Novice Track day or Regular track day?
Discussion
I don't disagree about owners clubs as they'll be a lot of inherent respect on track, and quite social too.
However, one of my most scary track days was with Morgan. Lovely bunch of people, but many first time on track behaving like naughty schoolboys. nothing to get angry about, but as has been said, "novice" comes with a set of risks.
However, one of my most scary track days was with Morgan. Lovely bunch of people, but many first time on track behaving like naughty schoolboys. nothing to get angry about, but as has been said, "novice" comes with a set of risks.
MMarkM said:
QBee said:
Have you checked your noise level on your MCL?
If you are over the track limit you will not be allowed on track, and you won't get a refund either because you have stopped them selling the space to someone else.
You can either get a noise meter (there are some phone apps for this) or call the nearest track to you and ask them to check your car prior to booking.
They are usually happy to do so at a mutually convenient time (like on a track day when they are there anyway), as they are all enthusiasts and want to see you on track. Especially in a British supercar.
Every track has a noise limit, it's not exactly low, usually around 99-103 dB(a) static, but still a number of cars will fail.
Thruxton is particularly low at 90 dBa.
Some tracks like Donington use drive by limits instead, Bedford uses both because the downwind residents are heartily sick of the noise.
I used to find with my TVR that I was very close to the static limit of 101, but never failed the drive by at 87.5.
The static test is taken at 45 degrees, one metre up and out from the exhaust tail pipe, and at 3/4 max revs, which I imagine will be quite an interesting noise on your car.
Oh bugger! 112Db.... how strict are they? Funny I always thought they sound crap compared a nice V12!If you are over the track limit you will not be allowed on track, and you won't get a refund either because you have stopped them selling the space to someone else.
You can either get a noise meter (there are some phone apps for this) or call the nearest track to you and ask them to check your car prior to booking.
They are usually happy to do so at a mutually convenient time (like on a track day when they are there anyway), as they are all enthusiasts and want to see you on track. Especially in a British supercar.
Every track has a noise limit, it's not exactly low, usually around 99-103 dB(a) static, but still a number of cars will fail.
Thruxton is particularly low at 90 dBa.
Some tracks like Donington use drive by limits instead, Bedford uses both because the downwind residents are heartily sick of the noise.
I used to find with my TVR that I was very close to the static limit of 101, but never failed the drive by at 87.5.
The static test is taken at 45 degrees, one metre up and out from the exhaust tail pipe, and at 3/4 max revs, which I imagine will be quite an interesting noise on your car.
Flibble said:
MMarkM said:
QBee said:
Have you checked your noise level on your MCL?
If you are over the track limit you will not be allowed on track, and you won't get a refund either because you have stopped them selling the space to someone else.
You can either get a noise meter (there are some phone apps for this) or call the nearest track to you and ask them to check your car prior to booking.
They are usually happy to do so at a mutually convenient time (like on a track day when they are there anyway), as they are all enthusiasts and want to see you on track. Especially in a British supercar.
Every track has a noise limit, it's not exactly low, usually around 99-103 dB(a) static, but still a number of cars will fail.
Thruxton is particularly low at 90 dBa.
Some tracks like Donington use drive by limits instead, Bedford uses both because the downwind residents are heartily sick of the noise.
I used to find with my TVR that I was very close to the static limit of 101, but never failed the drive by at 87.5.
The static test is taken at 45 degrees, one metre up and out from the exhaust tail pipe, and at 3/4 max revs, which I imagine will be quite an interesting noise on your car.
Oh bugger! 112Db.... how strict are they? Funny I always thought they sound crap compared a nice V12!If you are over the track limit you will not be allowed on track, and you won't get a refund either because you have stopped them selling the space to someone else.
You can either get a noise meter (there are some phone apps for this) or call the nearest track to you and ask them to check your car prior to booking.
They are usually happy to do so at a mutually convenient time (like on a track day when they are there anyway), as they are all enthusiasts and want to see you on track. Especially in a British supercar.
Every track has a noise limit, it's not exactly low, usually around 99-103 dB(a) static, but still a number of cars will fail.
Thruxton is particularly low at 90 dBa.
Some tracks like Donington use drive by limits instead, Bedford uses both because the downwind residents are heartily sick of the noise.
I used to find with my TVR that I was very close to the static limit of 101, but never failed the drive by at 87.5.
The static test is taken at 45 degrees, one metre up and out from the exhaust tail pipe, and at 3/4 max revs, which I imagine will be quite an interesting noise on your car.
Jimjimhim said:
My advice would be to go on a track day with your owners club (join one if you haven't already), that way you've all got similar cars with similar performance. Those track days tend to be run better and everyone is in the same boat, especially if they run a novice day.
This ^^ , plus RMA would be good.. I think McClaren run their own customer track events too, quite expensive but they'll do weekends away in places like spa and bring a load of race drivers along for tuition.
I live near Snetterton and have done literally 1000’s of laps in a variety of cars. In general it’s a decent choice for a low(er) risk track day due to to run off available at almost every corner.
However… despite the two very long straights a fast road car will still get absolutely eaten up by almost any race car and there will be a fair few of them on anything other than a novice day.
Racers as a rule are pretty decent drivers but they will be comfortable being very close to other cars in a way road car drivers will not be and quite often flex the rules about overtaking in braking zones (theirs will be half the size of yours if they are on slicks). They will also carry vastly more corner speed partly down to grip and partly down to skill which means that despite pretty significant HP deficits they will be fast down the straights too.
The flip side is on novice only days the driving skill level will be lower on average and car to car contact or visits to the grass can happen when someone else loses it or does something unpredictable as a result of inexperience.
On balance I’d rather be on track with racers, but then I’m comfortable with their behaviour as I race myself.
However… despite the two very long straights a fast road car will still get absolutely eaten up by almost any race car and there will be a fair few of them on anything other than a novice day.
Racers as a rule are pretty decent drivers but they will be comfortable being very close to other cars in a way road car drivers will not be and quite often flex the rules about overtaking in braking zones (theirs will be half the size of yours if they are on slicks). They will also carry vastly more corner speed partly down to grip and partly down to skill which means that despite pretty significant HP deficits they will be fast down the straights too.
The flip side is on novice only days the driving skill level will be lower on average and car to car contact or visits to the grass can happen when someone else loses it or does something unpredictable as a result of inexperience.
On balance I’d rather be on track with racers, but then I’m comfortable with their behaviour as I race myself.
Stick with the more expensive trackday operator and have someone in the passenger seat all day whether its tuition or just watching out for faster cars. You will be concentrating on what's going on in front. Owners club is a good shout. Having done all sorts of formats, I wouldn't advise going near a novice day in your car.
Snetterton is a great circuit, was there in March with Goldtrack. Your car suits the larger circuits with plenty of runoff, a group of us do the double header at Spa in October.
Snetterton is a great circuit, was there in March with Goldtrack. Your car suits the larger circuits with plenty of runoff, a group of us do the double header at Spa in October.
AndrewO said:
and have someone in the passenger seat all day whether its tuition or just watching out for faster cars. You will be concentrating on what's going on in front.
/\ This.When my son started doing track days I would be in the passenger seat with my eye on the mirror,
telling him when to pull over to let someone pass, and more importantly, when he could re-take the racing line just in case in was not just one car that had just passed him but another was close behind the first.
I'm a bit biased as I've only done trackdays at Goodwood. I was a total novice in Feb 23 but did 4 trackdays last year, all without coming anywhere near to an incident with another car. I've observed/watched/drank coffee at about 10 other Goodwood trackdays.
I see the OP is based in Southampton - why not come to Goodwood even just to watch a trackday? Free entry, access all areas and great coffee from the Aeroclub!
From what I can gather, the driving standards / track etiquette are high. They don't allow any showboating, unnecessary drifting and poor driving, in general - they're not shy of showing drivers a black flag and inviting them for an informal chat...
An hour or a 3 hour session with a Goodwood instructor will probably be the best money you've ever spent on an 'automotive' purchase.
Last year there was a 720s on a number of occasions, top bloke too!
With regards to run off or lack of. I think this largely depends on your approach to risks:
1. Are you the sort of person that goes 'full send', makes a hash of it but then gradually winds it down to the right level?
2. Are you the sort of person that likes to makes gradual increments, improving overall skill and performance as you get more experience?
Goodwood will punish type 1 drivers but will be hugely rewarding for type 2 drivers.
I see the OP is based in Southampton - why not come to Goodwood even just to watch a trackday? Free entry, access all areas and great coffee from the Aeroclub!
From what I can gather, the driving standards / track etiquette are high. They don't allow any showboating, unnecessary drifting and poor driving, in general - they're not shy of showing drivers a black flag and inviting them for an informal chat...
An hour or a 3 hour session with a Goodwood instructor will probably be the best money you've ever spent on an 'automotive' purchase.
Last year there was a 720s on a number of occasions, top bloke too!
With regards to run off or lack of. I think this largely depends on your approach to risks:
1. Are you the sort of person that goes 'full send', makes a hash of it but then gradually winds it down to the right level?
2. Are you the sort of person that likes to makes gradual increments, improving overall skill and performance as you get more experience?
Goodwood will punish type 1 drivers but will be hugely rewarding for type 2 drivers.
OP did say they would be cautious, as Goodwood is very beautiful and well run, it may be a good suggestion for a nice day out.
However, if they’re likely to give it more than eight tenths & live in the south, I’d pick Silverstone, Bedford and even Thruxton over Goodwood.
Personally, I love Goodwood, but wouldn’t dare take my Caterham there, but, am tempted to take my road sports car.
However, if they’re likely to give it more than eight tenths & live in the south, I’d pick Silverstone, Bedford and even Thruxton over Goodwood.
Personally, I love Goodwood, but wouldn’t dare take my Caterham there, but, am tempted to take my road sports car.
MMarkM said:
thanks all, some really good points! first track day will be an owners club day. I'm then exploring options with instructors in different quieter environments at Silverstone!
Don't discount Bedford though. It's a bit flat and featureless, but very safe with lots of runoff (unlike Goodwood).740EVTORQUES said:
MMarkM said:
thanks all, some really good points! first track day will be an owners club day. I'm then exploring options with instructors in different quieter environments at Silverstone!
Don't discount Bedford though. It's a bit flat and featureless, but very safe with lots of runoff (unlike Goodwood).It can take the numbers, more to the point, so you won't spend much if any time at the pit exit waiting to be released.
I have had that issue at Castle Combe (they restrict numbers on rack), Hethel, Angelsey, Mallory Park, Blyton to name a few, and I believe they restrict numbers on track at Goodwood too.
the thing that irks me about Bedford is if you get a corner wrong you've got to do 17 more until you get to it again! Also turn16 (the right hander with the cones that crosses the other layouts) is the most annoying corner on the circuit by a long distance means that i'm always guarenteed to be unhappu with a lap!
My 2p
Noise limits will dictate the circuits/options open to you. Your 112 Db limit seems very high, & will be over a lot of circuit limits.
Go for a McLaren owners club day, similar cars & owners with respect for them.
Avoid Novice or Regular track days whilst you're still getting used to the car - I've had a Radical on a Regular TD, & it was like the Starship Enterprise coming up behind at warp speed. Great to see, but constant thinking - 'where was it now'. Novice & other regular TD cars have their own 'peculiarities' as others have said.
Watch videos by instructors on driving chosen circuit layout - Constant checking unfamiliar track lines, & faster cars coming up behind, can slow you a lot more than you think.
Get tuition. This is probably the single most important thing. Do McLaren have their own mini circuit at Woking you could try (like Porsche do at Silverstone)?
Your standard road insurance policy may not cover track days (although some do, with large XS). However, independent companies like Morris do provide cover). Also - Note that the usual roadside breakdown companies like AA/RAC etc do NOT recover from circuits any more (although independent cover can be available). If McLaren have their own nationwide cover/incl car club cover, then better for you anyway,
Review carefully your crash helmet & any Hans equipment & TD clothing you plan to buy. (& you can still fit, if you've not done so already).
Ask McLaren owners club about TD info, especially brakes & tyre wear. Years ago, an SL 'Black' at Goodwood got through various brake pads & set of discs in one day, owner said it'd cost him £8k! He did though have his own mechanic who came out & replaced it, & your car will be a lot lighter, so wear should be far less. McLaren owners do TDs with no issues, but just something to consider.
I'd suggest from your location, that before you start, you have tuition guided days at either Thruxton or Goodwood, using their cars (Alpine 110 & BMW I think), or Bedford. This will both minimise your risk, & get used to yours & others cars travelling, closing speeds, cornering & braking at far higher speeds than you're used to (700BHP is huge!). The bug may bite you completely, or you may even find it's not as exciting as hoped. I found lower powered but lighter cars for me better than higher power & heavier cars, they just 'flowed' better. With your McLaren, hopefully you'll have the best of both worlds.
You could try booking an 'Supercar Experience Day' using a car similar to/same as yours, where they let you push it (Thruxton did years ago - check current reviews), it will give you a LOT of info & feedback on what yours will be like, before you commit to getting it on track.
Goodwood is a fun circuit, but short run offs. Thruxton & Bedford run offs generally a lot larger, but do research.
Hope you find something that suits you, have a great time & you let us know how you get on!
Noise limits will dictate the circuits/options open to you. Your 112 Db limit seems very high, & will be over a lot of circuit limits.
Go for a McLaren owners club day, similar cars & owners with respect for them.
Avoid Novice or Regular track days whilst you're still getting used to the car - I've had a Radical on a Regular TD, & it was like the Starship Enterprise coming up behind at warp speed. Great to see, but constant thinking - 'where was it now'. Novice & other regular TD cars have their own 'peculiarities' as others have said.
Watch videos by instructors on driving chosen circuit layout - Constant checking unfamiliar track lines, & faster cars coming up behind, can slow you a lot more than you think.
Get tuition. This is probably the single most important thing. Do McLaren have their own mini circuit at Woking you could try (like Porsche do at Silverstone)?
Your standard road insurance policy may not cover track days (although some do, with large XS). However, independent companies like Morris do provide cover). Also - Note that the usual roadside breakdown companies like AA/RAC etc do NOT recover from circuits any more (although independent cover can be available). If McLaren have their own nationwide cover/incl car club cover, then better for you anyway,
Review carefully your crash helmet & any Hans equipment & TD clothing you plan to buy. (& you can still fit, if you've not done so already).
Ask McLaren owners club about TD info, especially brakes & tyre wear. Years ago, an SL 'Black' at Goodwood got through various brake pads & set of discs in one day, owner said it'd cost him £8k! He did though have his own mechanic who came out & replaced it, & your car will be a lot lighter, so wear should be far less. McLaren owners do TDs with no issues, but just something to consider.
I'd suggest from your location, that before you start, you have tuition guided days at either Thruxton or Goodwood, using their cars (Alpine 110 & BMW I think), or Bedford. This will both minimise your risk, & get used to yours & others cars travelling, closing speeds, cornering & braking at far higher speeds than you're used to (700BHP is huge!). The bug may bite you completely, or you may even find it's not as exciting as hoped. I found lower powered but lighter cars for me better than higher power & heavier cars, they just 'flowed' better. With your McLaren, hopefully you'll have the best of both worlds.
You could try booking an 'Supercar Experience Day' using a car similar to/same as yours, where they let you push it (Thruxton did years ago - check current reviews), it will give you a LOT of info & feedback on what yours will be like, before you commit to getting it on track.
Goodwood is a fun circuit, but short run offs. Thruxton & Bedford run offs generally a lot larger, but do research.
Hope you find something that suits you, have a great time & you let us know how you get on!
TrotCanterGallopCharge said:
I'd suggest from your location, that before you start, you have tuition guided days at either Thruxton or Goodwood, using their cars (Alpine 110 & BMW I think), or Bedford.
TrotCanterGallopCharge said:
You could try booking an 'Supercar Experience Day' using a car similar to/same as yours, where they let you push it (Thruxton did years ago - check current reviews), it will give you a LOT of info & feedback on what yours will be like, before you commit to getting it on track.
I was thinking the same. Might be worth getting some track time with an instructor in something other than your own supercar. Get used to the environment, and learn how to deal with other cars all running at different speeds (some faster, some slower). You'll probably get a lot more out of it when you finally get the McLaren on track if you are already comfortable with being on a trackday.Once again, I'd get your exhaust volume checked properly . I'd be VERY surprised if a road going McLaren 720s was 112dB, that's ridiculously loud. You can't go by iPhone apps, you need a proper sound level meter. You can pop along to any track on a track day even if you're not booked and they should do that for you.
(My straight piped track car is 'only' 105dB)
(My straight piped track car is 'only' 105dB)
OP, I highly recommend looking at joining the Lotus-on-Track track day 'club'. It is open to 2-seater sports cars and Lotuses so McLarens are regular attendees. Driving standards are ALWAYS high and courteous, prices are good and numbers are kept reasonable. Novices are common. I'm a heathen in a 911 but I'm allowed in as I have the membership from owning an Elise years ago.
They always have one or two instructors on hand too.
https://www.lotus-on-track.com/
Pop over to Goodwood one morning when a track day is on. Join the queue for the noise test and they'll be happy to give you a reading even though you're not participating in the day.
They always have one or two instructors on hand too.
https://www.lotus-on-track.com/
Pop over to Goodwood one morning when a track day is on. Join the queue for the noise test and they'll be happy to give you a reading even though you're not participating in the day.
A possible tangent.
If there’s a possibility you’ll want to do multiple track days, you may want to consider finding your own instructor or driver coach. Where the relationship is very different to an instructor assigned through a track day.
I got a coach after doing tens of track days, a few of which with an instructor, and wish I’d done so a little earlier.
You can find a list through MSU or ARDS. I’ve had a few days with Darren Burke (a.k.a. the Caterham coach) who is brilliant, Nigel Greensall also comes highly recommended.
Only downside is there’s another diary to accommodate.
If there’s a possibility you’ll want to do multiple track days, you may want to consider finding your own instructor or driver coach. Where the relationship is very different to an instructor assigned through a track day.
I got a coach after doing tens of track days, a few of which with an instructor, and wish I’d done so a little earlier.
You can find a list through MSU or ARDS. I’ve had a few days with Darren Burke (a.k.a. the Caterham coach) who is brilliant, Nigel Greensall also comes highly recommended.
Only downside is there’s another diary to accommodate.
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