ERC Track Day 2003

Posted November 7, 2002

After the successful day in 2002, the Motorcycle Rider Course of the Ottawa Safety Council is hosting another ERC Track Day at the Shannonville Motorsport Park facility on Monday September 1st, 2003.

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
• Refund Policy
• Corner Worker Discount
• Rider Classification
• Technical Inspection
  • Motorcycle
  • Riding Gear
• Riders' and Corner Workers' Meetings
• Rules of the ERC Track Day
• Schedule

Highlights

• Classroom informational session
• Track side Riders' Meeting and Tech Inspection
• Corner workers and paramedics for your safety
• Lapping of Shannonville Motorsport Park Long Track

Registration

This track day is open to all riders but there is a limit to the number of riders allowed. Registration is completed once fee payments have been received. All other riders will be considered members of the General Public.

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 26th, 2003. Pre-register to avoid any disappointments.

Deadlines for registration and costs are as follows:

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. No experience necessary but you will be exposed to the weather without shelter.

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. Please remind us who you are at track registration for your refund.

Example 1:		$116.82 (track fee) + $8.18 GST	=	$125.00 (in advance)
		Rebate for 1 corner workers 10%	=	$12.50 (on track day)
		Total cost of day	=	$112.50
Example 2:		$140.19 (track fee) + $9.81 GST	=	$150.00 (in advance)
		Rebate for 2 corner workers 20%	=	$30.00 (on track day)
		Total cost of day	=	$120.00

Rider Classification

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

• Freshman Class / Riders with no track experience
• Novice Street Class / Riders with very little track experience
• Street Class / Riders with significant track experience on a street bike
• Fast Street Class / Racers or riders with extensive track experience with a prepped track bike

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.

Novice Street Class is for experienced riders with some track experience who are not interested in lapping at a fast pace. The ideal Novice Street Class rider wants the time to learn the proper track lines and practice the art of cornering.

Street Class is open to riders who are very comfortable on the track with their street bikes and ride quickly. These riders should be skilled at cornering at speed but they are not interested in going as fast as the Fast Street Class.

Fast Street Class is open to racers and equally fast non-racers only on track prepped bikes. Riders in this group are interested in fast laps because they have a solid knowledge of the track. The pace is quicker than the other classes 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.

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 accurate and realistic when choosing your class and it will save a lot of headaches later. The Safety Council will have final say in the riders' classifications.

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 possible disappointment at the track.

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: In good condition.
10. Oil drain plugs safety wired or secured with a temporary silicone sealant such as "goop".
11. Bikes should be numbered for easy identification.

Fast Street Class riders are expected to have more experience on the track and their speeds will be quicker than the other three classes. Due to the greater risk of injury if an incident occurs, this class will have the following stricter preparation requirements. Glycol (anti-freeze) is extremely slick if spilled on the track and so it will not be permitted in the cooling system. Only water or "Water Wetter" is allowed. Mirrors and other non-essential equipment must be removed in addition to the Street, Novice Street and Freshman class requirements.

Street, Novice Street and Freshman Class riders should replace the anti-freeze with water in their cooling systems. This is optional but recommended. If there is a crash and antifreeze is spilt on the track, clean up will drastically reduce your riding time on the track. However, drain plugs/bolts must be wired or secured in another manner (i.e. GOOP).

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 must be in good 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 jack and pants attached (AeroStich or comparable suits can be used at your own risk). Organizers will have final say.
2. Good condition late model (1995 or newer) full-faced helmet.
3. Leather boots that cover the ankle
4. Leather 'gauntlet' style gloves with fully covered fingers.
5. No jeans will be permitted. No exceptions.

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 information 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' Meeting

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. Fast Street 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 - NO REFUND!
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 Fast Street 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 riders that looses 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 decisions made by the Ottawa Safety Council are final. All participants will agree to abide by these decisions during the event.

ERC Track Day Rider Schedule

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.