Speed is fun. Predictability is safety. Master these basics and you’ll earn trust on track—and often get faster just from cleaner decisions.
The golden rules
- Ride the line, not the rider. If you’re staring at someone’s tail, you’ll copy their mistakes. Eyes up, through the corner.
- Be predictable. Smooth inputs, consistent line, clear pit-in/pit-out.
- Leave margin. If a pass would surprise you in that spot, skip it and try the next straight.
Flags you’ll actually see (and what to do)
- Green: Session live.
- Yellow (standing): Hazard ahead, no passing until clear. Hold pace, be ready.
- Yellow (waving): Bigger hazard—slow more, no passing.
- Red: Session stopped. Hand up, roll off, no braking hard, exit safely at pit in.
- Blue: You’re being caught; maintain line, let faster traffic by on the straight.
- Black (pointed at you): Come to pit—there’s an issue.
- Checkered: Session over. Finish lap at pace, pit in.
Tip: If you only remember one thing—no passing under yellow. Ever.
Passing that earns respect
- Plan passes on exits and straights, where the rider ahead can see or expect it.
- Show a wheel early (briefly) so they’re aware, then complete decisively where it’s allowed.
- Do not dive-bomb on tight apexes or in blind entries—your lap won’t thank you, and neither will the control riders.
Pit-in / Pit-out like a pro
- Pit-out: Stay on the outside (blend line), eyes back, hold your line until you’re to speed. Don’t cut across Turn 1.
- Pit-in: Hand up well before entry, stay off the race line, reduce speed smoothly.
What to do if something goes wrong
- Mechanical? Hand up, get off line, short-shift, exit safely.
- Off-track excursion? Rejoin slowly and at a shallow angle when safe; if you crash, stay put unless it’s unsafe and wait for staff.
- Tire going weird? Pit in, check hot pressure and inspect. Don’t “ride it off.”
Riding in the rain (or when grip fades)
- Add a few psi (tires like load/heat in rain).
- Soften compression a hair for compliance.
- Brake earlier, straighter; release smoother.
- Eyes even earlier; pick up throttle gently and upright.
Heat, hydration, and brain fade
- Start hydrating the day before, add electrolytes during.
- Light snacks every session or two (bananas, bars, nuts).
- Signs it’s time to pit early: you miss flag stations, run wide twice, or your arms lock up. No hero laps—reset and go back out smarter.
A simple self-coaching loop for etiquette + speed
- Pick one goal (e.g., “only pass on exits/straights”).
- Ride 2–3 clean laps at 8/10ths.
- If the plan breaks, pit in, breathe, reset.
- Ask a coach to follow and give you one cue.
Apply, then build pace.
