NESBA Basics
On Track Signals
Signals are really the only way to communicate on the track. Non-verbal communications are used by the Track Marshall, Corner Workers, by YOU, and by the Control Riders. Understanding these signals ahead of time can help make your time on the track far more productive.
Corner Worker Signals (FLAGS)
Yellow – caution, back off, no passing, debris on track
Green – track open & active (Track Marshall only)
Red – session over, hand up, slow smoothly (exit track)
Black – mechanical or discipline (exit track)
White – one lap to go, won’t always use
Checkered – last lap (exit track)
Rider’s ONLY Signals
Hands Up or Foot Off before you come off pace for any reason. Hand Up typically mean take your LEFT HAND and hold it up in the air. In that manner, you can still hold the throttle open, and use the front brake with the right hand. You can also take your LEFT or RIGHT FOOT and hold it out to the side of the bike to indicate that you are coming off pace.
If you do come off pace, move to the side of the track and continue on around until you can either exit at the designated track exit or until you can resume normal pace.
In the case of a Red Flag, throw your hand up immediately, then come off pace. Continue around the track at a safe pace with your hand up until you reach the designated track exit. Do not go too slow, as there is most likely someone on the ground from a crash. The ambulance cannot go on the track until the track is clear. So, please clear the track without delay.
Control Rider (CR) Signals
There are FOUR Official NESBA CR Signals -
Pat on Helmet/Tap Their Tail Section = “Follow My Line”
A CR will tap his/her helmet or tail section while riding in front of you when he/she wants you to follow the line to the best of your ability. This is your chance to learn from a CR’s “line”. If you feel that you are riding over your head, back off and slow down, talk about it when you come in.
Note: This signal can also be used to move you “off-line” so that the CR may wave faster groups through without affecting your riding.
Arm waving past = “OK to pass”
Since it is against the rules to pass a CR without a wave-by, the CR will motion in a large arm movement for riders to pass him/her.There are two things to pay attention to; 1) If the CR just waved you off line, you are not being waved by to pass, 2)Just because you were waved by does NOT mean that you can make an illegal pass for your group. (See Passing Rules)
Arm moving up and down = “Slow down”
If a CR gives you this signal, you are either riding above your head, or off the line, or there may be a problem ahead on the track. Either way, SLOW DOWN! Gather yourself, check the track environment, if it isn’t that, it was you. Be sure to speak with the CR when you come off the track at the end of your session in order to find out what you were doing wrong.
Slash Across throat = “Pit in to talk”
You need a break. This happens for a few reasons. The CR wants to give you some verbal feedback, positive or negative. Maintain a smooth and consistent line, and exit the track at the next opportunity. Wait for the CR on hot pit lane to find out what the issue is.
Grabbing Orange Shirt - “Don’t Pass a CR”
Unofficial Addition. If a CR pulls up next to you and grabs his shirt, you made an illegal pass. Make sure that you wait for the wave by, and that you follow the passing rules of your group.
Coaching Signals -
These are not NESBA signals, but many CRs use some or all of these to point out areas for you to work on while on the track.
Tap Butt - Move your Butt FURTHER off the seat. Lean angle makes you feel like you are farther off the seat than you are. Get off the bike more, and lean the bike less.
Tap Toes - Turn your foot towards the apex of the turn, balls of feet on the pegs. This helps you open the knee and weight the inside foot peg.
Tap Knee - Open that knee OUT, not down. Pull it back as far as you can. The knee should be as far back as you can get it.
Duck Head - Get your Head DOWN, and to the inside of the turn as far as you can. The farther you move that head, the less the bike has to lean.
Pointing - Notice where the CR points. Keep your eyes UP. The farther you look ahead, the easier it is to ride. Look to the Entrance, Apex, Exit, Entrance, repeat... Of course, sometimes they may be pointing to the Apex so that you know where it is, if that is the case, don’t look there, but make sure next time around you know where that Apex is.
Shake Arms - Relax, loosen your grip, loosen up.