And if you can ride on the road then the track is easier. We’re all going in the same direction, there’s more grip and none of the usual hazards, eg cars, pedestrians, potholes, etc etc:cool:
jays changed the format of the track day - theres more novice spaces now…
Blade, what a superb thread you started.
Before reading it I’d signed myself and my wife up to our first trackday (LB one on 29th) but these answers have made me want to go even more and taken away a lot of my fears. We’re obviously in the novice category and want to go to increase our bike skills, but not at the cost of damaging our bikes or ourselves!
See you on the 29th then?? 
When I went they were pretty strict about not allowing anyone to time anything. A trackday isn’t about racing, its about improving your skill and having fun. If you get people with stop watches and boards out there, you get a whole different brand of riding with a whole new set of dangers which don’t work well with those that are learning and EVERY group is a learning experience on a trackday.
Don’t stress about goin slow, just concentrate on improving your lines, fast people have a responsibility to watch out for you, not the other way around.
The night before nerves are a little daunting and the first corner is a little nervous, but its worth it…in the immortal words of a self-help book I read once - Feel the fear, BUT DO IT ANYWAY! Seriously 
Ive just tried to book it but its not letting me, keeps saying its fully booked again?? Ive emailed them but had no reply…:w00t:
dunno, ring 'em? 
ok…if ive got the number…
you mean the one on the website, or you looking for another one
OK my 2 peneth for what its worth.
First track day was Thruxton on a ZX6R and was hooked, what a circuit, ultra fast and slightly technical. No idea what sort of times though.
From there on it was Castle Combe, Big roundabout with very strict noise levels, even standard cans are not safe… once again no times
Then Brands Hatch Indy, now on a ZX9R. Great circuit, technical and surprisingly fast for such a small lap. Managed to get a time of 1min, at the time i was pleased but would have been happier if it was under just as a target really. This was back in 2000 and since then i have been to Donnington about 4 times, best time was 1.54 full circuit, Cadwell once, no time and Snetterton once. 1.16. Bike changed to a GSXR750-K2 and went back to Brands in 2003 where i managed a 52sec lap and was proper made up. Unfortunately it was the following session that i managed to Highside coming out of Paddock and broke my pelvis in 5 places and also my shoulder. Bugger. This was more down to me knowing what time i was doing and trying to beat it, along with a badly worn tyre… Not been on a track since.
Track days are great fun and as has been mentioned previously by others on here you learn a great deal about your riding ability and also the way the bike will perform in extraordinary circumstances.
Road riding is a totally different skill and only improved with more time in the saddle. I have a mate that is ultra fast on the road but on the track is dog slow… go figure?
Go on a track day with an open mind and be amazed at what you are able to achieve.
Last word of advise is to not eat too much at lunch, you become sleepy and tired, limit yourself to plenty of water and a snack/sandwich. Imagine what your like after a sunday roast and then expect your reactions to be ultra sensitive at speeds close to 155mph and then having to brake and slow down for a 90/100mph right hander, its not gonna happen.
DONE IT !!! im in and all booked YAY !!! oh god…what have i done??? 
oh…and ill take your number any time !!! :w00t:
Not sure if posting links is permitted on this site but if not then i understand.
If you are keen on improving your riding ability on both road and track then can i recommend Ultimate Rider Training.
Mark Sheppard is a fully qualified instructor with California Superbike School and will be more than happy to discuss your requirements whether they be on the road or the track. I would recommend the track day goer to book into the California Superbike school for a day of training that will be invaluable to your safety and encourage your ability with a bike.