Metastable
Well-known member
Ya I forgot about him .... somehow he managed to get back to the pits without spilling all the oil in his belly pan even though they were jesturing for him to get OFF the track NOW.
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Worst Track Experience Ever TMP
- Thread starter R1299
- Start date
Ya I forgot about him .... somehow he managed to get back to the pits without spilling all the oil in his belly pan even though they were jesturing for him to get OFF the track NOW.
FriendlyFoe
Well-known member
that track used a black flag for get off the track, and a black flag with a red circle in the middle for pit in we want to talk to you. He got confused and thought the black flag just meant pit in. This is why riders meetings are so important! We're lucky the track didn't get shut down for the whole day.
Metastable
Well-known member
Did the marshals form a lynch-mob?
Almost.... we sure heard about it again the next morning during the riders meeting.
They shut down the track and had to survey the whole thing by foot to see if he spilled oil anywhere.... then they sent out control riders for a few laps. Amazingly it seems like the belly pan did its job very well!
I was there Saturday for my first track day and have no complaints at all. Yes the riders meeting was late, but considering the circumstances they did the best they could. First track day of the year for them, dog **** on the track, drag strip completely packed, riders showing up at 8:15 searching for a spot to pit and get through tech before the riders meeting, they did what they could do to accommodate everyone.
It being my first track day, I don't know the length of a typical riders meeting, but give me a break. The riders meeting is the riders meeting, show up listen its for your safety so you or anyone else don't get seriously injured. As someone mentioned, every organization does it slightly different, every track day has new riders (me) who have never heard the rules before, deal with it.
As for the organizers being rude, I really hope you addressed it in person before ranting on a message board... Were all adults, if you have an issue with someone, take it up with that person, in person, you might even get a "sorry for hurting your feelings" which it appears you are searching for. I've delt with Chris since I got into motorcycling, he got me into the track days, helped me find my bike, answered every question I had and never steered me wrong. He's straight forward and up front, never had an issue at all. Hell he even came out in one of my beginner sessions and did a 1 on 1 training session showing me lines and offering advice about what I can do different, completely changed my riding on that track.
Tech inspection being too tight? Common, do you really want to be out on the track with a tech inspector who just lets things slide to speed up the day? You say he was sending people back to fix small things, did he send you back? What were the small things? Again, its for your safety and others around you. I can't understand how that can be a bad thing? Again with the rude thing too, I hope you addressed that with him in person.
The crash was a crash, the guy was seriously injured, I was on track coming around the last corner after the track exit when the worker at the corner was waving the red flag furiously so I still had to finish the full lap. I was out there with Chris when it happened and when driving by the guy on the track, it did not look good, he had some blood spots on the inside padding of his helmet and was not looking too good. I know if you were in that situation you wouldn't tell them just toss me in the track ambulance so everyone can get back out on the track. Have some consideration for others.
All in all, I had a great day, not a complaint at all. If you don't like the rules, I agree with what they told you, don't come back. If you don't like the way it was ran, I agree again, don't come back. Or hey, you run the next one....
It being my first track day, I don't know the length of a typical riders meeting, but give me a break. The riders meeting is the riders meeting, show up listen its for your safety so you or anyone else don't get seriously injured. As someone mentioned, every organization does it slightly different, every track day has new riders (me) who have never heard the rules before, deal with it.
As for the organizers being rude, I really hope you addressed it in person before ranting on a message board... Were all adults, if you have an issue with someone, take it up with that person, in person, you might even get a "sorry for hurting your feelings" which it appears you are searching for. I've delt with Chris since I got into motorcycling, he got me into the track days, helped me find my bike, answered every question I had and never steered me wrong. He's straight forward and up front, never had an issue at all. Hell he even came out in one of my beginner sessions and did a 1 on 1 training session showing me lines and offering advice about what I can do different, completely changed my riding on that track.
Tech inspection being too tight? Common, do you really want to be out on the track with a tech inspector who just lets things slide to speed up the day? You say he was sending people back to fix small things, did he send you back? What were the small things? Again, its for your safety and others around you. I can't understand how that can be a bad thing? Again with the rude thing too, I hope you addressed that with him in person.
The crash was a crash, the guy was seriously injured, I was on track coming around the last corner after the track exit when the worker at the corner was waving the red flag furiously so I still had to finish the full lap. I was out there with Chris when it happened and when driving by the guy on the track, it did not look good, he had some blood spots on the inside padding of his helmet and was not looking too good. I know if you were in that situation you wouldn't tell them just toss me in the track ambulance so everyone can get back out on the track. Have some consideration for others.
All in all, I had a great day, not a complaint at all. If you don't like the rules, I agree with what they told you, don't come back. If you don't like the way it was ran, I agree again, don't come back. Or hey, you run the next one....
I swear it's impossible to get a straight answer in this forum sometimes.
As you suggested, each organiser has slightly different requirements. Pro 6 for example requires number on the side and front of each bike. Most of them post their tech requirements online. I happen to have the TMP tech sheet open in another window (warning PDF);
http://www.torontomotorsportspark.com/images/File/Intro-to-Track-School-Tech(2011)%20OW.pdf
Rather than try and give a rough overview of them all you'd be better off to check them out for yourself to get am idea. Pro 6 Cycle, Hot Lap Events, Turn 2, and the others.
Panici
Well-known member
I also have to disagree with the OP. I found the 21st ran by GWB to be a well run day.
I liked the fact that they are so particular with the track condition and tech. I don't want to go down because of them letting something slide in tech.
Considering that both hotshoe and intermediate were full, and that there was all the drag stuff going on at the same time, I think GWB did a great job.
OP have a heart man. I was more concerned for the guy who crashed, rather then the missed track time. Imagine that it's you lying there next time, before you get mad.
I liked the fact that they are so particular with the track condition and tech. I don't want to go down because of them letting something slide in tech.
Considering that both hotshoe and intermediate were full, and that there was all the drag stuff going on at the same time, I think GWB did a great job.
OP have a heart man. I was more concerned for the guy who crashed, rather then the missed track time. Imagine that it's you lying there next time, before you get mad.
scooter1000
Member
I've been riding GWB track days for 4 years now and have never had a bad experience. I was there Saturday and there were a lot of things out of their control. We had a bunch of car guys parked in the bike pits which made it tough to even get a spot to park. There were delays yes, but not related to GWB. Unless you have some track experience I personally think the OP is out of line with the comments made. The on track ambulance is not allowed to transport badly hurt riders off the property so the correct route was taken getting the second ambulance there, tech can never be too fussy, there was still a guy that dumped oil on the track and a second bike crashed because of it. Chris is direct yes, but for good reason he has to deal with a very broad range of rider skill and experience and has to make sure everyone understands the rules for their track day. Hopefully everyone that reads this can weed out what one unhappy rider has to say about a group that has held many many great track days. Everyone waited until the last minute due to weather so we had some real fast guys in beginner (because that was the only spots left) and there were some slower guys in hot shoe, considering everything the day went very well with very few problems on the track, great job boys and I'll see you at Bogie next month Chris.
SweetOnion
Well-known member
I also found the day to be run quite well, although I have only 2 complaints.
1. The Honda 250 and the Kawi 400 or 250 whichever it was, were riding with mirrors on the bikes and I swear the CBR250 checked his mirror and cut me off once. The tech is stringent, so I was shocked to see riders with mirrors and untaped lights (blinkers), license plates still on the bikes not that it matters...
2. When the guy crashed, it was at the start of the 2nd lap, the entire session got skipped, and they went straight back to hot shoe. Every other time I have been there, the group that was on track went back out again. If it was like 10 minutes in, I could understand but the session was literally about 1 minute and 45 seconds long.
Once again I had a fun day and no problems with how things were run but I did want to voice my concerns, especially in regards to riders with mirrors. For all I know the mirrors could have been taped over, as well...
1. The Honda 250 and the Kawi 400 or 250 whichever it was, were riding with mirrors on the bikes and I swear the CBR250 checked his mirror and cut me off once. The tech is stringent, so I was shocked to see riders with mirrors and untaped lights (blinkers), license plates still on the bikes not that it matters...
2. When the guy crashed, it was at the start of the 2nd lap, the entire session got skipped, and they went straight back to hot shoe. Every other time I have been there, the group that was on track went back out again. If it was like 10 minutes in, I could understand but the session was literally about 1 minute and 45 seconds long.
Once again I had a fun day and no problems with how things were run but I did want to voice my concerns, especially in regards to riders with mirrors. For all I know the mirrors could have been taped over, as well...
For the amount of things going on Saturday and it being the first day of the year by TMP I think the day went well. I can't believe someone would be angry for losing track time due to a fellow rider going down, that's just selfish. I can understand being angry if someones bike spews oil or coolant on the track due to negligence, but not when a fellow rider is possibly seriously injured.
While tech was a lot longer than i've experienced before it is for good measure. They pointed out something very minor on my bike that I had missed and I'm glad they did so I could go back to my pit area and fix it. One thing that would maybe benefit the tech process would be to have 3 clearly marked waiting areas. Put a priority on those groups going out first, usually expert for most days I have been too. This would allow those riders to not miss their first session and while they are out the other groups can continue being teched in. If there is no one from the higher group in line then go to the next group.
Regarding the Honda 250 and Ninja 400, I believe they had all of the lights etc taped up but it was taped with clear packing tape and not masking tape like most. I also think I remember seeing at least one of the 2 have their mirror glass taped over in black duct tape.
While tech was a lot longer than i've experienced before it is for good measure. They pointed out something very minor on my bike that I had missed and I'm glad they did so I could go back to my pit area and fix it. One thing that would maybe benefit the tech process would be to have 3 clearly marked waiting areas. Put a priority on those groups going out first, usually expert for most days I have been too. This would allow those riders to not miss their first session and while they are out the other groups can continue being teched in. If there is no one from the higher group in line then go to the next group.
Regarding the Honda 250 and Ninja 400, I believe they had all of the lights etc taped up but it was taped with clear packing tape and not masking tape like most. I also think I remember seeing at least one of the 2 have their mirror glass taped over in black duct tape.
too much
Well-known member
I had my first TMP track day on Saturday. Not that many track days before either, and only the second with my own bike, first time ever at TMP.
Overall a good expereince, I liked the track condition better than SMP. The track day was managed OK, not many personal complaints when I compare to other track days I attended, but personally I liked more how Pro6 and Turn2 track days were managed. Nonetheless, Saturday was a bit crazy at TMP, and I am sure GWB can do better under "normal" conditions.
Riders meeting, nothing special about that, seemed OK and not much different that what I had at a Pro6 track day 2 weeks before.
Tech, I tried to understand and make sense of what happened, their track day, their rules, and I belive everybody wants to be safe. Personally I like a friendlier approach, but it was OK overall, although I have been turned back, but no complaints about that. It is what it is, next time I will know better... No problems in being turned and doing what was asked to do ... nonethess I think there could be a bit of an atitude problem over there, but for now I'm OK to put up with it.
Overall a good expereince, I will definitelly do again a GWB track day
Overall a good expereince, I liked the track condition better than SMP. The track day was managed OK, not many personal complaints when I compare to other track days I attended, but personally I liked more how Pro6 and Turn2 track days were managed. Nonetheless, Saturday was a bit crazy at TMP, and I am sure GWB can do better under "normal" conditions.
Riders meeting, nothing special about that, seemed OK and not much different that what I had at a Pro6 track day 2 weeks before.
Tech, I tried to understand and make sense of what happened, their track day, their rules, and I belive everybody wants to be safe. Personally I like a friendlier approach, but it was OK overall, although I have been turned back, but no complaints about that. It is what it is, next time I will know better... No problems in being turned and doing what was asked to do ... nonethess I think there could be a bit of an atitude problem over there, but for now I'm OK to put up with it.
Overall a good expereince, I will definitelly do again a GWB track day
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The_Squire
Member
Tech requirements for TMP Track Days are found at the following link:
http://www.torontomotorsportspark.com/images/File/Motorcycle-Tech-(2011)-OW.pdf
The document shows 17 items (list on pages 2 and 3) and notes that the first 3 items are the most common for failing inspection. But all 17 are important and are enforced.
Peace.
so im guessing you were in beginner group judging by the fact you are so ****** off about your bike not passing tech about something "stupid"...and expert group gon on track around 9...they had a 20 minute session...then intermediate, they had 20 minutes....then you got on....AT 9:50. ugh. Yeah, they should just throw all 90 bikes on at 9am!!!!!
edit-I will agree with you that the riders meeting can be too long and boring, BUT, I do appreciate Chris' no nonsense approach. If you don't like the rules to their trackdays, you can beat it.
edit-I will agree with you that the riders meeting can be too long and boring, BUT, I do appreciate Chris' no nonsense approach. If you don't like the rules to their trackdays, you can beat it.
Tonto
Well-known member
Actually Rick, Chris' rule on Saturday was when a red flag is thrown, check up to 70% and get back to the paddock- even if you see the red when you are heading onto the front strait, make the full lap at 70% and get off the track.
Thing is, it WAS covered in great, albeit profane detail at the riders meeting- just another reason why the meeting is so important at these trackday's.
May 21st was my first track day with GWB. I've done track days in the past with Pro6, Racer 5, Golo, and a few private days. IMO Pro6 were the best overall trackday organizers. This is only my second year for doing track days. I've never been to a track day that started exactly on time. In my experience I would rate GWB right behind Pro6. They were great. I thought the day went pretty smooth. They put a list up at tech inspection that you could see exactly what they were looking for. There were quite a few riders that showed up late. The tech guy was sending people back for side stand not tied up and speedo not taped over. It was on the list of things they were looking for. I really liked the flags on the end of the wall. It was easy to see when it was your time to go out. They'd put your groupls flag up 1/2 way to give you 5 minute warning then it would go up full when your group was on the track. The only thing I thought was odd was the beginner group lost a session due to the accident. Every trackday I've been to if there was a red flag less than 1/2 way though your session you go to continue after things were cleaned up and if it was over your 1/2 way period they would go to the next group. When the accident happened I think they people in green only had one lap in and they were expecting to go back out when things were cleaned up. Instead they put the advanced flag up. Even the advanced group wasn't expecting it and alot of them were rushing back to their bikes to get out on the track. I would definately book with GWB again.
Mr.Azim
Well-known member
I never had a bad experience at TMP.... as far as the "boring rules and regulations", it's attitudes like that that result in people not listening to the rules and can be harmful to other riders when they don't know waht to do in what situation.
GWB are fantastic, in my opinion. Haven't dont Pro6 yet, but I heard good things.
GWB are fantastic, in my opinion. Haven't dont Pro6 yet, but I heard good things.
You are absolutely right.Consistent flags for all tracks is very important.Having to wait an extra 2 minutes for an ambulance is unacceptable.Anyone who complains about having to sit trackside during the wait needs a slap upside the shoei.Rick, last year with GWB's they had everyone go back to the pit when there was a red flag...and Racer5 had everyone stop at the next marshall station. So that's where the confusion is. I think every TRACK should have 1 set of rules for a red flag.
For the OP, if you're looking to make a friend at the track...come talk to me (I'll hold your hand as we prance down the pits), not the tech guy, he's not there to make friends lol.
The two bikes in question had clear tape over the lights so it did not look like they were taped.
They were doing a magazine shoot.
They were doing a magazine shoot.
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