Passing at the track

[OreoGaborio]

Originally Posted by Sean

Some orgs here have a no inside passing rule, which is stupid IMO and it makes it a bitch to get around someone that isn't courteous. The key is to get up to A group so you can pass them wherever you want.

While it cerainly does take away some opportunities and makes things more difficult for the passer, no inside passing rules make for a much safer and less intimidating track day environment. The last thing a novice track rider needs is to be tipping into a corner and have someone come up their inside, especially if they're not used to it or expecting it.

We have no inside passing (after tip-in) at our events and we really stress courteous riding. We encourage people to look back AFTER they have established themselves on the front straight and if there's a bike behind them we advise that it might be a good idea to not accelerate as much as you could, give the bike behind you an opportunity to pass, then give them at least a corner before you attempt a re-pass as chances are they're quicker in the corners than you are. We also stress the fact that you don't need to have perfectly clear track in front of you or be going all out 100% to have fun.

We've had very few complaints with this approach.

Me personally, I have no issue riding behind slower riders. Frustration with the person in front of you is a choice; I choose to not be frustrated as I know I have options. If I want clear track and can't work my way through traffic, I'll just pit in and tell whoever is working pit lane that I want space. It's as simple as that and it only takes 30 seconds as opposed to laps and laps of fighting with other riders, trying to force questionable passes.




The last point I'll make for now is that the one thing I see repeatedly with riders who are getting frustrated that they can't pass, is that they're riding ON the rear wheel of the bike in front of them..... GIVE THEM SPACE! This helps YOU relax a bit & maybe formulate a "game plan" and it also gives you a chance to build up some momentum coming out of a corner so that by the time you reach them you've already built up more speed than they have, making the pass a lot easier. If you're ON their rear tire coming out of a corner then it comes down to a drag race to the next corner that you may or may not win. Make the pass based on your skill as a rider, not your bike's capabilities.

[shmike]

Originally Posted by OreoGaborio

The last point I'll make for now is that the one thing I see repeatedly with riders who are getting frustrated that they can't pass, is that they're riding ON the rear wheel of the bike in front of them..... GIVE THEM SPACE! This helps YOU relax a bit & maybe formulate a "game plan" and it also gives you a chance to build up some momentum coming out of a corner so that by the time you reach them you've already built up more speed than they have, making the pass a lot easier. If you're ON their rear tire coming out of a corner then it comes down to a drag race to the next corner that you may or may not win. Make the pass based on your skill as a rider, not your bike's capabilities.

Excellent point.

I go through this every track day with the Novice and Intermediate riders.

Oreo & Zoomie explained it well: If you sit on someone's back tire, they dictate your speed and throttle pick up points. By hanging back you actually make it easier to pass them.