Track Days Viewed as Competition to Racing?

Cyndy · 01-20-2012, 08:51 PM

The recent weather has me catching up some reading, which includes a stack of Sport Rider magazines that have accumulated on my table much like the snow outside. On page 84 of March 2012, there's an interesting article discussing the economic state of racing organizations, in which the author writes track days are a direct competitor. The article "The Death of Club Roadracing in America" brings up some interesting points I hadn't really thought about.

Here are a few excerpts from "The Death of Club Roadracing in America," by Steven E Holt:

"But there lurks another major slice in the amateur racing organizations' ability to run events and stay economically fluid - direct competition from track days. Yes those fun and exciting events where the local racetrack is rented or leased by a track-day organization or club for the general enjoyment and skill improvement of the average street rider or canyon carver. Track days, as has been emphasized and written about ad nauseum in all the magazines, are a relatively new invention, having come into being within the last decade as a true alternative to a full-on racing commitment.

In the "olden days," there were no track days. A rider was either a fast and risk-taking canyon carver or joined a local racing club. There were no other options.

Then came racing schools...

Then came track days...

...track days have redirected a mass of potential entrants and thus, income, from amateur club racing. To many street riders and racer wannabes, track days offer a non-committal, hospitable, and relative inexpensive alternative..."

The author goes on to discuss ways to get money back into racing, like obviously recruiting track day riders, offering incentives for joining your local club, etc, etc.

The author states track days are a new invention, but they've been around since I started riding (just two years ago). Is his depiction of riders only having two choices, go crazy on the street or join a race club, accurate? What was it like for you track enthusiasts before track days were customary? Do you see this change, or redirection, occurring? Are riders turning more toward track days and less toward racing?

fastfoodfred · 01-20-2012, 09:06 PM

Many people that attend track days talk about racing at a future date, or have raced in the past, but cannot commit to it any longer. I see it as an alternative to canyon carving or honing skills to be used in the canyon, but not really competition for race clubs. More likely, it turns people on to racing.

NoMornings · 01-20-2012, 09:15 PM

It sounds like he's sorta avoiding the other side of the coin - those of us who aren't insane canyon carvers and have never considered becoming a racer.
Trackdays are a way to practice skills that we DON'T use all the time on the street. The aim is to become a better rider - it doesn't mean we have to be any faster...

jnicola · 01-20-2012, 09:27 PM

The cost of racing is pretty high for what appears to be limited track time under high pressure. Also, there is the cost of having a competitive and modern bike, cost of tires, etc etc. Since nobody likes getting blown out of the water, track days are a reasonable alternative.

I fancy I'd like to try racing, but the costs are prohibitive. Hell I can get a good years worth of track riding for the cost of five races or so and a barely competitive bike. Why would I bother?

galenernest · 01-20-2012, 09:30 PM

I bumped into a guy at the Hazel Dell Brewpub that saw my helmet and decided to chat me up about bikes. He raced with OMRRA back in the early 90's and said he did it just to get out on the track.

So, there's my anecdotal evidence to support the author's position. Now we have competing track day organizations offering us track time without the commitment that goes along with competitions, without having to join a racing club.

If all track providers simply vanished, would turnout at club racing events skyrocket? Probably not. Would clubs see at least a few more racers? Maybe. I think the main killer of club racing is that no one has any money right now.

Cyndy · 01-20-2012, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by fastfoodfred

Many people that attend track days talk about racing at a future date, or have raced in the past, but cannot commit to it any longer. I see it as an alternative to canyon carving or honing skills to be used in the canyon, but not really competition for race clubs. More likely, it turns people on to racing.

Excellent point about some track day attendees being people who may have raced in the past.

Originally Posted by NoMornings

It sounds like he's sorta avoiding the other side of the coin - those of us who aren't insane canyon carvers and have never considered becoming a racer.
Trackdays are a way to practice skills that we DON'T use all the time on the street. The aim is to become a better rider - it doesn't mean we have to be any faster...

Absolutely - the article is biased toward racing, which is fine with me. Regardless of which side of the fence you sit, we'd all be remiss to not address the mid-level niche track days are fulfilling. I'm one of those people who will never be fast, but I enjoy the hell out of track days. They provide a place for people who don't want to ride on the street, or don't want to push themselves on the street, but don't want to race either...whereas they didn't have that choice before.

The author states AFM is seeing a reduction from 750 (high - participants and spectators) to 200 this year. I'd be really interested in seeing numbers of attendance for track days organizations compared to race organizations over the last several years.

misterwaterfallin · 01-20-2012, 09:49 PM

Back in the 80s and 90s there weren't many "track days" just clubs like wmrra and omrra that put on race events. If you wanted to get on track you had to race, and now with track day orgs there's another easier way. Its nice that there's choices now but the race orgs are suffering a bit, a product of the free market system.

Murdercycle · 01-20-2012, 10:04 PM

Well a huge barrier for me is the huge list of tech requirements race bikes have to fulfill (oil pans, safety wire, probably need tire warmers if you dream of being competitive the first lap for examples), that and the money and time commitment to get a race license and whatever else. Track days you show up, pay and get to go if your bikes in decent condition. Also track days you are far far less likely to crash IMO. Plus, i never ever will be fast enough to be competitive, it seems like im wasting space if im out there and being slow.

Well, im really excited to try supermoto racing this year due to it being removed from those really strict regulations and high costs and focused a lot on fun as well.

jnicola · 01-20-2012, 10:15 PM

Come race Motocross! Nobody even looks at your bike! Tech inspection is if you get off the starting line when the gate drops!

Yamaha R1 · 01-20-2012, 10:16 PM

Cyndy I hate riding on the street just because of all the dumb ass people that don't know how to drive, gravel in a corner, leaves on the road, and most of all those cars out there with the flashy lights

. I enjoy track days just because it is much safer then railing up St Helens even though that is fun as hell but the thought in the back of my head when ripping through the canyon's of what could happen I just prefer the track

DullJack · 01-20-2012, 10:23 PM

The other side to that, is that I'm sure a lot of people get involved w/ competitive riding because of track days. Someone convinces a person to get on the track, and they get the bug. Next thing you know they are doing the mock race to get their license.

But, track days are great for casual riders, buy some gear...get your bike in reasonable condition, and go have a blast for a day. W/o the ridiculous pricing of racing. Hell, just a new set of N-tecs are going to set you back $500, not to mention warmers, race plastics, etc.

Cyndy · 01-20-2012, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by jnicola

The cost of racing is pretty high for what appears to be limited track time under high pressure. Also, there is the cost of having a competitive and modern bike, cost of tires, etc etc. Since nobody likes getting blown out of the water, track days are a reasonable alternative.

I fancy I'd like to try racing, but the costs are prohibitive. Hell I can get a good years worth of track riding for the cost of five races or so and a barely competitive bike. Why would I bother?

The cost relative to the amount of track time seems to be a pretty big deterrence.

Originally Posted by galenernest

I bumped into a guy at the Hazel Dell Brewpub that saw my helmet and decided to chat me up about bikes. He raced with OMRRA back in the early 90's and said he did it just to get out on the track.

So, there's my anecdotal evidence to support the author's position. Now we have competing track day organizations offering us track time without the commitment that goes along with competitions, without having to join a racing club.

If all track providers simply vanished, would turnout at club racing events skyrocket? Probably not. Would clubs see at least a few more racers? Maybe. I think the main killer of club racing is that no one has any money right now.

Right, money for sure is a issue...and track days are far more affordable for more people.

Originally Posted by misterwaterfallin

Back in the 80s and 90s there weren't many "track days" just clubs like wmrra and omrra that put on race events. If you wanted to get on track you had to race, and now with track day orgs there's another easier way. Its nice that there's choices now but the race orgs are suffering a bit, a product of the free market system.

You summed it up better than I did.

Originally Posted by Yamaha R1

Cyndy I hate riding on the street just because of all the dumb ass people that don't know how to drive, gravel in a corner, leaves on the road, and most of all those cars out there with the flashy lights

. I enjoy track days just because it is much safer then railing up St Helens even though that is fun as hell but the thought in the back of my head when ripping through the canyon's of what could happen I just prefer the track

Me too!! But what if you didn't have a track day to attend?? Would you stick to the street or race? Imagine a world with no track days. Yikes! Not a pleasant thought.

Mitch · 01-20-2012, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by galenernest

I think the main killer of club racing is that no one has any money right now.

Bingo! This economy still stinks.

If you're making less money and/or you significant other is out of work, what's an easy expense to cut back on?

I'm told by friends who'ver ridden longer than I, that track days, in their current form, have really only been around for 10+ years.

SiCC · 01-20-2012, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by Cyndy

The cost (racing) relative to the amount of track time seems to be a pretty big deterrence.

you're not paying for track time, you are paying for competition/adrenaline/sport.

Yamaha R1 · 01-20-2012, 10:39 PM

Me too!! But what if you didn't have a track day to attend?? Would you stick to the street or race? Imagine a world with no track days. Yikes! Not a pleasant thought.[/QUOTE]

Cyndy my R1 is to pretty to race hahahahaha

But not the R6 so it would be street and race for me

Yamaha R1 · 01-20-2012, 10:40 PM

Originally Posted by mitch

bingo! This economy still stinks.

If you're making less money and/or you significant other is out of work, what's an easy expense to cut back on?

I'm told by friends who'ver ridden longer than i, that track days, in their current form, have really only been around for 10+ years.

Cyndy · 01-20-2012, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by Yamaha R1

Cyndy my R1 is to pretty to race hahahahaha

But not the R6 so it would be street and race for me

Haha! Nice!

courier11sec · 01-20-2012, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by misterwaterfallin

Back in the 80s and 90s there weren't many "track days" just clubs like wmrra and omrra that put on race events. If you wanted to get on track you had to race, and now with track day orgs there's another easier way. Its nice that there's choices now but the race orgs are suffering a bit, a product of the free market system.

Good summary of the quote in the OP.

Bluuu · 01-20-2012, 10:54 PM

As much as I would like to try racing, it's not very realistic. Too many financial commitments and besides coming to this sport as late in life as i have it's doubtful i could get good enough to do anything other than embarrass myself and be a nuisance to real racers.

Track days are the most realistic option I probably have for getting a taste of being on the track. It's also the only place I can extend my skills and use them as well as using a little more of what my bike is capable of. I ride on the street, but anything beyond brisk sight seeing is foolish.

If track days are something that's really only been around for about a decade, that means that aspect of the sport is in it's infancy. That suggests to me that the sport is likely to grow a lot over the next decade or two. As that happens and more track day providers come on line to scoop up that business, demand for track days will begin to outstrip the supply of tracks. More tracks will have to come online, or the prices of track days will skyrocket.

Sentor · 01-21-2012, 12:14 AM

Right now, it's easier to spend $175 on a track day, than 175 on a ticket and then worry about insurance being raised.

If there weren't track days, it might be easier to continually risk the ticket.


01-20-2012, 08:51 PM	#1
Cyndy Streetfighter Joined: Aug 2009 From: Duvall, WA I Ride: 2010 RC8R; 2009 ZX6R; Percheron/Paint (equine variety)	Track Days Viewed as Competition to Racing? The recent weather has me catching up some reading, which includes a stack of Sport Rider magazines that have accumulated on my table much like the snow outside. On page 84 of March 2012, there's an interesting article discussing the economic state of racing organizations, in which the author writes track days are a direct competitor. The article "The Death of Club Roadracing in America" brings up some interesting points I hadn't really thought about. Here are a few excerpts from "The Death of Club Roadracing in America," by Steven E Holt: "But there lurks another major slice in the amateur racing organizations' ability to run events and stay economically fluid - direct competition from track days. Yes those fun and exciting events where the local racetrack is rented or leased by a track-day organization or club for the general enjoyment and skill improvement of the average street rider or canyon carver. Track days, as has been emphasized and written about ad nauseum in all the magazines, are a relatively new invention, having come into being within the last decade as a true alternative to a full-on racing commitment. In the "olden days," there were no track days. A rider was either a fast and risk-taking canyon carver or joined a local racing club. There were no other options. Then came racing schools... Then came track days... ...track days have redirected a mass of potential entrants and thus, income, from amateur club racing. To many street riders and racer wannabes, track days offer a non-committal, hospitable, and relative inexpensive alternative..." The author goes on to discuss ways to get money back into racing, like obviously recruiting track day riders, offering incentives for joining your local club, etc, etc. The author states track days are a new invention, but they've been around since I started riding (just two years ago). Is his depiction of riders only having two choices, go crazy on the street or join a race club, accurate? What was it like for you track enthusiasts before track days were customary? Do you see this change, or redirection, occurring? Are riders turning more toward track days and less toward racing? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


01-20-2012, 09:06 PM	#2
fastfoodfred Moto2 Champion Joined: Mar 2006 From: spokane, wa I Ride: 2008 SXV4.5 + 2006 ZX6RR + 1985 RZ350 + 2010 YZ250F +	Many people that attend track days talk about racing at a future date, or have raced in the past, but cannot commit to it any longer. I see it as an alternative to canyon carving or honing skills to be used in the canyon, but not really competition for race clubs. More likely, it turns people on to racing. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


01-20-2012, 09:15 PM	#3
NoMornings Licensed Joined: Jan 2010 From: Walla Walla, Wa I Ride: 1989 Honda VTR250 (x 4), 1984 Honda VF500F	It sounds like he's sorta avoiding the other side of the coin - those of us who aren't insane canyon carvers and have never considered becoming a racer. Trackdays are a way to practice skills that we DON'T use all the time on the street. The aim is to become a better rider - it doesn't mean we have to be any faster... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


01-20-2012, 09:27 PM	#4
jnicola Shredical Joined: Aug 2009 From: Mt Hood OR Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: 01 Yamaha YZ250 / 99 Yamaha WR400F (DIRT)	The cost of racing is pretty high for what appears to be limited track time under high pressure. Also, there is the cost of having a competitive and modern bike, cost of tires, etc etc. Since nobody likes getting blown out of the water, track days are a reasonable alternative. I fancy I'd like to try racing, but the costs are prohibitive. Hell I can get a good years worth of track riding for the cost of five races or so and a barely competitive bike. Why would I bother? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


01-20-2012, 09:30 PM	#5
galenernest I bathe with candles, flowers, jazz music, and rubber ducky. Joined: Jun 2008 From: Vancouver, WA Blog Entries: 4 I Ride: on Monday and Wednesday	I bumped into a guy at the Hazel Dell Brewpub that saw my helmet and decided to chat me up about bikes. He raced with OMRRA back in the early 90's and said he did it just to get out on the track. So, there's my anecdotal evidence to support the author's position. Now we have competing track day organizations offering us track time without the commitment that goes along with competitions, without having to join a racing club. If all track providers simply vanished, would turnout at club racing events skyrocket? Probably not. Would clubs see at least a few more racers? Maybe. I think the main killer of club racing is that no one has any money right now. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


01-20-2012, 09:49 PM	#7
misterwaterfallin Licensed Joined: Jul 2007 From: Federal Way I Ride: track r6, sv650	Back in the 80s and 90s there weren't many "track days" just clubs like wmrra and omrra that put on race events. If you wanted to get on track you had to race, and now with track day orgs there's another easier way. Its nice that there's choices now but the race orgs are suffering a bit, a product of the free market system. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


01-20-2012, 10:04 PM	#8
Murdercycle Licensed Joined: Jan 2011 From: Portland, Oregon I Ride: forever slow ^_^	Well a huge barrier for me is the huge list of tech requirements race bikes have to fulfill (oil pans, safety wire, probably need tire warmers if you dream of being competitive the first lap for examples), that and the money and time commitment to get a race license and whatever else. Track days you show up, pay and get to go if your bikes in decent condition. Also track days you are far far less likely to crash IMO. Plus, i never ever will be fast enough to be competitive, it seems like im wasting space if im out there and being slow. Well, im really excited to try supermoto racing this year due to it being removed from those really strict regulations and high costs and focused a lot on fun as well. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


01-20-2012, 10:15 PM	#9
jnicola Shredical Joined: Aug 2009 From: Mt Hood OR Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: 01 Yamaha YZ250 / 99 Yamaha WR400F (DIRT)	Come race Motocross! Nobody even looks at your bike! Tech inspection is if you get off the starting line when the gate drops! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


01-20-2012, 10:16 PM	#10
Yamaha R1 Permit Joined: Nov 2010 From: Portland Oregon I Ride: Yamaha R1	Cyndy I hate riding on the street just because of all the dumb ass people that don't know how to drive, gravel in a corner, leaves on the road, and most of all those cars out there with the flashy lights . I enjoy track days just because it is much safer then railing up St Helens even though that is fun as hell but the thought in the back of my head when ripping through the canyon's of what could happen I just prefer the track __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


01-20-2012, 10:23 PM	#11
DullJack Pit Crew Joined: Jul 2009 From: the Hill Country I Ride: for escapism	The other side to that, is that I'm sure a lot of people get involved w/ competitive riding because of track days. Someone convinces a person to get on the track, and they get the bug. Next thing you know they are doing the mock race to get their license. But, track days are great for casual riders, buy some gear...get your bike in reasonable condition, and go have a blast for a day. W/o the ridiculous pricing of racing. Hell, just a new set of N-tecs are going to set you back $500, not to mention warmers, race plastics, etc. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


01-20-2012, 10:39 PM	#15
Yamaha R1 Permit Joined: Nov 2010 From: Portland Oregon I Ride: Yamaha R1	Me too!! But what if you didn't have a track day to attend?? Would you stick to the street or race? Imagine a world with no track days. Yikes! Not a pleasant thought.[/QUOTE] Cyndy my R1 is to pretty to race hahahahaha But not the R6 so it would be street and race for me __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


01-20-2012, 10:54 PM	#19
Bluuu Señor verde Joined: Mar 2011 From: Kirkland I Ride: behind the girls.	As much as I would like to try racing, it's not very realistic. Too many financial commitments and besides coming to this sport as late in life as i have it's doubtful i could get good enough to do anything other than embarrass myself and be a nuisance to real racers. Track days are the most realistic option I probably have for getting a taste of being on the track. It's also the only place I can extend my skills and use them as well as using a little more of what my bike is capable of. I ride on the street, but anything beyond brisk sight seeing is foolish. If track days are something that's really only been around for about a decade, that means that aspect of the sport is in it's infancy. That suggests to me that the sport is likely to grow a lot over the next decade or two. As that happens and more track day providers come on line to scoop up that business, demand for track days will begin to outstrip the supply of tracks. More tracks will have to come online, or the prices of track days will skyrocket. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


01-21-2012, 12:14 AM	#20
Sentor Streetfighter Joined: Feb 2006 From: Portland, OR I Ride: 2007 Yamaha R1 - 2007 CBR 600rr (Track Bike)	Right now, it's easier to spend $175 on a track day, than 175 on a ticket and then worry about insurance being raised. If there weren't track days, it might be easier to continually risk the ticket. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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