SMRI

Frequently Asked Questions about Trackdays

When a motorcyclist thinks about riding on a race track for the first time, there's usually a lot of questions that they would like answered.  The following is an attempt to provide these answers in one convenient place.  If anyone has additional questions that should be put here, please send them to smri@smri-racing.org.

  1. What do I have to do to prep my street bike for a track day?
  2. What protective gear do I need?
  3. What if I don't have leathers?
  4. How much does it cost?
  5. Is riding on a race track intimidating?
  6. Do I need to join SMRI to do a Track Day?
  7. Do I need to be a member of the AMA to do a Track Day?
  8. Do I need to take the RACE LICENSE SCHOOL?
  9. How is the "atmosphere" on Race Event weekends for new racers or track day riders?
  10. What if I decide that I want to race?
  11. How do I enter my first race?
  12. What is the Race License School?
  1. What do I have to do to prep my street bike for a track day?
    You'll need take off your mirrors & license plate, & put tape over your headlight, taillight, & turn signals (or take them off).  Make sure that your brake pads & tires are good, & that everything else is in good condition (no leaks, blown fork seals, etc.)  You are NOT required to change your coolant for a track day.  There are always riders/racers at the track that are more than willing to help you get your bike ready.

  2. What protective gear do I need?
    You'll need a helmet (SNELL, DOT, or EU-approved), leather boots that cover your ankles, gloves that cover your wrists, & leathers (or an armored synthetic suit, i.e. Aerostich), all in good condition.  The suit can be 1-piece or 2-piece, provided that it zips together.

  3. What if I don't have leathers?
    SMRI has leathers available to rent.  There are 4 different sizes available.  The rental cost is $25 for the day.

  4. How much does it cost?
    A full track day costs $75 or $95, depending on if you get your ticket from the sponsor or not.  If you go through a sponsor, then it's $75.  If you just show up, it's $95.  Checks or credit cards are accepted.

  5. Is riding on a race track intimidating?
    At first, yes.  But it is quite a thrill!  You can concentrate on learning & improving your skills without worrying about cops, cars, & what's around the next corner.  Sessions are split into 2 or 3 groups, depending on the number of riders.  You'll ride with other riders who are going similar speeds.  There will be experienced riders & racers around happy to answer any questions you may have.

  6. Do I need to join SMRI to do a Track Day?
    NO.  The price is the same.  If you decide to race, then you'll need to join SMRI.

  7. Do I need to be a member of the AMA to do a Track Day?
    NO, not to do a Track Day.  AMA membership is only required to race with SMRI.

  8. Do I need to take the RACE LICENSE SCHOOL?
    NO.  If you are doing a Track Day, there will be a FREE track orientation class (about an hour) that will cover track protocol, track entry & exit, flags, etc. first thing that morning.  Attendance is optional, but highly recommended for riders new to the track.  It's a great opportunity to have any questions answered.  For info on the race license school, please see our SCHOOL PAGE.

  9. How is the "atmosphere" on Track Days or Race Event weekends for new racers or track day riders?
    You'll find that most everyone is very friendly & helpful at all of our events.

  10. What if I decide that I want to race?
    First, you'll need to take the Race License School to get your license.  You'll need to prep your bike further per the SMRI Rulbook (safety wiring drain bolts & caliper bolts, getting a back protector, etc.)  The added requirements are all about safety.  When you're out on the track racing & pushing yourself, you'll be glad that you & everyone else around you has prepared their bikes properly.  You'll need to be a member of the AMA ($39 a year) & a member of SMRI $125.

  11. How do I enter my first race?
    Get your bike prepared & have the proper protective gear.  Take the Race License School to earn your license.  Decide what classes your bike is eligible for.  No matter what bike you have, you can run in the Super Street Race & at least 3 of the Novice races.  See the SMRI Rulebook  for details.  Fill out the Membership form (if you haven't already), the Medical form, & register online.  Mail forms to the address or fax them to the number on the form.

  12. What is the Race License School?
    It includes classroom and track-riding instruction on everything you need to know to start racing.  It includes track protocol, flags, learning lines around the track, valuable feedback from experienced instructors/racers, practice race starts, & a mock race.  As a new racer, completion of this school is required to earn your race license. Click here for more info.