Track day advice
Discussion
OK guys, I confess to being a total novice at this trackday thing, but having been to one with a work contact I am addicted.
Therefore I need some advice as to :
1. The sort of vehicle to buy - I was thinking of a Caterham or Elise, but opinions on this vary. I know this will be a hotly debated topic, but I am trying to consider the levels of work required in its upkeep and my novice driving skills; and,
2. Some good places to get some racing tution.
Cheers
Therefore I need some advice as to :
1. The sort of vehicle to buy - I was thinking of a Caterham or Elise, but opinions on this vary. I know this will be a hotly debated topic, but I am trying to consider the levels of work required in its upkeep and my novice driving skills; and,
2. Some good places to get some racing tution.
Cheers
C'mon fellas, reply to the guy !
As far as cars are concerned, there are many different cars all of which would be great on the track. It depends on what you want out of the car (i.e. is it a track day only car, or is it something for the weekend too, or maybe even a day to day car ?) and your budget.
Being in a similar position about 4 months ago, but with a limited budget of around 5k-6k I bought a nice little Westfield (Connaught x-flow, ex hill climb car) purely to use as a track car. Phenominal handling, reasonable turn of speed (for a track day virgin) and cheap to mend.
As far as cars are concerned, there are many different cars all of which would be great on the track. It depends on what you want out of the car (i.e. is it a track day only car, or is it something for the weekend too, or maybe even a day to day car ?) and your budget.
Being in a similar position about 4 months ago, but with a limited budget of around 5k-6k I bought a nice little Westfield (Connaught x-flow, ex hill climb car) purely to use as a track car. Phenominal handling, reasonable turn of speed (for a track day virgin) and cheap to mend.
Ok,up to now ive only ever done 9 track days -so im no expert but this my 2p worth.
I have two approaches to track day cars.
1)My Chimaera is being gradually uprated for this purpose (brakes,roll bar,engine tweaking with suspension upgrade and harnesses next on the list).
It is massive fun on a track - but wont corner and brake like an Exige or good Caterfield (the Tiv's better than i thought it would be though).
For me ,thats not the point though - Ive got the Tiv because i wanted a v.fast V8 British sportscar for the road-which i also happen to enjoy blasting around circuits.
But. the Tiv owes me £25k - i found that i couldnt forget this one day - whilst sliding around a wet circuit
.
On a dry track its brilliant.
In the wet i wasnt having fun, i was worried for my own safety and worried for my bank account
.
2)So i bought a Peugeot 309Gti for £300
.
Spent very little on it (besides servicing it my self and ensuring it's MOT pass worthy ).
Removed lots of the interior/exterior
to reduce weight.
My original intention was to get a cheapo first,to acclimatise my self to circuit driving before using the Tiv-as it worked out,i used the Tiv 1st anyway.
The Pug is nippy and geat fun on track-whatever the conditions-in the wet it seems to 4 wheel drift at about 30 mph
.
Ok-its not that quick round a circuit but whos racing ?
certainly not me in the Pug.Anyway , track days are not
competitions - Leave that to Racing Drivers.
Whilst having a track day cheapo free's me from the worry of potential big repair bills-I fully realise that ive not got carte blanche to drive like a knob because it doesent matter if i prang it.
I always try to be courteous and keep out of the way of the faster stuff.
I must admit,that now im starting to spend a few hundred on the Pug to upgrade that as well its all getting a bit addictive.
Plus the bloody trailer ive recently bought to tow the buggers everywhere
.
Back to the original posting - Elise or Caterham.
If its going to be your day to day car - get an Elise.
If its a weekender,an Elise with a few track biased mods or a roadable Caterham/Westie.
If you can trailer it,nothing beats a balls out,bike powered nutter "Caterfield".
Except,of course a RADICAL !!.
Or,buy a £500 eighties hot hatch , "add lightness" and get on track
.
BTW Nev,is this enough text ? - i could go on
.
I have two approaches to track day cars.
1)My Chimaera is being gradually uprated for this purpose (brakes,roll bar,engine tweaking with suspension upgrade and harnesses next on the list).
It is massive fun on a track - but wont corner and brake like an Exige or good Caterfield (the Tiv's better than i thought it would be though).
For me ,thats not the point though - Ive got the Tiv because i wanted a v.fast V8 British sportscar for the road-which i also happen to enjoy blasting around circuits.
But. the Tiv owes me £25k - i found that i couldnt forget this one day - whilst sliding around a wet circuit
. On a dry track its brilliant.
In the wet i wasnt having fun, i was worried for my own safety and worried for my bank account
. 2)So i bought a Peugeot 309Gti for £300
. Spent very little on it (besides servicing it my self and ensuring it's MOT pass worthy ).
Removed lots of the interior/exterior
to reduce weight.
My original intention was to get a cheapo first,to acclimatise my self to circuit driving before using the Tiv-as it worked out,i used the Tiv 1st anyway.
The Pug is nippy and geat fun on track-whatever the conditions-in the wet it seems to 4 wheel drift at about 30 mph
. Ok-its not that quick round a circuit but whos racing ?
certainly not me in the Pug.Anyway , track days are not
competitions - Leave that to Racing Drivers.
Whilst having a track day cheapo free's me from the worry of potential big repair bills-I fully realise that ive not got carte blanche to drive like a knob because it doesent matter if i prang it.
I always try to be courteous and keep out of the way of the faster stuff.
I must admit,that now im starting to spend a few hundred on the Pug to upgrade that as well its all getting a bit addictive.
Plus the bloody trailer ive recently bought to tow the buggers everywhere
. Back to the original posting - Elise or Caterham.
If its going to be your day to day car - get an Elise.
If its a weekender,an Elise with a few track biased mods or a roadable Caterham/Westie.
If you can trailer it,nothing beats a balls out,bike powered nutter "Caterfield".
Except,of course a RADICAL !!.
Or,buy a £500 eighties hot hatch , "add lightness" and get on track
. BTW Nev,is this enough text ? - i could go on
.
It is massive fun on a track - but wont corner and brake like an Exige or good Caterfield
The Elise/Locaterfield will have lower contact pressure which gives them a head starts over the TVR. However, you might be surprised just how much grip you can generate with the right suspension setup - but it's definitely a compromise between track performance and road practicality.
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)
Depending on funds buy a Westfield or something similar, and a trailer to travel to and from the track.
Look for something second hand first as then any losses are lower if you change your mind.
Remember these cars weigh in at about 700 kg’s so the power to weight is quite high my car is light ish at 571kg’s and has about 165bhp and can see of most non 7 type cars evos etc, but not the race type cars Radicals etc.
Also a second set of wheels is a good idea you can use the non road legal tyres [worn out ones as almost slicks on track] and a set of wets
Type of tyres ACB10, Yoko 032R, 21R’s go for 13” wheels more control and cheaper tyres
Running costs
Engine oil every 2000/3000 miles or every track day
Brake pads every 3000/6000 miles front rears last longer.
Tyres should last about 4000 ish miles including a track day or two.
Track days from £139 to £250 in the UK for tracks less for airfields.
A good helmet £400+ its you head it sounds like its worth more in one piece.
Any thing else you brake or crash into that cost money to sort out.
Road insurance about £250 for a 160 bhp 1.8 Zetec fully comp.
Rolling road set up about £150 ish possibly twice a year.
Most track days do instruction Javelin provide this for free.
Paul.
Look for something second hand first as then any losses are lower if you change your mind.
Remember these cars weigh in at about 700 kg’s so the power to weight is quite high my car is light ish at 571kg’s and has about 165bhp and can see of most non 7 type cars evos etc, but not the race type cars Radicals etc.
Also a second set of wheels is a good idea you can use the non road legal tyres [worn out ones as almost slicks on track] and a set of wets
Type of tyres ACB10, Yoko 032R, 21R’s go for 13” wheels more control and cheaper tyres
Running costs
Engine oil every 2000/3000 miles or every track day
Brake pads every 3000/6000 miles front rears last longer.
Tyres should last about 4000 ish miles including a track day or two.
Track days from £139 to £250 in the UK for tracks less for airfields.
A good helmet £400+ its you head it sounds like its worth more in one piece.
Any thing else you brake or crash into that cost money to sort out.
Road insurance about £250 for a 160 bhp 1.8 Zetec fully comp.
Rolling road set up about £150 ish possibly twice a year.
Most track days do instruction Javelin provide this for free.
Paul.
One question you do need to ask yourself (well several related):
- Do you have the space for a second car, or does it have to be your daily runner?
- Will you drive to events, or tow (which means space and cost for trailer, decent towing vehicle)?
- Are you any good with spanners, or can you barely hammer a screw in?
- Do you want a dedicated, track-only car, a road-track, or a daily runner with occasional track?
Track Only (so including trailer):
You might consider a modified stock hatch racecar (ex 750MC Stock Hatch)
+ Cheap purchase (<£5k inc trailer)
+ Roll cage fitted
+ Lots of potential for development (driver and car)
+ Suitable for most track days
- Only for use on track - not road legal
Road/Track
Some Se7en-alike variant. You don't need top spec, a basic K-series 7 would be fine:
+ Masses of potential for development (driver and car)
+ Suitable for most track days
+ Can use for summer days trips to the pub!
+ Can try it on the road (no risk of arriving at a circuit with a dead car)
+ Trailer not essential (though nice)
+ You still have a daily driver if something goes wrong.
- More expensive (but retains value quite well)
+ You'll be hooked to Se7ens!
Daily Driver Only
Perhaps an Elise, perhaps a rally rep (Scooby, EVO)
+ Less space
+ You only have one car
- You only have one car (bit of an issue if you have a spill)
- Generally they won't take as much abuse. More frequent changes of tyres, brakes, fluids
Of course, you don't have to stick to one category for ever. You might get a Se7en now to drive there and back, then get a trailer and towcar later.
So have a think:
- Must it be the daily driver, or can you accommodate (and afford) a trailer and appropriate towcar?
- How much wedge have you got?
and come back
Alternatively, stuff all that and just go buy a decent Caterham now. You won't be disappointed!
- Do you have the space for a second car, or does it have to be your daily runner?
- Will you drive to events, or tow (which means space and cost for trailer, decent towing vehicle)?
- Are you any good with spanners, or can you barely hammer a screw in?
- Do you want a dedicated, track-only car, a road-track, or a daily runner with occasional track?
Track Only (so including trailer):
You might consider a modified stock hatch racecar (ex 750MC Stock Hatch)
+ Cheap purchase (<£5k inc trailer)
+ Roll cage fitted
+ Lots of potential for development (driver and car)
+ Suitable for most track days
- Only for use on track - not road legal
Road/Track
Some Se7en-alike variant. You don't need top spec, a basic K-series 7 would be fine:
+ Masses of potential for development (driver and car)
+ Suitable for most track days
+ Can use for summer days trips to the pub!
+ Can try it on the road (no risk of arriving at a circuit with a dead car)
+ Trailer not essential (though nice)
+ You still have a daily driver if something goes wrong.
- More expensive (but retains value quite well)
+ You'll be hooked to Se7ens!
Daily Driver Only
Perhaps an Elise, perhaps a rally rep (Scooby, EVO)
+ Less space
+ You only have one car
- You only have one car (bit of an issue if you have a spill)
- Generally they won't take as much abuse. More frequent changes of tyres, brakes, fluids
Of course, you don't have to stick to one category for ever. You might get a Se7en now to drive there and back, then get a trailer and towcar later.
So have a think:
- Must it be the daily driver, or can you accommodate (and afford) a trailer and appropriate towcar?
- How much wedge have you got?
and come back
Alternatively, stuff all that and just go buy a decent Caterham now. You won't be disappointed!
It`s worth reading Jackals take on the cost of trackdays at www.jackals-forge.com/lotus/cost.html
Per mile a daily driver works out cheapest because it save`s on duplication of costs - depreciation, insurance etc.
Per mile a daily driver works out cheapest because it save`s on duplication of costs - depreciation, insurance etc.
nevpugh308 said:
Being in a similar position about 4 months ago, but with a limited budget of around 5k-6k I bought a nice little Westfield (Connaught x-flow, ex hill climb car) purely to use as a track car. Phenominal handling, reasonable turn of speed (for a track day virgin) and cheap to mend.
Nev - you were saying? Cheap to mend?
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