Should You Time Yourself on a Track Day?

A discussion on the much talked about practice of track day timing

This is a topic that is well debated, sometimes heatedly, on discussion boards across the internet.

It’s understandable really, it is a somewhat controversial subject because the issue of safety is often thrown into the mix, therefore it’s no surprise that the feelings are strong around the practice.

The assumption is that riders that time themselves are putting others at risk because they are pushing to achieve better results, in turn increasing their chances of crashing and ruining the session for everyone – or worse, causing a collision with another rider.

But is it as black and white as saying timing is bad, full stop?

My opinion is that it isn’t. The introduction of timed days and services that let you rent data logging equipment prove just that (in the UK, at least).

In this article I want to cover some of the talking points that often go into this discussion, as well as offer up my thoughts on the practice.

Though before I do I must remind you that someone track day organisers and/or circuits explicitly state that you shouldn’t time yourself (typically for insurance purposes), so if you choose to do so, you do it at your own risk.

With that out of the way, here are some thoughts.

Timing is the Truest Measurement of Progress

It’s undeniable. For those of us that are keen to improve how fast we can lap our favourite circuits, no other measurement will give you a better indicator that you are achieving that goal.

For those that do not race or take part in testing days, there really is no other concrete way to see “where you’re at”.

As I have said in previous articles, many riders just like to turn up and enjoy riding their bike in relative freedom, often spending time with friends in an environment they love.

I wholeheartedly understand this stance, and I truly believe that these are important parts of the track day experience.

However, for a lot of riders trying to beat a previous lap time gives them purpose, and a huge sense of achievement when they are able to see that they are progressing.

Timing lets them conclusively see that progression.

When Track Day Timing Becomes Pointless

As I hinted to above, for many riders that start racing, trying to use a timer can often become a pointless affair.

If the rider is considerably quicker that those around them, trying to find enough space during a session for a true lap time is nigh on impossible.

Plus, being that they’ll be taking part in test days and races – a much better gauge of their performance compared to others – the motivation to time isn’t really as great because they know that it doesn’t really mean anything.

Past a certain point then, timing on a track day becomes a lot less important to a rider.

Timing Can Go too Far

The effects of timing can become negative when it becomes an obsession.

For some riders it gets to the point where they are so obsessed by what their timer says that their mood can be drastically affected, and in some instances, their whole day can be ruined.

You feel despondent, and the whole reason why you’re there in the first place (to enjoy yourself) is eclipsed by the fact that a few numbers on a digital display aren’t reading what you want them to.

For riders that experience this, the prescription is often to throw away the timer and get back to having fun. You don’t necessarily have to go to this extreme, but you can dial it back.

Don’t let the time become an all-encompassing thing.

It’s important to remember that you can’t go from novice to track riding elite in a day. It takes time (sometimes a lot of it) to make good progress.

Timing Isn’t the ONLY Gauge

I said that timing was the truest gauge, but it is not the only gauge we should pay attention to.

Another important thing to be mindful of is how you feel.

The clearest distinction of differences in feel in relation to speed are seen at both the lower and upper ends of the track day paddock.

The novice rider who feels like they’re riding as hard and aggressive as hell, but is slow, versus the fast group rider who is relaxed, focused and in control, but is going very fast.

It’s important to take note of how you are feeling, because if you can achieve the feat of making your riding feel easier both physically and mentally, even if your lap time does not change that is still important progress.

Timing Doesn’t Automatically Mean High Risk

This tends to be the reason why most discussions on this topic become heated, but in my opinion that simply isn’t the case.

While it could mean that a rider is too eager to push past their limits, a rider could just as easily push past their limits for various other reasons with no timing equipment in sight.

Be it crashing while trying to get their knee down (like I did), their elbow down, chasing another rider, trying to show off for the cameras/friends/MotoGP scouts.

There really are a wealth of reasons why someone might pointlessly push past their limits.

For many, putting timing equipment on their machine ISN’T an instant green light to soar straight past their current boundaries.

How to Properly Time Yourself

It should be pretty clear by now that I sit in the “timing is ok” camp, but only if done right.

Timing is the truest indicator of progress, yes, but does it tell you where or how you can make improvements?

Perhaps when looking at sector times to some small degree, but it’s nowhere near definitive enough to give you a plan of action moving forward.

Seeing what you think is a poor time on your timer should absolutely not be an indicator to simply push harder. That is when problems will arise because you aren’t addressing any issues that may be present in your riding.

And if you continue down the road of just pushing harder while doing the wrong thing(s), a crash is inevitable because you’re heading blindly into the unknown and just hoping for the best.

It’s about being sensible. The time should be in the context of working on your riding the correct way, by being conscious of the actions you are taking and the results you’re getting out on the track. It is not a blanket indicator to simply be more aggressive.

Some people will continue to treat it like this, and you’ll probably find that they do make progress quicker than you (in lap times alone), but you’ll also find that they crash a lot in the process. This is a road that I would not want you to take.

Lastly, your timing should not be at the detriment of others around you.

You should not be standing riders up, cutting across them, or doing anything that upsets them just so you can ‘save’ your lap time. That behaviour is quiet ridiculous.

Ok that about covers my thoughts on timing.

I have no doubts that this discussion will rage on for a very long time, but hopefully the above has allowed you to see a few other points of view and perhaps become more accepting to different people’s opinions on the practice.

Above all else we need to continue having fun, because if we’re not, what’s the point?

Photo by RaceChrono