Beginner, intermediate or advanced? How to choose your group at a track day

One of the most common mistakes when booking a track day is choosing the wrong group. Riding in a group above your level is a risk to yourself and to others. Going one level down can feel less exciting, but it is always the safer choice when you are not certain. Here is what each level typically means.

How level groups work

Track day organizers split the circuit into groups riding at similar paces. This reduces unexpected overtaking and lets every rider learn and improve at their own speed. The criterion is not bike displacement but rider experience, knowledge of the circuit, and the pace at which you can ride with a safety margin.

Beginner group: who should be here?

• First or second time on circuit, regardless of road experience.
• Riders who do not know the layout.
• Riders returning to track after a long break.
• Anyone who prefers to learn without pace pressure and with more space around them.

The beginner group is not a limitation — it is the environment where you learn the most. Many riders who jump straight to intermediate end up coming back to beginner when they realize they need to build the foundation first.

Intermediate group: when to move up?

• You know the layout and have clear references at every corner.
• You have enough margin to handle overtaking without being caught out.
• You can maintain a consistent pace throughout the session without mental fatigue.
• You have completed at least three or four track days at the circuit in question.

Advanced group: who is it for?

Advanced groups typically involve lap times close to amateur competition pace. If you are not certain you qualify as advanced, you probably are not there yet. Moving up before you are ready is the fastest route to an incident.

Tips for choosing the right group

• If you are unsure between two groups, start in the lower one. You can always speak with the organizer after the session and move up for the next.
• Being fast on the road does not mean you are ready for an intermediate or advanced track group.
• Ask the organizer directly: they know the average level of each group that day.

Book your next track day

Check available track days on the platform, filter by level, and book the group that best matches where you are right now. If in doubt, riding courses with an instructor are the safest and most educational alternative.