I'm heading down for my first trackday next weekend. I know some of you guys go to Barber. Anyone else going?

Any tips for a moron?

Yeah, I will try... (you are not a moron!).

Relax,

Take deep controlled breaths when on the track,

Don't be so hard on yourself,

Make having fun your #1 priority,

Always remember...

it is a trackday and not a competition.

realise that all men are created equal,

you are the SD GOD!

cjc, joe wishes you good luck... I hope you have a favorable experience. Last week I was actually thinking of you doing a trackday... I do not know why I was thinking it but now this... please take some pics of your fine day/weekend to share with us all!! I know you wanted practical technical advise about the track but what is in your head is more important than other things you can not control. this is the best I have for you.

Not always impressed by the tracks in US when I watch TV...but Barber looks REALLY good

One tip: I you feel tired or realise you're not 100% focused at the end of the pass, go back to the pits (track riding is exhausting). Plenty of guys crashing on the last lap...and first since tyres are not warm (I take it easy also on the second lap to be sure).

Barber is one of the best tracks ive ever been at. The museum is an absolute must to visit. The track itself it pretty tough. Not alot of chances to take a breather, but turns 1-4 are beautiful, last 3 turns kill me.

Thanks guys. I'm very excited and can't wait. Breathe, relax, and quit before I crash - got it.

Enjoy your day,which i'm sure you will
Ride like you normally do and concentrate on whats in front of you and not behind you,as already suggested,relax,breath and ride to your own skill level and dont try to compete with faster more experienced rider's.
Remember to warm your tyre's for a few laps before you build up speed (in the corner's) and consider (even in novice group) that some people will have had tyre warmer's on so thier tyre's will already have a fair degree of heat in them,dont be tempted to follow/keep with them early in the session

Above all enjoy it

Well, take it easy and have fun. Thats the main advise.....

Before the track day:
Check your brakes, oil, coolant and chain tension.
Set tyre pressure for track riding. (important)
Maybe study the track layout a little.

On the track:
Warm up your tyres before pushing it (1-2 laps).
Relax and (slowly) build up your speed during the day.
If you get tired, leave the track and relax.

After your first track day, there is no way back.....

great advice so far.

Just to add: as sdsmurf said, drink plenty of water. If you're not urinating, you're not drinking enough.

Only work on 1 or 2 corners at a time. Don't try to figure out the entire track all at once. You will be more comfortable with some parts of the track right off. Other parts will give you trouble. Ask for help. Folks are eager to help.

Play follow the leader with an instructor if you can. If they wick it up past your comfort level, DO NOT try to stay up with them. If you're having too many "oh shite" moments, you're riding above your abilities.

Take your time, build up slowly, have fun and welcome. Your life will never be the same.