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Tech Requirements

TECH & GEAR REQUIREMENTS



GENERAL MOTORCYCLE REQUIREMENTS
Track time requires a motorcycle appropriate for high performance track riding. Severely underpowered motorcycles or those not suited to high speeds and lean angles will not be allowed on the track.

All bikes must pass technical inspection prior to admittance to the track. If your bike does not pass tech inspection, you will not receive a refund. It is your responsibility to have your bike prepared prior to riding on the race track.

If you have any questions regarding your motorcycle and equipment, please contact us and we'll be happy to provide you with guidance.

TECH REQUIREMENTS - ALL SKILL GROUPS
▸ Tires and brakes must be in good condition. Tires should be at least 50%+ of new condition. Any tires that are bluing from excessive wear will be disallowed. We will have on-site tire service at most events, so if your tires don't pass, you may have the opportunity to put on replacement tires to pass tech. Please contact us to confirm tire service will be available at your event.
▸ All glass, headlight, turn signals, and plastic lenses must be taped over or removed.
▸ Side mirrors must be removed for the Advanced group and at least taped over for all other groups.
▸ We recommend, but do not require, removal of center stands (except for the Advanced group: no bikes with center stands will be allowed in the Advanced due to the ground clearance issue)
▸ All machines must have an operational handlebar mounted kill switch/button and self-closing throttle in good working condition.
▸ All valve stems must have caps.
▸ Wheel balance weights must be well secured and duct taping is required.
▸ License plates must have bolts taped or be removed.
▸ All GoPros (or similar cameras) that are mounted on a motorcycle must have a tether from the camera case to a point on the motorcycle. It doesn't have to be pretty; it just has to be tethered and secure.
▸ Helmet mounted GoPros (or similar helmet mounted cameras) are NOT ALLOWED at all on track.

ADDITIONAL TECH REQUIREMENTS - Intermediate and Advanced
▸ Advanced and Intermediate group riders must use water, water wetter, or a non-ethyl glycol based antifreeze/coolant. Approved Poly Glycol brands are: Evans, 7th Gear, Liquid Performance, and Engine Ice. Automotive ethyl glycol based coolants are not allowed.
▸ Advanced riders only must safety wire oil drain plugs, oil filter, and oil fill caps. Intermediate must have a minimum of RTV or Silicone dab on the oil drain plugs and oil filter. Please note that if you spill oil on the track your day is over.

GEAR REQUIREMENTS
▸ Damage free BSI, ECE-2205, DOT, or SNELL full-face helmet with face shield.
▸ Riding boots that fully cover the ankle.
▸. Gauntlet-style gloves with full wrist coverage.
▸ One or two piece leathers. Two piece leather suits must zip together with 50% zipper contact for all skill groups. No chaps are allowed.
▸ Ballistic nylon suits such as Joe Rocket, AeroStitch, etc. are acceptable in the Novice ONLY. They can be one piece or two piece that zip together with 50% zipper contact, reinforced and padded shoulders, elbows, hips, and knee areas.
▸ Advanced and Intermediate group riders are required to wear supplemental back protectors as soft back pads sewn into suits alone are not sufficient to meet the requirements for riders in these groups.
▸ STT also asks that you consider the use of a chest protector.

RIDER SKILL LEVELS

Please keep in mind that we do not teach you how to ride a motorcycle.

To participate as a first time Novice in an STT event, you must be comfortable riding at near highway speeds and in moderate traffic.

Selecting Your Proper Skill Level

The proper grouping of riders is a critical ingredient in having a fun and enjoyable track experience. We are more than happy to recommend a group for you if you are uncertain. Just shoot us an e-mail at info@sportbiketracktime.com or give us at call 888-390-4020. Please be honest with yourself and us when selecting a skill group.

If you are a newer track rider, we recommend signing up for the Novice group so you can take advantage of our classroom instruction. Riders with no prior track experience must ride in Novice on their first track day. Once your skills improve, you can talk to your instructor about evaluating you for the Intermediate group advancement.

If you have some prior track experience, you may register as an Intermediate rider when joining Sportbike Track Time. Work with an instructor to further advance your skills and join the Advanced riders group at your instructor's recommendation.

If you are a new Sportbike Track Time customer, and you possess one of the following race licenses, please email the office with a photo of your license. We will then change your account settings to enable you to register for an event as an Advanced rider:
・CCS Expert level
・WERA Expert level
・AHRMA Expert level
・Pan American Superbike Expert level
・CMRA
・MotoAmerica
・AMA

If you purchase track time in a lower skill level (Intermediate rider registering for Novice or Advanced registering for Intermediate), you will be expected to adhere to all rules governing that group, and, if necessary, adjust your pace and level of aggression to match the pace of the group.


NOVICE GROUP

If you have no prior motorcycle track experience, you must register in the Novice group. There are no exceptions to this rule.
→ This group is designed for street riders, new(er) track riders, and those seeking a bit more relaxed pace.
→ Novice group riders receive classroom and on-track instruction, including on-going critiquing of your track riding skills.
→ Instructors will accompany riders on all track sessions and your instructor will supervise you throughout your day.
→ You will learn how to enter and exit the track safely as well as the meaning of all flagging communications.
→ During your classroom and on-track sessions, you will learn the racing line, the proper use of the throttle, braking, gear changes and selection as well as basic cornering techniques and body positioning.
→ Everyone rides at his or her own pace with an emphasis on fun and learning.
→ All Novice group riders must attend all classroom sessions and ride within their group.
→ We are aware that many riders chose to ride in the Novice group multiple times due to the relaxed pace, which is why we divide the novice group into several sub-groups based on skill level. This allows for many differently skilled riders to enjoy this group for an indefinite amount of time. You do not have to graduate from Novice until you feel comfortable.

INTERMEDIATE GROUP

This group is for people who have enough experience to feel comfortable at an accelerated riding pace at a race track.
→ Riders in this group will probably want to focus heavily on body position, setting up for turns, the racing line, and advanced throttle/braking control.
→ Instructors will be available upon request whenever possible. Please always feel free to ask them for help. They are there for you.
→ Safe passing is permitted anywhere with a 6-foot minimum safety cushion from ANY direction of the bike being passed.
→ The track tempo is intermediate to fast.
→ Riders in this group must wear a back protector.

ADVANCED GROUP

Intended for the club racer or very accomplished track rider.
→ You will gain valuable track time preparing for your next race, or just enjoy further refinement of your riding skills.
→ The pace is fast and there are no restrictions on passing.
→ Riders in this group must be comfortable passing and being passed in very close proximity to other riders and at high speeds.
→ Riders in this group must wear a back protector.

RIDERS' MEETINGS

Each day begins with a mandatory riders’ meeting- YOU MUST ATTEND TO RIDE THAT DAY!
Daily rider meetings cover information that is critical to the safety of all riders participating in the event; if you miss the meeting, you will forfeit your ability to participate and you will not receive a refund or credit of any kind.
If your track day is important to you, you need to arrive on time!
Find more information on the format and typical schedule of our track days, visit our Track Day Overview page.


Motorcycles and Equipment

  • You must ride a motorcycle appropriate for high performance track riding.
  • Severely underpowered motorcycles or those not suited to high speeds and lean angles will not be allowed on the track.
  • If you have any questions regarding your motorcycle and equipment, please contact us and we'll be happy to provide you with guidance.


Motorcycle Requirements

  • All bikes must pass technical inspection prior to admittance to the track. If your bike does not pass tech inspection, you will not receive a refund. It is your responsibility to have your bike prepared prior to riding on the race track.
  • Tires and brakes must be in good condition. Tires should be at least 50%+ of new condition. Any tires that are bluing from excessive wear will be disallowed. We will have on-site tire service at most events, so if your tires don't pass, you may have the opportunity to put on replacement tires to pass tech. Please contact us to confirm tire service will be available at your event.
  • All glass, headlight, turn signals, and plastic lenses must be taped over or removed. Side mirrors must be removed for the Advanced group and at least taped over for all other groups.
  • We recommend, but do not require, removal of center stands. No bikes with center stands will be allowed in the Advanced Group due to the ground clearance issue.
  • All machines must have an operational handlebar mounted kill switch/button and self-closing throttle in good working condition.
  • Advanced and Intermediate group riders must use water, water wetter, or a non-ethyl glycol based anti-freeze/coolant. Approved Poly Glycol brands are: Evans, 7th Gear, Liquid Performance, and Engine Ice. Automotive ethyl glycol based coolants are not allowed.
  • All valve stems must have caps.
  • Wheel balance weights must be well secured and duct taping is required.
  • License plates must have bolts taped or be removed.
  • Advanced riders only must safety wire oil drain plugs, oil filter, and oil fill caps. Intermediate must have a minimum of RTV or Silicone dab on the oil drain plugs and oil filter. ** Please note that if you spill oil on the track your day is over.

Safety Wire How To.


Video Camera Requirements

    • All GoPros (or similar cameras) that are mounted on a motorcycle must have a tether from the camera case to a point on the motorcycle.  It doesn't have to be pretty; it just has to be tethered and secure.
    • Helmet mounted GoPros (or similar helmet mounted cameras) are NOT ALLOWED at all on track.


    Rider Gear Requirements

    • Damage free BSI,ECE-2205, DOT, or SNELL full-face helmet with face shield.
    • Riding boots that fully cover the ankle.
    • Gauntlet-style gloves with full wrist coverage.
    • One or two piece leathers. Two piece leather suits must zip together for Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced groups. Ballistic nylon suits such as Joe Rocket, AeroStitch, etc. are acceptable in the Novice ONLY. They can be one piece or two piece that zip together with 50% zipper contact, reinforced and padded shoulders, elbows, hips, and knee areas. No chaps.
    • Advanced and Intermediate group riders are required to wear back protectors. Soft back pads sewn into suits do not meet the requirements.
    • STT also asks that you consider the use of a chest protector.


    Rider Meetings

    • Each day begins with a mandatory Rider Meeting. THIS IS A MUST FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO RIDE THAT DAY!!
    • Daily Rider Meetings cover information that is critical to the safety of all riders participating in the event.
    • If you miss this meeting, you will forfeit your ability to ride and you will not receive a refund or credit of any kind.
    • If your day is important then you need to arrive on time.


    Registration and Tech

    • Standard Events Registration and Tech open at 7:00 AM or 7:15 AM (depending on the venue) and closes at 8:20 AM when the rider's meeting starts.
    • Registration and Tech Inspection for riders who were "late" but present at the rider's meeting will re-open at 9:00 AM for an additional 30 minutes. You will likely miss your first on-track session due to being late. PLEASE be on time.
    • Tech and registration will then close for the day at 9:30 AM.


    On-Track Regulations

    • Riders may only enter the course under the approval of the grid entry marshal or Sportbike Track Time staff.
    • Riders exiting the track into the pit area or paddocks may only re-enter the track under the approval of the grid entry marshal or STT staff.
    • Riders exiting the course into a runoff area may only re-enter the track with the approval of a corner worker or track marshal.
    • Any rider who crashes may not directly re-enter the track. That rider must wait for the crash vehicle to bring the bike back to the pit area. In addition, the rider must wait with the crashed bike and not attempt to cross the track or walk back to the pit area.
    • No rider may at any time ride in such a manner as to endanger life or limb of other riders, officials, or guests. Such riding includes blatant violation of flag conditions as displayed by corner workers. Riders who act in such manner and are reported to track officials or Sportbike Track Time staff will be ejected from the event without exception or appeal.
    • Only the registered rider may ride on the track during ride sessions.
    • Any rider observed riding recklessly in the pit or paddock area may be ejected from the event. However, warnings will be given wherever possible for minor rule violations. We are at the track to have a good time, not police our riders every moment of every event. It is your responsibility to be safe and courteous to other members.


    FLAGS

    Each rider is required to know all the policies and regulations including the proper adherence to track flagging procedures.

    • GREEN - The track is open. Let's ride!
    • RED - The track is closed, most likely due to a crash or some other hazard that needs to be cleaned up. Put your arm in the air when you see this flag and slow your pace considerably but predictably. Continue at a safe speed and leave the track when you reach the EXIT point unless directed otherwise. DO NOT STOP ON THE TRACK.
    • CHECKERED - End of the session, continue your lap and leave the track when you reach the EXIT point.
    • YELLOW - This flag could be waving or steady.
    • STEADY or STATIONARY means that you need to sharpen your focus and be aware of a potential distraction. This could be a slower rider ahead or a bike well off the track but still visually distracting. DO NOT grab a big hand full of brake because you will get run over. Maintain your pace and obey the passing rules for your group.
    • WAVING means to slow your pace and be extra vigilant for a possible trouble spot. The track will remain open but there is some kind of hazard that could cause a problem. Passing is NOT allowed within the zone where this flag is displayed.
    • BLACK - This flag will be pointed directly at you and means that there is either something wrong with your bike or your actions. Raise your arm to let the corner worker know you saw the flag and move off the racing line in case you are leaking fluids. Come into the pits and report to the track control official.
    • AMBULANCE - Someone has crashed and is injured and needs immediate attention. This flag will be accompanied by a RED flag. The ambulance is on the track and heading for the crash site. Put your arm in the air when you see this flag and slow your pace considerably. Leave the track when you reach the EXIT point.