Cycle Options Putnam Park Track Day (Photos / Video)

[haunter]

I'm really glad to know that you're ok. I'll have some video on youtube shortly...

Our first 3 sessions on Saturday were wet. Needless to say, I took it slow. Wet track, new cold tires, unfamiliar track - not a good combo!

I was getting frustrating because I was getting passed so much, but that changed at the end of the day when I familiarized myself with the track.

My friend lost it in the same exact spot. He dipped off the track into the wet grass in the latter part of turn 8, then turned his bike into 9 with wet tires... there he went. He tore his leathers to pieces, but his FZ6 faired very well.

darrin

oh no! he end up OK?

I went off after 2 as well, caught my foot and maybe the peg, it startled me so I probably jumped a bit on the bike which unsettled it and got the bars shaking and wobbly

eased off the throttle stood it up and broke hard! you are really moving into 2 and I went way into the grass and rode back onto the track at the end of turn 4

[ragedigital]

Finally got my front tire heated up enough after lunch... those first 3 wet sessions did nothing to them. I was a nervous wreck out there on the wet pavement.

[ragedigital]

oh no! he end up OK?

He trashed his leathers, but I don't have any photos. Those Teknics did not hold up well...

As far as his FZ6 - only minor damage:

Bar end
Bent Brake Lever - photo was taken after I bent it back and put on a new piece of rubber.
Hex head screw on case cover
Frame slider - did it's job

[ragedigital]

My on-board video camera (sorry for the music - I will edit with new music soon)

[haunter]

Finally got my front tire heated up enough after lunch... those first 3 wet sessions did nothing to them. I was a nervous wreck out there on the wet pavement.

very nice!

you worked yours more than I worked mine.

[ragedigital]

you worked yours more than I worked mine.

You'll get there...

[ragedigital]

Looked like you got more comfortable at the end there and started passing.

It took me a while to learn the lines and how fast I could comfortably take each turn. I still have a way to go there, but I plan on going there at least once a year.

You probably saw some guys cutting in close, sometimes too close - that's not my style. I remain patient and want to learn, not show-off or get myself or anyone else injured.

[haunter]

yeah I got passed on the inside in beginner a few times. I was not pleased

the two guys on sumo's in my group were complete asshats. and very dangerous


I had one pass me coming out of 4 because me and two other guys were help up behind a control rider who was escorting a 13 y/o around the track(his first trackday, on his dads duc 748...) and he swung around me shot around the other 2, and went to the inside and HIT a guy, putting that dude off the track in the middle of turn 5.

luckily neither of them went down.

but we were NOT supposed to pass on the inside, which made it really hard to get around people sometimes.


I passed in dead bear turn ALOT.

[China_Racer_1]

I am so jealous that looks like a great track to be on. lots of run off room it seems.

Kind if like racing through a groomed golf course huh?

Where is this track at? I need to make a list of tracks I want to go to when I return to the States in a few years..... 5 more to go here then I think I will come back and retire.
Need to find a location that has tracks in all directions so I can just go pick and choose.

Looks like you all had a great time, even driving off the track.

I did that 3 times myself last time I was at the Shanghai F1 track. Got it on vid even. Some times these things happen.

remember when it all starts to wobble and you think you have to lift her u and go straight... try giving it the gas instead of shutting it off.

Adding throttle will very often settle the bike back down and you can will yourself through the turn. Just my 2 Cents. When in doubt GAS IT!

[yamaha_george]

remember when it all starts to wobble and you think you have to lift her u and go straight... try giving it the gas instead of shutting it off.

Adding throttle will very often settle the bike back down and you can will yourself through the turn. Just my 2 Cents. When in doubt GAS IT!

Steve,
got the same advice from Kenny Roberts back in 92 so you are keeping good company,with a "cocky young yank "

[ragedigital]

Where is this track at?

This track is just west of Indianapolis, IN. It is Putnam Park in Mt Meridian, IN. A great track!

[mossy1200]

no second gear hairpins.
You were getting quicker near the end.Wouldnt mind trying that track out.

[ragedigital]

They were getting really close which is dangerous for a track day.

My feeling is that if you're in the top 5-10% of a group, it's time to move up. What are you learning by being a danger to those in a slower group?

[haunter]

remember when it all starts to wobble and you think you have to lift her u and go straight... try giving it the gas instead of shutting it off.

Adding throttle will very often settle the bike back down and you can will yourself through the turn. Just my 2 Cents. When in doubt GAS IT!

easier said than done when its your daily rider and your wife let you know if you wreck it, tough shit on the repairs

I tried to make sure I didnt act like a track day hero and kept it safe


but yeah, I understand that is the working/prevailing theory on that one.


for all the crappy things about central IL, I live 2 hours from Putnam Park, 2 hours from Autobahn(which is new and BIG, 2 courses, that combine to be almost 3 miles), 2.5 hours from gateway, 3 hours from blackhawk farms, 4 hours from Gingerman, 5 hours from Grattan and 5 hours from Roam America.

they suuposedly broke ground on a new course this year in Peoria, IL, just over an hour away

[ragedigital]

easier said than done when its your daily rider and your wife let you know if you wreck it, tough shit on the repairs

Ha! That goes through my head all the time. However; keeping the bike on the track and trusting it to do it's job takes some time. Be consistent and your lap times will improve dramatically. That all happens when you learn the track, perfect your body positioning, etc...

If you could make it to Gateway, it will help you out immensely. The more TDs you can go to each year will help you. I manage my throttle so much better than I ever did before hitting the track. It's amazing the confidence you'll get by taking your bike to the next level at the track.

Here are photos of my first Track Day (last year August) and from this past June (#270) - SAME CORNER!