Would like to do my first track day, any advice?
Discussion
Any motorsport-events day would be good. I've done three with them and they are excellent. I did my first one at Brands, in the rain! A short track to learn but Paddock is a bit scary when you fisrt attempt it. Wherever you go get an instructor as soon as possible. No point practicing doing it wrong all morning and then getting an instuctor.
Phil. S. said:
Any motorsport-events day would be good. I've done three with them and they are excellent. I did my first one at Brands, in the rain! A short track to learn but Paddock is a bit scary when you fisrt attempt it. Wherever you go get an instructor as soon as possible. No point practicing doing it wrong all morning and then getting an instuctor.
agree to the above
My first trackday was a novice day at brands, great day it was, and definately worth getting the instructor.
www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/MSV-trackdays.asp?circuit=all&type=Car%20&msvcode=pistonheads
May I recommend, against easytrack's advice, to opt for open-pitlane rather than sessioned track day.
In open pitlane, you may go on and off the track as you please: it means less pressure on yourself, and more time available for that all important cool down lap...
In sessioned, you sometimes come to the end of the session and little realise you then have to go back to the pits without a cool down lap.
Also, in open pitlane, you can go out for a stint, come back, revisit the track mentally, and go out again, without risking to miss the slot.
In open pitlane, you may go on and off the track as you please: it means less pressure on yourself, and more time available for that all important cool down lap...
In sessioned, you sometimes come to the end of the session and little realise you then have to go back to the pits without a cool down lap.
Also, in open pitlane, you can go out for a stint, come back, revisit the track mentally, and go out again, without risking to miss the slot.
fnegroni said:
May I recommend, against easytrack's advice, to opt for open-pitlane rather than sessioned track day.
In open pitlane, you may go on and off the track as you please: it means less pressure on yourself, and more time available for that all important cool down lap...
In sessioned, you sometimes come to the end of the session and little realise you then have to go back to the pits without a cool down lap.
Also, in open pitlane, you can go out for a stint, come back, revisit the track mentally, and go out again, without risking to miss the slot.
IMHO I'd have to advise against open pit for novices, the speed diferential vs experienced bods is high & you will be concentrating on faster traffic coming up behind you & pulling over too much to enjoy it, (or if you dont you'll be holding them up & frustrating them & risking dodgy overtakes) or learn much.
Open pit is for those with fair amount of track experience only IMHO.
Hmm not sure I agree with the last post - re OPL vs Sessioned. Depending on the people and cars there (vs what you drive) OPL 'can' be frustrating for you (constantly being overtaken..) and the other drivers (being held up). Being 'hassled' to move to the right whilst trying to keep it all together is not nice, so IMO, a sessioned track day for a 'Novice' is much better to learn the ropes. You can always move up to the 'intermediate' class in the PM if you have had a good morning session ?
Do your own homework. I found Goldtrack to be the best(Well organised) everybody will have there own opinions. GP circuits have stiffer regulations (more run off) Airfield circuits are good but not to demanding on you but very demanding on your bodywork and tyres. You usually only get what you pay for ? I think a session day will be better for you as you can opt for the novice group, you will be looking forward more than looking in your mirror and driving off line. You dont have to go out on your session and yo do have a cool down lap after each session its the one after the chequered flag.
Most importantly keep on the black and off the green and have fun.
Another tip is try to get insured with Mannings and only go on TVR
run days or Atdo members then you are covered on your policy ( BUT CHECK)
Most importantly keep on the black and off the green and have fun.
Another tip is try to get insured with Mannings and only go on TVR
run days or Atdo members then you are covered on your policy ( BUT CHECK)
Good circuits for getting into the swing are:
Anglesey
any airfield - but don't use anything flash there, you would be better off renting a caterham or something.
Bedford autodrome
My personal favourites are bookatrack - very well run & if you do have a problem with anyone or anything you have people to talk to & help you sort it.
All track days will have an instructor present although in my experience they seem to just want to turn you into a racing driver rather than just getting round the circuit safely and well within your own limits.
I would highly recommend hiring a car or using something cheaper than a v8 vantage until you get the hang of it & are used to other track users.
Anglesey
any airfield - but don't use anything flash there, you would be better off renting a caterham or something.
Bedford autodrome
My personal favourites are bookatrack - very well run & if you do have a problem with anyone or anything you have people to talk to & help you sort it.
All track days will have an instructor present although in my experience they seem to just want to turn you into a racing driver rather than just getting round the circuit safely and well within your own limits.
I would highly recommend hiring a car or using something cheaper than a v8 vantage until you get the hang of it & are used to other track users.
yi8tvr said:Well that depends on what he's intending to drive! His profile shows a picture of an AMV8 but there's no mention if that's what he intends to take on the track or just wishful thinking. For what it's worth I would recomend Bedford Autodrome but have heard that the surface at airfields is likely to be less clean and tend to throw up lots of stones (i.e. chips) Rich...
only go on TVR
run days
richb said:
yi8tvr said:
only go on TVR
run daysrichb said:
Well that depends on what he's intending to drive! His profile shows a picture of an AMV8 but there's no mention if that's what he intends to take on the track or just wishful thinking. For what it's worth I would recomend Bedford Autodrome but have heard that the surface at airfields is likely to be less clean and tend to throw up lots of stones (i.e. chips) Rich...
You dont have to have a TVR to drive on TVR track days. I think you only need a TVR membership ?
>> Edited by yi8tvr on Wednesday 29th March 13:25
Hi, I'm going to my first rtack day at Brands Hatch next Wednesday evening.
www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/trackdays.asp?circuit=all&type=Car
It's only a short session, i've booked and instructor, and it's for beginners only. Why not come along?
www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/trackdays.asp?circuit=all&type=Car
It's only a short session, i've booked and instructor, and it's for beginners only. Why not come along?
Hi Bund,
How about booking yourself into a Novice half day at Brands.
www.motorsportvision.co.uk/brands-hatch/trackdays/event-details.asp?ProductID=1739
I'll vouch for them, well run, with a 'track tour' in a minibus to start with so you can understand the circuit, instructors are on hand, but best to book in advance, the instructors don't drive your car, they give you instruction while you drive.
A half day gives you an excellent taster and you don't push yourself or the car too much.
HTH
Tim
PS: Failing that you can join me on the 18th at Brands for the Open Pit Lane day
PPS: Here's a taster for you: www.tjgraphics.net/TVR/CerbsatBrands.mov
>> Edited by TT Tim on Thursday 30th March 13:20
How about booking yourself into a Novice half day at Brands.
www.motorsportvision.co.uk/brands-hatch/trackdays/event-details.asp?ProductID=1739
I'll vouch for them, well run, with a 'track tour' in a minibus to start with so you can understand the circuit, instructors are on hand, but best to book in advance, the instructors don't drive your car, they give you instruction while you drive.
A half day gives you an excellent taster and you don't push yourself or the car too much.
HTH
Tim
PS: Failing that you can join me on the 18th at Brands for the Open Pit Lane day
PPS: Here's a taster for you: www.tjgraphics.net/TVR/CerbsatBrands.mov
>> Edited by TT Tim on Thursday 30th March 13:20
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