Getting into track days
Discussion
Afternoon all
(Apologies it's a bit of a long one, but it's my first time over this way)
I've been thinking more about starting to do track days - up until now had a general lack of awareness, time, money etc.
I did a "family tour" (3 laps behind safety car) of brands GP in January with the kids, which was great fun, and make the whole track thing quite accessible (though it was obviously nothing like a track day - more a toe in the water)
I've now spotted an upcoming day at Bedford in late February for £130 ish including "unlimited" tuition.
I'm not entirely sure of the purpose of this post: I guess by writing it, I start to make it a bit more real. And it might be a chance for people with more experience to point out if I've got something majorly wrong.
My BMW E61 525i (manual) is by no means a track car, but I'm assuming it won't be awful. Better than wife's chevy Cruze vdti at least. I'm thinking I'll need a plan around tyres (maybe a cheap eBay set of wheels to use out on track so my newish cross climates can see out their expected useful life)
There's no way I can justify a track focused / 3rd car for one day - after all i might hate track days!
Is hiring a car for a track day "a thing"? (I mean from track organisers - not from Hertz etc!)
Hiring would probably quickly get expensive as buying a third car if I were to do days more regularly I imagine - but that's a bridge that can be crossed later I guess.
I read a good driver can hustle something cheap and cheerful round a track and embarrass more expensive metal. Frankly: I am not going to be a good track driver on day 1, and I suspect a bad driver in something cheap and cheerful is going to be painful to be around.
So ultimately
- I can get there back, and have a helmet
- can afford the day /petrol / some cheap tyres
My concern is
- being completely out of my depth
- spending the day on the left being overtaken, and pissing everyone else off
- taking years off the life of my family wagon (worth about £4k tops though so not exactly end of the world)
There's also the family dynamic in that I'd be ploughing money into a hobby only I enjoy. But everyone has different circumstances, so that's something only I can deal with to be fair.
Finally of course, I won't know if I don't try. Maybe I'm over thinking it? and should just accept people take all sorts of cars on a track all the time (do they?). Everyone had a first time etc
Any thoughts or advice would be welcome.
Ian
(Apologies it's a bit of a long one, but it's my first time over this way)
I've been thinking more about starting to do track days - up until now had a general lack of awareness, time, money etc.
I did a "family tour" (3 laps behind safety car) of brands GP in January with the kids, which was great fun, and make the whole track thing quite accessible (though it was obviously nothing like a track day - more a toe in the water)
I've now spotted an upcoming day at Bedford in late February for £130 ish including "unlimited" tuition.
I'm not entirely sure of the purpose of this post: I guess by writing it, I start to make it a bit more real. And it might be a chance for people with more experience to point out if I've got something majorly wrong.
My BMW E61 525i (manual) is by no means a track car, but I'm assuming it won't be awful. Better than wife's chevy Cruze vdti at least. I'm thinking I'll need a plan around tyres (maybe a cheap eBay set of wheels to use out on track so my newish cross climates can see out their expected useful life)
There's no way I can justify a track focused / 3rd car for one day - after all i might hate track days!
Is hiring a car for a track day "a thing"? (I mean from track organisers - not from Hertz etc!)
Hiring would probably quickly get expensive as buying a third car if I were to do days more regularly I imagine - but that's a bridge that can be crossed later I guess.
I read a good driver can hustle something cheap and cheerful round a track and embarrass more expensive metal. Frankly: I am not going to be a good track driver on day 1, and I suspect a bad driver in something cheap and cheerful is going to be painful to be around.
So ultimately
- I can get there back, and have a helmet
- can afford the day /petrol / some cheap tyres
My concern is
- being completely out of my depth
- spending the day on the left being overtaken, and pissing everyone else off
- taking years off the life of my family wagon (worth about £4k tops though so not exactly end of the world)
There's also the family dynamic in that I'd be ploughing money into a hobby only I enjoy. But everyone has different circumstances, so that's something only I can deal with to be fair.
Finally of course, I won't know if I don't try. Maybe I'm over thinking it? and should just accept people take all sorts of cars on a track all the time (do they?). Everyone had a first time etc
Any thoughts or advice would be welcome.
Ian
Everyone has their first time on track. Don’t worry you won’t be pissing people off, the fact you’re actually considering others means you’ll be just fine! Most people are very friendly and understanding….. we’re all there to have fun!
Car hire is possible but expensive and if you’re not sure you’ll like it then give it a go as cheaply as possible.
A few track day companies now offer days for novices which would probably be perfect for you
Car hire is possible but expensive and if you’re not sure you’ll like it then give it a go as cheaply as possible.
A few track day companies now offer days for novices which would probably be perfect for you
Book a track day, pootle around, try not to destroy your brakes, and then have a good old think afterwards. Then you’ve experienced it and will have a better idea of what you want to do differently in future.
Go as slow as you like- so long as you have situational awareness and allow others to pass, you’re unlikely to be the driver everybody’s complaining about in the paddock.
Go as slow as you like- so long as you have situational awareness and allow others to pass, you’re unlikely to be the driver everybody’s complaining about in the paddock.
My mates in the same boat as you OP so came with me to oulton park the other week as a passenger.
He had in his head a track full of race cars going 10x as fast and people crashing everywhere, he’s changed his mind now, very sensible driving by everyone and no crashes.
There will be the odd really fast car and some slow cars so I wouldn’t worry at all about your possible pace etc, if someone comes up behind flick the indicator on and they will pass easily, and the same should happen if you catch someone.
As for car wear if it’s your first time just take it fairly sensible, no need for max last minute braking etc. I use my daily car so obviously need it to drive home and to work the next day so I usually just do 20 min sessions and rarely am I right on the limit continuously.
My last track day had everything from Citroen c1 to Gt3 rs, it’s also a good day out just mooching round the paddock at the other cars and watching them out on track.
Just go for it you’ll love it but no doubt will get hooked and have another expensive hobby to keep up with!
He had in his head a track full of race cars going 10x as fast and people crashing everywhere, he’s changed his mind now, very sensible driving by everyone and no crashes.
There will be the odd really fast car and some slow cars so I wouldn’t worry at all about your possible pace etc, if someone comes up behind flick the indicator on and they will pass easily, and the same should happen if you catch someone.
As for car wear if it’s your first time just take it fairly sensible, no need for max last minute braking etc. I use my daily car so obviously need it to drive home and to work the next day so I usually just do 20 min sessions and rarely am I right on the limit continuously.
My last track day had everything from Citroen c1 to Gt3 rs, it’s also a good day out just mooching round the paddock at the other cars and watching them out on track.
Just go for it you’ll love it but no doubt will get hooked and have another expensive hobby to keep up with!
Edited by Glenn63 on Sunday 13th February 16:15
HustleRussell said:
Book a track day, pootle around, try not to destroy your brakes, and then have a good old think afterwards. Then you’ve experienced it and will have a better idea of what you want to do differently in future.
Go as slow as you like- so long as you have situational awareness and allow others to pass, you’re unlikely to be the driver everybody’s complaining about in the paddock.
Those are good points. Fact is, even fancy road cars are pretty hopeless on track unless someone's removed the suspension and replaced it with concrete. Road cars are so heavy you can destroy a set of brakes very quickly indeed while scrubbing the tyres within an inch of their life.Go as slow as you like- so long as you have situational awareness and allow others to pass, you’re unlikely to be the driver everybody’s complaining about in the paddock.
So as suggested, no point trying to overdo it. Take it at your own pace and watch out for drivers in stripped-out snotters who think they're Lewis Hamilton.
Ok, thanks everyone.
There's some really useful stuff there, which I'll mull over.
I'm pretty sure I'll be booking a day based on it though - however I need to float the idea with the Mrs, and make sure it lands ok though.
Think the day was a Thursday, do can get a day off work easily enough. But I will have a scan around for other alternatives - this was just a random Facebook thing
Cheers,
Ian
There's some really useful stuff there, which I'll mull over.
I'm pretty sure I'll be booking a day based on it though - however I need to float the idea with the Mrs, and make sure it lands ok though.
Think the day was a Thursday, do can get a day off work easily enough. But I will have a scan around for other alternatives - this was just a random Facebook thing
Cheers,
Ian
That's how I started 5 years ago (admittedly having few mates doing track days and joining car club made it easier and more interesting).
1. Book either a novice day (MSVT have few throughout the year) or Track Academy with MSVT.
Novice track days have fewer sessions (6 or 7 max for the full day, but that would be enough on your 1st track day).
In between they have classroom - like sessions for novices plus you can get 1 or 2 sessions with instructor. I did just that, with 2 instructor sessions (1 in the morning - my 1st one; 2nd i the afternoon).
Novice track days also dont allow drivers with racing licence and most regular track goers would not want to go for a sessioned day. The downside is that you have more novices so have to be aware whats others are doing and watch out.
Novice track days ate usually a bit cheaper.
All in all great way of check if you enjoy it.
Track Academy is a regular track day, but with a personal instructor for the entire date (and garage). Its more expensive, but certainly worth it as you have someone with you all the time and you get to learn quite a lot.
There is no pressure to do more sessions than you feel comfortable, but you'll be amazed how much you would progress in a day.
2. Book an "easy"/ "safe" circuit to start with.
Bedford is by far the safest (although its long and takes 1/2 day to learn), with virtually nothing to hit, and has a good combination if slow and fast corners. Certainly the one I would recommend for the 1st track day. Also cheaper and has fewer race cars testing.
Donington is also good. Brands Indy is awesome but short and a bit more technical- although for a novices its ok.
3. Go with mates or a car club.
It just makes it so much easier to have more experienced and friendly drivers around. You can also get passenger rides with them and learn by observing. Plus you also can get advice if you get any problems with the car.
4. Dont worry about the car much
As long as you (a) check fluids level; (b) make sure you get decent tyres/ enough thread; (c) car been serviced with no advisories (particularly brakes) you'll be fine as long as you kerp sessions to no longer than 15-20mins.
You will need to adjust tyre pressure (down and then back to normal when going home), check wheel nuts, but that should be it.
And most importantly take it easy and enjoy!
1. Book either a novice day (MSVT have few throughout the year) or Track Academy with MSVT.
Novice track days have fewer sessions (6 or 7 max for the full day, but that would be enough on your 1st track day).
In between they have classroom - like sessions for novices plus you can get 1 or 2 sessions with instructor. I did just that, with 2 instructor sessions (1 in the morning - my 1st one; 2nd i the afternoon).
Novice track days also dont allow drivers with racing licence and most regular track goers would not want to go for a sessioned day. The downside is that you have more novices so have to be aware whats others are doing and watch out.
Novice track days ate usually a bit cheaper.
All in all great way of check if you enjoy it.
Track Academy is a regular track day, but with a personal instructor for the entire date (and garage). Its more expensive, but certainly worth it as you have someone with you all the time and you get to learn quite a lot.
There is no pressure to do more sessions than you feel comfortable, but you'll be amazed how much you would progress in a day.
2. Book an "easy"/ "safe" circuit to start with.
Bedford is by far the safest (although its long and takes 1/2 day to learn), with virtually nothing to hit, and has a good combination if slow and fast corners. Certainly the one I would recommend for the 1st track day. Also cheaper and has fewer race cars testing.
Donington is also good. Brands Indy is awesome but short and a bit more technical- although for a novices its ok.
3. Go with mates or a car club.
It just makes it so much easier to have more experienced and friendly drivers around. You can also get passenger rides with them and learn by observing. Plus you also can get advice if you get any problems with the car.
4. Dont worry about the car much
As long as you (a) check fluids level; (b) make sure you get decent tyres/ enough thread; (c) car been serviced with no advisories (particularly brakes) you'll be fine as long as you kerp sessions to no longer than 15-20mins.
You will need to adjust tyre pressure (down and then back to normal when going home), check wheel nuts, but that should be it.
And most importantly take it easy and enjoy!
Hi there,
I'm near Gatwick actually, so Anglesey would be quite a stretch! I grew up 10 miles from Mallory park, but didn't know track days existed back then.
Brands is closest, but quite expensive vs Bedford. Goodwood also nearby, seems X4 as expensive?
Bedford is circa 2 hours away, and probably what I'll book with trackday obsession, as it comes with some tuition. Have a work thing that day, but might be able to duck out of it.
Lydden hill is closer still, and with one coming up this Saturday. But some suggest it might be a bit hairy first time out re: overtaking both sides. It has a novice session, which seems viewed as both a good and bad thing for driving behaviour.
One question: lydden sets out there will be 6 X 15 min sessions.
What sort of track time would be usual on an open pit day?
I am again probably over thinking this. I guess 90 mins of hard driving spread over the day will be enough for my car and I.
Thanks
Ian
I'm near Gatwick actually, so Anglesey would be quite a stretch! I grew up 10 miles from Mallory park, but didn't know track days existed back then.
Brands is closest, but quite expensive vs Bedford. Goodwood also nearby, seems X4 as expensive?
Bedford is circa 2 hours away, and probably what I'll book with trackday obsession, as it comes with some tuition. Have a work thing that day, but might be able to duck out of it.
Lydden hill is closer still, and with one coming up this Saturday. But some suggest it might be a bit hairy first time out re: overtaking both sides. It has a novice session, which seems viewed as both a good and bad thing for driving behaviour.
One question: lydden sets out there will be 6 X 15 min sessions.
What sort of track time would be usual on an open pit day?
I am again probably over thinking this. I guess 90 mins of hard driving spread over the day will be enough for my car and I.
Thanks
Ian
Allow me to offer the benefit of my vast experience...
I started doing track days last year. So far I've done two at Donington and two at Mallory. I have a 'spare' car, which I am turning bit-by-bit into either a 'stripped out snotter' or a track weapon, depending on your point of view. So not quite in the same boat as you, as I'm not worrying about spanking my daily driver round a track.
My first one was at Mallory, which is one of the cheaper venues. It's relatively short, but I would say no less fun for it. Naturally I started with first-day nerves, worried I was going to do something stupid and cause a crash. I didn't really know what to expect from the other drivers, but as others have said already, there really isn't much to worry about. There will be the odd idiot who overtakes when they really shouldn't and cuts you up, but fortunately they're few and far between. Most are just there for a bit of fun and are considerate. It doesn't take long to get into the swing of it and start enjoying yourself.
I've gone with Javelin and MSV as organisers. There isn't a great deal to choose between them, to be honest. The track is the same either way! I found there were more 'serious' types with race cars on trailers at Donington, whilst Mallory was a bit more 'cheap and cheerful' in the crowd it attracted. Lots of Caterham types, French hot hatches and a smattering of the weird and the wonderful. Car spotting in the paddock is actually a good fun part of the day.
With regard to car setup, you probably want to consider brake pads and fluid (normal fluid will boil if it gets too hot and you'll lose your brakes, but if you're not on maximum send then probably not an issue), and tyres. The heavier your car, the more it will eat brakes and tyres.
If you're considering it, get one booked and have a go. Sessions will be fine for your first go, especially in a road car. On an open pit lane, you can spend as much time on track as you and your car can take. Those are limits you probably don't want to find on your first go!
I'm very much enjoying my track day journey. It's huge fun, but isn't a cheap hobby. As long as you go into it with your eyes open, you'll have a great time.
I started doing track days last year. So far I've done two at Donington and two at Mallory. I have a 'spare' car, which I am turning bit-by-bit into either a 'stripped out snotter' or a track weapon, depending on your point of view. So not quite in the same boat as you, as I'm not worrying about spanking my daily driver round a track.
My first one was at Mallory, which is one of the cheaper venues. It's relatively short, but I would say no less fun for it. Naturally I started with first-day nerves, worried I was going to do something stupid and cause a crash. I didn't really know what to expect from the other drivers, but as others have said already, there really isn't much to worry about. There will be the odd idiot who overtakes when they really shouldn't and cuts you up, but fortunately they're few and far between. Most are just there for a bit of fun and are considerate. It doesn't take long to get into the swing of it and start enjoying yourself.
I've gone with Javelin and MSV as organisers. There isn't a great deal to choose between them, to be honest. The track is the same either way! I found there were more 'serious' types with race cars on trailers at Donington, whilst Mallory was a bit more 'cheap and cheerful' in the crowd it attracted. Lots of Caterham types, French hot hatches and a smattering of the weird and the wonderful. Car spotting in the paddock is actually a good fun part of the day.
With regard to car setup, you probably want to consider brake pads and fluid (normal fluid will boil if it gets too hot and you'll lose your brakes, but if you're not on maximum send then probably not an issue), and tyres. The heavier your car, the more it will eat brakes and tyres.
If you're considering it, get one booked and have a go. Sessions will be fine for your first go, especially in a road car. On an open pit lane, you can spend as much time on track as you and your car can take. Those are limits you probably don't want to find on your first go!
I'm very much enjoying my track day journey. It's huge fun, but isn't a cheap hobby. As long as you go into it with your eyes open, you'll have a great time.
My last track day open pit at oulton I reset the trip when I got there, if I remember rightly I had a total of about 1 hour 40 mins, 70 odd miles and about 10 mpg. Roughly 20 min sessions throughout the day left early about 15:30. But your free to spend as much or little time as you want on circuit.
I've found most track days crowds are very friendly so you could even go and spectate. Lots of owners clubs forums will have pages along the line of who is "going on which track day" which are useful to use to meet up. There are always plenty of MX5s, Clios and BMWs on any given track day so they are those forums would be a good place to start.
As for taking your own car on track, give it fresh engine and gearbox oil, brake fluid, coolant, and make sure the brake pads have a lot of life. With some enthusiasm and effort you could wear out a standard pair of pads in a day.
Don't worry about holding people up, there is always someone faster than you, just keep an eye on your mirror and move over if someone is behind you. It's not a race, so go at your own pace.
As for taking your own car on track, give it fresh engine and gearbox oil, brake fluid, coolant, and make sure the brake pads have a lot of life. With some enthusiasm and effort you could wear out a standard pair of pads in a day.
Don't worry about holding people up, there is always someone faster than you, just keep an eye on your mirror and move over if someone is behind you. It's not a race, so go at your own pace.
Few things regarding the car
- Do check it's been fully serviced, oil , coolant, brake fluid levels are at correct levels.
- If you've not had the brake fluid flushed in the last 2 years, have it done as it'll boil sooner the older it is. Would recommend getting it replaced witha good quality Dot 4 or 5.1, ATE TYP200 is a high temp dot 4.
- Check your Tyres both on wear level and pressures. It's worth taking a decent gauge and a pump with you to setup the pressures prior to going on circuit, usually have to drop the outside (typically left hand side) by 5-6psi and the insides by 2-3psi as heat will bring them back up to the correct pressure. Otherwise you'll have hot tyres over inflated and they'll wear unevenly and give you handling issues.
One more point. Track days in my own car are an utter blast. They're brilliant, among the most fun I've ever had. I've made new friends (which is harder than you'd think at my age) and had an awesome time. I'm not the fastest and never will be. But i do always have a great and exciting time.
I'm 18 and my first track day was Bedford in a Porsche Boxster PDK and my second track day was Castle Combe the other day in Boxster Race Car. Only done 2 track days so my advice may be useless. But from a new person perspective. Having an experienced person next to you is great, you can concentrate on driving with them giving you tuition and keeping an eye on quicker cars coming up behind.
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