"Backwards" Track Days: The New Trend?

[racercutie]

This dawned on me yeterday as I just returned from a 'backwards' day at Buttonwillow in Ca - is this the new trend?

Since last year, I've noticed a lot of track day organizers and schools (STAR School for example) running the track in the opposite direction. Now I don't know if this is going on in other parts of the country, but in Cali, Thunderhill Park and Buttonwillow have been run in the opposite direction with mixed reviews (personally, I LOVE it - it's like a new track - Buttonwillow is fantastic, btw).

Many have mentioned safety concerns such as barriers in precarious spots, a new turn '1' after the straight is now a dangerous turn, corner worker stations in the way in case of a run-off, etc. However, many tracks are built to be run in the opposite direction.

Now the AFM (http://www.afmracing.org/) has recently decided that their last race of the season be run at a well known track (Buttonwillow) in the opposite direction.

What do you think? Have you done a 'backwards' track day? If not, would you be willing to try it? Why or why not?

[Vivace]

I don't know about Thunderhill, but Buttonwillow was designed to be run in either direction. I haven't done it yet on any of the tracks, but I'm looking forward to trying out at least Buttonwillow.

[ersigh]

I love Thill backwards. LOOOOVE IT.

I'm not sure if it's a new trend or consistent thing in other trackday circles (cars etc) but with bikes it does seem to be the new thing. I was at star school the first time they ran thill backwards. I remember the instructors discussing run off safety. I love the "new track" feel. I think it's a great way to figure out what your weaknesses are and to challenge yourself to ride using your abilities rather than habits.

[racercutie]

I love Thill backwards. LOOOOVE IT.

I'm not sure if it's a new trend or consistent thing in other trackday circles (cars etc) but with bikes it does seem to be the new thing. I was at star school the first time they ran thill backwards. I remember the instructors discussing run off safety. I love the "new track" feel. I think it's a great way to figure out what your weaknesses are and to challenge yourself to ride using your abilities rather than habits.

I totally agree about working out your weaknesses. T-hill backwards gave me more of a chance to practice my right handers (which I'm not fancy about).
Plus BW backwards, after a 6-month haitus, gave me more confidence in getting my pace back (also about T-hill backwards - it's hella fun!).
:thumbup: