FJowners.com

Okay, as we discussed at the WCR last year, I need to know who would be interested in a private track day at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, Ca on Thursday May29th, 2014. That means just us, the FJowners, not use in a group of other riders at a commercial track day.

I do not have details at this point, but I want to get an count of interest as well as a commitment that you are willing to participate and you will be able to place a deposit at the required time for the event.

I will work forward based on this poll.

Please feel free to post comments or questions here and I will answer to the best of my ability.

Randy - RPM

More detail please, cost, prep, required gear.....

My yes vote counts as two.... (myself and Paul Lawson)

I hope we make our quota

Well, I just got a call back from the track and the 29th is no longer available, they haven't updated their online calendar since they have been back from the new year.

So, the other option is possibly having our own run group on Friday the 30th with the Zoom Zoom track day guys. So, the question still stands, who would be interested in running with them on Friday.

The guy from the race track said Zoom Zoom rents to groups, like us, all the time.

So, I will touch base with them and see what they require.

But I still need to know how many people are up for it.

Randy - RPM

Quote from: racerrad8 on January 08, 2014, 03:35:52 PM
But I still need to know how many people are up for it.

I'm in if we can get something setup.  I've done track days in cars (mostly) and on bikes (few times, but not on Wizard yet)...  no better way to learn how ride your bike smooth and fast without the downside of real world obstacles surrounding you (trees, rocks, railings, LEOs, etc).

Frank

If the cost is not too prohibitive and I don't need a leather upper, then I am in.

Here is the link with all of the info regarding bike, gear and other details.
https://z2trackdays.com/ti/z2/content/info.html

I can tell you now, that we probably need to have 20 to be able to participate at a group rate and if we have 30 that should lower the price for everyone. But, the 2014 pricing is being worked on by them now and they do not have anything concrete at this point.

Here was the answer to my question about who attends these events and what is required as far as the bike:

       "The vast majority of our riders are regular street riders and not racers. We definitely have racers attend our events but the most common misconception about motorcycle track days is that the bikes have to be race-prepped. I'm sure you see the same thing being part of NASA but it's always unfortunate to hear a rider say "I've always wanted to ride on the track but my bike is a street bike and I'm not a racer." Not true at all and we're always working hard to get the word out."

Randy - RPM

Always interested in doing, but sometimes priced out the market - like skiing for example.
Cost per person will ultimately decide for me, but I'm pumped to have a go.
Andy

I'll commit to it.

Craig

Quote from: Zari on January 09, 2014, 12:59:34 PM
I'll commit to it.

Craig

Craig, hit the poll tab at the top of the topic so I can get a full count.

Thanks, Randy - RPM

Quote from: racerrad8 on January 09, 2014, 01:01:36 PM

Quote from: Zari on January 09, 2014, 12:59:34 PM
I'll commit to it.

Craig

Craig, hit the poll tab at the top of the topic so I can get a full count.

Thanks, Randy - RPM
[Yes, I voted too

Quote from: racerrad8 on January 09, 2014, 01:01:36 PM

Quote from: Zari on January 09, 2014, 12:59:34 PM
I'll commit to it.

Craig

Craig, hit the poll tab at the top of the topic so I can get a full count.

Thanks, Randy - RPM

Quote from: racerrad8 on January 09, 2014, 01:01:36 PM

Quote from: Zari on January 09, 2014, 12:59:34 PM
I'll commit to it.

Craig
[/]

Craig, hit the poll tab at the top of the topic so I can get a full count.

Thanks, Randy - RPM
[Yes, I voted too]

I got it, thanks Craig.

Randy - RPM

Randy could you take my vote off?  I voted yes. Before I read the requirements. I have jacket and pants with armor, but not leather and not attached. My last set of leathers got cut off of me.

And there looks like there is now going to be a central summer rally. And I will be going to that. So Austin moto gp, then central rally, and ECFR. Would just about. Be all I could afford this year. So it's looking like I'll probably have to put the WCR off for another year.  :unknown:
Sorry Dan

Quote from: giantkiller on January 09, 2014, 07:54:56 PM
Randy could you take my vote off?  I voted yes. Before I read the requirements. I have jacket and pants with armor, but not leather and not attached. My last set of leathers got cut off of me.

And there looks like there is now going to be a central summer rally. And I will be going to that. So Austin moto gp, then central rally, and ECFR. Would just about. Be all I could afford this year. So it's looking like I'll probably have to put the WCR off for another year.  :unknown:
Sorry Dan

Just saw the remove your vote tab doh!

Riders/Racers,
Just emailed zoom zoom about their safety gear requirements. If your thinking about doing the track day, you might have to go shopping before hand. My query is about:
1 piece leathers - heard somewhere that those with textile panels are not acceptable - they have to be all leather.
The back protector quality - some one piece leathers have a built-in back protector, but they are kind of weedy looking. Need to know if that type is at least acceptable, but in all likelihood I think it prudent to get a proper aftermarket back protector.
I like Zaris - i'll commit to that attitude. Perhaps i'm being too cautionary?
Anyone else have a query?
Andy

Andy, here is the information from the Zoom Zoom website.

The answer to all of your other questions can be found here:
https://z2trackdays.com/ti/z2/content/info.html

Randy - RPM

Rider Requirements

You and your safety equipment will need to meet the requirements listed below. All bikes and rider equipment are required to pass a technical inspection before being allowed onto the track. While we make every effort to be reasonable, we will not allow an unsafe bike or unprotected rider onto the track, nor will we refund your booking fees if you can't pass inspection. In short, it is up to you to make you and your bike safe.

All riders must have the following:

    Undamaged full face helmet with visor
    1 or 2 piece leather riding suit in excellent condition. If you have a two-piece leather suite, it MUST zip all the way around your waist if you ride in the Intermediate or Advanced group. If you ride in the Novice School, we STRONGLY recommend that it zip all the way around but we'll accept a partial zipper in the back of the suit. You two piece suit MUST CONNECT IN ALL CASES. We will accept textile suits only in the Novice School (C group) and they must also connect at the waist.
    Leather motorcycle gloves which must overlap arm of suit (gauntlet style).
    Sturdy motorcycle or similar boots. They must cover your ankle and preferably extend to mid-calf.
    Back protector either built into suit or separate.
    Each rider must have full, comprehensive personal medical insurance (not just ER).

We also reserve the right to deny the use of any piece of equipment on track. Currently items that are banned include (but are not limited to):

    iPods or other music/content players
    Rider-to-rider communication systems
    Video capture devices, unless they are safely and securely mounted in a way that does not hinder rider movement.

Yep Randy, I read all that. It doesn't mention textile paneled leather - hence my query. I think my one - piece with body amour and panelling is way more protective than if I were to get a 360 zipper sewn into my jacket to attach it to the pants. (neither of which have amour in them).
The back protector is kind of a no brainer - if you've not got a specialist one, then buy a specialist one. Craigslist here with go again.
Andy

Quote from: andyoutandabout on January 10, 2014, 11:19:41 AM
Anyone else have a query?

This may be for organized schools only, but good advice anyway...  maybe you can get ZZ's opinion.

CLASS and others require essentially new tires on your bike so you're not running on tires that have too many heat cycles, not too much wear, to be effective.  I went to a track day with a buddy on his R6 and saw the reason for this first hand...  He had convinced CLASS that his fresh looking PR3 Michelins were good to go and they were fine while he was "getting up to speed".  He's a cautious rider, but was getting faster through smooth lines and better brake/throttle control.  Session 3 comes along and I lose him, only to find him at the end of the session sitting in the paddock with ice on his feet on one wrist.  He was not really pushing the bike much and still had 1/2+" chicken strips, but his rear had stepped out pretty far and he high sided coming out of the hairpin at Sonoma Raceway breaking both feet and his right wrist.  Talking to the school folks, they said having tires that have only a few heat cycles is one key to avoiding this (or having a bike with modern traction control, which we don't).  Heat cycling makes the tires hard and prone to overheating making them slippery.

Thunderhill has a few spots (turns 3 and 5 come to mind) where the bike will get really light before or during a turn.  Then there's an off-camber sweeper that will test your rear traction as well (turn 5A). Having an excessively cycled tires would not be good for any of those spots.  My plan is to mount new Q2/3's, scrub them in a bit, then save them for this event...  

The point is you should think about tire condition, specifically how many heat cycles they've seen, and try to incorporate that into your plan.  If you've ridden the tires 50 times or so (miles don't matter much), you might want to consider new rubber for the event.  Maybe swap on some new tires for the track day and WCR, then put your current tires back on later to get the full lifetime out of them?

Frank

PS - and don't fool yourself thinking you won't push it a bit on the track...  you will and it is the right place to do it.  Just try to be as ready as possible and build in some additional safety margin if you can.

Already got a reply from zz, so they can be considered equally speedy with their email. The answer to stretch panels in a one piece is no problem since we'll all be placed in the novice group anyways.
Like Frank said with the tires.
Andy

My jacket/pants have only 3/4 of a zipper, not 360* around. But that may not matter as we only have 8 out of the 20 (min) required. And I am not sure if I will be employed during this time. But it sure sounds like a great experience.

Bump...

There are only 12 guys going to the WCR?

Randy - RPM

I voted.

Fred

Looks like a track day video from Japan. The FJ holds it's own very well.


http://youtu.be/KmvuNGlsKXs (http://youtu.be/KmvuNGlsKXs)

Fred