FIRST TIME ON THE TRACK? HERE'S THE RULES
Are you new to the track and don't know exactly how to behave on your first track-day? Here are the rules for safely participating in the free practice days with your bike.
Many two-wheel enthusiasts often find themselves in difficulty when they have to tackle their first "pistata". It could also happen that different organizers as well as the circuits themselves take for granted some concepts and behaviors that are instead of fundamental importance. To fill this gap, we have prepared these "guidelines" entirely dedicated to those approaching the track for the first time. Read all the points to the end and get ready to live your day of free motorcycle practice without any thought .
CLOTHING
Let's start with clothing. What are the motorcycle accessories and safety devices necessary to be able to enter the track? Here's what you must wear:
- Full leather suit
- Back protector
- Race Gloves
- Race Boots
All these safety devices will be checked by the marshals before leaving the pit lane. If they are not worn correctly, the riders will NOT be allowed to enter the track.
MOTORBIKE
Now let's move on to what we love: our motorcycle. Especially for those who also use their vehicle on the road, it is important to be aware of some fundamental pre-requisites in order to access the track. Here they are.
- The db noise limit of motorcycles varies from racetrack to racetrack and normally ranges from 98 db on free circulation days to noise-exempt days, where in some cases it can reach 102 db. Let's therefore take 98 db as a reference here. For this reason, it is important to always be present on the circuit equipped with a db killer and, if required, to mount it .
- It is necessary to remove the rear view mirrors. If the motorbike does not foresee it, the duct tape must be placed on these.
- Place duct tape over the headlights and indicators
- Fit tires to at least 80%
THE TRACK AND THE PADDOCK
Track, paddock, box… Many newbies could confuse these spaces. Or it may not be clear what is expected/allowed to do within them. Let us try to understand them better:
The PIT-LANE is reserved for riders and authorized personnel. It is the lane that deviates from the race track for vehicles going to the pits. During the free practice days before the start of each session, all the bikes of the group to which the session is reserved must present themselves in the pit lane. Here, before entering the track, the circuit marshals will check the correct positioning of the safety devices. It is not possible to try motorbikes inside the paddock (max 30 km/h). The use of the motorbike is permitted only for the lay-by - pit-lane route.
THE FLAGS AND THEIR MEANINGS
Once you enter the track, it is essential to know the flags used by the marshals and their meanings. Here they are :
-It indicates a danger for a section of the circuit, you must slow down and not pass .
- Indicates the interruption of practice, you must slow down, do not overtake and exit the track at the end of the lap.
-Indicates a dangerous situation due to a decrease in grip on the road surface: pay attention.
- The white flag indicates the presence of a vehicle on the track, such as an ambulance, you have to be careful.
– Indicates that the track is free
- In free practice it is used to indicate to the driver in front that he is about to be overtaken and overtaken by another faster driver. Don't zig-zag and keep your own trajectory.
- In case of a race it indicates that you have to stop in the pits.
– Inform the rider to whom it is shown that the bike has technical problems that could compromise their own safety or that of others. You must finish the tour and return.
– End of section / free practice session.
BEHAVIOR RULES
Before the start of the track day, the organizer will hold a safety briefing in which the rules to be followed during the sessions on the track will be explained. However, it is good to be aware of some "rules" generally shared by those who frequent the world of racing and free practice. First of all, it is essential to always maintain one's trajectory, avoiding zig-zagging or stopping suddenly. If a driver has to stop in the pits during a free practice session, he must keep to the right, slow down and communicate this to the following by raising his hand. Finally, another customary rule on the track is NOT to brake when cornering.
However, the organization ALWAYS reserves the right to verify the behavior and correct use of the motorcycle and the required safety devices and, if requested, stop riders who do not comply with the safety regulations.
Now that you too know everything there is to know about the world of the track, all you have to do is enjoy the magic and emotions of the track days www.proveliberemoto.it