Track Day Rules and Info

  Riding Group Descriptions, Passing Rules, and Riding Protocols

Group Descriptions

Women’s Group

Welcome to the Women’s Group, every Sunday in 2026. Women’s Group is a warm,
pressure-free space designed for riders taking their very first laps on track. If you’re
feeling a flutter of nerves, you’re in exactly the right place. Here, safety is priority one,
the pace is entirely yours, and the vibe is all about fun, encouragement, and sisterhood.
No experience needed, just proper riding gear (no jeans, etc) and an open mind.
Passing is limited to straightaways with plenty of room, so you can focus on discovering
what your bike (and you) can do, surrounded by women who get it.

Relaxed / Intermediate Small Bike

Welcome to the Relaxed Group – the perfect starting point for your track riding journey!
Whether you're new to the track or just easing into it, this group lets you learn the circuit,
get comfortable with your bike, and build skills in a safe, supportive environment. No
prior track experience is needed, but full safety gear is a must. Passing is limited to
straightaways - or on the outside of corners - with a minimum 6-foot buffer, and it's
always the passing rider's duty to ensure a safe maneuver – a rule that applies across
all groups.


Relaxed group is for you if:
- You are new to track riding or have completed only a few track days, and you’re
still maybe a bit nervous about how the whole thing works (Higgy’s staff are here
to help you at every step. Just speak with any Control Rider in the paddock
anytime. They’re super friendly, professional, and they want to see you succeed
and have fun)
- you are a skilled rider and simply love going around corners (swiftly but not fast)
and having great fun in a relaxed, non-competitive environment, this group is for
you. If you’re in this category, there is no limit on engine displacement, but if it’s a bigger bike you must take it easy on the straights and keep speed differentials way down
- you’re pretty fast on a small bike (<500cc) and have excellent bike control and
riding discipline; you dislike the big speed differentials on the straights of the
faster groups.

Intermediate
You’re comfortable with the track layout and can maintain a consistent quick pace.
Inside passes are fine, but you still appreciate riders giving a little extra room. This
group suits riders refining their technique and building confidence and consistency with
more traffic and a notably faster pace. Intermediate is for riders that are ready to take
the next step on their riding journey. Riders should have an excellent understanding of
the track layout, proper lines, flags, track day etiquette and most importantly their
motorcycle. Note, your VIMC lap times are typically 1:40 or quicker.

Advanced
Your lines are consistent and predictable, and you’re aware of faster riders approaching.
You don’t flinch during close passes and are focused on smooth, fast riding. This group
is for experienced track riders who understand and respect proper passing etiquette.
Advanced group is exclusively for experienced track day riders and racers. There are
no passing rules in Advanced (except VIMC T16-T19 no pass zone) but as always it is
the passing riders responsibility to make a safe pass.

TECH INSPECTION

 

Motorcycle – must be free of leaks, clean, and well-maintained.

Oil – If your oil has recently been changed, CHECK YOUR DRAIN PLUG AND OIL FILTER!

Chain – The chain and the sprockets must be in good condition, lubricated, and properly adjusted with about 1-2cm of free play (or whatever manufacturer recommends for your bike)

Steering – Must not interfere with cables or fairings – Proper range of motion with steering stops in place

Brakes –  Firm Brake Lever, not mushy, must NOT come back to the handlebar.  Rear brake must be operational.  Brake Pads no more than 60% of wear. Check your brake lines – especially your FRONT brake lines – for any damage, scuffs, abrasions, etc. These lines need to support repeated high-pressure use, and what looks like a small cut in the lines shrouding can suddenly burst open and you have NO BRAKES. This is a critical failure and it DOES HAPPEN. Ask me how I know.

Forks –  Forks must have smooth travel and seals without leaks.

Throttle – Must snap back to the closed position.  The throttle should be properly adjusted and snap back quickly to the closed position.

Wheels – Wheel weights have to be taped (“Duct Tape”).    Metal valve stem caps are recommended but not required.

Tires – Street tires 50% tread must be remaining and preferably not more than five (5) years past their date of production.   Track Tires must be in good condition with not too much wear; wear bars must be visible and within usable range.  Tire Pressure is very important to understand- tires work best when a target hot pressure is achieved.   Be sure not to overinflate or underinflate!

Lights, Mirrors, Signals & Licence Plates – All “glass” and all mirrors Must be taped. All “plastic glass” such as brake lights, turn signals should (but not necessary) be taped off. Licence plates Must be taped off.   Blue Painters Tape is the best tape for the job because it’s easy to remove. 

Riding Gear Requirements

Under 600cc Group (Relaxed/Intermediate):

  • One Piece Leathers or Two Piece Leathers that zip together – OK
  • Helmet – Full Face (Modular OK) with no evidence of crash damage. Maximum 10 years since date of manufacture and legal for road use in Canada (DOT approved).
  • Back Protector – Mandatory
  • Chest Protector – Advised
  • Leather or Textile Jackets and Pants (see below) that don’t zip together – OK
  • Leather Boots that cover the ankle
  • Gauntlet style gloves that cover the wrist – Advised
  • No Jeans. Textile pants made with KEVLAR (No Cordura) are OK for the RELAXED Group Only. Cordura will melt to your skin if you slide more than about 2 seconds, so that’s best left for dirt riding. Liability is always a real thing, so look for USED leathers on marketplace (often pretty inexpensive, too) or BORROW from someone-  there’s often lots of helpful riders on GVRC or LIRC etc on Facebook that will lend you leathers for a day or two. I know that in the past I allowed Cordura-based Textile pants for Relaxed Group, but it’s just getting out of hand and really, you need to protect your body properly. Anyone questioning this has probably never experienced road rash, and picking rocks out of whatever is left of your bloody body where skin used to be, and should just trust me on this one. Nobody plans to crash, it just happens, and it can really derail your life for a bit. Safety and Proper Protection is KEY.

Over 600cc Group (Intermediate+):

  • One Piece Leathers or Two Piece Leathers that zip together – OK
  • Helmet – Full Face (Modular OK) with no evidence of crash damage. Maximum 10 years since date of manufacture and legal for road use in Canada (DOT approved).
  • Back Protector – Mandatory
  • Chest Protector – Advised
  • Leather Boots that cover the ankle
  • Gauntlet gloves

Advanced Group:

  • Helmet – Full Face with no evidence of crash damage. Maximum 10 years since date of manufacture and legal for road use in Canada (DOT approved).
  • Back Protector – Mandatory
  • Chest Protector – Advised
  • One Piece Leathers or Two Piece Leathers that zip together – OK
  • Leather Boots that cover the ankle
  • Gauntlet gloves

Passing Rules

Under 600cc Group (Relaxed/Intermediate):

  • Safe Outside Passes only
  • Passing in corners is OK
  • PLEASE Pass with a 2 meter cushion or space (some call it Wingspan) from other riders
  • No Passing between Turn 16 and Turn 19

Over 600cc Group (Intermediate+):

  • SAFE Outside & Inside Passes
  • Passing in corners is OK
  • PLEASE Pass with a 2 meter cushion or space (some call it Wingspan) from other riders
  • No Passing between Turn 16 and Turn 19

Advanced Group:

  • SAFE Outside & Inside Passes
  • SAFE Close Proximity passing is suitable – this is an advanced riding environment.
  • No Passing between Turn 16 and Turn 19

 

    Code of Conduct

    ON TRACK COMMUNICATION

    Always signal your intentions when something changes for you by raising your LEFT Arm.

    GROUP MIGRATION

    Rider Improvement is always a good thing.  Please know that we will ultimately push you forward in our Group’s for everyone’s safety.  Riding with your friends is not a justification to ride at an advanced level in a slower Group’s category.  Similarly, riding over your head in trying to keep pace in Advanced Group just so you can ride with your friends is also not a good plan and you will be migrated to a slower group accordingly.  We are all about your growth as a rider and in the spirit of keeping the experience fun, safe, and well-balanced on the track, you will be migrated for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. 

    TRACK ENTRY

    NEVER APEX the first corner as you enter the track.   ALWAYS stay to the left of the blend line at VIMC that will release you onto the track near Turn 2.    Although perhaps not mandatory, you may also want to leave a bit of space on the inside of Turn 3 as you get on track.  Turn 3 comes up pretty quickly after Turn 2 at VIMC, and allowing space on the inside is just common sense as you enter the track.   In the long run out to Turn 4, consider yourself as being fully on the normal riding line.

    If we see you enter or exit the track in an unsafe manner, you will be Black Flagged.  You will receive a warning and sit out a session.   If there is a second offence, you will be packing up and heading home.

    TRACK EXIT

    ALWAYS Raise your LEFT Hand prior to exiting the track.  Stay to the Outside edge of the track when exiting.  IMPORTANT-  Keep Your Speed Up!   Don’t be a sitting duck on track.   Keep riding at 70-80% right up to the braking zone, and then carefully exit the track at the designated area.   NEVER Apex the last corner and then ride off the exit at the last second.

    When you decide to Exit the track, you EXIT.  Do not change your mind at the last second and stay on the track.   You can always get back on.  Be consistent with your signals.  Everyone’s safety depends on it.

    PASSING   

    It’s a good idea to leave some room for other riders to pass, particularly when you move up to a faster group.  By leaving space for faster riders to pass you help reduce traffic jams and ultimately it’s safe for you because you are not forcing people into passing you in spots that may exceed their skill level.  

    When you move to a faster group, ride a line that is mid track at corner entry – then a bit tight to the apex – then mid track on corner exit.  Remember to keep your speed up as you exit the corner. It doesn’t help to sandbag the exit as the faster rider behind you is anticipating certain movements from your bike, and they might be right on your rear tire.   Exit the corner as normal, and then maybe ease off to 80-90% throttle on the straightaway to let the faster rider pass.  

    Strive to be tight to the apex because if you are 10 feet away from every apex you are inhibiting faster riders from making easy outside passes; you are forcing them to go extra wide to ride around you.    Similarly, if you hear a bike very near to you and probably trying to pass you, especially on the inside during the faster Groups (in particular, on the entry into some of the slower corners, such as T4 at VIMC), then consider easing off a little bit during your corner entry when it’s safe and letting the faster rider pass you more easily and safely.  Track Days are Not a race.  Let the faster rider pass when it’s safe to do so.  Always Be Safe, Calm and Predictable On Track. 

    PICK A LINE AND STAY ON IT   (No Swooping Part 1)

    A perfect example of a rider failing to stay on their line (and failing to be predictable to faster riders) is a rider that is riding down the front straight at VIMC just a few feet from the left side track wall.   They sit up, start braking and just like they see on TV… they move right at the last second and swoop to set up their entrance to Turn 1.   When you move over at the last second it’s not predictable and you are asking the passing rider that has already committed to passing you on the right to make a last second adjustment to avoid collision. 

    If you want to be all the way to the far left entering Turn 1 that’s just fine but get your bike positioned on the left side of the track well before you sit up and start braking.  On some corners there really isn’t time to get yourself positioned on the outside before the corner starts but you can always point the bike s that you are gradually moving across to your final track position target.   Passing riders can see you are gradually moving across the track and will assume you are going to continue to do so.  The risk to you comes when you are riding parallel to the track and move over at the last second (swooping)

    NO ERRATIC RIDING   (No Swooping Part 2)

    This type of swooping generally means someone that rides erratic lines with dramatically different turn in points (for example) than most people would use.  They also may be using radically different turn in points on every lap as they try to refine and improve their skills.  Look for incremental improvement on track;  Be Predictable.   At the same time:  the rider that is “swooping” is using a lot more of the track than is necessary for their speed.   This rider is seen as being unpredictable and hard to pass because it’s difficult to predict what line they are going to choose in a given corner.  If you are a “Swooper”, riding the track has more risk for you than if you are riding predictable lines.

    FLAGS

    GREEN

    Track is Hot, all systems Go.

    YELLOW

    Something has Changed.    Use Caution.   No Passing.  Reduce pace to 70-80% of your normal pace. *Do NOT slam on your brakes.* Keep Riding the Circuit under Yellow.  You do not need to exit the circuit under Yellow. Yellow flag just means be cautious and mindful that something has changed and to be prepared for possible unexpected circumstances ahead. Ride with “Total Control”.   Repeat: You can keep riding the session; no need to come into the pits.

    RED

    High Alert. There is an incident ON track and we need to end the session immediately.  Exit the Circuit under Red. Reduce your speed to 70-80% of your normal pace that enables you to easily react and avoid any incident in front of you; it could be a crashed bike on track, fluid on track, etc.   This is what you need to do when you see a Red Flag

    • FIRST, put your hand up  (assume the rider behind you did not see the flag, you need to tell them that you are going to slow down by putting your hand up)
    • SECOND, slowly reduce the throttle to 70-80% normal pace. Ride with “Total Control”.
    • THIRD, complete the lap at this reduced pace and exit the track promptly. We may need to get the medic on track, so the sooner the track is clear, the better. Return to your paddock or to the hot pit and grid up for possible re-release.

    Repeat: All riders MUST exit the track at end of their lap under Red Flag. Go to your paddock or go to the hot pit and Grid Up. You will be released back on track when the incident is cleared up IF there is sufficient time remaining in your session to warrant re-release.

    BLACK

    We need to talk to you.  This will be displayed and pointed at you by the START/FINISH.   Do Not slam on your brakes.  Finish you lap at a normal pace, safely exit the course and report to the START/FINISH line in the Hot Pit and speak to the Marshals.

    CHEQUERED FLAG

    You won, your session is over.  Finish your lap at a slightly reduced pace and exit the course.  If you see chequered flag anywhere on the track, you need to exit the track at the end of that lap.   Be mindful that many riders ease off their pace once the checkered flag is out and may be riding at 70-80% so be careful with your closing speeds as circumstances have probably changed on track.

    Definitions

    Apex

    Generally means: the curbing at the edge of the pavement on the inside of a corner;  often the slowest point of the corner;  the point in a corner when you are physically closest to the inside curb.

    Blending

    Merging with other riders already at speed on the course.

    Hot Pit

    This is the area/lane between the main VIMC building and the concrete track wall that run between T18 and T1.   It is also the “staging” area where riders wait to be released onto track by marshals.  Speed limit is restricted to 30km/h unless otherwise advised during Rider’s Meeting.

    Inside/Outside

    Describes which side of the track someone is referring to.  For example in a right turn, the curbing on the right would be the inside curb;   the left side of the track would be the outside.

    Out-Lap

    Describes your first lap from when you leave the pit till you complete the first lap at the start of a session.

    In-Lap

    Describes your last lap of a session and exiting the track

    Wide Line

    Generally means using the entire track from the left side to the right side.   Riding from the outside of the track approaching a corner, clipping the apex curb on the inside, and riding out to the very outside edge of the track at the exit would be considered using the Wide Line.

    Tight Line

    Riding in the middle of the track, clipping the apex on the inside, then riding only out to the centre of the track at the exit of a corner would be considered using a tighter line, i.e. you are not using the whole track. 

    Swooping

    This generally means someone that rides erratic lines with dramatically different turn in points than most people would use.  At the same time the rider that is “swooping” is using a lot more of the track than is necessary for their speed.  This rider is seen as being unpredictable and hard to pass because it’s difficult to predict what line they are going to choose in a given corner.  If you are a “swooper”, riding the the track has more risk for you than if you are riding predictable lines.

    Wingspan

    A two (2) Meter distance or margin from the other riders on the track.

    CANCELLATION POLICY

    IMPORTANT: When you register for a Track Day, you are paying for and taking up one ‘place’ on the track. Here are the details for cancellations or transfers of a Higgy’s Track Day:

    1. Cancellations or Transfers of a Higgy’s Track Day

    Updated:   December 1, 2025


    A.     Cancellation

    1.1 – 15 days or more before the Track Day, we will provide you with a store credit for the amount you paid for your track time, valid for 365 days from the date of cancellation.  You may transfer your ticket provided the purchaser also agree to both VIMC and HOTT’s Full Term’s and Conditions.  It is the responsibility of the transferring customer to obtain A. payment directly from the transferee and B. to also obtain confirmation in writing (such as email) that the transferee agrees to both the VIMC and HOTT Terms and Conditions.  It is imperative that you provide the name, email, and cell number of the customer AND their emergency contact to higgysott@gmail.com at least 72 hours before commencement of the event.  Carefully note that if no spots are available later in the season, that means we won’t be able to place you in a track date later in the season, and you’ve effectively lost your spot (at least for the current year). 

    1.2 – Less than 14 days before the Track Day, Cancellations are Not Permitted and there will be no refund.   You are, however, permitted to transfer the spot to another rider, subject to a $100 admin fee payable by e-transfer to HOTT, provided the purchaser also agree to both VIMC and HOTT’s Full Term’s and Conditions.  It is the responsibility of the transferring customer to obtain A. payment directly from the transferee and B. to also obtain confirmation in writing (such as email) that the transferee agrees to both the VIMC and HOTT Terms and Conditions.   It is imperative that you provide the name, email, and cell number of the customer AND their emergency contact to higgysott@gmail.com at least 72 hours before commencement of the event.

     

    1.3 - No cancellations or transfers within 7 days of the event.   

     

    Please be advised, HOTT administration will not break this Cancellation policy, so please do not ask as there are no exceptions to the rule.

    B. If a customer does not attend their scheduled Track Day there will be no refund.

    C. Transfers

    All transfers must be approved in writing by HOTT management.