Experienced Rider Course - Novice Track Day 2002

Posted September 1, 2001
Revised January 14, 200

The Motorcycle Rider Course of Ottawa is hosting an ERC Track Day at the Shannonville Motorsport Park facility on Monday September 2nd, 2002.

This is Not a Race Day

This is not a race day or a race school. It is intended for "everyday riders", who might otherwise never ride on a track, to have the opportunity to practice their cornering skills in this ideal environment. Speeds and rider behaviour will be strictly controlled.

This announcement, other information, and the registration form, can be downloaded as a PDF file by clicking here.

Contents

• Registration and Fees
• Rider Classification
• Insurance Warning (Not Insured)
• Tech Inspection
• Riding Gear Required
• Riders' and Corner Workers Meetings
• Rules of the Day
• Schedule

Highlights

• Classroom informational session
• Track side Riders' Meeting and Tech Inspection
• Lapping of Shannonville Motorsports Park Long Track

Registration

This track day is open to all riders but there is a limit of 60 riders. Experienced Riders Course (ERC) Graduates from the last 2 seasons (ERC graduates from the year 2000 or later) will receive a special price and registration priority if they complete registration before July 1st, 2002. Registration is completed once fee payments have been received. All other riders will be considered members of the General Public.

Contact the office to register. You can download an the registration package here.

General Public priority will be on first come first served basis according to the date registration is completed. There will be no registration after August 27th, 2002. Pre-register to avoid any disappointments.

Deadlines for registration and costs are as follows:

Recent ERC Graduate (year 2000 or later)

• Paid before June 30th, 2002: $116.82 + GST = $125.00

General Public (limited space)

• Paid from July 1st to August 27th, 2002: $135.51 + GST = $145.00

Note: Any rider taking an ERC in 2002 can also register for the ERC Track Day at the same time. The price for this bundled package is:

ERC in 2002 and ERC Track Day

• Paid before June 30th, 2002: $186.92 + GST = $200.00

Refund Policy

The ERC Track Day will run "rain or shine". Refunds will be given only if notice of cancellation is received:

• at least 15 business days notice
• refund minus a $30 administration fee

Exceptions:

If you can find another rider to take your spot, you are entitled to the refund minus $30 administration fee once the replacement rider completes registration for the track day. The Ottawa Safety Council reserves the right to "approve" the replacement rider.

Corner Worker Discount

Corner workers are very important to the safe operation of the track event. Through the uses of flagging and radios, corner workers can inform riders of dangers and changes to the track condition. We encourage you contact us if you wish to bring a corner worker for the day. All riders who notify us and bring a corner worker will receive a rebate on the track cost for the day. Corner workers must be at least 18 years old.

Only 20 corner workers are needed and they will be picked on a first come, first serve basis. A maximum of 2 corner workers per rider is allowed.

Rider Classification

Motorcycles and their riders will be grouped into classifications so that comparable motorcycles and riders will be on the track in the same sessions. When registering you must choose one of the four classes available. The classifications are as follows:

• Freshman Class / Novice to the track
• Junior Class / Riders with some track experience and riding sport or sport touring bikes
• Senior Class / Racers or riders with extensive track experience
• Touring Class / Riders with some track experience and riding touring or cruising bikes

Freshman Class is for new or less experienced riders, and riders interested in a safe non-threatening track ride. Passing is not permitted in corners.

Junior Class is for experienced riders and those with track experience who can turn good lap times on their sport or sport touring bikes, but are not interested in pushing as hard as the more experienced Senior Class.

Senior Class is open to racers and equally fast non-racers. This group is very fast, but a large emphasis will be put on safety. Passing is permitted but overly aggressive passing will not be tolerated. If you want to race, go elsewhere.

Touring Class is open to riders at the same level as the Junior Class but riding touring bikes, cruisers, or standard street bikes.

Riders should place themselves in the classification that best suits their motorcycle and riding style. Riders will be asked to change classifications if it is observed that there has been misclassification. Riders riding at a level above their classification have the option of slowing down to comply with the other riders, or moving into a faster classification. A rider moving into a faster classification will be subject to the rules of their new classification. Be honest when choosing your class and it will save a lot of headache later. The Safety Council will have final say in the riders' classifications.

You Are Not Insured

Note that your motorcycle insurance will not cover you on a racetrack, so any damage will be your responsibility.

Technical Inspection Information

The technical inspection will be held the day of the track day once the rider completes sign-in. Only riders and motorcycles that pass tech will be allowed to participate in the track day. Riders that have a problem with their motorcycles not passing tech will be given as many chances as needed to pass tech. However, if it is the rider's riding gear that doesn't pass tech, the only course of action is for the rider to get proper riding gear. Therefore, it is extremely important that all riders attend the informational session in Ottawa. The tech inspection will be briefly explained but most importantly, riders may ask questions. If you are unsure about your riding gear, bring it to the information night… it will save a lot of disappointment.

The tech inspection is very brief and looks only for the most obvious safety faults listed below. It is up to you as the bike's owner/rider to ensure there is oil in the engine, all filler and drain plugs are tight, and the engine and other components aren't about to fail. We require you to maintain your motorcycle in top shape, thoroughly examine its mechanical condition prior to each session and provide whatever maintenance and/or repairs necessary before participating.

The Motorcycle

1. Overall: Good condition and clean
2. Brakes: Clean brake fluid, pads, rotors, calipers, and lines in good condition. We will check brakes for action, but you are responsible for their mechanical and functional soundness. Do they work properly? Will they last the day?
3. Throttle: Check to see smooth operation and that the throttle doesn't stick.
4. Engine: All fluids (gas, brake, forks, radiator, engine, and battery) better not be leaking.
5. Suspension: Inspection of shocks, springs for operation and leaks. We will check brake bolts, steering head bearings, and handle bars for looseness.
6. Tires: Tires in good condition with tread depth for the event and proper rating. It is up to the rider to check axle nuts, pinch bolts, and to ensure tires are inflated and not too old for proper traction (good tires are cheap insurance).
7. Body work: No loose parts, glass/lights must be removed and any glass left on the motorcycle must be duct taped. Use your discretion on instrumentation and the windscreen.
8. Side Stands and Centre Stands: Stands that are obtrusive or have weak springs should be removed if possible or wired to stay up.
9. Chain: Master link that is installed properly.

Note: Senior Class riders are expected to have more experience on the track and their speeds will be quicker than the other two classes. Due to the greater risk of injury if an incident occurs, this class will have the following stricter preparation requirements. Senior class bikes must have side stands, mirrors, lights and other non-essential equipment removed. Only water or "Water Wetter" is allowed in liquid cooled bikes. Glycol (anti-freeze) is extremely slick and will not be permitted. Drain plugs/bolts must be wired or secured in another manner (i.e. GOOP).

Ideally, all classes should follow these procedures when preparing a motorcycle for the track day. However, this level of preparation will be optional for the Freshman and Junior Classes.

The tech inspectors ask you not to bring hot (engine temperature) bikes for inspection. If it can't be avoided, please warn the inspector beforehand.

In addition to the inspection list, the rider is responsible for checking the following items on their motorcycle:

1. Swingarm bushings, rear axle, wheel bearings and steering head bearings.
2. The chain and adjusters for proper adjustment and lubrication.
3. Suspension components must be correctly adjusted.
4. Tires condition.
5. Battery strapped down.
6. All fluids check for condition, level and age.
7. Check oil drain plug, radiator condition, all fluid hoses and lines.
8. Check over for anything that is or could become loose.
9. Double check oil level and tightness of oil drain plug.

Apparel and Riding Gear

1. Leather one piece, or two piece leather suit with jacket and pants attached (AeroStich or comparable suits can be used at your own risk). Organizers will have final say.
2. Good condition, recent model (1995 or newer) full-faced helmet with Snell or other equivalent and approved certification.
3. Leather boots that cover the ankle
4. Leather "gauntlet" style gloves with fully covered fingers.
5. No jeans will be permitted. No Exceptions..

Please note that these are more strict requirements than for our regular courses. The gear you wore for Gearing Up or the Experienced Rider Course may not be acceptable for the track, so please read the above requirements carefully.

The above information is to ensure that all riders arrive at the track prepared. If you have any questions or concerns about preparing your bike, please bring them forward at the informational session in Ottawa and not at the track. If you are unsure about your riding gear, bring it with you on the informational night or contact us with your questions.

Riders' and Corner Workers' Meetings

All registered participants planning on riding must attend the riders' meeting, which is held in the morning, before the track is opened. Corner workers will have a corner workers' meeting. To ensure that we have everyone's attention and 100% participation, registration and tech will be closed during the meeting and attendance will be taken.

The meetings are held to prepare and advise participants of track procedures in effect for the day. Topics covered will include pit lane procedures, entering and exiting the track, track safety, marshalling and a quick run down of the flags to name a few. We will also take this opportunity to discuss any concerns that you may have. All constructive input will be welcome.

Rules of the ERC Track Day

All motorcycles must meet or exceed the safety requirements of the class in which they are categorized. Senior Class riders are expected to have extensive track experience and their motorcycles must be prepared accordingly. For more information regarding the safety requirements for your motorcycle, please consult the Technical Inspection Information section or ask us at the informational session.

This is NOT a race day. There are rules that will be enforced to ensure that everyone rides safely. We want everyone to enjoy himself or herself and no one will enjoy crashing, especially if the incident was caused by the actions of another rider. Depending on the severity of the incident, warnings may not be issued to the offender before having track privileges revoked.

Some of the many rules:

1. Safety always comes first. Any infraction not listed will fall under this rule.
2. This track day is not a race! Riders looking to race - please go somewhere else. Any riders caught racing will be asked to leave - with no refunds!
3. It is the responsibility of each participant to be fully aware of the rules and guidelines.
4. All registered participants must read and understand the waiver form, show photo ID, and sign up prior to participating.
5. All riders shall attend the Riders' Meeting to be held in the morning. Riders not attending will not be allowed onto the track.
6. All corner workers must attend the Corner Workers' meeting held in the morning. Failing to attend will mean the rider that sponsored you will not get their discount.
7. Participants must not tamper with any of the markings, or tags. For example wristbands, registration stickers, or tech inspection tags.
8. All motorcycles must be in top mechanical condition and pass a technical inspection prior to being allowed on the track. All crashed motorcycles must be re-inspected before re-entering another session.
9. All riders must wear appropriate leather or approved gear suitable for the track day. This includes two piece suits that can be fastened together. Footwear and hand protection must be appropriate for motorcycle use. Helmets must be full-faced, Snell M95 or equivalently approved, be in good condition and fit the wearer properly. This will be checked.
10. Riders will not consume mind-altering substances, or anything that could impair their ability to operate a motorcycle safely. Anyone caught breaking this rule will not be permitted to ride for the remainder of day.
11. All riders must listen to the corner workers and obey the flags.
12. Anyone allowing an unregistered person to ride their bike on the track will lose their privileges for the remainder of the day.
13. Never ride opposite to the direction of traffic, including paddock and pit areas.
14. Except for the Senior Class, passing is not allowed in turns or in braking areas.
15. In the event a rider passes another, good sportsmanship and safety shall apply. The rider being passed should not block a faster rider. The slower riders must give way to faster riders. However, it is always the responsibility of the faster rider to ensure that the pass is made in the safest possible manner.
16. Any rider that loses control of their motorcycle, on or off the track, and causes another rider to go down, may lose all riding privileges for the day. All situations will be assessed accordingly.
17. Safety Monitors will be circulating during the lapping sessions, so behave. There will be Safety Monitors in specific corners taking notes as well.
18. All decision made by the Ottawa Safety Council are final. All participants will agree to abide by these decisions during the event.

Important: Dangerous and careless driving on the track will not be tolerated. Riders are warned to ride safely and remain in control of their motorcycles at all times. Should riders not behave in a safe manner, the organizers reserve the right to revoke the rider's track privileges for the remainder of the day without warning or refund.

Rider Schedule