After a track crash: what to check on your bike and yourself before riding again

Crashing on track is more common than it seems, and in most cases it's nothing more than a scare and a scuffed fairing. The most common mistake isn't the crash itself, but heading straight back out without checking anything — neither the bike nor yourself.

First, you: don't play down the impact

Adrenaline in the moment makes many riders feel fine immediately after a crash and decide to keep riding. Wait a few minutes, check for any pain that increases with movement, and if there's any doubt about a hit to the head or neck, don't go back out that day. No lap time is worth that risk.

The bike: the minimum check before going back out

• Brake and clutch levers: check they aren't bent or binding through their travel.
• Handlebars/clip-ons: check the position hasn't shifted after the impact.
• Footpeg and gear selector: bends that could affect shifting.
• Radiator and hoses: look for coolant or oil leaking onto the ground.
• Fairing: even if it's cosmetic, a loose piece can snag while riding.
• Tyre pressure and condition after contact with the asphalt off-line.

When NOT to ride again that day

If there's a fluid leak, the steering doesn't turn normally, a lever won't return to position, or you yourself aren't 100% sure of your physical state, the right call is to stop. Marshals and the circuit's medical staff are there exactly for this.

Get a second opinion

When in doubt, marshals, the organizer and fellow riders in the pits are a good filter before heading back out. No one on track will judge you for calling it a day.

Get back on track when you're ready

Check the track day calendar for your next session, no rush.