Racing a new track

My 2 cents

For anyone racing a new track with no track time prior or even with track time, I say do a track walk both days in the evening (Friday night if you arrive in time, Saturday same). If you can, do a track walk with someone that's been there. Walking on the edge of the track doesn't do squat. Walk in the middle. Look for reference points that do not move (patches, sealant, trees) and better yet try and walk in a manner that puts your steps somewhat in line with your path of travel as you move down the track. And take your time. Sometimes it helps to look behind you, to see where you came from and where you are going. Take a track map and make notes. Reference points, apexs and maybe gear selection.

Practice session 1 should be a combination of looking for visual reference points, hitting the apex and maybe only using one gear (3rd) in the corners for the first few laps. The build our speed. If you can get a tow from another rider do so, but understand that their skill level may be greater or lesser than yours. Practice is not a race. Practice is for you to get you head on right and sort things out before 3rd call for your race.

And ask questions prior to the races beginning (before the riders meeting [not during!] or Saturday night). Any expert has been where you have been, and little hints go a long way in learning the track.


Good luck.