NHIS track days, or testing days as they call them, are NOT for novice Vintage riders. Mostly modern bikes are there. They created two groups; Novice, and everyone else. I can guarantee that Dale and I were the only true novices there (Dale did not even go out on the track) That day was my first back on the track after falling on Labor day in my first race, and I was being cautious. I was black flagged after 3 laps; the worker telling me I was "in the wrong class" as I was much slower than the others. They were rightfully concerned about safety.
The person who set up the groups did not tell me I could not ride; but I did recieve the safety lecture. I decided not to ride; that it was inappropriate for my level (one day with the USCRA new rider school,never a previous practice day, one aborted race and a borrowed bike) with the type of bikes and riders that were there. I asked for my money back and HE REFUSED. We had to complain to the track manager, who did see to it that Dale received a full refund but I did not as they claimed that "the insurance went in" because I was on the track. What is this insurance, I would like to know, when we all sign a waiver of liability? Why does someone who decides to withdraw after only a few laps, in the best interests of everyone's safety, have to pay anything I'm asking?
I felt that keeping 40% of my money for 3 laps was grossly unfair on the part of NHIS and so did others who heard about it. Furthermore, the only reason I chose to attend a testing session to ride was that it was suggested by a USCRA member as available practice time. NOT if you lag way behind the modern bikes!
This is no blow to my ego; I know I am a beginner racer. Call me Black Flag Braun if you like. But racing is expensive enough and it is hard enough to find ways to practice without getting nickel and dimed by NHIS; our ONLY available local track at this point.
Dreamqueen
USCRA #305