IMAGINE CUTTING UP THE NÜRBUR-
gring and Nordschleife, then stitching two miles of the best corners and craziest stretches together into bliss. Throw in the requisite wandering wildlife, significant elevation changes and lush vegetation, and you'll see why Grattan is Michigan's best poorly-kept secret—after all, they say that if you can ride Grattan, you can ride any- where. It's home to over 15 weekends a year of motorcycle track days and racing, one of them sponsored by BMW of Southeastern Michigan and BMW of Grand Rapids. This annual track day is open to all makes and riders, but priority goes to the customers of the sponsoring dealers. The organizers, Sportbike Track Time,
provide the necessary planning, instruction and support. STT provides a very profes- sional experience for their customers and makes sure that they have an event that is open to all riders, particularly novices and riders who are there on non-sport-bikes. John Horner, the third owner of BMW of Southeastern Michigan, noted that “Track training is unique in that riders have a safe space to explore their skills and their motor- cycle’s capabilities, and Grattan is unique in the challenges it provides to new and old alike.” Grattan is a family affair. The Faasen
family has owned the track for over 50 years. Hugh Faasen runs the track, which has seen a steady stream of improvements since pulling out of debt a few years ago,
Novice track rider April Eby and experienced rider Audrey Wicke from BMW SEM take to the track on their S 1000 RRs.
including updates to the racing surface, clubhouse and paddock surface. Plans are in place for continued work on the track surface. In addition to its fully-booked road track, Grattan's thrills include a motocross track that changes annually as part of Dis- trict 14's tour. What isn't booked by clubs and racing is typically booked by automo- tive manufacturers who find Grattan's charm and challenge irresistible. Corvettes,
Vipers and Mustangs must not only face their home test tracks, but Grattan as well before they are released to consumers. The track is a hidden gem in the palm of Michi- gan’s right hand. Grattan's Turn 1 is a tight right hander
that comes after a 0.65-mile straight, more than long enough to push the S 1000 RR deep into fifth gear. Nearly a hairpin, it's a sharp transition requiring deep braking
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