Picking the perfect perch

After months of agonizing over which brand to buy, you’ve chosen that perfect set of track bodywork and are in the process of ordering.  Suddenly, you’re asked to make another decision!  Do you want a Supersport tail or a Superbike tail?  In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of each, so you can decide which is best for you.

No-hassle, inexpensive track bodywork

The Problem

Stock bodywork is too valuable to risk at a trackday.  One slip could cost you thousands in OEM replacement parts.  The usual solution is to buy a set of fiberglass race fairings.  Here’s where things get complicated and expensive.  You can pay $600 to $1000 for a good, high quality set of fiberglass panels.  When they arrive, you’ll have to install them.  This involves locating and drilling all the screw holes. With some brands of lesser quality bodywork, you’ll wind up having to invent your own mounting brackets as well.  We’ve fitted dozens of sets of race glass here at TrackdayMag.com and still feel anxious every time we have to do this job.  It’s just so easy to screw up.  One mistake with the drill and now you’re FIXING your brand new bodywork!  Arrrg!  Installation complete, your next hurdle will be to have the set painted.  Budget another $400 to $500 for this.  Now you’ve spent a grand or better and you’re wondering if it was really worth it.

Earn your race license at an MCRA event

Every trackday rider has at least fantasized about becoming a racer.  If you’d like to take the next step in realizing that dream, you can earn your racing license at a Midwest Café Racing Association school, held at Putnam Park, Indiana.  TrackdayMag.com Editors David Vaughn and K3 Chris Onwiler regularly serve as guest instructors for this program.

Room for everything and then some

Suit: $1000

Boots: $400

Gloves: $200

Helmet: $500

Piling it all loose in the back of your pickup bed for a trip to the track?  Stupid.