Track Day Newbie
Discussion
Hello. First of all just like to say I'm new to the forums and came here because it seems like the best forum where I can get my track day questions answered.
I am completely new to track days. I have competed many times in go karting both normal and shifter karts and have enjoyed it so much that i want to try out racing on a track. I have heard of these so called "experience" days but from everything I have been told they are not worth the time or money.
I would like to build my own track day car and venture out to different tracks. I live about 30 minutes from Silverstone so would likely be my first track unless there is a much better track a beginner should start at.
So my first question is what track car should I go for? I'm not looking to compete in some serious championship. I'm looking for something that's going to be fun, be a bit nippy and have head room for some future modifications. Budget of around 1-2k for the car. Mods will come as I progress and get better experience.
I understand each track has different rule sets but do I need a license of some form just to race on track days or is that for tournaments and so forth.
What mods would be the first purchase I make? I get this depends on the vehicle choice but what's most important for those better lap times?
I hope you guys can answer my questions so that I can start getting into my new hobby.
Thanks
Ryan
I am completely new to track days. I have competed many times in go karting both normal and shifter karts and have enjoyed it so much that i want to try out racing on a track. I have heard of these so called "experience" days but from everything I have been told they are not worth the time or money.
I would like to build my own track day car and venture out to different tracks. I live about 30 minutes from Silverstone so would likely be my first track unless there is a much better track a beginner should start at.
So my first question is what track car should I go for? I'm not looking to compete in some serious championship. I'm looking for something that's going to be fun, be a bit nippy and have head room for some future modifications. Budget of around 1-2k for the car. Mods will come as I progress and get better experience.
I understand each track has different rule sets but do I need a license of some form just to race on track days or is that for tournaments and so forth.
What mods would be the first purchase I make? I get this depends on the vehicle choice but what's most important for those better lap times?
I hope you guys can answer my questions so that I can start getting into my new hobby.
Thanks
Ryan
As above if wanting rear wheel drive hard to better an mx5 at that budget or mk3 mr2 maybe. If don't mind front wheel drive clio 172 or 182. Also agree start at Bedford autodrome as cheaper and more run off than silverstone. Wouldn't need more than good brake pads and fluid up grade to start with.
Welcome, I’m also 30 minutes away from Silverstone in Northampton, it’s a great circuit but one I built up to, partly because of lack of experience, lack of development on my car when I started and also the cost. Silverstone is an active GP circuit and commands a premium, for a learner to tackle it first outing would likely mean you don’t get the best from it and you are hustled out of the way by faster machinery and race teams testing there, it’s quite unforgiving.
As mentioned previously, Bedford is a great track to start with, it’s fast, well run, safe and easy to access, chucking a stock car on there and learning it’s limitations is perfectly fine, no major mods needed other than ensuring it’s toad worthy, starts, stops and doesn’t leak anything. I took the car I was planning to convert into a track weapon completely stock first to see if it had potential or if it was a dud, for me it worked and I took it from there.
For cheap fwd, clios, civics, meganes and focuses, Fabian VRS and golfs are available, cheap rwd is covered by things like 3 series, mx5, boxsters, awd are things like scoobys, TTs, etc
Some have more parts readily available than others due to being more common, but,
Don’t let that put you off, play with whatever you like, I’ve seen Big old jags, 5 series bmws, skoda Yeti’s and astra vans tearing it up, everyone seems to have fun though, there’s no right or wrong car, just personal preference
As mentioned previously, Bedford is a great track to start with, it’s fast, well run, safe and easy to access, chucking a stock car on there and learning it’s limitations is perfectly fine, no major mods needed other than ensuring it’s toad worthy, starts, stops and doesn’t leak anything. I took the car I was planning to convert into a track weapon completely stock first to see if it had potential or if it was a dud, for me it worked and I took it from there.
For cheap fwd, clios, civics, meganes and focuses, Fabian VRS and golfs are available, cheap rwd is covered by things like 3 series, mx5, boxsters, awd are things like scoobys, TTs, etc
Some have more parts readily available than others due to being more common, but,
Don’t let that put you off, play with whatever you like, I’ve seen Big old jags, 5 series bmws, skoda Yeti’s and astra vans tearing it up, everyone seems to have fun though, there’s no right or wrong car, just personal preference
Just for balance, Bedford is not the perfect venue that many seem to be suggesting, it teaches novices very little about good track driving practice and can forgive or even encourage bad habits that may well cause problems when applied at an actual race track.
If you are considering Silverstone don't forget that it is also run in smaller configurations that are shorter, easier to learn and typically cheaper, well worth trying out.
If you are considering Silverstone don't forget that it is also run in smaller configurations that are shorter, easier to learn and typically cheaper, well worth trying out.
Steve H said:
Just for balance, Bedford is not the perfect venue that many seem to be suggesting, it teaches novices very little about good track driving practice and can forgive or even encourage bad habits that may well cause problems when applied at an actual race track.
If you are considering Silverstone don't forget that it is also run in smaller configurations that are shorter, easier to learn and typically cheaper, well worth trying out.
Agreed but my first two track days have been here and it is a great place to start (esp with a stock car). I was properly nervous first time out but feel more confident to try other venues now. If you are considering Silverstone don't forget that it is also run in smaller configurations that are shorter, easier to learn and typically cheaper, well worth trying out.
track car : the usual fwd whips ,clio's fezza st's and civics have lots of upgrades if you're looking to develop a car with yourself, this also means there's loads of parts 2nd hand as well.
Same can be said rwd-wise of mx5's.
msvr do novice days on their circuits if you want less pressure and theres a "track time" facebook group that's pretty good for trackdays and the scene.
Same can be said rwd-wise of mx5's.
msvr do novice days on their circuits if you want less pressure and theres a "track time" facebook group that's pretty good for trackdays and the scene.
I've not long bought a manual 325 Compact with a friend as a track toy for occasional use (just under £1k to buy plus servicing etc,) as an example although a friend has an MR2 roadster as an alternative (shortly to be sold BTW due to lack of garage space 
). It depends whether you want to enjoy your car at weekends as well, in which case a drop top such as an MR2 or MX5 would be more viable. It might be worth spectating at a track day to see what people are driving & to have a chat with them about ownership etc.
). It depends whether you want to enjoy your car at weekends as well, in which case a drop top such as an MR2 or MX5 would be more viable. It might be worth spectating at a track day to see what people are driving & to have a chat with them about ownership etc.If you’ve competed in karts and have driven a shifter kart you’ll already be way ahead of most trackday novices and I bet you’ll feel quite comfortable right away. Bedford has been my choice to start with a new car because it is more forgiving than most (apart from on the brakes!) which is good as you are learning the handling limits and characteristics.
For your budget I would go with a Clio or Meganne, there’s a lot out there that can be bought that are already track ready and parts seem widely available.
For your budget I would go with a Clio or Meganne, there’s a lot out there that can be bought that are already track ready and parts seem widely available.
Cupra Black said:
Agreed but my first two track days have been here and it is a great place to start (esp with a stock car). I was properly nervous first time out but feel more confident to try other venues now.
Being more confident and being more capable aren't necessarily the same thing .My first trackday was at Cadwell Park, everyone should have to do it my way
.like others - mx5 is a good starter. tons of mods out there for it too so sky seems to be the limit. Plenty of owners at events to find out how they'd do it from the ground up.
Lotus Elise could be another option but no idea how much they are.
Brakes, fluid & tyres gonna be first on any car you choose. best bet would proabablly to choose your car then go jump on the car specific owner forums - no doubt there's a trackday thread so you can see where the weakspots are.
i'm based in the Midlands and am using abingdon airfield as my testing grounds - plenty of room for recovery & mistakes to know what needs improving, also airfields seem to be the cheapest events around meaning more money getting the car upto scratch than wasting it at half day expensive circuits when you've overlooked/overcooked something and end up going home midday.
i'm of the same opinion with experience days. cost seems silly for the laps you do. other half enjoys them but i find them way over booked and over priced. ateotd, i guess it depends how much you enjoy it at the track and if you can afford to dump the required money into your own car to get it upto spec & maintained there.
Lotus Elise could be another option but no idea how much they are.
Brakes, fluid & tyres gonna be first on any car you choose. best bet would proabablly to choose your car then go jump on the car specific owner forums - no doubt there's a trackday thread so you can see where the weakspots are.
i'm based in the Midlands and am using abingdon airfield as my testing grounds - plenty of room for recovery & mistakes to know what needs improving, also airfields seem to be the cheapest events around meaning more money getting the car upto scratch than wasting it at half day expensive circuits when you've overlooked/overcooked something and end up going home midday.
i'm of the same opinion with experience days. cost seems silly for the laps you do. other half enjoys them but i find them way over booked and over priced. ateotd, i guess it depends how much you enjoy it at the track and if you can afford to dump the required money into your own car to get it upto spec & maintained there.
Edited by veehexx on Friday 1st March 19:14
Thanks everyone for your quick and informative replies. I would have replied sooner but the forum was rejecting replies from new members for some weird reason.
Anyway the two vehicles that fit the price budget are either the MX5 or ST150. I understand the ST150 is fitted with a 2.0 power plant no other choice yet the MX5 has a fair range of engine size so what engine size is the better for the MX5 and more importantly what generation?
The MX5 is notably a convertible. Well most of the cheaper ones have soft top roofs I can see. Would it be wise to remove this on track days cause surely a convertible roof weighs a fair amount?
The track in Bedford looks quite good from viewing the website and watching a couple of track day runs on YouTube. I would most likely go there for my first few goes. Just to get in the swing of things.
Again thanks for the help and future help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ryan
Anyway the two vehicles that fit the price budget are either the MX5 or ST150. I understand the ST150 is fitted with a 2.0 power plant no other choice yet the MX5 has a fair range of engine size so what engine size is the better for the MX5 and more importantly what generation?
The MX5 is notably a convertible. Well most of the cheaper ones have soft top roofs I can see. Would it be wise to remove this on track days cause surely a convertible roof weighs a fair amount?
The track in Bedford looks quite good from viewing the website and watching a couple of track day runs on YouTube. I would most likely go there for my first few goes. Just to get in the swing of things.
Again thanks for the help and future help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Ryan
ryansturgess95 said:
Hello. First of all just like to say I'm new to the forums and came here because it seems like the best forum where I can get my track day questions answered.
I am completely new to track days. I have competed many times in go karting both normal and shifter karts and have enjoyed it so much that i want to try out racing on a track. I have heard of these so called "experience" days but from everything I have been told they are not worth the time or money.
I would like to build my own track day car and venture out to different tracks. I live about 30 minutes from Silverstone so would likely be my first track unless there is a much better track a beginner should start at.
So my first question is what track car should I go for? I'm not looking to compete in some serious championship. I'm looking for something that's going to be fun, be a bit nippy and have head room for some future modifications. Budget of around 1-2k for the car. Mods will come as I progress and get better experience.
I understand each track has different rule sets but do I need a license of some form just to race on track days or is that for tournaments and so forth.
What mods would be the first purchase I make? I get this depends on the vehicle choice but what's most important for those better lap times?
I hope you guys can answer my questions so that I can start getting into my new hobby.
Thanks
Ryan
1. Silverstone - if you book onto Silverstone's own track days they run a tight ship and have standard 'only overtake on the left' and keep things safe. Silverstone is one of the safest circuits in the UK due to massive run-off areas so don't be put off using as first venue.I am completely new to track days. I have competed many times in go karting both normal and shifter karts and have enjoyed it so much that i want to try out racing on a track. I have heard of these so called "experience" days but from everything I have been told they are not worth the time or money.
I would like to build my own track day car and venture out to different tracks. I live about 30 minutes from Silverstone so would likely be my first track unless there is a much better track a beginner should start at.
So my first question is what track car should I go for? I'm not looking to compete in some serious championship. I'm looking for something that's going to be fun, be a bit nippy and have head room for some future modifications. Budget of around 1-2k for the car. Mods will come as I progress and get better experience.
I understand each track has different rule sets but do I need a license of some form just to race on track days or is that for tournaments and so forth.
What mods would be the first purchase I make? I get this depends on the vehicle choice but what's most important for those better lap times?
I hope you guys can answer my questions so that I can start getting into my new hobby.
Thanks
Ryan
2. Mods - Only mod you need is your brain, pay for *proper* tuiton, not just 30 minute crap trackday sessions - find a proper instructor (a real pro driver for pref)
I did my first track day at Bedford. Great for beginners as it has long run offs just in case you spin off.
An mx5 is the ideal track car, strong engines and a fairly simple car.
Try get the mark 2 and the "s" version (sport) as it will get lower factory suspension with LSD i think.
Love the mark 1 though, quite hard to find out with no rust these days.
An mx5 is the ideal track car, strong engines and a fairly simple car.
Try get the mark 2 and the "s" version (sport) as it will get lower factory suspension with LSD i think.
Love the mark 1 though, quite hard to find out with no rust these days.
I’d suggest looking at Opentracks website, they are trackday organisers and their days are well organised and relaxed but a big plus for someone starting out is that tuition is included and an instructor will access your level and give you appropriate pointers.
I’d say Silverstone isn’t a good place to start, it feels huge and a bit intimidating in a small car but somewhere like Snetterton is better, there’s a good mix of corners and it’s satisfying to feel yourself improving there.
As far as car prep goes I’d say just make sure you’ve got decent brake fluid and pads in the car, check the oil level is where it should be and your tyres are safe.
If you just fancy a toe in the water type experience try an evening session on track, you’ll get a couple of hours on track, it’s not too expensive and won’t push your car as much a full day would.
I’d say Silverstone isn’t a good place to start, it feels huge and a bit intimidating in a small car but somewhere like Snetterton is better, there’s a good mix of corners and it’s satisfying to feel yourself improving there.
As far as car prep goes I’d say just make sure you’ve got decent brake fluid and pads in the car, check the oil level is where it should be and your tyres are safe.
If you just fancy a toe in the water type experience try an evening session on track, you’ll get a couple of hours on track, it’s not too expensive and won’t push your car as much a full day would.
Steve H said:
Just for balance, Bedford is not the perfect venue that many seem to be suggesting, it teaches novices very little about good track driving practice and can forgive or even encourage bad habits that may well cause problems when applied at an actual race track.
If you are considering Silverstone don't forget that it is also run in smaller configurations that are shorter, easier to learn and typically cheaper, well worth trying out.
Genuinely curious as a Bedford semi regular novice myself: what sort of bad habits do you think it might encourage?If you are considering Silverstone don't forget that it is also run in smaller configurations that are shorter, easier to learn and typically cheaper, well worth trying out.
Bedford is excessively wide and many of the corners are ill defined. It's easy for a less experienced driver to take a number of different lines in many places with no clear feeling as to which one works or why one is better than another.
My experience is that many novices find it too long to really learn properly which again stops them from getting the details right or learning much about their car and how to drive it.
The experience that a lot of drivers gain there gives confidence rather than understanding and can create habits that cause difficulties when they progress to race tracks proper race tracks.
I mourn the passing of Rockingham which was such a great drivers track and excellent to train on and only a few miles up the road from Bedford.
My experience is that many novices find it too long to really learn properly which again stops them from getting the details right or learning much about their car and how to drive it.
The experience that a lot of drivers gain there gives confidence rather than understanding and can create habits that cause difficulties when they progress to race tracks proper race tracks.
I mourn the passing of Rockingham which was such a great drivers track and excellent to train on and only a few miles up the road from Bedford.
Hello all. I am happy to say I have just purchased a MK2 MX5 1.8i. I was hunting for the sport but sadly the only one I found was rusted to hell. I will post pictures when it arrives.
Now I have my weapon of choice what should my next steps be? I have read about brakes and a full service.
Brakes I can see have a huge choice to go for. There is even a brake pad company I found who have different colours for different applications. Which pads would you recommend and also discs. Vented hole discs or standard?
Thanks Guys
Ryan
Now I have my weapon of choice what should my next steps be? I have read about brakes and a full service.
Brakes I can see have a huge choice to go for. There is even a brake pad company I found who have different colours for different applications. Which pads would you recommend and also discs. Vented hole discs or standard?
Thanks Guys
Ryan
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