COTA, Turn 17, on a 2016 BMW S1000XR – the bike that started it all. Photo by Hart Photography.
Some of my best track days have nothing to do with lap times.
They’ve been the days where I found another rider with a similar pace and we spent sessions swapping positions on track, learning from each other. It’s terrible for lap times because you’re not running clean, uninterrupted laps. But it creates lasting memories, and I usually walk away with something I can actually use next time.
Most other times, a good track day is when I’m rested and eager to ride, the bike is working great, I’ve got fresh tires, and I have no worries aside from the riding itself. After a successful day, I feel like I made progress with my technique and figured out a few things I want to do better next time.
G2 Motorsports Park on a 2023 BMW S1000R – Photo credit: Hart Photography.
Why I post video
I believe videos are one of the greatest tools for getting better. A big reason I’m semi-competent on track is because I study footage from faster riders and compare it to my own to see where I could’ve picked up more speed.
I hope my uploads do the same for others.
Watching a MotoGP racer doesn’t help me too much because the gap in skill and bike technology is too large. I learn the most from watching a rider who is two to five seconds faster than me. That’s close enough that what they’re doing feels reachable, and far enough ahead that the differences show up clearly when you compare it to your own riding.
“A good track day is simpler than people make it – rested, fresh tires, and no worries outside the riding itself.”
The mistake that looks cool on camera
Over-exaggerated body position is possibly the most egregious. I see too many riders wasting extra energy when they should be focused on other areas that actually make them quicker.
I fell into this trap as a beginner. I used to come out sore after each session because I felt like I had to have “proper” riding position. My advice is to find a position that both removes lean angle and does not beat you up. As long as we’re not riding crossed up, body position refinements can be done much later in our hunt for speed.
COTA on a 2025 BMW M1000XR – Photo credit: Hart Photography
Clean riding starts with consistency
Riding clean for me means I’m hitting my marks consistently, not missing apexes, and feeling confident with the bike. I might not be riding my quickest, but if I’m consistent, then I can start making small improvements – braking a little later, adding a bit more lean angle, getting on the gas a bit sooner.
That consistency doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a combination of skills we accrue over many events. This is why track instructors tell us to work on one skill at a time, otherwise it can be overwhelming.
One way to speed up the process is to do as much training outside of the track as possible. Parking lot drills are excellent if you have a place to do it. Riding a karting track with smaller bikes is the way to go, and there are options near both Houston and Dallas.
The tire lesson I learned the hard way
As we grow into the sport and gain experience and speed, tire selection and management become critical. I learned that the hard way when I crashed a beautiful red BMW S1000XR because I assumed I still had plenty of tread left, failing to account for the track’s habit of destroying the tire’s right side.
That was a painful lesson I hope to never repeat. These days I pay close attention to what I’m running and how it behaves.
“Some of my best days are swapping positions with another rider at a similar pace – learning from each other.”
How I measure progress when lap times aren’t the scoreboard
There are so many areas to work on aside from lap times. One key aspect is my conditioning and whether I can ride six 20-minute sessions without feeling completely exhausted, especially during the summer when it hits 100 degrees. The better our stamina and hydration, the more enjoyable the track day becomes.
I’m also focused on refining my setup: a dialed-in suspension, gear that doesn’t restrict my movement, and a camera system I can actually trust to work every time.
Transitioning into Superbikes on a 2025 BMW S1000RR at Inde Motorsports Ranch. Photo credit: Chris Kram
Confidence is mostly tires and preparation
Having a fresh set of the correct tires takes the top spot for confidence. I say “correct” because they have to match your pace. If you’re still getting up to speed, maybe in the novice or intermediate groups, the stickiest set of slicks is probably the wrong choice.
Slicks are sensitive. If you aren’t riding hard enough to keep them in that narrow heat range, they actually lose grip. For most of us, modern track-day street tires are the better bet. They work without warmers and provide phenomenal grip after half a lap of warm-up.
Knowing your bike is ready for the track is also key. Even with a trusted mechanic, I recommend track riders become familiar with basic motorcycle maintenance so you can double-check that everything is bolted on and adjusted properly.
One mod that earned its keep - and one that didn’t
This is bike-specific, but the OEM frame sliders I bought for my 2022 Speed Triple definitely didn’t earn their keep. They did nothing to protect the fuel tank or even the frame during a relatively mild low-side.
On the other hand, I always aim to install case savers. Protecting the engine covers prevents oil spills on the road or, even worse, the track. Radiator and oil cooler protectors are also a must.
On my current 2025 BMW S1000RR I have R&G case savers, Evotech guards, and a BT Moto tune – the tune being almost mandatory for these bikes. Beyond that, I don’t need much else. I just plan to feed it plenty of brake pads, fluids, and slicks.
2025 BMW S1000RR at COTA – Photo credit: Hart Photography
The paddock truth
Track days can feel like a solitary experience, but they don’t have to be. You see it all the time: the canopy, the chair, the fuel cans, and a single rider waiting for their session. I’ve done it myself, and it’s just not as fun.
Make getting to know people part of the experience. Strike up a conversation with the rider who set up next to you. Make plans with people you’ve met online to pit together and help each other out. A lot of what I’ve learned came from talking shop with someone more knowledgeable. I also try to thank the coaches and organizers – they do it out of their love for the sport.
Read the full story in our upcoming Issue 02.
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TrackDNA safety note
Riding on track is inherently risky. What works for one rider, bike, tire, or track may not work for another. This reflects personal experience, not individualized coaching. Ride within your limits, follow your track organization’s rules and control riders, and make changes gradually.
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