Raceschool - looking for some encouragement!

tiger777 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 01 Jun 2006 Karma :

After reading all the posts about the Ron Haslam race school and the pros and cons compared to a track day I have booked a place on the 27th sept.

I am stupidly nervous about it Laughing

Since binning the cbr on a left hander at the end of aug I figured I should get some instruction and improve my confidence around corners.

Part of me is really looking forward to it but the rest is very worried!!

I've never been on a track before, I have no idea about the right lines etc and I'm sure to be the slowest person out there (due to a lack of confidence) so am going to feel really bad about holding up whoever I'm paired up with.

Does anyone know what to expect? Do they get many complete novices?

I know I sound like a real wimp but agreeing to get out on a track is a bit of a mile stone for me Very Happy

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

It doesn't matter if you're the slowest one out there on a trackday.
Much more so at a race school like Ron Haslems.

Something around 'right lines' are usually obvious on a trackday (and often marked with cones for apexs etc) - and more so on a race school where they'll be showing you them.

0ddball · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Karma :

Give us a full report when you've done it. I considered going there but i'm a bit worried about dropping my bike.

colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

how about riding around without fairings to minimise damage ?
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tiger777 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 01 Jun 2006 Karma :

Hmmmm am also worried about crashing, the bikes belong to the race school so not worried about them, just worried about looking a complete idiot!!

Zimbo · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Karma :

Delvard · Traffic Copper Joined: 22 Jul 2005 Karma :

Cillit-BANG · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Karma :

I very much doubt you'll be the only one.

After 10mins of track time you'll relax and wonder what you were worrying about. Just enjoy the experience.

FFIW, nobody ever gives a monkeys who's riding slowest when on track. Your all just out there to ride for yourself. You pushing your limits is just the same as an experienced track riding pushing theirs.

syl · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Karma :

Annabella · Like a person, only smaller Joined: 03 Feb 2002 Karma :

To be honest, I doubt you'll be the slowest. There will be the obligatory Ducati rider who will tip toe around far slower than you ever thought possible because he's never ridden any differently due to being terrified of bankrupting himself from dropping the spangly Italian beauty.

You're paying someone to instruct you for the day, not for them to have a good time. Don't worry about holding people up, they'll get past you if they want to. Just go and have fun Thumbs Up

You'll love every minute of it Very Happy

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Ichy · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Karma :

I suggested the Ron Haslam race school to a guy I work with. He passed his test this year and brought a ZRX 1100. Oulton Parks closer but I can't see him using his own bike.
A few questions though, if you do drop their bike, as in just a slide, is that the end of the day or do they let you continue?

What sort of condition is the equipment in?

Do they cancel if weather conditions are bad?
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Ichy · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Karma :

syl · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Karma :

tiger777 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 01 Jun 2006 Karma :

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

I won a free day at the Haslam Race School and really enjoyed it. Just let them know beforehand that you're very nervous and inexperienced and they'll take this into account when pairing you up. They might even put you one-to-one with an instructor. There was a girl who was very, very slow when I was there and she was on her own with the instructor.

It was a really good day and very relaxed. The emphasis is on having an enjoyable day but you'll learn a lot as well.

And if you do bin it then it is the end of your riding for the day.

syl · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Karma :

0ddball · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Karma :

Although it's a bit of a short day out it sounds like it was a very useful experience.

How much did it cost? There are no prices on the website afaics which usually means one thing....expensive.

I'm quite tempted because i'm bored of my new bike already after about 6 weeks. The novelty of the acceleration soon wore off so now i'm starting to push it hard and fast in the corners, tbh without the skill to back it up.

edit: i just found the price, £250. That's not too bad considering you get to use their bike.

tiger777 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 01 Jun 2006 Karma :

Dmahon - Thanks for posting about the day, its given me a bit more confidence knowing exactly what goes on, although still pretty nervous! Don't want to be locking up any back wheels Sad

Since my 'off' last month I've lost loads of confidence which is why i'm hoping this will do me good, just need to stay rubber side down don't think my nerves will take another 'off'

Anyway glad you enjoyed your day and hopfully next week i'll also be able to write a positive post Smile

Did anyone come off?

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Doesn't seem that amazing value.

For instance to do a Hottrax track day with dedicated one to one tuition through out the day and hire a bike as well, would be say £440.

Now for that, you not only get a dedicated instructor a bike with tyre warmers etc, but you also get over double the track time for under half the money.

Ok, it's a fair bit more money, but you get 'more' than twice what you would with Ron haslem, suggesting they aren't quite such good value.

Generally it's reccomended you use your own bike on a track if it's a half decent bike. It's a bike you know how to ride, so you can improve your riding from there.
As far as crashing it goes, providing you're sensible and don't try and push it too much too quickly, you should be fine - a lot less reasons to crash than spirited riding on the road.

Spanner Monkey:
If you're fairly confident on a bike and can control yourself to only increase your speed by small increments, sounds like a track day would be a much better option for you.