Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing, Inc.

Street Skills School:  Offered to everyone for free

Classroom session is held immediately after the rider's meeting in the tower.   A number of topics to help the riders prepare for their first time on the track, as well as topics to help others work to dropping their lap times.  

Sighting Laps are provided with Instructors for the first Novice session are to help to rider be more comfortable on the track. Anyone on the SMRI board is willing to assist track day riders and new racers. 


SMRI Track Day Guidelines

Why are you here?

§  Riding a motorcycle fast is exhilarating

§  Riding a motorcycle on a closed course is the safest place to ride a motorcycle

§  Track day riding vs. racing

§  Most of you are here to take your riding skills and thrill to the next level

§  Most of you will earn money on Monday and there are no trophies at a track day.

§  Your mental approach is the most important element for your safety and the safety of others.

Common sense and accident prevention

§  We are not born with common sense, we acquire it throughout life.

o   You can experience it yourself or learn from others

o   Observe how others have taken risks and have been injured

o   Observe how others have succeeded

Suggested Items to Bring:  **** The more comfortable you are, the better you will ride! ****

  • §  If you ride your bike to the track:
    • o   Tire Gauge
    • o   Duct Tape
    • o   Zip Ties
    • o   Tools for removing mirrors and license plate
    • o   Water
    • o   Snacks
    • o   Hat
    • o   Sun Screen
    • o   Sun Glasses
    • o   Shop Rags
    • o   Money for Concessions
    • o   Note: Top off your tank with gas before you arrive. Even with a full tank, you may run out of gas before the day is over. There are several gas stations near the interstate, if you think you may run out, you can go back to fill up during lunch and not miss any track time.

              

  • §  If you trailer your bike to the track:
    • o   All the above items, plus -
    • o   Gas can with extra gas
    • o   Extra maintenance fluids (oil, brake fluid, chain lube, etc.)
    • o   Complete tool kit
    • o   Bike Stand(s)
    • o   Fire Extinguisher
    • o   Spare Parts
    • o   Chairs
    • o   Canopy
    • o   Cooler with drinks
    • o   Snacks and or lunch
    • o   Change of clothes

o   Any other items of personal convenience

Technical and Safety Requirements

The requirements below are general guidelines and do not specifically call out all of the things that Tech will be looking at to determine if your bike is safe for riding on the track.  Please see Tech and Safety requirements at the back of this hand out.

·       Safety Equipment - Get good gear

o   Leathers - One-piece or two-piece zipped together.

§  Textile okay for track days. Some are approved for racing although leather is recommended.

§  Good repair. No tears or grind-through holes, or rips.

§  No tape repairs or attachments.

o   Spine protector - Should be worn at all times on the track.

o   Helmet –DOT and Snell compliance or FIM certification. 

o   Gloves - Don't skimp here. Make sure they are well stitched and will stay on.

o   Boots - Motorcycle boots recommended with good heel and ankle protection.

·       Motorcycle Preparation

o   Neat and clean.

o   Fluids retention - Oil lines and fittings, brake lines and fittings, coolant.

o   Brakes - pads, retaining pins, lever bolts.

o   Tires - The $25 you try to save by seeking the last bits in tire-life can cost big from an expensive crash (How do we know?)

Rider and Crew conduct: on the track and in the pits

·       General

o   The Rider and Crew must comply with SMRI Rules and Regulations.

o   All riders must attend the rider’s meeting before riding begins. If arriving late, all riders must meet with an SMRI official before entering the track.

o   Be nice. Play nice. No fighting.

o   Fire extinguishers must be present for each motorcycle in your pit.

o   When riding any machine in the pit area, speed shall not exceed 5 mph.

o   No intoxicant or drug use by the rider or crew. It is highly recommended that pit visitors do not bring them into the riders pit area.

On-track Conduct

o   Riders must wear helmets on the track at all times.

o   Any rider who is observed in dangerous situations – while passed or being passed – or is deemed by SMRI officials to be riding too aggressively will be removed from the session and/or the track day.

o   No blocking; Attempting to block another motorcycle attempting to pass you will result in your being removed from the session.

o   A motorcycle that goes off the paved surface but remains upright may reenter the course. Use caution when doing so and obey any signals given by track officials.

o   If a motorcycle goes down (i.e. your handlebar touches the ground), it may not re-enter the course until a track official gives permission. Normally, permission will not be given until the session is over.   The bike will then have to go back through Tech before your next session.

o   Motorcycles that have gone down must be return to the pits after the session is over and be re-inspected. Safety apparel is also subject to re-inspection.

o   Never stop on the track unless your motorcycle is disabled or you have been black-flagged by a track official. Riders must always follow the track direction. Do not take shortcuts or detours.

o   Slow riders use proper hand/leg signals.

o   Hand/Leg Signals:

§  Before exiting from the track, the rider should signal by raising an arm (preferred) or extending a leg in a manner easily visible to the riders behind them.

§  If a rider encounters any problem with the bike or equipment, the rider should signal by raising an arm and safely position him/herself off the pavement and wait for corner marshal assistance. The safest place for a disabled bike is off the track surface on the inside of a turn.

o   It is expressly prohibited to ride or push a motorcycle against the normal course direction on the track unless directed to do so by a track official or corner marshal.

o   Disrespect towards corner marshals and track officials will not be tolerated. They are responsible for hazardous areas around the racecourse and are there for participants’ safety.

o   Riders who do not obey warning signals and rules may be removed from the track.

Passing is the biggest area of contention for SMRI riders and officials:

o   The responsibility for passing safely rests with the overtaking rider. If a faster rider cannot pass another rider safely and cleanly, the faster rider must wait for a safer opportunity.

o   A note on passing other riders at a track day:  Pass for the other rider’s comfort, not yours.   It’s best to make the pass at the rider is moving away from you and not tipping in toward you. 

o   In the Novice sessions, passing on the corner entry is not allowed.

o   What is a safe pass?

§  6 foot cushion

§  There should NEVER be any drama. 

·       IF you have to apologize, you need to revisit what made you think about attempting that pass in the first place.

o   Where do I pass?

§  Straights and around the outside

§  Outside on the brakes or on the inside while accelerating

§  Frustrated? Pull in the pits and wait for a clear track, after all it is only a track day.  

o   Slower riders: 

§  Hold your line and turn predictably. The faster riders will find a way to pass.

Technique

·       Body Position:

o   Set up body position for the corner early.

o   Toes on the end of the pegs.  Move them forward to shift and brake and then move them back.

o   Head position should be looking through the turn.

o   Eyes up and scanning.

o   Use a relaxed grip on the handlebars.

§  Move your upper body (Head) to the inside of the bike, as you feel comfortable. Work on shifting your body weight on your seat to reduce the center of gravity while cornering.  Place your chin over your inside hand.

o   Weight the inside foot peg in the corner.

o   Cornering involves “counter-steering” or countering the gyroscopic force of the rotating wheels.  Push your right handle bar to turn right.

o   Use your legs to move around on the bike, not your arms.

o   Your outside arm should be relaxed upon the tank.

  • o   DO NOT LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER or behind you while on the track!

·       Control Use

o   Use smooth throttle inputs. 

o   Slowly squeeze the brake lever with two fingers and slow the bike.

o   Roll on the throttle on corner exits, once you can see your exit point.

              

·       Reasons why we crash

o    1-Lack or loss of concentration: If your mind isn’t engaged.  If you have no plan. If you lose your focus.  It’s going to end up hurting you at some point.

o   2-Abruptness: All of the following things are going to end up getting you hurt at some point: 

§  You’re gonna ‘grab a handful’, flick it in there, jump across the seat.  You’re going not to be able to do these things for long.  They will get you hurt.

o   3-Rushing corner entrances: This means you disrespect the slowest part of the corner.  If you try to go fast everywhere all the time; and you don’t realize that corner entries ‘serve to get the bike ready to exit.  You are RUSHING.  Quit rushing.

o   4-Repeating a mistake: It’s ridiculously simple equation: Mistakes + More Speed = Crash.

§  The mistake could be grabbing at the brake lever -- it finally bites you when you carry more lean angle. You’re constantly rushing a corner entry and you try to go faster. Be tough on yourself regarding your riding mistakes and practice (just remember imperfect practice leads to crashes as the pace comes up).  No matter what your speed…bad riding never improves with more speed.

o   5-Cold tires: The majority of cold-tire crashes come from unloading the front tire with some throttle and then adding lean angle. Less cold rubber on the road and grip is gone.

o   6-Overconfidence: You’re riding the bike well and riding a wave of confidence. That wave can make you believe the laws of physics no longer apply to you. Be confident, fight over-confidence.

o   7-Fatigue:  mental and/or physical.

o   8-Panic: Focus on your plan, stay relaxed, look where you want to go…. If not we get:

§  Target fixation: avoid target fixation by looking through the turn.

·       Falling

o   Accept that you can fall, that injuries can occur, that the motorcycle will be damaged, and that is likely the end of your Day.

o   Things to do when falling:  I know it’s a lot to ask but please try.

§  Let go of the bike.

§  Relax.

§  Spread out when sliding.

§  Tuck when tumbling.

§  Stop before standing. Count to 5 after you think you have stopped then look at the sky or ground to make sure it's not moving.

§  If you are on the track don't stand up or move immediately.

§  Assess where you are first and where the other riders are. It's better to be run over than hit standing up. Also the other riders have already made a decision of how to get around you. Don’t complicate the situation.

Definitions

·       Corner Entry: The first part of a corner, before Middle and Exit, after the brakes have come on and during the downshifts and turn-in. We teach, “The corner entry serves to get the bike ready to exit,” and get our members focused on slowing and pointing the bike during the entry.

·       Corner Exit: The third part of a corner…following Entrance and Middle…where the rider is accelerating and reducing lean angle, hopefully.

·       Apex: The closest you come to the inside of the corner. Often it’s the point at which the rider can take away lean angle. There can be an exit apex too, the point to which you drive off the corner…but usually we mean the corner’s apex.

·       Blip: A short rev produced by a quick but smooth open and closing of the throttle, usually to match the rpm during a downshift.

·       Downshift: Shifting your bike to the next-lower gear, as in sixth to fifth. Each downshift happens with separate clutch disengagement and engagement, and a separate blip.

·       Drama: We use this term to describe everything from bike oscillations under an abrupt rider, to the wrong people in your pit area, and to friends who insist on riding fast everywhere. But what we really mean and know is this: Drama eventually means crash.

·       Fade: In this case we’re talking about a corner-entry line that fades in toward the corner too early. It’s not an early turn-in, but more of a gently veering which tightens the corner’s radius. A fade often happens because the rider is uncomfortable with the speed and fades into the turn too early. We teach riders to fix a fade by taking two percent off their speed and perfect the line, and then add the speed back into the equation.

·       Heat Cycle: A term referring to the heating and cooling of a tire, and an important factor when judging the remaining performance of a tire. Modern performance street tires “heat cycle” quite well, while race tires lose more performance per cycle. Tire warmers are often used between track sessions to maintain temperature, thus eliminating one heat cycle.

·       Highside: The rear tire loses grip, slides sideways, regains grip and throws the rider over the highside of the motorcycle in a possibly long but inelegant flight that never ends well. Tires slide because they’re over-loaded or under-loaded abruptly.

·       Inside Line: The trajectory of a motorcycle entering a corner on a line inside the ideal line

·       Low Side: The front tire loses grip and slides to the outside of the turn, easing the rider onto the pavement in a relatively (compared to a highside) easy crash, unless there is something for the sliding rider to hit. Bike damage can be minimal. Unless it digs in and flips. Then it’s more.  A lot more.

·       Maintenance Throttle: You’re “maintaining” your speed…see Neutral Throttle.

·       Neutral Throttle: The brakes are off and the throttle is cracked slightly open…the bike isn’t accelerating, but it’s no longer deceleration. You’re holding your speed and radius. Faster bikes require a lighter touch to maintain neutral or maintenance throttle.

·       Outside Line: The trajectory of a motorcycle entering a corner on a line wider than the ideal line. Can also use the term “wide”. The outside line is often used to turn in later than a competitor, thus getting your bike pointed earlier to lengthen the next straight and make a pass on the brakes in the upcoming corner.

·       Slow Point: Literally where the bike is traveling the least mph in any corner. In most corners, this slow point is quite short. But in 180-degree corners, this slow point can last dozens of feet and requires the rider to hold her speed with neutral throttle for an extended time.

·       Stuff: A term used to describe a too-late pass up the inside of another rider. You know it’s too late because the rider being passed has to alter his line, gets upset and may want to talk with you after the session. Apologize immediately…because you must learn to pass “for the other riders’ comfort”.

·       Trail Braking: Trailing off brake pressure as you add lean angle…or trailing brake pressure into the corner. Can be done with the front or rear brake. Helps control speed and geometry past the tip-in.

·       Upshift: Shifting your bike to the next higher gear, as in fifth to sixth.

Track Riding Format:

§  Groups:

o   Novice:  No track experience and/or less than 3 years riding experience.

o   Intermediate:  Moderate track experience (track days and riding schools) and/or Novice Racing License (slower racers or racers on smaller displacement bikes).

o   Advanced: Extensive track experience and/or a Road Racing License.

Track Exercises:

·       Sighting Lap to establish:

o   Reference Markers: Entry markers, braking markers, exit points and Flag stations

·       Apex Drill

·       Rear Brake Drill

·       Braking Drill - Done during lunch over at Pit Out.

o   Throttle/cornering control Demo

·       Open practice

Notes:


Signal Flags

Green Flag:  start of race or clear track conditions.

Checkered Flag: Indicates end of  practice session. Proceed around course to the designated track exit.

Red Flag: Indicates Session has been stopped. A red flag displayed during a race or practice indicates extreme danger. Reduce speed and proceed safely to the pit road.

Black Flag with Orange Center (meatball flag): Indicates an issue, report to Pit Out within three laps.

Black Flag: Indicates a problem and immediate removal of your motorcycle from the racing line. Signal by raising your hand up or putting a foot out Then carefully reduce speed, get off of the racing line and stop at the first safe location off the course to the inside of the a turn.

Yellow Flag with Red Stripes: (Debris flag) Indicates oil, gas, dirt or other debris are on the track surface. Proceed with caution.

Yellow Flag: (Caution flag) Indicates motorcycles, riders, and/or Marshals are in the area but out of racing lines or likely run off areas. Proceed with caution!

Any waving warning flag indicates a hazardous condition on the racetrack and possibly in the racing line. Proceed with caution. Passing is not allowed under any waving flag from the point of the flag until past the incident area. Read your rulebook for more information.

Blue Flag:  For SMRI Track Days -- Means NO PASSING ON THE INSIDE of a rider prior to the apex during that session. When the blue flag is displayed all riders are prohibited from making an inside pass before reaching the apex of a turn. The blue flag is displayed when riders with limited experience are on the track. Riders with intermediate or advanced skills are reminded that the blue flag applies to them as well as to the beginning riders.


1.0 Technical and Safety Requirements

1.1 Rider Equipment

A. Full coverage helmet with undamaged shell and face shield and chin strap with D-Ring or buckle in good condition.  Helmet must have Snell, DOT, or EU equivalent certification.

B. Leather footwear at least 8” in height and in good condition.

C. Gloves with leather protecting the palms, fingers, and wrist area.

D. One-piece riding suit in good condition made of leather, Kevlar, Aramid, or Cordura (i.e. Aerostich).  Two-piece suits are acceptable as long as the pants and jackets are joined with zipper(s) to create the equivalent of a one-piece suit.

E. Back protector is recommended but not required.

1.2 General Motorcycle Requirements

As a minimum, motorcycles must meet the following requirements.

A. Neat and clean. Motorcycles that are excessively dirty or show potentially dangerous damage (including bodywork) will not be allowed.

B. All modifications must be secure and not present a safety hazard to rider or track personnel.

C. Tires must be in good condition and may not be recaps.

D. All motorcycles must have operational front and rear brakes.

E.  All motorcycles must have self-closing throttle.

F.  All removable luggage must be removed.

G. All lights, instrument lenses, and mirrors must be taped or removed.

H. All fluid carrying hoses or lines must be securely connected with no leaks. I.     Aftermarket or relocated original equipment oil coolers must be securely mounted in a protected area.

The following are highly recommended:

A. Luggage racks, either aftermarket or OEM, should be removed. B. Brake and taillights should be disconnected.

C. License plates should be removed.

1.3 Pit Safety Standards

A. All riders must attend the rider’s meeting before riding begins.  If arriving late, all riders must meet with an SMRI official before entering the track.

B. All flammable liquids must be stored in appropriate containers.

C. All riders are responsible for the collection of waste fluids in appropriate containers and the disposal of waste fluids at a proper site.  Dumping waste oil, gas, or antifreeze at the track is not allowed.

D. Each pit area must be policed for debris before leaving for the day.

Failure to comply may result in a $20 pit cleanup fee.

E. When riding any machine in the pit area, speed shall not exceed 10 mph.

2.0  TECHNICAL INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

  • ·       All motorcycles and rider safety equipment must pass SMRI Technical Inspection before participating in any track use.
  • ·       A motorcycle or rider’s safety apparel involved in a crash will be subject to re-inspection prior to resuming track use.
  • ·       Damage that in any way endangers rider or participant safety must be repaired before the motorcycle will be allowed to re-enter the track.
  • ·       Motorcycles with damage or modifications that in any way endanger the Technical Inspector in the performance of his/her duties will automatically fail the inspection.  Some examples of this are: Safety wire that has not been tucked under; pegs or levers with sharp edges; sharp edges on windshields or fairings; etc.  These conditions may also warrant a fine.

The following items may be checked at SMRI Technical Inspection.  SMRI reserves the right to deny track riding privileges if any motorcycle is deemed unsafe by the SMRI Technical Inspector, even if it meets the requirements below.

2.1 Wheels and Tires

A. Spokes tight

B. Rims straight

C. Tires must be in good condition and have more than 50% of the tread remaining.  Sidewalls must not have cracks, cuts, or threads showing.

D. No cracks in wheel castings

E. All tires must have valve caps installed.

F.  Chain must be properly adjusted and in good condition.

G. Sprockets must be in good condition and show no abnormal wear or chain slippage.

2.2 Brake System

A. Brake pad thickness must be greater than the wear indicator.  Brake pads that do not have wear indicators must have at least 1.5mm of pad material remaining.

B. Cables and/or hoses in good condition – not cracks, cuts, or abrasions.

2.3 Frame Components

A. Fork stops must be functional.  Fork legs and handlebars must not touch the frame or gas tank.

B. Fork seals must be free of leaks.

C. Steering damper, if installed, must be operational.

2.4 Engine

A. Oil and gas lines must be tight and leak free.

B. Oil filter must be tight and leak free.

C. The motorcycle must not show any sign of coolant or oil leaks.  Seeping gaskets are permitted, but the engine shall not leak any fluid onto the ground.

2.5 Miscellaneous Motorcycle Requirements

A. Exhaust system must be tight, mufflers and megaphones must be secure. B. All lenses must be taped.

C. Brake and taillights completely taped. D. Turn signals removed or taped.

E. Mirrors removed or taped

F.  Kill switch mounted on handlebars and operational.

G. Levers and pedals must be in good condition.  Levers or pedals that have been broken and have sharp edges will not be accepted.

H. All motorcycles must have self-closing throttle with no restricted operation or binding.

J.  Fairings, if installed, must be mounted securely.

2.6 Rider Apparel and Equipment

2.6.1 Proof of Waiver

All riders must wear the wristband provided by SMRI Officials at gate entry as proof of signing the liability waiver.

2.6.2 Helmet

A. Meets Snell, DOT, or EU equivalent certification

B. Full coverage

C. Straps, shell, liner and shield in good condition. Damaged helmets must have manufacturers recertification for approval.

2.6.3 Body Protection (as defined in section 1.1)

A. Suit must be in good condition and have no holes or tears.

B. Gloves must be in good condition and have no holes or tears. C. Boots must be in good condition and have no holes or tears.


Copyright 2022 Sandia Motorcycle Roadracing, Inc..
"SMRI" is a New Mexico corporation. PO Box 11806, Albuquerque, NM  87192

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