So, I finally did it. Went to Motegi Super Speedway. It’s been on my list for ages, you know? Kept seeing it on TV, hearing guys talk about it. Figured it was time to stop dreaming and actually get out there.
Getting My Act Together
First off, booking a track day there wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Had to dig around, find a slot that worked. It’s not like your local go-kart track, that’s for sure. Then came the prep. My old bike needed some serious TLC before I’d even think about taking it on a place like Motegi. So, I spent a couple of weekends in the garage, you know the drill:
- Checked the tires, then checked them again. Pressure had to be spot on.
- Fluids – oil, brake fluid, coolant. All fresh. Didn’t want any nasty surprises.
- Brakes, man, the brakes. Gave them a good once-over. Motegi’s got some heavy braking zones.
- Just tightened every bolt I could find. Paranoia, maybe, but better safe than sorry.
The drive out there was a bit of a trek, loaded up the bike, all my gear. Felt like a proper pilgrimage, to be honest. Butterflies in my stomach the whole way.
Finally, The Speedway Itself
Rolling into the place, it’s… big. Seriously impressive. You feel the history, the races that have happened there. The atmosphere was buzzing, even though it was just a track day. Lots of other folks, all sorts of machines. Signed in, went through the briefing. Standard stuff, flags, track rules, don’t be an idiot, basically. They were pretty serious about safety, which is good.
Then, waiting to go out for the first session. That’s when the nerves really kicked in. Hearing the other bikes, smelling the race fuel. It’s a whole different world. Once I got the signal, rolled out onto pit lane, and then onto the track proper… man. That first lap was just trying to take it all in. The width of the track, the smoothness of the asphalt. It’s nothing like riding on the street.
The oval part is immense, even though we were on the road course. You still see it, looming there. The road course itself is a beast. Those downhill turns, the hairpin, and then opening it up on the back straight. It’s a proper test. I wasn’t trying to break any records, just wanted to experience it, you know? Find a rhythm. Some corners took me a few laps to get even remotely right. That 90-degree corner, in particular, I kept messing up the entry. But bit by bit, started to feel a bit more confident, linking things together.
It’s funny, you think you’re fast, until you’re on a real track. Then you realize how much there is to learn. Humbling, really. But in a good way. Pushing myself, but trying to stay within my limits. Didn’t want to be that guy who bins it.
More Than Just Laps
After a few sessions, I was knackered. Physically, mentally. But buzzing. That kind of happy tired, you know? Took a walk around the paddock, chatted with a few other riders. Everyone was pretty cool, just sharing the passion. That’s one of the best parts of these things, the people you meet.
I also made sure to check out the Honda Collection Hall while I was there. Man, if you’re even remotely into engines or racing, you HAVE to see that place. Bikes, cars, F1 machines… just incredible. Spent a good couple of hours just wandering around, mouth open like a kid in a candy store. That itself was worth the trip, almost.
Looking back, Motegi was tough. It demands respect. It’s not a track you just go and thrash around on. You gotta think, be smooth. I learned a lot, mostly about how much I still have to learn. But would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Yeah, it cost a bit, took effort, but some experiences, you just can’t put a price on them, can you?
It’s funny, I used to tinker with small engines as a kid, lawnmowers, little pit bikes, whatever I could get my hands on. Always dreamed of something bigger. Standing there, on that world-famous track, with my own bike, it kinda felt like I’d come full circle in a way. Corny, I know, but that’s how it felt. Just a good, solid day of doing something I love. That’s what it’s all about, right?
