Really want to go on a track Day one day but...
Discussion
I really want to go on a track Day only problem is that I really don't want to ruin my car that I'm planning on buying some day my friend said you will mess up your paint and everything else doing track days.
I could daily my track car only problem is my buisness as a detailer depends on it and if it has scratches and everything on it it's not very reputable for it.
The reason why I want to go on a track Day is because I want to drive fast but can't risk getting points or losing my license as my life depends on it.
And also I would love to drive on a track love racing and motor sport I like to attend go kart racing so driving a car on the track looks so fun.
I could rent a track car but it's so expensive like £1,700 a day be better off having my own but don't have the space.
I could daily my track car only problem is my buisness as a detailer depends on it and if it has scratches and everything on it it's not very reputable for it.
The reason why I want to go on a track Day is because I want to drive fast but can't risk getting points or losing my license as my life depends on it.
And also I would love to drive on a track love racing and motor sport I like to attend go kart racing so driving a car on the track looks so fun.
I could rent a track car but it's so expensive like £1,700 a day be better off having my own but don't have the space.
I guess the thing to be cautious of is that things CAN happen (not necessarily WILL happen). So be prepared for the worst just in case.
I’ve had two track related problems, both rendering my car undrivable without recovery or repair.
1) Excessive hard cornering round Donington led to reduced oil pickup and ultimately big end seizure on my 2003 Leon Cupra R back in 2007. This was a big one, engine replacement job.
At the time this was my only car and my means of getting to work. I ended up having to buy a £1,000 runaround whilst collating parts and arranging for the Leon to be rebuilt (with a baffled sump this time).
2) DSG gearbox malfunction at Curborough sprint course in my 2005 Audi TT V6. The car threw a sensor wheel on either the input or output shaft (I forgot which), that led to me being stuck in 3rd. I limped home and booked in for a gearbox rebuild.
Having learned from previous mistakes, the TT was NOT my only car, nor my daily. It also had a baffled sump
Now I’ve been on circuit at least a dozen times, probably closer to 20, so 2 faults during that time isn’t ridiculous, but it’s still two more than “it’ll never happen, you’ll be fine”.
I’ve had two track related problems, both rendering my car undrivable without recovery or repair.
1) Excessive hard cornering round Donington led to reduced oil pickup and ultimately big end seizure on my 2003 Leon Cupra R back in 2007. This was a big one, engine replacement job.
At the time this was my only car and my means of getting to work. I ended up having to buy a £1,000 runaround whilst collating parts and arranging for the Leon to be rebuilt (with a baffled sump this time).
2) DSG gearbox malfunction at Curborough sprint course in my 2005 Audi TT V6. The car threw a sensor wheel on either the input or output shaft (I forgot which), that led to me being stuck in 3rd. I limped home and booked in for a gearbox rebuild.
Having learned from previous mistakes, the TT was NOT my only car, nor my daily. It also had a baffled sump
Now I’ve been on circuit at least a dozen times, probably closer to 20, so 2 faults during that time isn’t ridiculous, but it’s still two more than “it’ll never happen, you’ll be fine”.
My mate took his Exige years ago when it was nearly new. It broke something on the rear axle. Might have been the bottom arm or similar. Either way, it needed a recovery truck and I gave him a lift home. In fairness, I do believe Lotus were aware of a potential weakness in this area, but still it was the harshness of a track day that broke it.
In contrast, I have done a few and had no problems, but yes of course, it will increase wear on the car and mean some bits will need changing sooner than if you hadn't been.
It terms of paint, depends on the track. Elvington is an old airfield, not a clean track. If you're up the arse of other cars, you're going to get road rash. A track like Blyton, nice fresh tarmac means much less road rash.
In contrast, I have done a few and had no problems, but yes of course, it will increase wear on the car and mean some bits will need changing sooner than if you hadn't been.
It terms of paint, depends on the track. Elvington is an old airfield, not a clean track. If you're up the arse of other cars, you're going to get road rash. A track like Blyton, nice fresh tarmac means much less road rash.
JackAttack2002 said:
I could rent a track car but it's so expensive like £1,700 a day be better off having my own but don't have the space.
Yes, if you want to rent a Porsche!Try a Clio 182/197 including pretty much everything for around £800.
There are a few places that do them & they are fun to drive too.
What car are you talking about taking on track?
My experience is that as long as you prep it correctly you'll be absolutely fine. Put decent brake fluid in (ATE Typ200 is my go-to), keep an eye on oil and water all day (every session), and make sure you adjust your tyre pressures.
After that, enjoy.
My experience is that as long as you prep it correctly you'll be absolutely fine. Put decent brake fluid in (ATE Typ200 is my go-to), keep an eye on oil and water all day (every session), and make sure you adjust your tyre pressures.
After that, enjoy.
E-bmw said:
Yes, if you want to rent a Porsche!
Try a Clio 182/197 including pretty much everything for around £800.
There are a few places that do them & they are fun to drive too.
Yes I think that was a Clio I was looking at I think it was above 1,000 but maybe I'm looking at the wrong place.Try a Clio 182/197 including pretty much everything for around £800.
There are a few places that do them & they are fun to drive too.
paradigital said:
I guess the thing to be cautious of is that things CAN happen (not necessarily WILL happen). So be prepared for the worst just in case.
I’ve had two track related problems, both rendering my car undrivable without recovery or repair.
1) Excessive hard cornering round Donington led to reduced oil pickup and ultimately big end seizure on my 2003 Leon Cupra R back in 2007. This was a big one, engine replacement job.
At the time this was my only car and my means of getting to work. I ended up having to buy a £1,000 runaround whilst collating parts and arranging for the Leon to be rebuilt (with a baffled sump this time).
2) DSG gearbox malfunction at Curborough sprint course in my 2005 Audi TT V6. The car threw a sensor wheel on either the input or output shaft (I forgot which), that led to me being stuck in 3rd. I limped home and booked in for a gearbox rebuild.
Having learned from previous mistakes, the TT was NOT my only car, nor my daily. It also had a baffled sump
Now I’ve been on circuit at least a dozen times, probably closer to 20, so 2 faults during that time isn’t ridiculous, but it’s still two more than “it’ll never happen, you’ll be fine”.
So many break downs for 20 times I will think about it thank youI’ve had two track related problems, both rendering my car undrivable without recovery or repair.
1) Excessive hard cornering round Donington led to reduced oil pickup and ultimately big end seizure on my 2003 Leon Cupra R back in 2007. This was a big one, engine replacement job.
At the time this was my only car and my means of getting to work. I ended up having to buy a £1,000 runaround whilst collating parts and arranging for the Leon to be rebuilt (with a baffled sump this time).
2) DSG gearbox malfunction at Curborough sprint course in my 2005 Audi TT V6. The car threw a sensor wheel on either the input or output shaft (I forgot which), that led to me being stuck in 3rd. I limped home and booked in for a gearbox rebuild.
Having learned from previous mistakes, the TT was NOT my only car, nor my daily. It also had a baffled sump
Now I’ve been on circuit at least a dozen times, probably closer to 20, so 2 faults during that time isn’t ridiculous, but it’s still two more than “it’ll never happen, you’ll be fine”.
Lincsls1 said:
My mate took his Exige years ago when it was nearly new. It broke something on the rear axle. Might have been the bottom arm or similar. Either way, it needed a recovery truck and I gave him a lift home. In fairness, I do believe Lotus were aware of a potential weakness in this area, but still it was the harshness of a track day that broke it.
In contrast, I have done a few and had no problems, but yes of course, it will increase wear on the car and mean some bits will need changing sooner than if you hadn't been.
It terms of paint, depends on the track. Elvington is an old airfield, not a clean track. If you're up the arse of other cars, you're going to get road rash. A track like Blyton, nice fresh tarmac means much less road rash.
Oh that isn't good hope it got fixedIn contrast, I have done a few and had no problems, but yes of course, it will increase wear on the car and mean some bits will need changing sooner than if you hadn't been.
It terms of paint, depends on the track. Elvington is an old airfield, not a clean track. If you're up the arse of other cars, you're going to get road rash. A track like Blyton, nice fresh tarmac means much less road rash.
Krikkit said:
What car are you talking about taking on track?
My experience is that as long as you prep it correctly you'll be absolutely fine. Put decent brake fluid in (ATE Typ200 is my go-to), keep an eye on oil and water all day (every session), and make sure you adjust your tyre pressures.
After that, enjoy.
Probabbly a mk1 Miata when I can afford one only problem is insuranceMy experience is that as long as you prep it correctly you'll be absolutely fine. Put decent brake fluid in (ATE Typ200 is my go-to), keep an eye on oil and water all day (every session), and make sure you adjust your tyre pressures.
After that, enjoy.
Jack, one simple rule using your own car, go to proper race tracks to avoid stone issues.
Race tracks are clean, smooth tarmac, far cleaner than normal roads.
Old airfields also host track days, but you do tend to get more loose stones.
As for the car, I agree with the baffled sump comments above. Fitted one to my TVR and never had a problem with the oil avoiding the sump pickup.
My baffled extended sump was under £300 and increased the oil capacity from 6 to 9 litres.
Other things you would be well advised to do - decent brake pads, top up all fluids, and get some suitable tyres.
If you have watched formula 1, then you will know that their wet weather tyres get trashed in no time flat if the track is dry.
Their wets are like your road tyres. A set of road legal track tyres will help you a lot.
You are not insured on a race track, so look at getting track day insurance.
Final piece of advice - stay within your limits and don't crash it.
Race tracks are clean, smooth tarmac, far cleaner than normal roads.
Old airfields also host track days, but you do tend to get more loose stones.
As for the car, I agree with the baffled sump comments above. Fitted one to my TVR and never had a problem with the oil avoiding the sump pickup.
My baffled extended sump was under £300 and increased the oil capacity from 6 to 9 litres.
Other things you would be well advised to do - decent brake pads, top up all fluids, and get some suitable tyres.
If you have watched formula 1, then you will know that their wet weather tyres get trashed in no time flat if the track is dry.
Their wets are like your road tyres. A set of road legal track tyres will help you a lot.
You are not insured on a race track, so look at getting track day insurance.
Final piece of advice - stay within your limits and don't crash it.
Remember, just because your on a track doesn’t mean you have to rag your car to within an inch of its life. You can just have a ‘spirited’ drive to see how much you enjoy it before going down track prep modifications.
Just go and enjoy yourself, do short stints out on circuit, keep your eyes open watching for catching traffic to let them past and you’ll be fine. It’s a good day out just watching and seeing what’s about in the pits also.
Don’t take notice of the other thread that’s going on and be put off Iv never come across someone acting that bad on track before it’s a rare occurrence most people out are very sensible.
Just go and enjoy yourself, do short stints out on circuit, keep your eyes open watching for catching traffic to let them past and you’ll be fine. It’s a good day out just watching and seeing what’s about in the pits also.
Don’t take notice of the other thread that’s going on and be put off Iv never come across someone acting that bad on track before it’s a rare occurrence most people out are very sensible.
QBee said:
Jack, one simple rule using your own car, go to proper race tracks to avoid stone issues.
Race tracks are clean, smooth tarmac, far cleaner than normal roads.
Old airfields also host track days, but you do tend to get more loose stones.
As for the car, I agree with the baffled sump comments above. Fitted one to my TVR and never had a problem with the oil avoiding the sump pickup.
My baffled extended sump was under £300 and increased the oil capacity from 6 to 9 litres.
Thank you
Other things you would be well advised to do - decent brake pads, top up all fluids, and get some suitable tyres.
If you have watched formula 1, then you will know that their wet weather tyres get trashed in no time flat if the track is dry.
Their wets are like your road tyres. A set of road legal track tyres will help you a lot.
You are not insured on a race track, so look at getting track day insurance.
Final piece of advice - stay within your limits and don't crash it.
Race tracks are clean, smooth tarmac, far cleaner than normal roads.
Old airfields also host track days, but you do tend to get more loose stones.
As for the car, I agree with the baffled sump comments above. Fitted one to my TVR and never had a problem with the oil avoiding the sump pickup.
My baffled extended sump was under £300 and increased the oil capacity from 6 to 9 litres.
Thank you
Other things you would be well advised to do - decent brake pads, top up all fluids, and get some suitable tyres.
If you have watched formula 1, then you will know that their wet weather tyres get trashed in no time flat if the track is dry.
Their wets are like your road tyres. A set of road legal track tyres will help you a lot.
You are not insured on a race track, so look at getting track day insurance.
Final piece of advice - stay within your limits and don't crash it.
Glenn63 said:
Remember, just because your on a track doesn’t mean you have to rag your car to within an inch of its life. You can just have a ‘spirited’ drive to see how much you enjoy it before going down track prep modifications.
Just go and enjoy yourself, do short stints out on circuit, keep your eyes open watching for catching traffic to let them past and you’ll be fine. It’s a good day out just watching and seeing what’s about in the pits also.
Don’t take notice of the other thread that’s going on and be put off Iv never come across someone acting that bad on track before it’s a rare occurrence most people out are very sensible.
Ok thanks I was watching a few pov videos were thr driver of the pov was five bombing other people that's the main thing I'm worried about when it comes to other peopleJust go and enjoy yourself, do short stints out on circuit, keep your eyes open watching for catching traffic to let them past and you’ll be fine. It’s a good day out just watching and seeing what’s about in the pits also.
Don’t take notice of the other thread that’s going on and be put off Iv never come across someone acting that bad on track before it’s a rare occurrence most people out are very sensible.
JackAttack2002 said:
Glenn63 said:
Remember, just because your on a track doesn’t mean you have to rag your car to within an inch of its life. You can just have a ‘spirited’ drive to see how much you enjoy it before going down track prep modifications.
Just go and enjoy yourself, do short stints out on circuit, keep your eyes open watching for catching traffic to let them past and you’ll be fine. It’s a good day out just watching and seeing what’s about in the pits also.
Don’t take notice of the other thread that’s going on and be put off Iv never come across someone acting that bad on track before it’s a rare occurrence most people out are very sensible.
Ok thanks I was watching a few pov videos were thr driver of the pov was five bombing other people that's the main thing I'm worried about when it comes to other peopleJust go and enjoy yourself, do short stints out on circuit, keep your eyes open watching for catching traffic to let them past and you’ll be fine. It’s a good day out just watching and seeing what’s about in the pits also.
Don’t take notice of the other thread that’s going on and be put off Iv never come across someone acting that bad on track before it’s a rare occurrence most people out are very sensible.
May I make a suggestion? Look at the track day booking timetable for Snetterton online, pick a regular track day, perhaps an MSV or Javelin one, take a day off whatever it is you normally do, and go along to the track. Entry is free. Wear appropriate clothing - your arms and legs MUST be fully covered, and you need to be able to take off layers when the day warms up without losing the arm and leg covering.
Get there at or before the checking in time. Wander around the pits and chat to people as they prepare their cars. Don't ignore people of advanced years - many of us are grandparents, but are 19 inside, have never grown up and have a soft spot for people just starting out.
Book in as a passenger and get the wristband (normally about £20) and hire a helmet (normally a tenner). You will need full face, as you won't know first thing if you will be passengering in a tin top or an open top car, and you need full face minimum for open top.
Attend the briefing and listen carefully.
Don't be shy, explain to any likely looking drivers why you are there and ASK them (if they haven't already offered) if you can have a few passenger laps with them. If you asked me (and I do go to Snetterton regularly) I would always say yes.
That way, for very little outlay, you will find out if you fancy being on a track day or not and will get a good idea what the rules are and how well run they are.
I personally wouldn’t take anything on track that I couldn’t afford to be without. For me I just wouldn’t enjoy it, but folk do have different attitudes to risk.
I bought a cheap mk3 MX5 and love thrashing that around. I’d be sad if I crashed it, but it wouldn’t have any lasting impact on family budget, hols etc.
After a day going around Castle Coombe in April the only noticeable ‘damage’ was some excessive wear (2mm max) of the near side front tyre.
I bought a cheap mk3 MX5 and love thrashing that around. I’d be sad if I crashed it, but it wouldn’t have any lasting impact on family budget, hols etc.
After a day going around Castle Coombe in April the only noticeable ‘damage’ was some excessive wear (2mm max) of the near side front tyre.
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