What’s required for a beginner track day South Wales

[adam2896]

Does anyone have suggestions for a good beginner track day for myself so start?

Would just be myself attending, wanting to drive my own vehicle. I know of availability at Llandow Circuit but have been advised it hasn’t got much run off so would have to be particularly careful due to lack of experience etc.

Thanks

[LennyM1984]

Look for an airfield track day. There will be loads of run off and often the tracks they make (out of cones) are reasonably technical so you will be able to learn your lines, braking technique, and weight transfer without having to do silly speeds

[E-bmw]

I wouldn't worry about lack of run off, just take your time and learn at your own pace.

[Burgerbob]

E-bmw said:

I wouldn't worry about lack of run off, just take your time and learn at your own pace.

Fully agree. Don't over think it. Make sure your tyres and brake pads have plenty of life in them (50% + for the pads and 4mm + for the tyres would be my recommendation for first time on a track on a road car, if you get the bug you'll want to look at more specialised pads and tyres, but not for the first time) and make sure your car is running well, then go and have some fun.

It may be a bit daunting at first, so when booking the day book some tution and ask for it to be straight away after the sighting laps, this will help show you the lines, braking points etc and just relax you about being on track with faster more experienced drivers.

Then do another tuition session later in the day with the same instructor which can then build on what you've learned.

[Burgerbob]

adam2896 said:

Does anyone have suggestions for a good beginner track day for myself so start?

Would just be myself attending, wanting to drive my own vehicle. I know of availability at Llandow Circuit but have been advised it hasn’t got much run off so would have to be particularly careful due to lack of experience etc.

Thanks

Sorry, didn't answer your question ..

Close to home is always best. You'll be knackered so keeping the drive there and back as short as possible helps!

If Bedford is close then that is good. My first track was Oulton Park, not normally recommended for newbies but with tuition and taking your time then you'll be fine at most tracks

[MG CHRIS]

Unless Bedford has suddenly moved too south wales then no it won't be close to the op.

Just book llandow and have fun you should be more worried for tyre wear than touching the barrier Ive never seen anyone hitting the barrier there however have seen a few roll overs when people take to much speed going out the back of the track.

[Camoradi]

I would happily do Llandow as a first track day. Lots of grip even when wet, short track so speed differentials are not massive between fast and slower cars. Accept the point about short run offs but take it steady and you should be fine. I've done about 12 days there and the only real shunt I've seen was a BMW who was drifting and lost control half way down the back straight.

They always run a beginner group for two sessions in the morning before going open pit lane in the afternoon. I'm booked for 6th July so would be happy to show you all the wrong lines if that's the day you are considering

Kev

[C70R]

Bedford is worth the drive, if you can stomach it (maybe stay the night before locally).

It's a long track (in GT layout), with some quite challenging sequences of corners, and great surface.

It pushes your memory hard as a beginner, but the threshold of 'mastery' isn't hugely high.

Lack of cambers (it's completely flat) and loads of runoff make it ideal for a learner.

Having done 'airfield' tracks, I'd worry that there's too much else (obstacles, surfaces) to concentrate on for a newbie.