Questions & Answers

Q Do I need to wear leathers? If so One or Two piece? What are Redline Trackdays gear requirements?
We require a one or two piece suit with protective armour only; while we highly recommend such suits be leather, we do not require that only leather suits be worn.  Non-leather suits are acceptable.  Additionally, Redline prefers that your 2-piece suit, no matter what it is made of, zips the pant and jacket together; however, we do not require that the pant and jacket zip together. Jeans or non-motorcycle wear (ie. motocross) are not allowed. To be very clear, your gear - whether leather or not - must have protective armour in the elbows, shoulders, and knees at a minimum.
We also require a DOT approved motorcycle helmet in good condition, leather boots that are over the ankle, and leather riding gloves.

Riders participate at their own risk, and the choice of what you choose to wear or not wear is your own.  No matter what you choose to wear, and whether it zips or doesn't, let it be known that Redline is a proponent of wearing the safest, most protective gear available.  For this reason, we believe that every rider on the track and on public streets should be wearing full leather protective gear head to toe, and if the protective wear is a 2-piece suit, then it should zip together.  Motorcycle riding is a dangerous sport: dress accordingly. Don't cut corners on gear.

Q What do I need to do to my bike in preparation for a Redline track day? 
Make sure your bike runs well, is clean of debris, and is 100% free of oil leaks.  Check your tyres for tread wear and condition (75% tread life remaining or better).  Tape over the glass/plastic on your lights and turn signals, as well as the glass on your mirrors.  Either disable or tape over your rear brake light completely; we don't want to be able to see it working on the track, as it can be distracting.  Be sure your throttle returns to a closed position quickly (snaps back) when rolled open and then released.  Any bikes with throttles that do not return quickly or are "sticky" will not be allowed on the track.  Also check your tyre pressures, your brakes, and be sure to have a full tank of gas in the bike along with a full gas can or two to use during the day.  Check oil levels, brake levers and pads, throttle cables and operation, etc.  No safety wiring or coolant change required!

Q How do I know if my tyres will pass inspection and be suitable for the track? 
First, do you have 75% or better tread left on both front and rear?  This is the first test, and if you are in doubt, get new tyres.  The track will wear down tyres many times quicker than a street ride will, so have tyres with plenty of life in them.  Second, what's the age on the tyres?  If your bike hasn't been ridden in a year, for instance, and the tyres feel hard as a rock, get new tyres. Bottom line is this: don't go cheap on tyres. They're the difference between good traction and bad, which can be the difference between a fun day... or a day with a crash.

Q I ride a sportbike and I have sportbike tyres. What tyre pressures do you recommend for the track?
For riders using a performance/sport/track day tyres, we suggest around 31-33psi in the front, and roughly 30-32psi in the rear.  We would suggest a pound or two more in the front tyre.  HOWEVER, each tyre manufacturer has different pressure requirements and recommendations in order to make a particular tyre perform at its best.  Now add weather/temperature variances: hot days vs. cold. Thus, our best suggestion is to talk to a tyre retailer and get their thoughts on tyre pressures for your tyre brand and model, and the weather on that day.

Q Must I tape my lights and turn signals? Mirrors?
Yes. We require (as with all track days) that your front headlight, tail light, and mirrors be taped up with duct tape (or similar) along with your turn signals. This limits the possibility of glass and/or plastic being spread over the track should you have an accident. You can also remove your mirrors instead of taping, if you wish.

Q Are Redline Track Days only for sportbike riders?
No!  While sportbike and sport touring bikes certainly make up the majority of rides at our events, we encourage riders (men and women both) of all experience levels on other kinds of bikes to consider our track days.  Whether you are on a Harley, Goldwing, a dual sport, a race bike, or touring bike... we welcome you to our events.  If you have concerns about whether or not your bike can be put on the track, simply contact us by email; however, minibikes and small displacement machines are not acceptable bikes to ride at our events.

Q How many riders will there be in each 20 minute session?
Redline attempts to limit each of its 3 twenty minute sessions to approximately 35 guests.  In fact, after 35 people have registered and paid for participation in a particular level - we close down that session to any further registrations.  For those who have ridden track day events, you will likely agree with us that 35 people on the track is a comfortable amount of riders to have on a 3.8 km circuit like Taupo Motorsport Park.

Q I've always wanted to check out a track day, but I've never done one. How do I know that my experience will be a positive one?
Redline aims to make every track day an enjoyable, unintimidating experience for every participant... despite the fact that one's first track day can be a bit of heart-pounding experience.  We know what it's like to be at the track for the first time, and to the extent that our staff can be helpful, friendly, and accommodating as you give trackdays a try, we do our best.
Additionally, Redline does all we can to minimize the dangers inherent in a track day event where high speeds and obvious risks are present.  Can we eliminate all risks? No. Do we catch every rider that makes an unsafe pass that was just a bit too close for comfort?  Can we protect you from a rider that goes down in front of you, causing you to go down as well?  Can we slow down every rider on the track riding over their head? No. Some of these risks are an inherent part of track day, high speed riding - and Redline cannot control the riding and decisions of each rider on the track.  Yet as an organisation, we do all that we can to eliminate or minimise the various risks we can control, that are within our power, and that we can respond to in time.

Q How do I know I won't experience a crash or an accident while on the track riding?
Riding motorcycles is risky.  Whether you are on the public streets or on the track, there is a certain amount of risk that simply comes with motorcycling the minute you get on a bike and turn the key.
In addition, riding on a track has risks that are different from riding on the street.  While there are no cars to compete with, there are other riders on the track with you, the speeds are much, much higher, and it's a charged environment.  The risks are there, no doubt, and Redline does not guarantee your absolute safety on or off the track during one of our track days.  However, we do everything we can to minimize the risks of an accident or injury.

Q Am I going to be doing any racing or competing on a Redline track day?
No. There is no competition of any kind during our track days.  All riders and participants are asked to ride at their own pace, and focus on having fun.  No one will be asked to do anything they don't feel comfortable doing, and you will not be judged against your peers in terms of speed, lap times, etc.  Each rider will be able to participate at their own comfort levels without pressure to go faster than they would like.

Q What do you recommend I bring with me to a Redline track day?
Bring a full can or two of fuel, an air pressure gauge, your toolbox, all protective gear (leather one-piece suit strongly encouraged), helmet, gloves, boots that cover the ankle, water, snacks, duct tape, and anything else you care to bring along.

Q I don't have a trailer, so I'm just going to ride my motorcycle to the track on the day of your event.  That means I can't bring a can of gas as you've suggested.  What do I do for fuel?
Buy gas between sessions at the gas stations outside of both Pukekohe Raceway and Taupo Motorsport Park, they both have BP petrol stations just minutes from the track.

Q What if it rains? Should I still come out?
Redline track days operate rain or shine, and we don't mind if it rains one bit.  You shouldn't mind either, if learning how to ride better is your goal.  Trackday riders who have ridden with us on rain days tell us the same thing time and time again: they learned so much more than they thought they would! Why? Rain teaches smoothness: riders tend to slow down and focus more on their technique and fundamentals than speed.
If it rains, a wet track can help you improve your riding, and with good tyres you would be amazed how much traction there is.

Q Will you stop the track day sessions for a lunch break?
No. The reason being we want you to have as much track time as possible. You're paying for track time and we want to make sure you get it.  Everyone has an opportunity to eat and drink between sessions.

Q Will I be required to sign a waiver of release in order to participate in a Redline track day event?
Yes.  No exceptions. To view a copy of our liability waiver and release, please email us and we'll be happy to forward a copy to you.

Q What is your refund policy?
You may cancel for any reason - and receive a full refund five (5) full days prior to the event.  Not four days, not three days... Five full days in advance of the event date.  This means if you're calling to cancel prior to a Wednesday event date, you must contact us by the Friday prior to the event.
To cancel and request a refund from Redline, please contact by email at info@redlinetrackdays.co.nz.

Q Of your three different riding levels which should I sign up for?
Group 3 (Novice / First Timers) Description: Redline wants to provide first-time track riders on sportbikes, beginner level riders, and riders not on sportbikes with a more comfortable track day environment and session to ride in.  We don't want anyone feeling overly intimidated or afraid of what they may experience on the track, and thus we've created a session catering specifically to the beginner/intermediate level street rider... the Novice / First Timers Session, also known as Group 3.  This particular session will be dedicated to street riders only (no racers are supposed to be allowed on the track in this group) who consider themselves beginners or easy-paced riders. Speeds in this group are materially slower than in our other sessions, though riders are free to go their own pace – and some ride faster than others.
Riders who have never been to a track day, are still quite new to trackdays, or who are on motorcycles other than sportbikes (cruisers, Harleys, Goldwings, etc) should sign up for this level.  No racers or truly fast street riders are to ride within this group, and participation in this group is monitored by marshals and corner workers as best as Redline can throughout the day.  Anyone riding materially faster than others in this group will be asked by course marshals to move up into our Fast/Medium Group sessions, assuming their skills warrant advancement into this group.
Strict passing rules do apply to this session, and we do everything within our power to control passing: PASSING IN GROUP 3 IS TO OCCUR ONLY ON THE OUTSIDE IN CORNERS, AND ON STRAIGHT AWAYS. Additionally, marshals will be on the course to help monitor passing.

IMPORTANT NOTES ON OUR NOVICE/FIRST TIMERS GROUP 3 SESSION - PLEASE READ (Especially if you've never been to a track day before):

1. While this group caters to slower-paced riders and track day newbie's, that doesn't mean that riders in this group go slow: they just go slower than the riders in our other two sessions. Speeds down the straightaway in this group can and sometimes do exceed 200 Kph for the faster riders in this session, so please know this upfront.
2. Redline staff members do their best to keep faster riders out of this session.  Yet fast is a relative term, and what we deem "fast" may be different from your interpretation.
3. To the extent that we can control fast or dangerous passes in this group, we do our best. There are typically up to 35 different riders in this session, all on the track riding at the same time, and passing (being passed, or passing someone else) is simply a given on track days... including in this session . For the comfort and safety of guests in this session, we ask that riders pass only on straight aways and on the outside of corners.  We have found this to be the best balance of rules which promote safety - while still allowing freedom.
4. For those with track day experience or tyres that show wear all the way out to the edges, the Novice / First Timers Group is the wrong level to sign up for: instead, look to the Fast / Medium Group 2, possibly even our Fast group 1.
   
   Group 2 (Fast / Medium) Session: This group is limited to riders who have attended track days, have a stronger level of confidence on the track, and ride at a faster pace than the Novice / First Timers, Level 3 group.
   Note: Slower riders in Group 2 will likely be asked by on-course marshals to participate in the Novice / First Timers Group 3 session, and faster riders in this session will likely be asked to participate in the Fast group 1, ensuring that our Fast / Medium Group 2 session is limited to similarly paced riders who don't yet qualify or desire to ride in our Fast Group 1 session.

The passing rules for this session are as follows: passing is allowed on the inside of corners within these sessions, but only if it can be done with plenty of room between you and the other rider.  No stuffing allowed!  We ask that riders choose carefully where they pass so as not to endanger someone else.  Leave plenty of room for your fellow riders, and use common courtesy in all of your actions: remember track days are not races, and there will be no trophies handed out at the end of the day.
Riders making aggressive or unsafe passes, as witnessed by course marshals or corner workers or participants themselves, will usually be given one warning.  If that same rider again is seen making an aggressive or unsafe pass, Redline will simply ask them to go home.  Redline track days are only track days, not race days, and we will not knowingly allow unsafe riding on or off of the track.