Respect First, Speed Second
Track days are all about improving your skills and enjoying your motorcycle in a controlled, safe environment. While the urge to push harder and pass fellow riders is natural, overtaking on a track is not about winning. It is about learning and sharing the circuit with others who want the same. The first rule of overtaking is always respect. Respect the other rider’s space, speed, and line.
Know the Rules of the Day
Every track day has a rider briefing. Pay attention. Organizers will outline the overtaking rules clearly. In some groups, overtakes are only allowed on straights. Others may permit passing on either side but never in corners, when the rider being overtaken has started his turn in. These rules exist to keep things predictable and safe. Stick to them. Being predictable is far more important than being fast. Some tracks have cones to signify a no overtaking zone, usually this because there have been too many incidents on this section of track.
Choose Your Moment
A clean overtake starts with good observation. Before making a move, watch the rider ahead. Look for consistent braking points, lines through corners, and how they exit. Never dive up the inside late on the brakes. It is dangerous and can ruin both your days. However if the rider s braking much earlier then you, make sure that you get alongside in their vision so they clearly see you are passing. Don’t leave it until the last moment, when the rider in front is committed to turning in.
The safest method is to wait until the rider has exited a corner and is upright. This gives you a clearer path and better grip. Use your bike’s acceleration to make the pass cleanly on the straight. If it takes a few corners to set up, that is okay. Patience leads to better judgment and safer outcomes. If the rider ahead of you is taking a poor line or cannot bring the speed of their machine up you can make a clean pass on exit.
Body Language and Confidence
Track riding is full of nonverbal cues. If a rider is clearly looking behind or moving off line slightly, they might be inviting the pass. But do not assume. Make sure you have the pace advantage and space. Always commit fully to a pass. Hesitation in the middle of an overtake creates confusion and potential contact.
Be smooth and decisive. Pull out, pass cleanly, and return to your line without cutting anyone off. You should never cause another rider to adjust mid corner or chop their throttle.
What Not to Do
Never overtake in braking zones as the rider ahead it tipping in unless you are in the fast group and the rules permit it. Never dive into the inside of a turn just to get by. Never buzz another rider or pass too closely. Remember, this is not a race.
If someone is slower and holding you up, follow them patiently until the next safe place to pass. If you are the slower rider, hold your line and be predictable. It is the faster rider’s job to pass safely.
Overtaking Etiquette by Group Level
Most track days are split into groups based on experience. In novice or beginner groups, overtaking is typically only allowed on the straights and with plenty of room. In these sessions, it is about building confidence, not competition. Never pressure newer riders by tailgating or darting past aggressively. Respect their space and be patient.
In intermediate groups, passing may be allowed in more areas, but safety is still the top priority. Riders are more confident, but the pace differences can vary widely. Make sure your overtakes are well judged and never rushed.
In advanced or fast groups, expectations are higher. Riders here are more experienced, and overtaking is usually permitted in most areas of the track. Still, that does not give a green light for aggressive moves. You are sharing the space with others trying to improve their lap times and skills. Keep it clean, smart, and safe.
Learn from Every Pass
Use every overtake as a learning tool. Did you plan the pass or react in the moment? Did you give enough space? Could you have done it smoother or safer? Reflecting on your passes helps build better trackcraft.
I remember one specific moment on a warm afternoon session at Jerez in Spain. I had been following a buddy for several laps, studying his lines, his braking points, his throttle rhythm. I waited patiently and found the right moment on the exit of turn 4. I slipped past on the straight without causing him to change anything about his ride. In the paddock, he gave me a thumbs up. We both knew it had been clean and safe. That kind of mutual respect is what makes track days so enjoyable.
Riding on track is not just about speed. It is about control, awareness, and riding with others in a way that raises everyone’s confidence. Overtaking is an art. Done right, it is one of the most satisfying parts of track riding.
Get it wrong, and you might cause a scare or worse. Get it right, and you build trust, skill, and rhythm. That is what a great track day is all about.
