Switch,
I live across the river from louisville in s. Indiana. The closest track, and possibly the best is Putnam park. It's the fastest in the region and smooth both in layout and surface. Putnam is about 45 minutes west of Indy. It takes maybe 2 1/2 hrs to get there from louisville. After that, Grattan, in Belding Michigan is the the next best. It takes about 7 hrs to get there but is well worth the drive. Grattan is a really technical track with elevation changes ( going into turns blind-use your memory), off camber turns, bus stop with an elevation change, esses, a bowl, etc. Another track in Michigan is Gingerman, which is kind of a stop and go type track. Not one of my favorites but some folks really like it. It's about the same distance as Grattan. There is a new track opening near Chicago this summer, kinda short though. Also around Chicago is Blackhawk. Used to be kind of dangerous but apparently they repaved it and did afew other things (moved the trees?). Some like it but I've never been there. Down south you've got little Talledega, kinda short but fun for one time. About 7 hrs drive. On the other side of Birmingham Alabama is Barber. Haven't been there yet but it's supposed to be biketopia. It's about the same distance as tally. Southeast is Carolina motorsprts park. Great track. Fast and flowing section then a tighter technical section that still flows if you can carry cornerspeed. I got off the bike there @ triple digits but was saved by the sand traps. West of us is one in west virginia, can't remember the name but lots of walls in the turns (walls are bad on a motorcycle). VIR is west of that in Virginia, never been but I heard it's great. Don't go to nashville or St. louis. They are nascar tracks with an infield. Both are boring and dangerous. To go to any of these tracks you'll need to get rearsets and get your cans up. For a monster the 2-into-1 setup is the best on getting the exhaust up. Also get really good leathers and safety equipment. Don't skimp. Riding on a track is fun, but it is also dangerous. Last year (02) - 10 trackdays, four crashes, no injuries. This year (03)- 12 trackdays, 2 crashes (I'm getting better), broken collarbone in July, shattered scaplia in November ( I'm getting faster). That said I'll go a lot in 04. For you Putnam is going to be your best bet. This year between Desmo, STT, Nesba and one or two more clubs you can go at least once a month if not more starting in March. When you decide to go let me know. By the way, my track bike is a 600 g*xxer, streetbike is a 750 Monster.