[Amey Kulkarni]

Hello peeps!

Introduction :

What can an auto enthusiast's dream be? Drive / Ride full throttle and soak in that adrenaline with lesser things to worry around isn't it? And that's what track allows one to do. Worry less about the traffic, traffic rules and let go of your inner beast around a circuit which can squeeze out all the juices you have in a matter of few sessions.

And with no different thoughts, MonaroCV8, Vinay (fellow rider, Non-BHPian) and myself decided to take on the track at Greater Noida very famously called as the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) on our Litre class superbikes.

There is no reason and logic behind why one should ever participate in a track day is there? So the thought was very clear and predefined that trackdays are going to come at some point in time. However, its not that easy as it seems. A newbie at riding can be vulnerable on a track for himself and as well as others.

With an experience over 5 years of riding on the road solo / group on big bikes; we knew we had enough experience to enter track sessions.

As an alignment, we had predefined that if we're spending so much money we would only do the best and the largest track of India which is BIC.

There are quite a few Training schools in India who offer 2-3 day sessions at tracks. The well known being - CSS, RACR, Apex and ISBK.

The training schools would have their own standard curriculums including theory lectures and track sessions and categorized by Level 1, Level 2 so on and so forth. Level 1 being the starting point.

There are well known tracks where the aforesaid trainings schools schedule sessions around the year barring the current pandemic. viz : Kari Motor Speedway, Madras Motor Race Track and Buddh International Circuit.

Kari Motor Speedway : Located at Coimbatore, Track's length is 2.2 Kms



Madras Motor Race Track : Located at Chennai, Track's length is 3.717 Kms



Buddh International Circuit : Located at Greater Noida, Track's length is 5.14 Kms

[Amey Kulkarni]

The Planning :

The dates of the track sessions are very notorious in the sense that you get a very short notice to participate in them considering you have limited slots.

Similarly, we got a short window to participate at BIC track sessions arranged by ISBK racing on 13th and 14th March' 2021.

Below are the major cost drivers involved while planning a trackday with your own Superbike :

1. Training school fees : Level 1 and Level 2 for ISBK were Rs 42,000 for two days which includes theory and practical sessions under the professional coaches and refreshments.

2. Bike Transportation Charges : Rs 20,000 roughly per Superbike from Pune to BIC and back.

3. Bike Transit Insurance : It is important to have a Zero Dep insurance policy for your bike and this transit insurance would vary as per IDV value of each bike and applicable if your master policy does not include the same. We did not opt for it as the transport provider was a known chap.

4. Bike's Track Insurance : This insurance would cover any damages which happen at the track if your master policy does not cover track days. We did not opt for it. We did not opt for it as we had less time.

5. Rider's Medical track Insurance : This insurance would cover any medical treatments if a rider has to undergo if the master policy does not cover adventure sports. We did not opt for it as we had less time.


Costs for the Superbike readiness for the track day :

1. Service : If the bike has done over 4-5K Kms on the road, it is recommended that you get your Air Filter, Oil Filter and Engine Oil replaced so that your bike performs the best when you need it.

2. Tyres : If the tyres are road tyres, you may want to upgrade the tyres to track tyres or slicks. The pair could roughly cost you around INR 45K and upwards.

3. Brake Pads : Brakes are very important while going on a track and at the same time you don't want to end up finishing your brake pads. It is recommended to get a new pair installed before the trackday.

4. General Check-up : If the bike doesn't need service, a general check-up from the ASC is good to have so that there are lesser chances of failures at the track. You don't want to sit in the pits with a break-down after spending so much of money.


Requirements of Protective Gear / Apparels to attend a Trackday :

1. Helmet : A snug fit helmet which has basic certifications like DOT, SNELL etc.

2. Leather Suit : One-piece or a Two piece which can be zipped at the waist. Although you may want to confirm with the training school on what they would allow.

3. Gloves : Full gauntlets are compulsory considering the wrists are also required to be protected in case of a crash.

4. Shoes : Full length boots are compulsory considering entire protection upto the shin.

5. Ear Plugs : Oftenly missed by riders and are a must have if you have a track helmet which are super noisy at high speeds.

6. Dry-fit Inners : : You don't want to be sweating it out through-out the day. Dry fits inners are a must have.


Others :

1. Jerry Cans : Might cost few bucks but very important if you don't want to rely on the petrol provided at the track.

2. Photographer / Videographer : There are professional guys who would approach you and charge for the two days and create a portfolio which you can cherish all your life.

[Amey Kulkarni]

The Day!!!

And after a lot of sleepless nights, we flew to Delhi on the 12th, stayed at a hotel near to BIC at Greater Noida.

Special thanks to //M (Dada) who was there at the hotel door at 6:30am on 13th March along-with his younger brother.



Dada was a blessing to us on the first day. We had to reach the track at 7:30am and had a long agenda ahead and not forgetting to get petrol in our jerry cans before we could even ride.

The session starts with registration where you're offered kits for theory, Indemnity agreement to be signed and stickers which are colour coded for identification at the track.

As per ISBK :

Red sticker : Fast Group
Yellow sticker : Medium Fast group
Green sticker : Typically Level 1, Level 2 riders

You cannot jump to a yellow sticker directly if you don't have any track day experience. It is mandatory as per regulations to attend Level 1 and Level 2.






AND NOW I WILL LET THE PICTURES DO THE TALKING

[Amey Kulkarni]

[Amey Kulkarni]

ANDDD after two days of the mind boggling sessions; the babies are back home.

It was a breathtaking funfilled experience of a lifetime and I'm sure each one of us will cherish it and have few wallpapers out of these pictures on our bedroom walls as well.

Some pictures from the de-brief we had at Cafe Peters, Baner, Pune.








Cheers,
Amey

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[AtheK]

Thanks Amey for this short and sweet insight into track days, this is very helpful for any beginner looking to head to a track.

Those pictures are fantastic and great to see you had lots of fun, definitely memories of a lifetime. I am too hoping to be attending one shortly and hopefully that day comes soon.

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by Amey Kulkarni

2. Bike Transportation Charges : Rs 20,000 roughly per Superbike from Pune to BIC and back.

Excellent report man and all the essential pointers are listed usefully (right down to ear plugs).

Which agency did you use to transport the bikes to Delhi may I ask?

Even though I only have an ADV and not a Superbike, I did attend CSS at Chennai once on my Tiger. It was great fun and I hugely recommend a track day experience to all motorcyclists at least once. Looks like you all (predictably) had a ball.

[RedTerrano]

Awesome pics. Looks like you guys had lot of fun.
Thanks for sharing.

So how does it work out? After the theory and practice, do you get to race each other or you just zoom round the track trying to beat your own timing?

[roadrunner_nv]

Originally Posted by RedTerrano

So how does it work out? After the theory and practice, do you get to race each other or you just zoom round the track trying to beat your own timing?

Typically, the day is divided into multiple theory sessions followed by a track session.
What you learn in the theory session is practiced in the track session immediately after the “classroom” session.

Riders are divided in groups to avoid large volumes on the track and also racing. In fact, racing is not encouraged at all. The emphasis is purely on practising what you learn and sewing it all together to get the most out of your capability and that of your bike. As you manage to combine all aspects together, continual practice will eventually result in really sharp times on the track.

[Amey Kulkarni]

Originally Posted by AtheK

I am too hoping to be attending one shortly and hopefully that day comes soon.

Thanks AtheK for the kind words and all the best for your track day. I can assure you that it''ll be one of the best days of your life.

Originally Posted by Axe77

Which agency did you use to transport the bikes to Delhi may I ask?

Thanks Axe77. Two days were sheer fun. The transport guy in fact a guy from Mumbai IIRC. Will DM you his details.

Originally Posted by RedTerrano

So how does it work out? After the theory and practice, do you get to race each other or you just zoom round the track trying to beat your own timing?

Thanks RedTerrano. As perfectly outlined by roadrunner_nv; you have each theory session of around 15-20mins post which you get to apply the skill on track or braking for instance is taught practically in the parking lot behind under the observation of coaches with NO ABS. That's how you gradually build your confidence on the bike and skills at the same time.

You get approx 6-7 track sessions, approx 15 mins each on Day 1 and Day 2 you get around 4-5 which are open track sessions to just have fun keeping in mind there are strict rules on the track and you are being watched from the surveillance room all the time.

Because we three riders have been riding in a group on road and are aware of each other's riding style, it was immense fun to have dog fights on closing sessions of Day 2 and tame our beasts at the track. But definitely not recommended!!!

Originally Posted by roadrunner_nv

As you manage to combine all aspects together, continual practice will eventually result in really sharp times on the track.

Absolutely! That's the objective of Level 1 and Level 2 infact. Getting the basics right!!!

Cheers,
Amey

[//M]

What a fun weekend this was. Just listening to those glorious exhaust notes from the pit-lane had me smitten !

Sharing a few pictures here.

The amount of stuff we carried - riding gears, fuel, some eatables and essentials




My VW Vento which gobbled up all the stuff and 5 adults




The gorgeous line-up of motorcycles ready to hit the track




MonaroCV8's stunning Aprilia Tuono 1100RR V4 and Amey Kulkarni's red hot Ducati Panigale 959

[deepfreak15]

Originally Posted by Amey Kulkarni

ANDDD after two days of the mind boggling sessions; the babies are back home.

Woah, that must have been insane fun! Always a pleasure to see bikes being used they way they are supposed too and not just for breakfast runs.

Originally Posted by AtheK

this is very helpful for any beginner looking to head to a track.

I am too hoping to be attending one shortly and hopefully that day comes soon.

If you ever find yourself looking for someone to fill space up in a truck let me know . I know some people ride their motorcycles to and from the track but that kind of adds an additional burden on what will already be physically and mentally exhausting saddle time.

[Amey Kulkarni]

Originally Posted by //M

The amount of stuff we carried - riding gears, fuel, some eatables and essentials

We've never ran to the office like this with a big smile have we?

Originally Posted by //M

My VW Vento which gobbled up all the stuff and 5 adults

The Vento was a perfect car to drive in to BIC with persona and whole lot of stuff in the boot.

Originally Posted by //M

The gorgeous line-up of motorcycles ready to hit the track

What timing of the capture Dada! Everyone's foot seems to be resting on the ground except mine.

Originally Posted by deepfreak15

If you ever find yourself looking for someone to fill space up in a truck let me know . I know some people ride their motorcycles to and from the track

You can take my spot. I've shifted to Dubai recently for good. Keep in touch with MonaroCV8 (Satyen)

Cheers,
Amey

[niranjanrvce]

Very succinctly written Amey and absolutely drool worthy pics of the two Italians.
Track riding is addictive as hell and I am sure you'll end up a regular on Yas Marina Hope to run into Satyen's lovely lovely v4 at some track here soon.