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MaximumJEFF

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Some of you know that I broke away from MCRA and started my own track day group. When I decided to this I wanted something to set the new events apart and settled on Open Lapping for experienced track day peeps. I thought it would be cool to allow riders to come and go as they please. And, provide more available track time per day than other organizations.

I've read a lot of threads about us. Some think it's great. Some think it's dangerous. Some think it's too expensive.


Price is
$225/day $400/weekend Early reg
That gets you 6 hours of track time. And, most of our CRs are former NESBA


What do you think?

- Jeff
 
#2 ·
lots of unknowns right now, from an unknown provider. Safety, tech, camping, etc. Price point seems a bit high per day.

I think one of the biggest concerns comes from the "open lapping for experiences riders" There is no definitive line for experience. We've all seen the first timers in I group cause they think they can ride. That is going to happen at your events, how are you going to handle it? What happens when a newbie crashes cause an expert comes by trading paint, not saying there is a reason to be that close at a trackday, but again, there is a risk of that putting everyone together.
 
#4 ·
Would think that the safest way to do this would be to greatly limit the total amount of people on the track at one time. With advanced riders being so fast I can see big clumps of people adding up fast while going around the track.
 
#5 ·
The concept is great, but there are a lot of variables that can be risky. Say I'm riding great, feelin good and I want to throw down a hot lap. I could be running 10-15 seconds (or more?) faster than another rider. Yes in theory I should have the skill to get around them, but we all know anything can happen on the track. You may not be able to control the 'anything can happen' situation, but you can somewhat control the speed differentials in the groups.

CCS runs their practice sessions with no regard for lap time (or skill), and they seem to do okay. The key would be controlling track density and trying to minimize the packs of riders. So I wouldn't say it deters me from doing your trackday, but it is a risk that would be in my mind.

As for cost, the way I analyze a trackday is just the cost per day, not $$ per minute. I realize the possibility for more track time is great, but I don't want to pay a premium for it. 7 or 8 20 minute sessions is enough for me, and I usually sit out a session. I'd likely not do a full weekend with you, just because of the cost.
 
#6 ·
PatFitz9 said:
Say I'm riding great, feelin good and I want to throw down a hot lap.
Click to expand...
I thought all of your laps are hot laps, slow it down a bit

PatFitz9 said:
I could be running 10-15 seconds (or more?) faster than another rider.
Click to expand...
We all know your fast, sheesh


PatFitz9 said:
Yes in theory I should have the skill to get around them, but we all know anything can happen on the track. You may not be able to control the 'anything can happen' situation, but you can somewhat control the speed differentials in the groups.
Click to expand...
I'd be more concerned with the slow riders than the fast ones with the skills
 
#7 ·
Its too exspensive plain and simple. When I rented out Jennings I had 2 groups for the first day them made it an open track for the second. I did not charge more than the normal trackday, as a matter of fact I charged alot less and we had only about 30 riders. Instead of getting rich off of the customer, org's need to give the best price possible that way you attract customers.
 
#9 ·
G2G said:
Its too exspensive plain and simple. When I rented out Jennings I had 2 groups for the first day them made it an open track for the second. I did not charge more than the normal trackday, as a matter of fact I charged alot less and we had only about 30 riders. Instead of getting rich off of the customer, org's need to give the best price possible that way you attract customers.
Click to expand...
This was the best trackday I've ever been to. Partly because Jennings is awesome, but also because the overall package was great. Didn't cost a ton, plenty of free space on the track, great coaching, and even being one of the slowest (ok, the slowest) riders, I had a blast. The open format can work too, I learned a lot being able to see what the fast guys do as they quickly go around me.
 
#10 ·
much like pat I look at it as a cost per day thing. open format sounds cool but like others said the speed/ skill differential poses an issue, open practice seems to work for CCS practice but the density is pretty low, Id imagine it will be a lot higher at one of your days.

what about breaking it into something like an open endurance session with 2 groups, say each group gets an hour out there, it addresses the grouping issue lets people go in and out more than once for instance is they are trying suspension adjustments it allows time to go out ride it bring it in and adjust and try again back to back. it also addresses a fatigue/dehydration issue where people would stay out as long as they possibly could well past what would be safe or healthy
 
#11 ·
i think a 2 - 30 min sessions would be about right. It would seperate the fast from the less fast, plus with 30 minutes you can still make minor adjustments and have time to try those out. Larger adjustment, ie spring change, sprocket change, etc, take about 30 minutes anyway (were not doing pro pits stops here people).

I also think the price point is a bit high, I think 175-185 is in the ball park for a track like BH
 
#14 ·
- CCS comparison is invalid as the racing crowd is more experienced across all ranks (i.e. you gotta have a license at least)
- If you split the TD on three groups, that will already differentiate you from other
orgs at BHF that run four!!!
- I single fast guy in any in a group can upset a LOT of riders so you need a way to isolate those somehow, not possible in a two group format.
- If you want "this TD is for tuning and adjustment for your motorcycle" than you are better off running three groups in 15min format, like in Jennings. Loved that, as I was able to sort my bike in way that was impossible here in MW.
 
Discussion starter · #16 · (Edited)
G2G said:
Its too exspensive plain and simple. When I rented out Jennings I had 2 groups for the first day them made it an open track for the second. I did not charge more than the normal trackday, as a matter of fact I charged alot less and we had only about 30 riders. Instead of getting rich off of the customer, org's need to give the best price possible that way you attract customers.
Click to expand...
At $225 we'd make about $4500 if we sold out. That's before fuel and other expenses. To break even we need 51 riders a day. Not trying to make a fortune. Just wanting to pay bills and have fun in the process.

I do greatly appreciate everyone's feedback.
 
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