Tracks

Trackday Date	Day	Track	Format	Organizer	Cost	Sponsor
Feb 23	Mon	Thunderhill	OPEN	Jimil Borillo	$200
Mar 1	Mon	Buttonwillow	A/B/C Groups	Steve Grajeda	$105 *
Apr 12	Mon	Buttonwillow	A/B/C Groups	Steve Grajeda	$105 *
Apr 14	Wed	Thunderhill	OPEN	Jimil Borillo	$200
May 10	Mon	Buttonwillow	A/B/C Groups	Steve Grajeda	$105 *
June 23	Wed	Thunderhill	A/B Groups	Jimil Borillo	$175
July 2	Fri	Buttonwillow	A/B/C Groups	Steve Grajeda	$105 *	CANCELLED
Sep 17	Fri	Buttonwillow	A/B/C Groups	Steve Grajeda	$105 *	CANCELLED
Sep 23	Thur	Thunderhill	A/B Groups	Jimil Borillo	$175

* Add $45 for flex pass which will allow you to ride 2 groups. Please confirm with Steve before making additional payment

NOTE:  Preferred method of payment is PayPal. If you don't have a PayPal account you can still pay by sending a check or MO. Trackday dates and track costs are subject to change.  Please contact the Organizer for the specific trackday date to confirm day and cost. We MUST have your trackday payment no later than 10 days before the scheduled event. Cancellations within 10 days of the actual date will result in the forfeiture of your track payment. We WILL accept payments within 10 days of the date, HOWEVER, an additional $25 will be added to the cost.

If paying with Paypal please add $5.00 to cover Paypal fees.

When signing up please supply the following:

1. Correct payment amount (if under 10 days please add $25)
2. Specify which date payment is for
3. Your FULL name and the FULL names of any other riders you are paying for
4. Include a phone # AND email address in case we need to reach you (ex: rain cancellations)
5. What group you would like to ride in, if going to Buttonwillow
6. Send payment at least 10 days in advance

CanyonStrafers Trackday FAQ

Trackday FAQ

1. Where will the trackday be held?
2. How long will the trackday last?
3. Will there be an ambulance onsite during the event?
4. How do I get my bike to the track?
5. What kind of riding gear will I need in order to participate in the Trackday?
6. How do I prep my bike before its allowed on the track?
7. What other items will I need to bring?
8. Do I go up the day before or on the day of the event?
9. Where do I stay?
10. Will there be different groups riding in sessions based on rider skill or will it be Open format?
11. What are the passing rules?
12. I've never been on a race track, I'm not sure if I want to go.
13. Can I bring friends/relatives to watch me ride?
14. How much will it cost?
15. Sign me up, I wanna go!!!

If you have any questions, tips, suggestions, and/or comments about the Trackday FAQ or CanyonStrafer Trackdays in general please feel free to email Jimil Borillo at jimil at canyonstrafers dot com or Steve Grajeda at steve at canyonstrafers dot com

1. Where will the Trackday be held?

For 2003 CanyonStrafers Trackdays will be held at the Thunderhill Raceway near Willows, CA and at Buttonwillow Raceway near Buttonwillow, CA. 

Thunderhill Raceway is about 1 1/2 hours north of Sacramento.

Buttonwillow Raceway is about 30 minutes north west of Bakersfield.

2. How long will the trackday last?

Gates normally open at 7:30am so I suggest you get there early to setup and get settled. At aproximately 8:45am there will be a rider orientation that EVERYONE is required to attend. The actual track will be "LIVE" from 9am-12pm then 1pm to 5pm. There will be a 1 hour lunch break from 12pm-1pm for the track officials, corner workers, and everyone else.  Gates close approximately 1 hour after the track closes.

3. Will there be an ambulance onsite during the event?

Yes. A full emergency crew will be onsite should anyone go down and get hurt (knock on wood).  Just remember that if you go down and your injuries are bad enough where you need further medical attention at a hospital, the track is shut down until another ambulance returns onsite.  Please ride responsibly and within your limits.

4. How do I get my bike to the track?

Most guys haul their bikes up in a pickup or tow it in a trailer. A compact pickup can haul 1 to 2 sportbikes depending on the truck and the size of the bikes.  I've successfully put a YZF600R and an R6 in a Toyota pickup but was unsucessful in a Ford Ranger.  It can be done, I know guys who have done it.  A full sized pickup should be able to carry 2 bikes.  You can also fit a sportbike into the back of a cargo van.  You will need tie-downs so don't forget those.

Another option is to have a trailer hitch added to your CAR (yes car), truck or van.  It will probably run you in the range of $200.  You'll then either have to buy a trailer or rent one.   Top of the line 2 bike trailers (Kendon) will run you about $2000.  Trailers from U-Haul cost $15-30/day to rent.

If you rode your bike to the track, you wouldn't be the first, however this is not recommended. You can also rent a truck from U-Haul, Ryder, Penske, Monarch and various other rental agencies.   

Also, DO NOT under any circumstance leave your place without the bike ignition key (duh).  I have heard of guys showing up only to find out they left the key behind. 

5. What kind of riding gear will I need in order to participate in the Trackday?

You will need 1 or 2 piece leathers. If your leathers are 2 piece they must zip together. Ballistic nylon suits (like Aerostich) are allowed provided they follow the same requirements as the leathers.  You will also need a DOT approved FULL FACE helmet, over the cuff gloves, and over the ankle boots. A back protector is a BIG plus.  If you don't have leathers you can rent from Helimot's in San Jose or from www.kneedraggers.com

6. How do I prep my bike before its allowed on the track?

You can bring any street bike that is in good shape and properly maintained. However since this is a race track, most bikes that show up are of the sporting influence.  All lights, indicators, and glass need to either be removed or taped over. This means your signal lights, headlights, and tail lights. Mirrors MUST be removed or taped over. Tires should be fairly new. You'll be pushing the limits of your riding ability and you don't want to be worried about your tires while you are out there. You'll be surprised how fast you go through that rubber. We also suggest that you tape over your wheel weights.

For the 2004 season we now require that your radiator fluid be replaced with plain distilled water or Water Wetter. If we discover you have an ethyl-glycol based coolant we will NOT allow you onto the track. If you crash and we discover it, you are going home.  We will inform you of the actual bike preparations that need to be made based on where the trackday is being held.

7. What other items will I need to bring?

Here are some items that are not totally necessary but may be good to have along.  You can bring your own gas for refueling or alternatively you can buy the tracks' gas, they should have 92, 100, and 110 octane!!!  Duct tape to tape over your lights. Loading ramp or 2x8 plank. Bike stands, tools, folding chairs, cooler, drinks, food, tarp or canopy. And anything else that will make you comfortable when you are NOT riding.

8. Do I go up the day before or on the day of the event?

Do yourself a favor. Get there the day/night before the actual day. Your body will thank you in the morning and you'll wake up refreshed and ready to go.

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9. Where do I stay?

There are several motels and inns near the tracks.   Most are about 10 minutes away from the track.

The Thunderhill website has a MOTEL/INN LIST of available places to stay.  The Best Western cost about $80 for a fairly large room with 2 queen sized beds.  Super 8 is about $50-$60 per night.  Blue Gum Inn is about $30 per night.  Double up with a buddy and save!!

Buttonwillow also has a MOTEL LIST on their website.

10. Will there be different groups riding in sessions based on rider skill or will it be "Open Format"?

Most CanyonStrafers trackdays at Thunderhill will be run in an "open" format.  There won't be a fast or slow group and no time slots where you get on and get off the track.  You can get on the track when you want and you will be able to leave when you want.  You will also be able to ride at whatever pace you are comfortable with.  That being said, you will have to remember that there will be different skill levels riding at the same time so be prepared for slower and faster riders.  That is one disadvantage of running an "open" format but the advantage is that you can ride as much as you want as long as you want. There will be a 15 minute "Yellow Flag" Session at the start of the day.  During this "Yellow Flag" session passing is NOT allowed.

Buttonwillow trackdays will be run on a session based format. 3 groups running 20 minute sessions each. A/B/C groups where A is Advanced, B is Intermediate, and C for novices and beginners.

11.  What are the passing rules?

Passing rules for THUNDERHILL are as follows. You may pass anywhere on the track provided you make a safe, courteous, pass. Stuffing will not be tolerated. If you are a professional or club level racer, please, no racer passes. There are other riders who will get spooked. Please allow at least 4 feet between you and the other rider.

Remember, there WILL be riders of various skills and experience. Please take that in mind when riding. You aren't out to race.

For the slower riders or first time trackriders, please learn to hold your lines and BE PREDICTABLE. You do NOT have to use the whole track when setting up for a turn.

BUTTONWILLOW passing rules will be announced later and at the track.

12.  I've never been on a race track, I'm not sure if I want to go.

A closed circuit track is a LOT safer than riding on city streets and highways. You will not have to worry about oil/anti-freeze/water/ice/gravel/sand on the ground. You will not have to worry about cars pulling out in front of you. You will be able to find the limits of your skills and riding abilities as well as the limits of your bike (only experts need apply on this one). One thing for sure, after the trackday you will be a faster, more confident rider.

13. Can I bring friends/relatives to watch me ride?

Its nice to have someone around to take pictures or video of you riding, just make sure that they follow all track rules and regulations and do not get in the way of the riders.  Children are allowed provided they are under adult supervision at all times.

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14. How much will it cost?

The track fee will depend on the track as well as which CanyonStrafer member is organizing it.  Thunderhill trackdays will cost between $185-$215.   Buttonwillow trackdays will cost $115-$135. However, please note that you will also be spending on gas, accommodations, food, and vehicle rental fees (if you rented a U-Haul or similar) to bring your bike to the track so your overall costs will be higher.

NOTE: Trackday dates and track costs are subject to change.  Please contact the Organizer for the specific trackday date to confirm day and cost. We MUST have your track fees no later than 10 days before the scheduled event. Cancellations within 10 days of the actual date will result in the forfeiture of your track fee.

15. Sign me up, I wanna go!!!

We need you track payment at LEAST 10 days before the actual day.  Your spot is NOT reserved until we receive full payment.

Contact the TRACKDAY Organizer for the date you are interested and  for information on how to make your trackday payment.

Please don't hesitate to shoot me, Jimil Borillo,  an email at jimil@canyonstrafers.com and I'll be glad to answer any and all questions.

The CanyonStrafers
Copyright © 2000-2004  CanyonStrafers. All rights reserved.
Revised: June 7, 2004 .