A New Experience
I had the opportunity to go with a biking neighbour of mine to Snetterton race track so I could watch as he and his mates went on one of their frequent track day outings.
First Impressions
I had not attended a track day before, so this was all pretty new to me. I will be on track next time! So I was grateful for the opportunity to show up to see what it’ss all about.
Big Money, Serious Hobby
What I noticed first of all, apart from being grateful to peel myself off the bike after almost three hours of monotonous motorway and ‘A’ road riding, was how much money people throw at their track bikes. There were tricked-up Ducatis, ZX 10Rs, MV Agustas, to name but a few, with loads of the bikes kitted out in carbon fibre Ohlins and Brembo. These track boys certainly take their hobby seriously. The money aspect was carried on further by just looking at the car park full of sports vans, performance cars and bike-specific transport devices, and that’s before strolling along the row of garages to see tyre warmers, laptops, data logging equipment and numerous spare parts scattered around, quite clearly a serious hobby!
Atmosphere and Action
The atmosphere around the track was very relaxed, with people strolling around and taking photos. There was good access to the track to watch the bikes, especially the pit wall, where it wasn’t possible to get any closer to the action. It was good that it was next to the ‘Snetterton Straight, ‘ as seeing the bikes fly past at top speeds and hearing the noise they make is truly a spectacle that everyone should experience.
Bike Variety on Track
Whilst strolling around the paddock and checking out the track,b ikes, I noticed there was a handful of road bikes being raced on tyres. I also noticed that the track bike of choice seems to be Suzuki’s GSXR range. ‘Cheap and plentiful parts’ is the phrase I kept hearing regarding this, although it is possible to race anything; a couple of super motos and a CB500 were some of the more left-field choices I saw being spanked along the track.
V-Twins and Unique Sounds
Despite it mainly being inline 4 bikes being raced, it was nice to see a few v-twins, my neighbour Ryan’s Aprilia RSV being one of them, adding a whole new aspect to what’s being raced, not to mention a different sound from the exhaust. I think it must have been an Aprilia that made the most noise on the day – a unique sound you get from a v-twin when flat out!
Track Facilities and Setup
The track had ample facilities with the all-important greasy spoon style restaurant. Although all the track day riders I spoke to said the last thing they would eat was something heavy. It takes a lot of effort to throw a bike around a race track – especially something as heavy as an Aprilia RSV!
How the Day Works
The layout of the day was three different groups, basically fast, slow and intermediate,e that each had twenty minutes s track time every hour for the whole day. After signing in and getting your bike noise tested, you are pretty much left alone to go on track as often or as little as you like, with all the time in between fettling your bike and chatting to the other riders. Thanks to Ryan and his track day mates, I am keen to get on a track myself, although I think I will use one of the track’s hire bikes instead of the Swinton Hayabusa to start with!
