Tech inspection at Zoom Zoom is usually pretty painless as long as your machine meets the necessary requirements for a safe, fun and event-free afternoon of strafing apexes.
In a time when track days are becoming increasingly popular with riders of all sorts, it's not the decision to go to the track that's tough, but when. If you're on the West Coast, one of the programs from
Zoom Zoom Trackdays is worth your consideration.
Zoom Zoom holds its events at three California tracks (Buttonwillow in Bakersfield, Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, and Thunderhill Raceway at Willows) and at Reno-Fernley in Nevada. These four venues provide a diverse assortment of track configurations and locations for riders to choose from.
Like all reputable trackday providers, the Zoom Zoom curriculum begins in a classroom setting where organizers establish the rules and requirements unique to each program. Everything from track layout to flag recognition to rider etiquette is discussed in detail. From our experience, this generally dry formality is made livelier by Zoom Zoom's exuberant front man, Chris Keane. His humorous approach eases the anxiety of new riders and is a welcome relief from the less-personable approach some providers force their participants to endure. Still, that's not to say Keane and his troupe don't take their job seriously.
Sign-up is made simple through the easy to use and secure Zoom Zoom website. Sign-up, pay and await your day at the track - it's that simple. Thanks to knowledgeable staff working at the event, things only get easier as your track time approaches. The day begins when the track opens, generally at 7:30 a.m. Registration opens by 7:45 and this process is made efficient by the well organized Zoom Zoom system. Once you have completed the registration process, which includes signing the necessary release forms and taking possession of your tech slip, its time to get your steed inspected.
During preparations for your first session, take advantage of Zoom Zoom's complementary breakfast munches that includes fruit, muffins and Starbucks coffee. In addition, chilled bottled water and Gatorade is available all day long, which is a thoughtful bonus so you can stay hydrated. Lunch is provided at Thunderhill, but other locations require you to get your own.
In order to ease through the tech-inspection process you should follow the guidelines available on the Zoom Zoom website. This includes draining your factory coolant and replacing it with water or Water Wetter, taping lights and removing mirrors. Since each trackday provider is different, it's important to make sure your bike meets the requirements so you don't waste valuable time re-prepping your ride in the paddock.
Having fun and being safe are key factors with Zoom Zoom. Instructors are there to make sure you make an easy transition from the street to the track.
All bikes require tires in good condition, and ZZ aids that process by typically having a tire-service crew at its events. Riding on fresh tires can be a bit hairball for the first few laps, but ZZ has a unique new service in which they'll actually take your bike out to scrub in your tires for you! Nice. They'll also help you with the sometimes frustrating process of setting up your suspension. Optional services at ZZ events include photography, videotaping and lap timing by outside vendors.
A Zoom Zoom event is structured with three 20-minute sessions held each hour starting promptly at 9:00 a.m. With Novice, Intermediate and Expert sessions, the on-track experience is generally safe and fun for all involved. A nice feature for new riders participating at Zoom Zoom is the classroom sessions for Novice riders. After each stint on the track, new riders are encouraged to attend the class which helps set the tone for a safe and fun on-track experience for less experienced riders. Riders in the faster groups also can benefit from instruction by ZZ track aces, but you'll have to request it on your own.
Zoom Zoom is also one of the few trackday providers who actually offer a Rain Credit Guarantee during select events. If your event does not come with the guarantee, be prepared to ride in the rain because there will be no refunds. Fortunately, Zoom Zoom is comprised of an entertaining lot of characters and the tracks they hold events at utilize modern facilities which really increases the comfort factor of the trackday experience - even when it's wet.
Nobody ever likes to crash, but it can happen. Like most trackday providers, Zoom Zoom is forced to end your day if you do because it can't be certain you or your bike is in acceptable shape to return to the track. But with ZZ's emphasis on having fun safely, most riders end their day with big smiles on their faces and the only things scuffed are the edges of tires.
Prices range from $180 to just under $300 per day depending on the venue but there's more than one way to get on track. Zoom Zoom also offers a Season Pass ($3,300 for 2006) which gets you access to every single trackday they offer or a Ticket Pack ($1400) that gets you into eight Zoom Zoom events plus a bonus event (Reno Fernley in 2006) for a low average event rate of $140 per. As you can tell, they want your business and with the MotorcycleUSA stamp of approval you can rest assured that you will get your money's worth.
If you've only ever thought about doing a trackday, we highly recommend you do so at your earliest convenience. And if you book with Zoom Zoom, Keane and his crew will ensure you'll have a fun time while learning to be a better rider.
Check them out online at
zoomzoomtrackdays.com.
