS? I thought (like AFM) i can pay some fees and get Reciprocity status.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cynicalkit

With trackdaz Nov 9. You need to sign up for their NRS, if you pass they will give you your certificate at the end of the day. You can pay for your license and pick it up with CVMA the next morning.

Rexbo · July 26th, 2012, 10:48 AM

Bring your AFM license, that should be good enough. You shouldn't need to go through the NRS since you already have it. If you have any questions email Dustin at CVMA. You can sign up online ahead of time or take care of everything in person. I highly suggest doing it online first because the line can get ****** on saturday morning.

abhijitz · July 26th, 2012, 01:09 PM

Thanks Steve

KazMan · July 26th, 2012, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rexbo

Bring your AFM license, that should be good enough. You shouldn't need to go through the NRS since you already have it. If you have any questions email Dustin at CVMA. You can sign up online ahead of time or take care of everything in person. I highly suggest doing it online first because the line can get ****** on saturday morning.

Rex, can you please confirm for me. Would like to make sure that we (AFM) and CVMA are extending reciprosity to each other. If this is not true, then I will contact Dustin asap.

Thanks,
Eric
AFM #110
AFM Inc, At-Large Director

Rexbo · July 26th, 2012, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KazMan

Rex, can you please confirm for me. Would like to make sure that we (AFM) and CVMA are extending reciprosity to each other. If this is not true, then I will contact Dustin asap.

Thanks,
Eric
AFM #110
AFM Inc, At-Large Director

http://www.socalmoto.org/forum/showp...66&postcount=3

There you have it!

KazMan · July 26th, 2012, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rexbo

http://www.socalmoto.org/forum/showp...66&postcount=3

There you have it!

Thanks Honey!

Gurk · July 31st, 2012, 12:34 AM

All has been said but I'll mention Streets of Willow again.
That track's a 250's dream come true

In all honesty if I did WSIR and Streets all year I'd be really happy. WSIR teaches you riding really high speeds and Streets is technical as hell and makes you WORK.

Buttonwillow will always have a special place in my heart though. Eventhough I destroyed my bike there

I'm yet to check out Chuck. But it will happen very soon.

July 17th, 2012, 06:42 PM	#3
abhijitz ninjette.org sage Name: Abhijit Location: San Francisco Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): Many Two Wheels .. Posts: 611	Thank You Tiffani. Hope to do 1 CVMA round this year. __________________________________________________ [ex-AFM #828 \| SMUSA #828 \| Sponsors : MotionPro \| LeoVince \| Insurrection Racing Gloves \| QstarZ Laptimers + OEM Parts @ 30-40% OFF : Harry @ 1-877-437-1631,17 harry@hondaeasttoledo.com

July 25th, 2012, 10:30 AM	#5
abhijitz ninjette.org sage Name: Abhijit Location: San Francisco Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): Many Two Wheels .. Posts: 611	Thanks Steve. I will show up in Nov. __________________________________________________ [ex-AFM #828 \| SMUSA #828 \| Sponsors : MotionPro \| LeoVince \| Insurrection Racing Gloves \| QstarZ Laptimers + OEM Parts @ 30-40% OFF : Harry @ 1-877-437-1631,17 harry@hondaeasttoledo.com

July 25th, 2012, 05:12 PM	#7
tooblekain ninjette.org sage Name: Matt Location: San Diego, CA Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Triumph Bonneville; 2008 Ninja 250r (trackbike) Posts: 748	PIR...Palomar International Raceway __________________________________________________ CVMA #312SoCal TrackdaysBigHeadz RacingMotion ProFactory EffexLeatt Brace* Racetech Bell Woodcraft CFMVortexHotbodiesSurface Sun SystemsBrakingLiveWire EnergyFreegun Underwear

July 26th, 2012, 10:36 AM	#8
abhijitz ninjette.org sage Name: Abhijit Location: San Francisco Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): Many Two Wheels .. Posts: 611	Is it @ Nov 10-11 ? When do i get my "R" license. The day before, ie Nov 9? http://chuckwallavalleyraceway.com/w...-schedule1.jpg __________________________________________________ [ex-AFM #828 \| SMUSA #828 \| Sponsors : MotionPro \| LeoVince \| Insurrection Racing Gloves \| QstarZ Laptimers + OEM Parts @ 30-40% OFF : Harry @ 1-877-437-1631,17 harry@hondaeasttoledo.com

July 26th, 2012, 01:09 PM	#13
abhijitz ninjette.org sage Name: Abhijit Location: San Francisco Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): Many Two Wheels .. Posts: 611	Thanks Steve __________________________________________________ [ex-AFM #828 \| SMUSA #828 \| Sponsors : MotionPro \| LeoVince \| Insurrection Racing Gloves \| QstarZ Laptimers + OEM Parts @ 30-40% OFF : Harry @ 1-877-437-1631,17 harry@hondaeasttoledo.com

July 16th, 2012, 11:17 PM	#1
abhijitz ninjette.org sage Name: Abhijit Location: San Francisco Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): Many Two Wheels .. Posts: 611	Question for SoCal track junkies/racers - Which track ? So, i want to go out and ride some tracks in SoCal. The farthest i went was Buttonwillow 1.5 years ago on my previous 05 R6. If i have to take the 250, which track would you guys recommend that would be a blast to ride. Thanks ! __________________________________________________ [ex-AFM #828 \| SMUSA #828 \| Sponsors : MotionPro \| LeoVince \| Insurrection Racing Gloves \| QstarZ Laptimers + OEM Parts @ 30-40% OFF : Harry @ 1-877-437-1631,17 harry@hondaeasttoledo.com

July 17th, 2012, 01:23 AM	#2
Zombiphone CVMA/AFM #72 Name: Tiffani Location: Los Angeles, Ca Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r (Racebike), 2015 FZ-07(Tourer), 2001 KX65(LOL bike) Posts: A lot.	Well that's really, really obvious- Race CVMA! No really though, Chuckwalla is probably my favorite track down here, and it's great either direction (although I maintain that CCW is still better). The surface is still smooth and grippy, it's challenging, and it's pretty decently fast, but still technical enough that you're not necessarily going to be a sitting duck for anyone who has a horse stable with a few more cubic centimeters. The only downsides to chuckwalla are the weather, as it tends to be really unliveably hot during the summer, and the complete lack of amenities, as it's in the middle of BFE and still being built up. But the track and the people who run it are all fantastic, so that would be my number one recommendation. But if for some reason you don't want to do CVMA (ludicrous that I'm even entertaining this scenario, I know), Streets of Willow at Willow Springs is well suited for the 250, as it's tight and technical with pretty minimal horsepower sections. And if you're really ambitious and a man of last minute "throw all your **** in the truck and go!!!" then you can come down and actually race there THIS WEEKEND I wouldn't say it flows quite as nicely as Sears Point does, but it's very much so a physically exhausting track, as you very rarely get a moment to be straight up and down. Otherwise, we have Auto Club Speedway (aka AAA Speedway, aka California Speedway, aka Fontucky), which is a Nascar track and thus is in the middle of everywhere and has great amenities. But while I've only been there once, I didn't really care for it. The heavily banked front straight is fun, and it's got a few sections I enjoyed, but it just seemed like a lot of long straights connecting tight corners so it was a constant game of recovery. Maybe it's better than I remember, but it costs way too much to be worth a second go for just a trackday to me. Then there's Big Willow also at WSIR, which you are literally pinned a majority of the track. It's only 9 turns and most are quite fast and wide, so it's not a particularly challenging course on the 250. I actually enjoy it in it's own right just because it's such a different experience and isn't terribly difficult, but I wouldn't really say it's worth travelling much more than the 80 miles or so that I do for that one. And well, you've already been to Buttonwillow, so that's old news. And I think that's it for SoCal, unless there's still a track down here somewhere that I've never been to or am inconveniently forgetting off the top of my head. So basically, in conclusion, COME DOWN AND RACE CVMA!

July 18th, 2012, 12:08 PM	#4
Rexbo CVMA / AFM / M1GP #250 Name: Steve Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r, 2011 Zero S, 2009 KLR 650 Posts: A lot.	Chuckwalla = the place to be. October - April preferably. Best track around, no amenities, cheap. Cal Speedway (auto club) = best amenities, WAAAY too big for the 250, expensive. Buttonwillow = Super fun layout, terrible pavement, excellent amenities, closer to NorCal. Willow Springs = Fast track, sorta fun, better on a big bike if you really want to get rid of the right side of your tires. Decent amenities. Streets of Willow Springs = Really fun on the 250, lots of elevation change, extremely difficult to get right. Just come race CVMA in November and you won't regret it!

July 25th, 2012, 11:01 AM	#6
cynicalkit la pussy gata Name: kit Location: xx Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): big wheel Posts: 540	Oh really? Man you guys make it really hard to quit. I was sorta planning to take the rest of the year off.

July 26th, 2012, 10:48 AM	#12
Rexbo CVMA / AFM / M1GP #250 Name: Steve Location: Los Angeles Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r, 2011 Zero S, 2009 KLR 650 Posts: A lot.	Bring your AFM license, that should be good enough. You shouldn't need to go through the NRS since you already have it. If you have any questions email Dustin at CVMA. You can sign up online ahead of time or take care of everything in person. I highly suggest doing it online first because the line can get ****** on saturday morning.

July 31st, 2012, 12:34 AM	#17
Gurk Done here. Name: - Location: Track Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): - Posts: A lot.	All has been said but I'll mention Streets of Willow again. That track's a 250's dream come true In all honesty if I did WSIR and Streets all year I'd be really happy. WSIR teaches you riding really high speeds and Streets is technical as hell and makes you WORK. Buttonwillow will always have a special place in my heart though. Eventhough I destroyed my bike there I'm yet to check out Chuck. But it will happen very soon.

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