BIKE PREP

Bike prep per Rules/Policy on ZARS web site.
Check oil level 
Check coolant (water wetter recommended but not required for track days) 
Check brake pad level 
Tire condition 
Tire Pressure, ask if your not sure 
Check controls (clutch, brakes, throttle) 
Check bolts and nuts especially ones with fluid behind. Safety wire is recommended but not Required for track days. 
Tape all exposed lights and mirrors with tape 
Pull head light fuse if possible. (some bikes have safety that wont allow bike to run w/o headlight) 
Clean and lube chain, check for proper tension 
Check clearance of controls against the bike and fairings, controls should go lock to lock without touching. 
Fairings should be secure 
MANDATORY
Required riding gear 
Earplugs
KEY TO THE BIKE or Trailer, if yours needs one this is important! 
Plenty of gas, 10 gallons min.. you will burn more than you think 
Bike stands 
Chairs 
Food/snacks... power bars, fruit 
Cooler for drinks with ice 
Water... Drink at least 1 bottle between sessions...if your not needing to pee between sessions drink more... 
Gatorade or drinks with electrolytes .. Helps prevent cramping 
Insurance Card/Drivers License/contact list... keep them in your leathers somewhere... 
Tools 
Duct tape 
Blue Painters Tape (for lights etc) 
Zip ties
Tire pressure gage 
Lubes/fluids
Air pump or tank
Bike ramp if in trailer or truck 
Locks for bike if exposed over night 
Any medicines/aspirin/inhalers 
OPTIONAL
Extra chairs 
A folding table to put helmets and gear on 
Ez-up for shade, as the summer progresses, shade is very crucial. 
Tire warmers 
Generators
Extension cords  
Fan 
A few tools or your bike tool kit 
Windex or polish for helmet visor 
Paper & Pen for Notes 
FM Radio to tune into KBIR (BIR) at 87.9PM or TBA for Road America for ZARS announcements if you’re in an area where you can’t hear PA. 

Here are some of the most important tips for track day novices to help you get the most from your track day event.

1. Bike preparation
Tape up your lights and take off your indicators. Check your tyres are the correct pressures for the track as this can have a massive impact on the bikes handling. Also make sure to allow for time for your times to warm up (2-3 laps).

2. Don’t look behind you
 One of the biggest causes of track day accidents by novice riders is caused by them taking avoiding action when faster riders are approaching them from behind. Ignore the bikes behind you and concentrate on your own line. If more experienced riders want to get past they will find a safe way around you. 

3. Stay hydrated and eat correctly
When you’re caught up in the excitement of doing a track day it’s easy not to de-hydrate. So remember to take a full supply of sports drinks such as Gatorade and drink lots of water. Try to avoid fizzy drinks and obviously stay away from the booze the night before as this only de-hydrates you further. Eating fruits such as bananas is also a great source of slow release energy throughout the day. Try eat a light lunch and make sure you have a hearty pasta or carb dish the night before.

4. Stay calm
It’s easy to get carried away when you first get onto the track. Too often we see incidents in the first few sessions as a result of over excited riders and riding over your limits or your tires aren’t ready. Remember to start off slowly and build up your pace throughout the day. Build up your speed slowly and you will end up going quicker by the end of your track day. Always relax your arms and relax your grip on the bars. As new riders we’re normally quite nervous and have a tendency to grab the bars as possible. This energy is fed through to the bike causing unpredictable behavior such as running wide or going off line. As soon as you relax your arms and grip on the bars lightly the bike will respond to your input far more and make it easier to control. So relax your body and enjoy the ride.

5. Remember to breath
This sounds obvious but when new riders are concentrating on cornering and the high speed adrenalin is flowing, many just simply stop breathing; and a lack of oxygen to the brain is exactly what you don’t want! So take deep breaths and focus on constant breathing.

6. Stay sober
 It’s all too easy to get carried away the night before a track day, so don’t.  7. Look where you want to go
Make sure your look through the corner at the point on the track where you want to end up. We see far to many riders running off track as they approach the corner because they’re looking at the gravel they’re trying to avoid and then they end up in it! Nine times out of ten you will end up where you’re looking so be sure to always focus on the exit of the corner.

8. Ride at your own paceWhen you hit the track, you'll be pumped with adrenaline and a strong desire to keep pace with faster riders. Resist those urges.

Remember that track days aren't races, they're an opportunity to enjoy riding speed in the safety of a controlled environment. Don't detract from that experience by exceeding the abilities of yourself and your bike.

9.Check your bike often

Make sure your tires are healthy, your chain is adjusted properly, and your fuel level is OK before every session. Removing that lingering worry about these items will allow you to focus more on your riding technique and less on the mechanical integrity of your bike. 

10. Don’t be afraid to ask for helpIt's difficult to anticipate the physical, mental, and logistical demands of a track day, and there is always ZARS team members as well as riders who are more than willing to lend advice and guidance. Don't be shy: if you're in doubt, make use of their experience and ask plenty of questions.