Tips and Tricks for first timers at Putnam with LSB

[Hoosier]

I just thought this would be a good opportunity for some of the veteran's to give some advice to some of the newer guys and first timers doing a track day and what to expect.

First off....if you plan to ride up with many of us to hotel to hang out the night before, it's a great opp to meet some of the people you are going to ride with.

The next morning, many of us get there just before the gate opens so that utilize as much time as possible to set up our areas.



Make your way up to the "cold pit area" once it is announced over the PA that the "check in" is ready.


After your bike has checked out and that you have signed in....chill out until the Pre-ride meeting, which takes place back at the check in area . After the meeting, Adv group will start off the day, first staging in the "hot pit" area and getting the "go" from the track marshal(all of this will be explained during the pre-ride meeting).



The Novice group will stage in their assigned group in the staging area and follow their assigned CR. at the end of the session, you will exit the track and wait for your next session that will be announced over the PA.


Meanwhile, between sessions, you can visit other riders...go up in the flag tower along the track to watch the other riders, go see Reuben at 35motorsports and have your suspension set up for free, go up in the air conditioned enclosed tower to view the whole track, visit the snack bar, rest up and re-hydrate or whatever else...but you'll be surprised how fast the time flys between sessions.

On a side note....be sure to drink LOTS and LOTS of fluids.

During the first session of the day, the track is going to be cold, you'll have less traction and will have to take more time to warm up your tires...I would suggest at least 2 laps.

If you have a canopy....be sure to tie it down..the wind tends to pick up quite a bit there and has destroyed many a canopies there.


I'll add more as I think of em.

anyone else can add to this if they like.

[cowasockee]

Excellent thread! I remember my first time at Putnam. I didn't know a soul and I was scared to death. Great times.

If you're a first timer fear not. We'll hold your hand through the complete process. You will then start scheduling vacation days to do trackdays and your January budget will include this mysterious line labeled "MARF" so your significant other won't realize how much money you spend on tires.

[Danhor7]

I plan to do a track walk/jog at 7:20. Feel free to jon me.

[Ride Red]

if it rains your fucked

[Railing]

if it rains your fucked

It's all in the wrist when riding in the rain. It's slick when the track is wet, brake before the corner, stay consistent on the throttle through the corner, don't apply throttle until you are upright. Just need to dial it back and bet consistent.

Mid-Ohio is a much slicker track in the wet...

[Hoosier]

Bring snacks....lots of fluids.....bring extra gas.

If you dont want the sun in your face in your pit area during the heat of the day, then set up on the side of the road, facing the track.

[gsxr1000bill]

Don't forget your key, watch the bump between 9 and 10!

[Longneck]

I plan to do a track walk/jog at 7:20. Feel free to jon me.

Can I make motorcycle noises?

Also I like to ride with ear plugs, especially on track days. Unless you like the ringing in your ears between sessions.

[d2]

I always used a check list to ensure I didn't forget something important.

Tools
Canopy
Air Tank (canopy tie down)
Tire pressure gauge
Extra Fuel (canopy tie down)
Jug of coolant in case you overheat and lose some (canopy tie down)
Duct Tape for those things that move and aren't supposed to
Brake fluid
safety wire/pliers

Back Protector
Helmet
Gloves
Skin Suit- if you wear one--- Not talking about a condom either
Boots
Ear plugs

Shop rags
Advil
Cooler full of ice -Fill it up at the hotel before you leave
Ziploc baggies- for ice on the neck to cool down or in case you go down and need to remove some swelling
Granola or some other type of sustainable high energy food for mid morning/afternoon snacks.

Odd things can happen at the track and there is nothing to ruin your day faster than forgetting something simple like gloves, helmet or your chain breaking. If you have the room plan for the worst and if you don't use any of it, it was a great day

Color me jealous because I wish I could go... maybe next year-

[Carl Buck]

It's all in the wrist when riding in the rain. It's slick when the track is wet, brake before the corner, stay consistent on the throttle through the corner, don't apply throttle until you are upright. Just need to dial it back and bet consistent.

Mid-Ohio is a much slicker track in the wet...

I was going to ask how it compares to Mid O. We all know how slick that track can get. So, Putnam is a little slick in the wet? Ever done Barber or Tally in the rain? How does it compare to them?Tally is a freaking awesome track in the rain.
Oh wow, I just had like 3 sentences that were pertinent to the thread. I must be coming down with something...