Track Day Crash Debrief @ Jennings GP 10-19-24

This unfortunate collision occurred in front of me this past weekend at Jennings GP race track during an open track day. This is my full debrief where I talk a little about the lap leading up to the incident and my thoughts afterward. Please know the rider was up and walking soon after his crash, thankfully! Wishing him a speedy recovery and hope he gets back in the saddle soon.

[@dtitus81]

I was the one who was hit. I tried to find you because someone said you had a video of the crash, but you left early that day, so I've been checking periodically to see if it would get posted. I had a gopro on the front of my bike but the video just shows the bike dropping to the left, sliding until it hits the grass, and then flipping (the GPS data shows I was doing 70 when I was hit). First off, yes you are absolutely right, one week later and I am still feeling it today, and it has been a rough week, but considering everything I think I am doing great. I stepped up for some high quality gear and I think that was a big part in helping (I can't recommend the Dianese Axial boots enough!) Everyone be sure to buy good gear and wear it! For a little background, this was my second time on the track, and first time on this bike at the track (Ninja 400) so I was taking it really easy. In the novice class there is no passing allowed on the inside, and it also isn't allowed on turns 2 & 12, so when I was setting up for turn 12 I figured I was all good to go. The other guy was on an electric bike so I didn't see or hear anything - I was riding and then immediately tumbling on the ground. The other guy apologized and offered to help pay for repairs on the bike. The frame sliders helped so the bike damage isn't too bad. All of the gear except for the gloves are a loss though and will be retired. It took a lot of damage, and I'm just going to buy new rather than take the possibility of riding with compromised gear. It might be an overreaction but after that I'm not inclined to take any chances with gear.

[@05911]

@dtitus81 As an experienced track rider and long time racer this video makes me cringe. From the looks of it, this is the novice group, riding at a sedate pace and having fun. It appears that the rider attempting the inside pass missed the part of the rider’s meeting which should have included the rule not to pass in turn 12 in this group. Even in a race situation, the inside rider might “show a wheel” on the inside but an inside pass is high risk at best. Hindsight is always perfect and it’s most likely that the inside rider committed to putting himself in a situation that he wished would be successful; realizing his complete screwup after the fact. Lots of lessons to be learned. He should have been sat for the rest of the day after that type of behavior. While it’s commendable that he offered to pay for damages, you could have easily been seriously injured or worse. Don’t lose heart and try to get back out there as soon as possible. Work on using your front brake to set direction, hitting your apexes consistently, and consistent throttle to roll with power through to corner exit.

[@alpineacres8042]

Sorry this happened to you man. Keep your spirits up, this was not your fault and, honestly, I've never seen anyone try a pass like this in novice before. You just got really unlucky. :(

[@nigelslydmor]

Yeah, that was truly fk'd up move that person made on you. I hope that doesn't spoil track riding for you, but I wouldn't fault you if it did.

[@nigelslydmor]

Also, that person that hit would not have made that corner, at that speed and that trajetory that they were on, if you hadn't been there. Even if you were there and they successfully completed the pass, they were going head straight off the outside. They were completely out of control, IOW.

[@TheZipeedoo]

Everybody here is being so polite. The dude who hit you was a complete douche, reeking of small dick energy. I don't even think you can correctly use the word "accident" to describe what happened. Should not be permitted back on the track. He should pay 100% of the cost to fix your bike, plus any medicals.

[@paulfleming4710]

They should have banned the rider that caused it for a year. What a stupid stupid move...

[@mikeskidmore6754]

No passing on the Inside and no passing on turn 12 and the rider did both .

[@mcgoo721]

It's a double negative so it cancels out

[@mikeskidmore6754]

@@mcgoo721 Do you mean like Passing Harleys on the Double Yellow on Tail of the Dragon when they are too rude to pull off at the dozens of pull off spots?

[@deandee8082]

then he broke every other rider rule, PAY ATTENTION TO WHERE OTHER RIDER AND VEHICLES ARE! NEVER take another riders line in any event!

[@marcot3013]

No inside passing in beginner group……been that way for over a decade at Jennings. @

[@mikeskidmore6754]

@@marcot3013 I would prefer to be able to keep my mirrors on my bike. but that's just me I guess

[@richthereturnrider6737]

Thanks for sharing. I am scheduled for my first track day this weekend. Definitely scared me. Hope everyone is doing ok.

[@streetbike_jpod]

Just finished my first ever trackday weekend at Jennings. Take it smooth and slow. Do ample laps without touching any brakes at all

[@Themarriedbachelor]

I grew up racing motorcycles. You can’t take an inside track going into a turn if there’s a rider in front of you. It’s 99% that he will take an inside track on a course. The guy who caused the crash should pay for damages. I’ve never been to a track day but I would hope that they give a mandatory safety meeting. Going over procedures for that track and any first time riders should have to take a class with a test to insure that they understand the rules. What that guy did was wreckless

[@VState60]

There are rider meetings, constant reminders, coaches/control riders riding with them on track…guy that torpedoed the 400 was either having a stroke, or just an absolute asshat.

[@jesuschrist-alphaomega]

Can I ask how you got your Motorcycle road racing license if you've never done a track day. it was mandatory in Texas with the CMRA that you did track days, was observed and followed, take a test, do a mock race before you ever got a license to race with the CMRA?

[@langhamp8912]

@@jesuschrist-alphaomega Most racing organizations in the 1990's didn't require any sort of trackday before getting your racing license. You spent 20 to 30 minutes walking the track with a young kid who wasn't of legal drinking age, then you got your "yellow plate" racing license along with a grim handshake. The yellow license plate was to show the equivalent of a student driver...

[@langhamp8912]

I took a trackday in November (I've done 15 or 20 of them); they do go over, again and again, about not passing on the inside. However, I still got inside passed right at the apex of the super-fast T4 at Barber; I kinda knew what he was doing and didn't change my line nor my throttle hand at all, figuring he'd nip past me right after the apex (my bike was 50 hp down on his plus my corner speed was lower). Instead, he goes right next to me at the same speed at the apex, I had to stand my bike up just before he was beside me. I had a similar situation where another rider (might even had been the same rider) did an inside pass on me into slow T5. He locked up one of his wheel right next to me on the inside, and again I had to pick my pick up and go wide. I have a deceptively smooth riding style plus my current bike is naked "electronics everything", and so I think this results in a lot of problems with riders who are faster than me in most but not all of the track.

[@jesuschrist-alphaomega]

@langhamp8912 I was with the CRRC which became the CMRA we had a process of instruction an tests before you could get ur racing license.

[@cjim4875]

I had a similar experience at Thompson Raceway in Ct. Turn one is a 45mph right-hand turn-pin at the end of a 1/2 mile straight. I had just tipped in to the turn when an overtaking rider passed on the inside, taking out my front wheel. He was doing about 70, went straight down the escape road, returned the ZX10 Demo bike and left the track before anyone could talk to him. I ended up with a badly damaged Aprilia RSV Mille, a broken collarbone, and heavily scarred leathers. I was angry at the cowardly, irresponsible rider for a long time, may be best he left when he did. Other riders told me was out of control and expected him to crash. I took a few years off due to injuries, family, and career obligations, moved to Florida, and have recently started Track days again, at Jennings GP. Hope to see you there. I'll look for that sweet looking Thruxton.

[@alpineacres8042]

Wow was that a stupid crash. Bombing on the inside at such a sedate pace in novice?! What the heck?? Glad to hear that everyone came out OK, but man, to the rider who caused the accident, please do better in the future. We all make mistakes, I've found myself in places I shouldn't be on the track before too; but try to learn from this and never pass like that again!

[@andyallison460]

No matter the track day organization you always have these type of riders. That’s why the best gear you can afford is what you should be using. It’s a shame when someone else ruins your entire day, your gear and your bike. Glad he was ok.

[@CORZER0]

Offending rider should be banned.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

At least banned for the day.

[@dylancrow7919]

He should be held liable for damages.

[@johanballin6601]

@@mikeskidmore6754If I were the organizer I would ban him at least until he could prove that he had obtained professional instruction from a reputable organization like CSS or Yamaha Champ School or similar. People who ride like these should not be allowed ride track until the learn the rules and display good manners and judgment. If you don’t know how to f***ing pass safely then don’t!

[@edblue7369]

I would ban him a minimum of three years AND also until he has proven that he paid for the damages. Otherwise, he gets off scott free and that is wrong.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

@@edblue7369 I am not big on Insurance, but maybe Liability Insurance should be required on Tracks so if you injure someone else or their equipment they will get paid. Maybe with a $500.00 Deductible and based on who is at fault pays that. Also medical insurance for that Matter. You have to have Medical Insurance to race AMA Flat Track or to race USCX Snowmobile races. I know you have to sign wavers agreeing that the Track nor the Track Day Organizers are Liable for anything. If you do what that guy did on the track to a car on a Public street, the biker will loose and the car will win,.

[@adamoloufa5205]

It was great taking that school with you! You were crazy fast on the big twin. (I was on the red and yellow Honda, crashed during the school)

[@flaglerdirtriders6866]

I've been down multiple times at Jennings.. one time it was my fault . Cold tires. The other was a rider who shouldn't have been in the intermediate group. he was all over the track. I watched him almost run in the back of someone at t2. I finally told the race direction that he shouldn't be in the group. They said they noticed him. Second to the last session, he went wide at t5-6 and I held my line on the inside of t6. From out of nowhere he was going to t-bone me .All day I had my knee on the deck at that corner and as soon as I touched the front binders I went down. The only good thing that came out of was I turned my bike into a track only bike.😊

[@thekiwiguyusa]

wow - talk about the classic Rookie mistake from the person that hit him. Never pass on the low line when someone else is closing the window on them. The person that him needs a good talking to. The person who went down was not in the wrong. He needs to learn what an Apex looks like, but hey, it was a Novice session right?

[@fireblade1k952]

I’m actually here at Jennings now, love this track! It’s unbelievable that we say this on every single riders meeting: NO PASSING ON 2 AND 12 and there’s always that one person…

[@StreetMotoZ]

Interesting video and thanks for sharing. I did my first track day last month with video available on how the day went. The are two major rules that are different on my track day than yours. 1. No electric motorcycles are allowed on track day. And 2. In novice class no passing anyone on corners, more detailed, while the person your passing is leaning.

[@fjones1914]

My next track day at COTA is rapidly approaching. December 1st will be the last track school for the season with Ridesmart. I'm really looking forward to it. It'll be my 4th school with them.

[@beefeekeefee]

It figures the culprit was on an e-bike. Hopefully whatever club is responsible for racing at this level in this area will sit him down for a good while before he's allowed on a track again. I road raced for a couple of years back in the day. First rookie orientation session was at Willow Springs in 1978 on a box stock GS 750. It was a 20 minute session with passing allowed after the third lap. There was a rider there on a TZ 250 who lapped me (and everyone else I assume) at least 4 times before the session was over. No contact, no crashing. He was a pro flat tracker who was just getting into road racing. Name was Eddie Lawson. Yeah, that Eddie Lawson.

[@jesuschrist-alphaomega]

I was a track day instructor for a few years, I would never let that Kamikaze back on the track ever again.

[@getdownmikelove]

Guy thought he was Marc Marquez

[@Old_Geezer]

🤣 Yeah, it was a good impression too.

[@hunczar]

rule I've always been told in novice and intermediate, and that works, is to pass only when moving away from each other, not toward...

[@whitstoddard5572]

I have done a few track days and track schools with Class and California Super Bikes which if u break the rules they send you home. My question: I carry insurance since my bike is road legal. Who pays the bill for the repairs if it’s obvious who is at fault ? I’m assuming ur on your own but have never asked. Thanks

[@canopyjunkie]

Insurance doesn't cover anything that happens on track. I've seen guys do similar things to this video, own their mistake, and offer to pay to fix the other persons bike, but for the most part it's just a risk you take.

[@derikandreoli5177]

Hey there. could you tell me what camera you are using and how you have it mounted? thanks!

[@grandtaino]

Im glad all of you were going soo slow, considering that turn some riders take that turn easily above 110mph. The passing rider was definitely out of control and irresponsible. Taking in consideration was the novice group, so who knows if he actually saw that other rider or just didn't know how to fix the situation in a timely manner. Im glad the victim is ok.

[@abpob6052]

That crash was caused by a significant difference in speed between the two riders. There should be split practices for different abilities.

[@hunczar]

you on a Thruxton? I have a '22 I've taken to track several times. lovely bike.

[@motobs]

Yes! A 2017 Thruxton R. It was a lot of fun at the track. Thanks for stopping by!

[@hunczar]

@ how cool! I have a ‘22 RS that I love on track. Only downside is that b/c it has tube tires I find that the pressure drops after a track day…I’m hoping to find some non tube wheels. Enjoy and safe riding!

[@aperlia6603]

Not sure why people think track days are a race. You're not winning any prizes here.

[@7overland514]

That was one the most incredibly dumb moves I have seen, and I was a control rider and club racer for more than a decade. Also brings up another question I have not yet considered. Is it safe to have electric bikes on track with ice motorcycles? I have successfully avoided at least half a dozen crashes over the years because I heard the bike behind and could tell that they had made a bad decision, and stood the bike up to avoid contact. I would have never heard this silent assassin.

[@theracingnoodle]

That dude was going to the parking lot. He was never going to make that turn.

[@vojtaborsky]

cool vid, thanks for sharing

[@Brooksierr]

I was there too there were too many crashes in novice at 7 and 12

[@verdeboyo]

OMG!! That was such a dumb move, being on that side of the entry and could have easily avoided the incident happening by slowing down and slotting between poor innocent guy and you. Sadly this even happens in Inters (middle group) too and all because some novice riders think they know it all after two or three novice rides. Some people just need to stay away from the track, a bit like some drivers shouldn't even be driving. The poor guy learning his craft slowly and managing his own ride, gets taken out by a fool that didn't even listen to the important briefing.

[@vicpnut1]

When i was young and maybe possibly wouldve been into fast corners (way more so than i am now in my mid 50’s) there wasnt really track days ,or not in my area that i know of . That being said This is part of my fear of attempting one now. Im not a real knee dragger ,but would love to have the opportunity to practice more angle ,trail braking , etc etc….but i wouldn’t want to hold up others ,especially to the point where it seemed this guy was and he couldnt handle waiting anymore …

[@truthboomertruthbomber5125]

I’m reading the comments after watching the vid and I notice that the teaser scene is a few split seconds before contact is made. You can see the “12” sign. Maybe they should add a “No Passing “ sign just as a reminder. Being torpedoed by a dumbazz really sucks.

[@ricecrash5225]

Clearly someone that learnt how to ride at a VERY late age and hasn’t developed track situational awareness.

[@paulfleming4710]

They watch marc m. For passing...

[@deangiacopassi1951]

In my very short time racing I was impressed with the respect shown among the racers on track. Learn how to crash before you do a track day. Lay flat so a rider can go over you rather than punch you. Check to see if you stopped sliding? Look at a fixed object, count to three, if the object moved you are still sliding. Wait a bit then check again. Look up track before you get up so you don't get hit by another bike.

[@MrMoto948]

Went for a low side at 150kmh, happily sliding on my back for what felt like 10 minutes, slowed down to 5kmh and put my feet down. Huge mistake, I was still doing 60kmh. 4 tumbles later I stopped ;( It was open gravel with no way to gauge speed.

[@thebigmunch]

I've raced for thirty plus years and I would not go out on a track day with novice riders. It's a serious sport and even racing with experienced racers can go wrong. Alas some people don't think enough to be able to do it safely

[@canopyjunkie]

Intermediate scares me more than Novice lol, good ol thunderdome!

[@alpineacres8042]

We all have to start somewhere. Or, put another way, everyone in advanced was, at one time, riding in novice (almost everyone).

[@peterwilson8039]

I’ve never done a track day, although I always wanted to. I always thought that if I did do track days, I’d have a dedicated bike for it and it would be one that I didn’t mind if it got smashed up. I see guys out there on $20k+ motorcycles and I think it must be nice to have that much money to throw away.

[@tunctoker856]

offending rider should pay for the damage, otherwise take him to small claims court

[@javiercarrion6843]

Man that was a messed up crash and the other rider what a Dick move man. Long way back and inside pass that is a big no no.

[@deandee8082]

WTF was that guy looking at as he entered that turn? dood was right there to his right so easy to see him and he just takes his line and lets him clip you? WTHF dood? dood really shouldn't be allowed on that or any track every again .. unreal .. hope that fallen rider is going to be OK, man he didn't deserve that at all .. unreal, that clown should have to fix his bike and pay any medical bills totally called for, not only did he do everything he wasn't supposed to do as a rider, he broke how many track rules? un no inside passig, no passing in said T .. man . .

[@badgumby9544]

I did track days for two years in south florida. Mostly novice until the second half of the second year. I saw plenty of this kind of crap. In both novice and intermediate. I got punted exactly like this guy did at a track day in Homestead, in intermediate. Some wanker dive bombed me right at the apex of the corner. Turn 4 or 5, I think. Knocked me off the track. I didn't go down, but narrowly avoided a guardrail. I was in my mid 60's at the time. I quit. Too dangerous and I was getting too old to be going that fast on a motorcycle. I loved it. But it's a very dangerous sport. It's not if you're going to go down. It's when. Don't skimp on your safety gear. Could save your life.

[@jimmansi9046]

Wow, what a dumb ass move, we have the same rules at New Jersey motorsports Park, but some guys just don’t care and ride like jackasses, I hope that that rider is OK, looks like his bike took a good hit

[@jinjaman101]

no not for me I'm the shady rider!

[@KR4Z3D666]

Ahhhh novice group, where heroes go to show case their crashing ability.

[@shershot]

What a douch bag move,

[@aslkdjfzxcv9779]

sorry, but lmao

[@TheMonkini]

I won't do track days after this. Leaving my health in the hands of people with poor judgement is a no-no for me.

[@alpineacres8042]

This isn't common on track days. It does happen, but most track day wrecks are single vehicle accidents, too fast into a corner and low side being the most common of all. The idiots on the street have your health in their hands too, and they're driving 3000+ lb machines. This shouldn't have happened, but at least it was a motorcycle that hit him and not a F450 or a semi!

[@VState60]

@@alpineacres8042yeah…he’s only riding on the street from now on 😂😂🤦‍♂️

[@MikeS82082]

You think this is bad wait until you what's on the public roads with you lol

[@ScottieKnoxville]

Your 5 times safer at any track day than on the street, period. No drunks, no weedheads, methheads, people on their phones, bro in his F-350 wanting to drag race you, etc . When you ride motorcycles, you must accept a higher risk of injury. If your not willing to do that, bikes are not for you. Sell your bikes and get a set of golf clubs. Do not let videos like this get to you and get you down on track riding or riding in general.

[@elvulch2710]

If you’re going to let something like that, stop you from doing track days, then you are probably correct in your decision.

[@robedwards6541]

This same BS happens on car track days as well. Srsly, you're not racing anybody, so don't be a dick.

[@AlphaOmega.7]

Sorry to be the @hole But you guys are riding super slow. Either that guy needs to ride with another group or you slow guys need to get out of the way and off the "racing line" learn the track and get faster

[@lrowlands53]

Are you also the kind of track day rider who can't process instructions? IT'S NOT A F******G RACE!!!!

[@DiegoMartinezCoria]

SoCal Trackdays at CVR, never seen anything like this happen with that org, but they don't really accept any novice off the street either.