Jim,

Just wanted to drop you a thank you note. I had a great time this weekend and feel like I developed a lot as a rider. Nathan and Matt did most of my instructing and I couldn't be happier. I've recommended Trackoholics to several other VFR riders.

Unfortunately, I'm moving to Texas in July so I probably won't make it to Grattan again.

Best of luck.

Travis
Silver '03 VFR

PS - let me know if you know of any track day organizers in Texas

Jim and Trackoholics Staff:

I just wanted to take a minute and thank each and every one of you for putting on an awesome weekend. I had so much fun and learned so much. I felt that the safety of every rider was paramount. I never felt, at any time, that I couldn't ask anyone of the staff members a question about what to do at a certain place on the track.

I would like to especially thank Nathan Dressman for really showing me and teaching me the lines of the track and the proper techniques for getting around the track. I was lucky enough to be in Nate's novice group for almost the entire weekend. Again, I learned so much from him that I cannot even begin to express my thanks. I felt that Nate made a point to let me know what I needed to wrok on as well as letting me know what I was doing that was right.

I came to the track with street riding experience but no track experience. I left my ego at home, as I was there to learn. I listened to what all the instructors were saying and watched what Nate and the other instructors were conveying on the track. When I started to feel physically and mentally tired, I would slow down and ride at a slower pace so I would not lose the bike because of over riding my limits.

I am looking forward to my next visit to Grattan with Trackoholics. I am for sure coming with TSBR in August. I am only going to be able to run one of the days, but I know it will be the highlight of my summer.

Keep up the great work and the great attitude. Everyone was very personable and professional. There is not one thing I can possible complain about. Except maybe the weather! But, even that wasn't too bad.

I look forward to riding with everyone again in August.

Bob Banaszak
Novice Rider #75

Hi Jim,

I just wanted to let you know that Chuck (Seilnacht) and I had a great time yesterday. On top of the great weather, we both were impressed with how smooth things were run, which is always a sign of good organization. In addition, the food was great and crashing was minimal. I will heartily recommend you guys to anyone who will listen. Great bang for the buck.

Best Regards,

Mike Merrill

Hey Jim,

Just wanted to say thanks for this weekend. I had a riot, your trackdays are fun as hell. The people are great, the riding is great, the staff is great. (Bojan helped me with a problem on the bike, the f- throttle was sticking and I'm sure glad I noticed that in the pits before I got out ... talk about a death trap ) and following Nate around helped me bring up the cornering speed quite a bit.

I also thought Bojan's trackwalk helped a lot... I was following some of his marks and that was a huge insight for me. Those guys are fast as hell... I had an awesome time. And that bike... well it is insane, it's hard to not be timid on the gas between corners. When I had that thing opened up on the sweeper... I couldn't even think. ;) Great therapy though. And wheelieing past the 600's at 130+ mph well... man I felt like such an asshole and I loved it. ;)

I'm definitely looking forward to the next trackday. I really hope that things go well this year so next year there will be a few more dates and perhaps more tracks. I ain't complaining though... just looking forward to getting out there again.

Peace,

-Mike

To Jim and the Trackoholics Staff,

Thanks for a great track experience. It felt good to test the waters

(rain, pun intended) and feel out how my arm has healed.

I'm looking forward to another of your professionally run trackdays!

I look forward to a sunny day at Grattan on the 30th!

-Nathan Dressman

Jim-Karoline,

Thanks again for a good time yesterday.

Ken Nash

Jim,

I was very sorry to see you will not be hosting track days at Grattan any longer. Trackoholics events were my favorite; we always knew we'd have a great day at the track when we signed up for your events. However, sounds like you have a great opportunity out West. Helise and I wish you and Karoline the best.

Wade C. Davis

Hey Jim,

Just thought I'd drop you a line and give ya the thumbs up on a great track report, and obviously a successful start to the season, congrats and kudos to you and the crew!

Looked like it was a blast, wish I could have joined the fun:) Hopefully on the next set of days, we'll have to see when they roll around, anyway keep it up, best of luck and take care.

JB

Sorry to see Trackoholics go, I was very impressed by the organization of your events.

Good luck on the West coast!

If I'm ever out that way I'll be sure to check your schedule of events.

Samuel A. Murray

Jim,

I just wanted to send you a thank you for the wonderful track day you

guys put on Sep. 18th, and for the more than kind words posted about my riding in the photo section.

I've got a ways to go before I compete w/the factory pro's but words like that keep the motivation flowing.

Thank you,

Jonas McCluskey

Jim and Karoline -

I just read the news about your business decision to shut down Trackoholics. I'll be sorry to see you go but wish you all the best in your new endeavors. Hopefully we'll meet again some day to talk about the sport we love. Good luck and keep in touch!

Pete Swenson

Hey guys first off thank you so much for what you are doing for our son Meguire we are truley greatful , Second I was wondering if I could get some stickers like 4-6 I`de like a couple for my truck , a couple for my bike 1 for the pocket bike we are raffleing off & another just for whatever , maybe my camaro , brushed aluminium or silver would be great let me know .

Josh Smith

Hello Jim

Really sorry to see/read that Trackoholics here in the Mid-West/Grattan

will be no more - a very sad day...

Thanks!

Vince Boraas

Jim thanks for the tips on the track. While you where showing me lines I was working my tail off while you were just hanging around.

I cannot wait to see Karoline's pics. Being my first time I had a

ton of fun and cannot wait to do another trackday. Thanks

Keith

96 ZX7R

I cant say I loved the cone exercises but I can say I thought they were very helpfull. They gave me alot of insite that I think would have taken quit a few track days to see for my self. See U on the 23rd.

Thanks for a great time.

Greg Boyne

Jim,

great to see you and Karoline again. You guys put on a class show. Great report on the trackoholics site too. To bad I didn't get

For some reason my pics of you all came out blurry....guess it's because you were going so damned fast LOL

BK <--Poor Photographer

2K ZX-7R <---Broke

---------------------

Jim

A ZX-10 is the last thing u need. It's bad enough to see you on the

I watched you two go at it for a couple of laps...until you got by him...it was all over after that.

BK

2K ZX-7R

Well, just heard. Thank you to you and Karoline for the past 3 years. I've come a long way since my first trackday September of 2003.

I am one of the fastest intermediates in the group this year so that makes me feel good. I owe all that to you and your instructors. Oh and a little of balls from me.

But thanks for doing what you do and did. Good luck in your future endeavors

Regards,

Mario the Canadian guy

Hey Jim,

Just a quick note to say "thanks!" for a great trackday on

Saturday. I probably should have made the last-minute call and stayed

around for Sunday, it's looking like a beautiful one today. My son Ryan and I had a great time, and the vibe of your trackdays is really nice.

I wrote up a track report on our club's website, you are welcome to drop byand read it if you like. As usual, I'm a pretty "windy" guy when it comes tothese write-ups, so grab a cup of coffee before you click the link... Haha!!

I will be joining you guys again next year for sure.

Thanks again, Saturday was everything you said it would be, and I really enjoyed the day!

Mark Stheiner

Jim,

Bummer to hear that you guys are packing up shop and heading west - I truly enjoyed the many trackdays Ii spent with your crew this summer, and was looking forward to many more. but that's business, and I understand your reasons - best wishes to you guys.

Thanks again

Jim Johnston

Jim:

Just wanted to drop a line and thank you for this past weekend.  Matt, Darin and I had a terrific time - it’s a pity we could not be there for Sunday also!  Keep up the good work.  Look forward to seeing you next time.

Sincerely

Richard

Jim,

I hope this message finds you and your family well this holiday season. I heard a rumor that you may not be running a 2006 season. I was just curious if that rumor has any validity. I observed the Oct. 15, 2005 session at Grattan and had dinner with your staff. I was very impressed with your organization and was planning on attending your full schedule next year.

Take care,

Paul

Jim,

I am very sorry to hear that you will not be running trackdays for 2006. I did one trackday in August of 2005 and absolutely loved it. I was very much looking forward to spending several days at the track in 2006; needless to say, I’m bummed… Is Grattan closing, or is/are there other things driving this decision (… not looking for personal information here…)? Thank you for the best day of road riding in my life; best of luck to you and your family.

Regards,

Rich Brinkman

Jim,

I just wanted to thank you for hosting another awesome track day.

Running Grattan counter clockwise was a blast. Being my first time it took some getting used to but by the last session, I was beginning to get the hang of it and was stringing a few decent laps

together. I felt smoother, faster, more relaxed and... was being passed less often! Everything was great including lunch and the weather.

I never take the time to write and say how much I appreciate the effort you, Karoline and Trackoholics Team put into making these Trackoholics events happen for the rest of us. I especially like the limited number of riders and the emphasis on safety. I also appreciate the clean passing by fellow riders too. I enjoy the family atmosphere and hanging around with the regulars, many of whom have become good friends.

I stopped by to listen in on the novice group instruction in the tech shed for a while. You have a great crew of instructors with guys like Frank, Nick and yourself. You are able to communicate well and make students feel comfortable asking questions and riding at the track. I barely get a chance to see you or ride with you because you are so busy helping and instructing other riders! I guess that's where dinner
at the Country Kitchen comes into the picture. After a day at the track it gives everyone a chance to get caught up, socialize and have a few good laughs. We must have had 40+ people there that night.

I look forward to another CCW day at Grattan to build on what I learned from this day.

So again, thanks for all your efforts. They are very much appreciated.

=====

Best regards,

Stewart Rydman

Hi Jim,

This is Ryan Iossi I was at your last track day on the zx6rr that needed spacer in the rear wheel. I hope you remember me. I would like to start off by saying how completely impressed with the job all of you at Trackoholics are doing.

With the help of you I have found a new passion in my life and am truely enjoying myself at your events. I did one track day last year with you all and two this year so far and have learned more than I ever thought I would. I was meaning to send you an email after the 7/11 track day to express my gratitude but ive been busy and I just never got around to it.

On the 7/11 day I was working a lot with Nate in the novice class and came to a realize what a good team you have working for you this year. I felt he went above and beyond all my expectaions and gave me that little extra help that you can only get from someone who truly enjoys what they are doing. He is a real professional. I can only hope you will keep him around as long as possiable so others can get that extra edge that I feel he gave me.

Thank You,

Ryan Iossi

Jim

I just wanted to say thank you and your crew and tell you what a great time I had On the 26th. I can't believe how much fun I had and how much I learned in one day. This was my first time to ride on a track. I started riding on the street when I was 30 and now 22 years later I find out I should have tried something like this long ago. This trackday was a gift from my kids for my last birthday....pretty cool kids, thanks.

To start with the leathers I rented were great. They fit and were more comfortable than I thought they were going to be (Thanks for letting me use 'them Mike). Everyone was professional, knowledgeable, and above all patient.

I specifically want to thank Nathan and Frank for their instruction and patience....yeah there's that word again. For me following them around taught me a great deal about what I and my bike were capable of. Being told how to correctly to get around the track and then my brain trying to tell this old body what I knew it should do was....let me say ..interesting. I think I was more nervous than I realized. After my first session around the track I was wondering if I was going to be told maybe I should take up golf. No, instead Nathan talked to me, gave me some pointers, and later took me in tow and it was just him and me for some laps. I relaxed, began feeling better and doing better. I followed him and then he followed me. After that he had more encouragement and advice.

In the afternoon I got the chance to follow Frank around. Again more instruction, encouragement, and patience. I went for 5 of the 6 sessions on Friday. I would have loved to made the last one but by that time I was pretty tired physically and mentally....oh to be young again. It was the good kind of tired.

Right after I was thinking to myself...I don't think I could do this again. But you know what. After a few days the soreness goes away and now I find myself thinking about trying it again. I want to get another shot at correcting some of the things I know I missed. I think about how I could have made this turn better or that turn, or how I could have positioned myself better on the bike....I guess I might have to just give it another shot.

Thanks again to Trackoholics

Craig Kleine

TSBR Redmax8113

Jim,

Thanks again for a great trackday. Really appreciate you continuing to work with me and give me pointers. Seems to get better and better each time. Not as quick a I'd like but hey my brain keeps getting in the way telling me I gotta go to work on Monday LOL.

Steve Dobbs

Karoline,

Just wanted to give you kudos on the CD's we recieved...AWESOME!!! 8-) I didn't know you could burn an image onto a CD cover...very cool!

Thanks for the superb job you do and we'll see you in October.

Judy

WE WANT FOTOMADNESS!

WE WANT FOTOMADNESS!

:)

Can't wait to see your pictures from last weekend! Thanks a lot to you and Jim for putting on a great event at Grattan!

Warm regards,

- Gustav -

I was looking through trackoholics.com (I was a little home sick) : ). Anyway, I think I might have forund the greatest photo ever taken NO LONGER AVAILABLE

See Ya and say hello to Karoline.

Ant

Jim and Karoline -

Good to hear from you, as always.

I have had limited involvement with "UN-NAMED BIG TIME TRACKDAY COMPANY". Did one track day with them at Gingerman a couple years ago, and saw/felt the difference in the corporate culture. If they were my only option, I'd ride for sure, but I'd feel less safe, less cared for in case of trouble, and more of a commodity than a fellow rider.

The reason your track days have that element of camaraderie and cooperation that they'll NEVER have is because of the way you lead.You obviously care about the relationships you're making, and not merely for commercial consideration. It's like they're selling, selling, selling 24/7.

It's telling to me that "UN-NAMED BIG TIME TRACKDAY COMPANY OWNER" isn't apparently content with just being the 500 lb gorilla, he has to slam and try to eliminate all possible competition. And what reason could he have for denigrating UN-NAMED INDIVIDUAL?? If he only put that energy into making his events safer....

He'll get his. They all do eventually. I only hope when he faalls, it won't damage track days generally.

In the meantime, thanks again for your hard work on our behalf.

Jim,

The Trackoholics track day at Grattan on July 23rd was the first track day I've ever attended, and I must say that I was highly impressed. I learned a lot, and had tons of fun!

I've only been riding for about 6 months now. My first bike, the one I learned on, was a Derbi GPR50. I owned and rode that bike until about 2 months ago when I bought my GS500F. It was a big step for me, and though I put 1200 miles on it, I didn't have the chance to really ride the GS until your track day.

Before arrival at Grattan, I was very intimidated and nervous. It was my first time riding on a track, and the first time riding my GS through turns. I felt like I was going to stick out and get in peoples' way. After the first lap my nerves settled because of the slow pace. You did an excellent job catering the event to novice riders by starting slow, giving instructions and technique advice, and picking up the pace throughout the day.

Additionally, I was impressed with the level of organization and bike/rider preparation required. Other track day websites I've visited don't have safely rules nearly as clear as yours. I knew exactly what I had to do to prepare my bike and myself for your track day.

All things considered, I had a blast! I haven't been able to stop talking about the experience, and I want to do more. It's very addicting.

Thanks you so very much for being so inviting, friendly, and fun! You have my good word and recommendations to everyone I know.

~Valarie~

Hey there Jim!

I'm glad the weather cooperated (for the most part) this past weekend for Trackoholics' first track days of the season. April can be such an "if-fy" month when it comes to the weather. I'm looking forward to joining you all on 4/30.

I've mentioned this to Karoline before, but you certainly can share it with her again. She has a great "eye". The pics from this past weekend are not only technically good, but they're great to look at. She really moves around to get some outstanding and unique angles for any photos I've seen of Grattan. You'd think the event was at VIR form the look pf some of the shots.

Well, I'll be seein' you. Gail won't be at the 4/30 event. Maybe later on this summer.

H. (H-man)

Taking Red Rider's recommendation, I've ridden the last two TRACKOHOLICS track days at Grattan on 7/15 and 8/5.

I've got to say, from my limited experience, that they have been well run, safe, fun days, with a total of about 40 riders each time, divided into 3 groups.

Yesterday, I got 7 20-minute sessions, which translated into about 120 miles, or 60 laps. It costs $125.00 if you sign up on their website (www.trackoholics.com) a week early, and $135.00 if you wait till the day before to see if it might rain (!) I suck at track riding in the rain… It was worth the $10.00 to me to wait.. The price includes lunch.

The organizers were circulating the "paddock" constantly, asking how everyone's experience was going, answering questions, helping with set ups, giving encouragement, and offering to go out the next session to give specific advice. Karoline, the photographer, took what seemed like a million pictures. She collects all the shots of a person, and puts them on a CD for $25.00, which I think is pretty reasonable. She's a very good shooter, and knows all the places on the track that make you look heroic. The shots from yesterday's session will be posted tomorrow (8/7) on their website under 'trackday reports'.

So, I didn't crash, or get in anyone's way, and I made good progress. One of the instructors with a lap timer followed me, and it seems I took several seconds off my time on the previous trackday. By the end of the day, I was getting passed less frequently, and less abruptly. I was even passing a few people on the brakes.. There's still a LOT of room for improvement, but just being confident that I can go out and try to push specific things without splattering myself or anyone else is very encouraging.

I took a few minutes after each session to evaluate how I did, record my mistakes, and set goals for the next session. This helped me keep track of what was going on, and eliminated the tendency I have to go out on a track day and just ride around without analyzing or making specific changes. I found it to be really helpful, and I'll continue to do that from now on.

BTW, I only saw two people go off the track all day, (one for mechanical reasons) no one was injured or broke their bike. And some of these guys were really fast.

Had a great time, and I highly recommend it. Their next available date is 9/18 (Thursday), and I'm told there is a possibility that it might be combined with a private track day on Wednesday the 17th, so keep watching for that if you're inclined to go and are driving in from a distance.