All in the rider...

[Cutty72]

trackaddix you can pass in novice.
they "prefer" you pass in the straights, but clean passes are allowed in turns as well.

[the chi]

The rule is 6 ft typically, but 6 inches is more like how it usually works...and is still usually considered a clean pass. However our experienced class is called the RACE class for a reason, the guys riding in our experienced or race level are all licensed (or soon to be) racers in our area. Oh yeah, lets not forget, especially in the NOVICE class, you have ALOT of newbies that misjudge speed, turns and alot of different factors, and they are most likely not stuffing you or interfering with your ride intentionally. They dont even know you are there, or they tried to make the pass thinking they had the room and didnt, not out of malice or trying to wreck you. I know I have misjudged a turn and I try to apologize in person to someone I buzzed on accident or interefered with, and its a good way to meet new track friends, expecially when they realize you arent some asshole and werent out there to get them!

I'm not attacking your track experience Tig, nor saying it should be a racing type thing, cuz its not. You go out there to improve your riding skills, both on and off the track. But the truth of the matter is, egos and testosterone get in the way no matter what the rules are and people are going to break them and things happen. Its not right, but it happens. I know that when I go to the track, I can expect for some inexperienced or inconsiderate rider to refuse to allow me to pass, or to stuff me in a corner or to pass me too closely and I accept this as fact. Its part of the track.

Its a personal decision on my part to risk myself and my bike out there, and there is no one to blame but myself if I get hurt, since I made the decision to go in the first place, even if I wreck thru no fault of my own.

Like CEO, it wasnt his fault the chick went down, but it happened, he accepted it and continues on to the track. Thats his choice.

You made the one to stay away, its yours. Stop being so defensive, no one cares enough to call you out and question your personal decisions or the reasons for them.

No how bout we go back to the point of the thread instead of arguing about non related items?

Skill pwns bigger bike on track. Period.

[r!der]

Most track orgs around here that used to call it the "RACE" group changed it to Advanced.

I agree you should be used to the increased pace and closer passing in the ADVANCED group.

Just know, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE between a RACE and the "RACE" group at a track day.

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by r!der

Most track orgs around here that used to call it the "RACE" group changed it to Advanced.

I agree you should be used to the increased pace and closer passing in the ADVANCED group.

Just know, THERE IS A DIFFERENCE between a RACE and the "RACE" group at a track day.

Truth.PERIOD.

[smileyman]

Well this one heated up over the weekend...I dunno about close passes on track days. If you know the guy and you went out to "race" with him and play dogfight then you know whats up. If it just happens to be another track day rider who happens just to be slower than you and in your group, give him a break, be patient. There is no glory in taking anyone out needlessly for no reward or gain.

I was pretty gentleman like when I raced. Block passes, slide jobs, and running someone wide was reserved for extreme, tried everything else, type passes. Mostly due to me not wanting to have to repair my bike or rehab my injuries.

With the guys I knew and raced with every weekend, we generally knew who to trust with 6 inches and who not to. I raced with some guys I respected so much that an inch was enough and touching knees, elbows, fairings wan't uncommon. And we both enjoyed the close quarters and would laugh about it in the pits...

[OreoGaborio]

I always do my best to ride CLEAN and predictable whether it be racing or TD's...

At a TD I give as MUCH room as possible no matter who you are or how you're riding (3 feet MINIMUM... I try to keep it to 6+). You have to, ya know? Close passing is just NOT necessary and it doesn't impress anyone at a TD... especially the TD staff who are in charge of keeping things safe.

But racing... well, there ain't nothin better than "holding hands" with a friend while draggin knees through a corner

.... wow, that sounded kinda gay.

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by OreoGaborio

I always do my best to ride clean whether it be racing or TD's... At a TD I give as MUCH room as possible no matter who you are or how you're riding (3 feet MINIMUM... I try to keep it to 6+). You have to in the interest of safety.

But racing... well, there ain't nothin better than "holding hands" with a friend while draggin knees through a corner

.... wow, that sounded kinda gay.

Yeah,just a little... Hey,I wasn't critiquing your riding style but seriously asking a question about body position and getting off the bike. Back when I rode A LOT more aggressively,I was often criticized because I tended to "work the bike" to get around corners,kinda like you would a car,by sliding the rear and what not. Now that I've "slowed down",I'm trying to be more smooth and I think that better body positioning will help me with that.

[smileyman]

No, your right tigger, skill doesn't always trump the equipment. It often does as some folks can't get all the preformance potential out of the bike their on, but riders being equal equipment should win out.

Fortunately for my busted ass, safety wired, bubble gum band aid rides, skill does play a part. And for the most part experience, IE seat time, is the key ingredient to that skill.

I think upon reflection....My bike needs a boob job!

[Amber Lamps]

Originally Posted by smileyman

Well this one heated up over the weekend...I dunno about close passes on track days. If you know the guy and you went out to "race" with him and play dogfight then you know whats up. If it just happens to be another track day rider who happens just to be slower than you and in your group, give him a break, be patient. There is no glory in taking anyone out needlessly for no reward or gain.

I was pretty gentleman like when I raced. Block passes, slide jobs, and running someone wide was reserved for extreme, tried everything else, type passes. Mostly due to me not wanting to have to repair my bike or rehab my injuries.

With the guys I knew and raced with every weekend, we generally knew who to trust with 6 inches and who not to. I raced with some guys I respected so much that an inch was enough and touching knees, elbows, fairings wan't uncommon. And we both enjoyed the close quarters and would laugh about it in the pits...

You sir,are always the voice of reason here,thank you! I only wish that I could express myself as effortlessly as you do. You summed up my point perfectly. Why take chances during a track day? I thought part of the reason for taking track days was the lower risk. If you're gonna be out there "rubbin" and making dangerous passes,you may as well take your chances on the street.

Oh and to "get back on subject",superior equipment has trumped skill on several occasions during the long history of racing and still continues to do so. Do you really believe that Casey Stoner is a better/more skillful rider than Valentino Rossi? I personally believe that his team had a much better bike last year and Stoner is a great rider and used it to his advantage BUT he is not a better rider than Rossi. Skill ALWAYS trumps superior equipment? What planet are you from?