Recommendations for trackday novice
Discussion
gsinky said:
I am keen to attend my first trackday this spring (in Scotland) Has anyone got any recommendations or advice for a trackday novice regarding venues/orgainsers/equipment. Any general advice would be appreciated.
Knockhill would be the only real venue but East Fortune are doing some trackdays and may actually be more suited to a novice (more run off etc.). Have a look at this topic:
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=234034&f=118&h=0
Knockhill do there own 'Novice' days with instruction building up to some free lapping at the end which would be a good starter.
Personally I went along to spectate and passenger at a few events and did some driver training with Andrew Walsh at Crail (www.carlimits.com) but many people are fine just going straight on. Worst bit is the first time you go on track, dealing with the circuit and other cars but after a few laps you're fine.
I stick to organisers like SIDC (Subaru Impreza Drivers Club), Knockhills own Hot Marques (I would avoid Hot Hatch days), Porsche Club etc.
Only equipment you'll need is a suitable helmet but Knockhill will hire for around £5 (with a deposit).
Depending on your car it may need some prep. Just basics like brakes, tyres, oil, coolant, towing eye...
HTH.
Cheers,
Ali
I did one of the Knockhill novice trackday sessions last July, it was pretty good despite the appalling weather. I think it was about £70ish for basically 2 hours worth, although that wasn't all on-track time. It's a good introduction - the one I did wasn't especially busy, so we were split into groups of 4. They don't seem to run very often though, I can remember seeing one about March time last year, then the one in July and that was it.
The Javelin day would seem to be a good bet as the track looks like there's a decent amount of room, Knockhill is a bit daunting as there isn't a huge amount of run-off...
The Javelin day would seem to be a good bet as the track looks like there's a decent amount of room, Knockhill is a bit daunting as there isn't a huge amount of run-off...
Hi
I've done most of the circuits in England - but sadly none in Scotland (yet). I was asked by a track day organiser down south to put a FAQ together - not a 'how to drive', but a 'what to expect'. I'm not sure of the track scene in Scotland, but some of this may be of help.
www.stevecarter.com/track-day-beginners.htm
Have fun!
Steve
I've done most of the circuits in England - but sadly none in Scotland (yet). I was asked by a track day organiser down south to put a FAQ together - not a 'how to drive', but a 'what to expect'. I'm not sure of the track scene in Scotland, but some of this may be of help.
www.stevecarter.com/track-day-beginners.htm
Have fun!
Steve
Hello and I apologise for not being in Scotland! We are holding three full day events at Croft circuit, near Darlington. The way that we structure the days make them appropriate for people of varying experience. We have 15/16 cars out on track at any one time and have instructors available for in-car tuition/advice. The track is marshalled fairly strictly by experienced people who work for the ciscuit, stupid/poor/dangerous/overdriving is monitored and the offenders taken to one side. Come along on 5th April, 26th July or the 20th of September and dip your toe in the water!! We do try to make people feel welcome and we have been running these now for a number of years. TVR and Noble cars have the first shout on places and we are limiting total numbers to 40 cars per day maximium. I hope that this helps. Best regards to all, Tony Abrams
GetCarter said:
I was asked by a track day organiser down south to put a FAQ together - not a 'how to drive', but a 'what to expect'.
John Stewart's SIDC track sessions are about the best organised at KH (if not THE best organised), and he sends out a really neat info pack to all drivers. He's on here as 'johns' so maybe worth getting in touch for some of his info too.
hexhamhc said:
Come along on 5th April, 26th July or the 20th of September and dip your toe in the water!!
Once the car's ready I'll be there! Unlikely to be April, but July should be on. Croft's a great circuit and really suited the TVR. Used to love the TVRCC days there, but no more TVRCC days there it seems [official] as they can't make them pay! Did an HHC day a year or two back and it was great too. I think I racked up 250+ miles on track in the afternoon with an open pit lane in the cerb.
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