2nd track day -> Group B?

Depends on the org. Several of them don't require the C groupers to do lead/follow half the day. I personally would rather see you start low and then get bumped up, as opposed to the other way around. Just seen too many C groupers want to bump up before they were ready and cause havoc for the rest as they have to avoid their erratic lines. Not trying to speak down on you, in fact, I haven't even seen you ride.

A good idea is to simply grab a marshall and ask them to follow you for a few laps and see if they feel you are good to go. They will gladly do it, and you will probably learn quite a bit either way.

 

Talk to a control rider about it, if they think you should then do it. Sounds to me like you should. If you are uncomfortable in B go back to C. I got my first taste of A class last weekend. At the end of the day I was pretty fatigued so I dropped to B for the last session.

 

Number of track days you've done isn't a good indication; I did my first track day ever in B and I was perfectly comfortable. If you're faster than most C riders, sign up for B. You can always bump back down.

 

I think you have the right idea honestly. Just grab a marshal the first session and ask for pointers etc. They will let you know. Also, since you already seem to know its not so much about your speed as it is consistency of line, then you have a leg up on most people bumping up. Faster riders will find a way around you if you are consistent.

 

I take it your next day is with MotoCorsa?

Just talk to a control rider, they'll figure it for you.

 

Thats the problem with providers that have too many passing rules.

 

I think it is different with other track day providers. Most providers will allow you to ride at your own pace as long as you aren't being a problem (yourself and) with other riders that may be slower. You should try another provider and see if there is a difference with your enjoyment of the track day.

 

The speed of the different levels will vary from provider to provider, and day to day.

I spent about 6 trackdays in the beginner group with the provider I used in Texas. The pace varied day to day, but I can tell you that the pace was definitely quicker in level 1 than what I saw in one day up here. There were only a few riders on each day that were first timers, whereas the day I did up here was mostly first timers. That will usually have the biggest effect on the level 1 pace. I actually signed up for level 1 my first time up here due to the fact that I hadn't been on a track in nearly a year and never at PR, but after the first session moved up to 2.

I would say bump up to level 2 and see what it feels like. If you feel like you are out of your element, and you aren't hanging with anyone and are only being passed and not doing any passing or pacing, then ask an instructor to take a look at you. 20 minutes on track is long enough to find people close to your pace, intentionally or not. If you feel like you're getting in the way, chances are the you might be.

Honestly, self evaluation is something that a lot of riders lack. Every day I've attended, I've ran into people who I felt were in the wrong group, be it up or down. Just keep in mind that group 2 can run quite the spread of riders, from racers all the way down to new guys. Don't ride above your head and stay as consistent as you can be.

 

I did similiar. Just go into intermediate/200/whatever humbly, as you just might be the slowest guy out there. Trying to fix that instantly is a recipe for disaster.

 

I honestly don't think speed is the problem when moving groups as much as people make it out to be. Just maintain steady lines and everyone else will find their way around you safely. I mean, don't go 85 mph down the front straight at PIR or anything, but you get the idea.

 

It's definitely a judgement call. I spent my first track day in beginner group getting stuck behind people... went to intermediate the second day and felt much more at home, even being in around the last 1/3 or so in terms of pace.

After a handful of more trackdays I find myself consistently near the front of the intermediate group, but I tell you what, the jump from intermediate to expert is a lot larger and higher stakes than the jump from beginner to intermediate. Intermediate is really the most mixed group in terms of skill level. You've got the slower guys who are at least comfortable enough with more relaxed passing rules, and then you've got the faster guys who can really rip but are still getting a consistent rythm and skillset down.

I rode with an intermediate/expert mixed group for a day and quickly realized that I'm best suited to hold back for now - leading a pack is often times better than holding up the fastest guys who will likely stuff their way by you at some point which might throw you off your concentration and confidence. I can tell you right now there are definitely some guys who jump to expert way too soon... some right here on this forum (you know who you are). Jumping into expert when you run 2:10's+ at The Ridge? Give me a break. But I digress...

Anyhow that last part doesn't apply to you yet, but keep this in mind as you progress through your skill levels. Give intermediate a shot, and if it doesn't work out then talk to a marshall and then can probably just bump you back down even if it's only after a couple of sessions.

 

Bad advice. There is a reason why its called the beginner groups for a reason. It's like a ladder. You don't just up to the middle of a ladder. You start at the bottom.

If you're being held up and want to advance. Talk to a control rider/instructor/marshall. If a particular track day provider isn't working out to what you like, try a different provider.

 

That's ridiculous, you can't tell everyone they need to do X number track days before they can go to B, then X more before they can go to A. Some people progress faster than others, and this dude sounds like he's ready to move up.

 

Great advice. I did the same. I was actually asked by track day providers to move up groups when it was necessary. I was told each time that I was getting held up and not advancing and that moving up to the next group would be the best thing.


Don't just assume you're ready. Talk to the staff and ask them if you're ready.

Guys who just jump groups because they think they're ready are usually the ones who create problems. Take your time. Ask the track day staff for help. That's what they're there for. If they don't help, change track day providers, find the one that fits you the best.

 

Did I say you have to do x amount of track days before moving up any group?

I said there is an order to how you go about moving up, follow it.

Do we need to go into detail about what happens when you don't follow the protocol for groups at a track day? I know I don't need to, do you?

 

Your ladder analogy insinuates it, and my point is it's wrong, because people start doing track days at much different skill levels. Not everyone needs to start in beginner group, because it's not appropriate to stick someone who's done 10,000 miles dragging knee on back roads in the same track day group as a guy who's had his endorsement for 6 months.