10/06/2024
So, yesterday my friends Devin and and Bill were at Thunder hill for a weekend of fun zipping around the track. This was the “Carters at the Track” season closer. We knew it was going to be crowded but, honestly…the results of this over crowded event was “in MY opinion” was a waste of money. I wasn’t “logging” the information but, I believe I can safety bet at least 50 to 60% of the 20 minute sessions were red/black flagged (track session stopped in place/then exit the track once instructed too) due to crashes.
I was riding my wife’s CBR500r just for fun. The suspension was not set up for me so, I was just smashing the pegs into the ground. I was not able to ride the bike fast through the turns. The bike is NOT fast given it only has 47hp. So to be safe, it’s best to keep up the speed through the corners!!! I couldn’t move down to the B+ group due to the event being at capacity. I did everything to stay out of the way of the faster riders but, it seemed no mater my choices to stay to the “outside” of the race line, somebody would pass me even further on the outside.
Just too many keyed up riders. I get it, it gets very exciting when the speeds are elevated and riding is close but somehow, yesterday was a mess. Way more than half the sessions shut down….not worth the trip. Devin, Bill, and myself just packed up and left Saturday evening. We left money on the table there not riding today (Sunday). So, I’m glad I now know the number of people definitely that is too “crowded,” 60 (or 61) riders is just waaay too much.
I will definitely plan to avoid packed track days no matter who the track day provider happens to be.
Have fun and ride safe out there!
