Inspections
Inspections
Pacific Track Time will conduct a basic technical inspection of your motorcycle prior to you riding on the track. Our skilled tech inspectors will be looking for mechanical deficiencies to assist you in making sure your motorcycle is safe. However, we are not as familiar as you are with your motorcycle and ultimately, the rider is responsible for the sound mechanical function of their motorcycle. Consider checking your motorcycle at least a week prior to your track day to ensure you can get any parts or make necessary repairs prior to the trackday.
Pacific Track Time suggests thoroughly washing your motorcycle prior to maintenance and prior to a track day. Not only will you have a sense of pride because you know your bike looks great, but you will also be better able to see any problems and identify problems more quickly. For example, leaking brake banjo bolts, leaking fork seals or a leaking oil filter could appear to be road grime until you wash your motorcycle and see fresh fluid again. A clean motorcycle will also help our technical inspectors get a better look to assist you with our inspection.
One of the most important aspects of your motorcycle maintenance is to ensure that your oil drain bolt, oil filler cap and oil filter are PROPERLY INSTALLED. The oil drain bolt and oil filler cap should be properly tightened with a torque wrench or “hand tight” to ensure the threads are not stripped and the plugs will not vibrate loose. When you or your dealer change your oil, you must make sure the oil seal from the old filter does not remain attached to your motor, resulting in 2 “O” rings stuck to your motor. This should be completely obvious prior to the installation of your new filter – and this condition will result in oil loss every time. Unfortunately, once the oil filter is tightened you can’t see the problem until pressure forces one of the O rings away from the filter and motor and by then, you’ve oiled the track. Keep in mind that the smallest amount of oil can cause you or another rider to crash so we want everyone to be especially careful when it comes to the oil drain plug, oil filler cap and oil filter on their motorcycle.
If you see any issues with your motorcycle during your inspection, take proper maintenance steps to ensure proper and safe function of your motorcycle. Always check and replace missing, damaged or stripped bolts, cracked or worn hoses, brake lines, hand or foot controls, etc. If you have already arrived at a track day and you discover a problem with your motorcycle, parts and tools are usually available and we will help you to make sure you can still ride throughout the trackday. However, you should not ride a motorcycle that is mechanically unsafe or not functioning properly.
Many track day riders use a dedicated “track” bike and racers bikes are prepared for a more stringent technical inspection. If you are using your street bike for a track day, there are a few extra steps you’ll need to take. You will need to tape over or unplug your rear brake/headlights and you will need to tape over or remove your side/rear view mirrors. We do this because at the track we don’t want you concentrating on what’s behind you, only on the track infront.
Now it’s time for a visual and physical inspection, starting at the front of the motorcycle. Starting at the front of the motorcycle, look at your front tire and wheel to ensure they are in good condition. Check your wheel (rim) for cracks or dents and check the tire for proper tread. Look at your right fork tube and brake assembly, they should be free of fluid and check the bolts (axle bolt, axle pinch bolts, brake bolts, brake banjo bolts) to make sure they are tight. Visually inspect your brake pads to make sure you have plenty of friction material to last your day. While you are down there, look at your radiator and oil cooler if you have either or both and check for fluid, then look for your oil filter and drain plug to check for fluid leakage. Next, move on to your front brake and throttle assembly – make sure your front brake has pressure by squeezing the brake. Make sure your front brake has a “ball” on the end of the lever and is not broken off or worn down – a sharp lever can penetrate a suit in a crash. Open your throttle and ensure it “snaps” shut – if it doesn’t that could be a safety issue. Check your brake fluid reservoir and make sure IT IS NOT filled past the “max” line – otherwise pressure can develop in your brake line as the fluid heats and has nowhere to expand (potentially causing you to crash). Move on to your oil sight glass on your case and check for proper oil level, check your oil filler cap and make sure it is tight. While you are there, check your right side foot control to make sure it is tight, then step on your rear brake and make sure it also has pressure and then releases. Move on to your rear wheel and axle assembly, checking your rear brake, rear wheel (rim), tire, sprocket carrier, and sprocket. Make sure your axle alignment bolts and locking bolts are tight and properly adjusted. Next, check your chain for proper tension, cleanliness and lubrication. Move on the left side of your engine and check for any fluid leakage and check your oil drain plug and filter if you couldn’t reach it from the right side of the bike. Check your left side foot control to make sure it is tight, not loose and your shift lever and shift lever linkage are tight. Check your clutch to make sure it engages and releases – then make sure there is about 1/8” of play (about the thickness of a quarter) in the lever and make sure your clutch lever also has a “ball” on the end. Finish up on the left side of your front wheel, checking your left fork tube and brake assembly and bolts. Remember to check your frame, subframe, body, fairings, etc. as you go – checking for cracks, missing mounting points or bolts, etc.
Essentially, you’ve started at 12 o’clock on your motorcycle and worked in a clockwise direction all the way back to 12 o’clock. This inspection should take you about 5 minutes and is a wise way to check a motorcycle anytime you ride. Our technical inspectors are happy to re-check your bike or do a more thorough inspection with you at any point during your track day, please feel free to ask any questions and let us know how we may be of assistance to you.
Checking your riding gear and safety equipment is just as important as checking your motorcycle. Most racers constantly inspect their equipment to make sure it will perform as required during a crash. We all love riding motorcycles and you may crash at some point in your motorcycle career; proper safety gear can minimize your injury potential if your gear is worn and functioning properly. Riding gear is an investment of your health and safety and while you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money, you often get what you pay for when it comes to safety equipment.
Pacific Track Time cannot stress enough the importance of proper safety equipment. We always recommend using known good products from reputable companies. Make sure your helmet is at least DOT rated and preferably also SNELL rated. Make sure your helmet was manufactured in the last 5 years and preferably in the last 3 years. Manufacturer dates can be checked on the back of the helmet or inside the helmet. If you have ever been in a crash with your helmet and your helmet or head has touched the ground, your helmet is no longer DOT / SNELL rated and it may not protect you. Make sure your helmet fits properly; your chin strap and chin snap are in good condition and also working properly.
A suit can be 1 piece or 2 piece and we recommend leather. 2 piece suits are not as protective as 1 piece suits but are popular with people who spend time riding on the street with their jacket and have a pair of pants for the track. If you are wearing a 2 piece suit, the zipper must be a 360 degree zipper that securely attaches the jacket to the pants, or the suit may separate in a crash. Check the seams on the suit to make sure none of the seams are weak from use – and in a new suit, make sure the seams are sewn properly! If you have crashed in your suit previously, that isn’t a problem as many suits can stand up to several crashes. Make sure there are no holes or tears in the suit and make sure the leather isn’t worn too thin at the crash damage. Make sure the zipper is in proper working condition and doesn’t pop loose – an old or damaged zipper may not hold together during a crash. Make sure your knee pucks are properly positioned to touch the ground when your knee is out and make sure they are firmly attached to your suit. Lastly, check your suit for fit – it should be snug but not tight; and a suit that is too loose will flap in the wind and won’t protect you as well in a crash.
Next, check your gloves. Gloves often wear thin on the palms if you’ve been using them frequently. Wear is normal in this area but you need to make sure the leather is still thick enough to protect your hands. Check all of the seams on your gloves then check any Velcro or straps to make sure they are functioning properly. The hand is made of many small bones and day to day activities require fine motor movements – so it is important to protect your hands. Many racers invest $200 – $300 in their gloves; while you may not need to spend this much to protect your hands, it is definitely not an area to skimp.
Check your boots next, making sure they are intact, the sole is attached to the boot and there is material left on the bottom of the boot. Make sure that any sliders on the boot are firmly attached and not missing any screws (you don’t want a slider coming off on the track). Boots should be sturdy and firm – not worn out and feel like a tennis shoe. Road racing boots are more flexible than motocross boots but should still offer a lot of support.
Lastly, check your back protector for function and proper fit. If your suit does not have a built in back protector, althought it’s not mandatory, we highly reccomend investing in a back protector under your suit. Racers are required to wear a separate back protector (not part of the suit) and we think this is a good idea. Your spine is a very important part of your body and a back protector will help dissipate energy and prevent injury during a crash. Make sure your back protector fits properly and is in good condition.
Pacific Track Time technical inspectors are happy to help you check your gear if you have any questions. If you feel like you are having gear issues at any point during a track day, please don’t hesitate to let us know and we’ll see what we can do to help!
Flags
Flags may vary from different trackday providers, please take a moment to review the PTT flags.
The following flags are used by Pacific Track Time at racetracks for communication to the riders while on course:
Daily Event Schedule
DAILY EVENT SCHEDULE **
7:00 am – 8:15am – REGISTRATION & TECH INSPECTION
8:20 am – 8:40am – MANDATORY RIDERS MEETING
9:00 am – A Group
9:20 am – B Group
9:40 am – C Group
10:00 am – A Group
10:20 am – B Group
10:40 am – C Group
11:00 am – A Group
11:20 am – B Group
11:40 am – C Group
12:00 am – A Group
12:20 am – B Group
12:40 am – C Group
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – LUNCH/TRACK IS CLOSED
2:00 pm – A Group
2:20 pm – B Group
2:40 pm – C Group
3:00 pm – A Group
3:20 pm – B Group
3:40 pm – C Group
4:00 pm – A Group
4:20 pm – B Group
4:40 pm – C Group
5:00 pm – TRACK IS CLOSED
Please clean your pit area and exit track by 6:15pm.
** Schedule subject to change.
Terms and Conditions
Pacific Track Time accepts the following payment methods through the secure website: American Express, Discover, Visa and MasterCard.
Pacific Track Time does not offer refunds in the event of a cancellation, there are NO EXCEPTIONS to this, including venue cancellations. As an alternative PTT will issue a credit equal to the original purchase price of that event. Credits can be used toward any future PTT event, providing the event is not sold out at the time you sign up using the credit. As a policy, a cancellation must occur 14 days prior to the event for a full credit. Cancellations occurring within the 2-week period will result in forfeit of payment. In the event you are unable to attend an event beyond the two-week cancellation window, the rider may transfer/sell the purchased date(s) to an alternative rider. To ensure registration of your alternate rider, notification must be given 24 hours prior to the event with the new rider’s name, contact info and rider group. Contact info@pacifictracktime.com for any cancellation, credit or rider changes.
Pacific Track Time is contracted with the tracks to run rain or shine.
Buttonwillow and Thunderhill have a 103dB sound limit.
Sonoma has a 103dB sound limit that is STRICTLY enforced. If your bike exceeds the sound limit you will be required to exit the track and make the necessary adjustments to not exceed the 103dB sound limit before re-entering. We recommend using a sound limiting insert for an aftermarket exhaust/muffler or the stock muffler. The track mandated policy is three (3) strikes and you’re out for the day.
WeatherTech Laguna Seca has a 92dB sound limit that is STRICTLY enforced. A stock exhaust system is highly recommended or an aftermarket pipe with a “dB-Killer/Quiet Insert” installed. If your bike breaks the sound limit you will be required to exit the track and make the necessary adjustments to not exceed the 92dB sound limit before re-entering. The track mandated policy is three (3) strikes and you’re out for the day.
WeatherTech Laguna Seca event has a 105dB sound limit that is STRICTLY enforced. An aftermarket or modified exhaust is allowed at this event, however if your bike breaks the sound limit you will be required to exit the track and make the necessary adjustments to not exceed the 105dB sound limit before re-entering. The track mandated policy is three (3) strikes and you’re out for the day.
To be placed on the wait list for a sold-out event simply email info@pacifictracktime.com with the rider’s name, event date and rider group. If space becomes available, you will be contacted by email. Rest assured, your payment will not be processed until your spot is confirmed for the specified event. As a rule of thumb, days fill quickly, to avoid the waiting list we suggest that you secure your spot early. Wait list spots are handled first come first serve.
2024 Season Pass – A substantial discounted pass reserving the riders spot at every event throughout the 2024 season. It includes all tracks and any additional events that may be added throughout the calendar year. Unused days/events expire and cannot be transferred to the following year. Season Passes are non-transferable and non-refundable.
2024 PTT 5-Pack Track Pass – A discounted track ticket pass for any five (5) days at select tracks (Laguna Seca, Sonoma Raceway and The Fast Way™ school events not included) throughout the 2024 season. To register for an event using the ticket pack, simply email info@pacifictracktime.com with the rider’s name, event date and rider group. Please sign up early to secure a spot and avoid being placed on the wait list. Standard cancellation policy applies. Unused days/events expire and cannot be transferred to the following year. 5-Pack Track Passes are non-transferable and non-refundable.
2024 PTT 10-Pack Track Pass – A discounted track ticket pass for any ten (10) days at all tracks (See requirements for Laguna Seca, Sonoma Raceway and The Fast Way™ school) throughout the 2024 season. To register for an event using the ticket pack, simply email info@pacifictracktime.com with the rider’s name, event date and rider group. Please sign up early to secure a spot and avoid being placed on the wait list. Standard cancellation policy applies. Unused days/events expire and cannot be transferred to the following year. 10-Pack Track Passes are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Laguna Seca 105dB: Laguna Seca events at 105dB is premium event and excluded from track pass ticket usage.
Laguna Seca 92dB: Laguna Seca events at 92dB require the use of two (2) tickets per Laguna Seca event date.
Sonoma Raceway 103dB: Sonoma Raceway events require the use of two (2) tickets per Sonoma Raceway event date.
The Fast Way™: The Fast Way™ school events require the use of two (2) tickets per The Fast Way event date (10-Pack Track Pass Only).
Note: Season Passes, 5-Pack 10-Pack Track passes are non-transferable and non-refundable. Track Pass usage must be scheduled prior to an event being sold out.
Pacific Track Time Inc. does not provide medical insurance. All riders are responsible for providing their own personal medical insurance coverage.
We have very specific requirements for rider safety gear and motorcycles. For a comprehensive checklist of what is required of both, please our inspections section of this page.
Pacific Track Time does not offer refunds in the event of a cancellation, there are NO EXCEPTIONS to this, including venue cancellations. As an alternative we issue credits equal to the original purchase price of that event. Credits for Pacific Track Time events can be used toward any event, providing the event is not sold out at the time you wish to use your credit. Per our policy, a cancellation must occur 14 days prior to the event for a full credit. Cancellations occurring within the two (2) week period will result in forfeit of payment. Please be advised, Pacific Track Time administration will not break this policy, so please do not ask as there are no exceptions to the rule. To preclude forfeiture of payment, in the event you are unable to attend a track day beyond the two-week cancellation window; you are allowed to transfer your purchased date(s) to alternative rider. To ensure registration of your alternate attendee, you must contact the PTT office 24-hours prior to the event. This is not applicable for ticket pack holders.
Most of your questions can be answered by checking our FAQ Page. If you have any immediate questions, please don’t hesitate to call us or send us an email.