Track day beginners
Discussion
Hopefully sometime in the near future I'll be doing my first trackday, anyone fancy compiling some sort of beginners guide type effort?
Just general stuff about the things you should know before venturing out,such as do I need a helmet?
are harnesses needed?
how much tread do i need ?
what should I wear?
noise?
where and when to move over for other drivers etc ?
single day insurance etc
what would happen if you break down (crash) etc
which track for beginners?
you get the idea, Thought it would answer some questions for newbies and people scared to venture.
Just general stuff about the things you should know before venturing out,such as do I need a helmet?
are harnesses needed?
how much tread do i need ?
what should I wear?
noise?
where and when to move over for other drivers etc ?
single day insurance etc
what would happen if you break down (crash) etc
which track for beginners?
you get the idea, Thought it would answer some questions for newbies and people scared to venture.
Edited by crackthatoff on Thursday 16th August 12:25
most of the track day organisers websites will have some kind of advice page. we have an FAQ page (albeit a bit outdated now) which should help as a starter for 10:-
http://bookatrack.com/-pb?43
Jonny
BaT
http://bookatrack.com/-pb?43
Jonny
BaT
jleroux said:
most of the track day organisers websites will have some kind of advice page. we have an FAQ page (albeit a bit outdated now) which should help as a starter for 10:-
http://bookatrack.com/-pb?43
Jonny
BaT
That more or less answers everything many thanks !http://bookatrack.com/-pb?43
Jonny
BaT
all good advice....the only few things i would add as a recent beginner are:
try and go for a "sessioned" day rather than an open pit lane - don't worry about not getting enough lap time on a sessioned day, you'll get plenty. With an open pit lane it can be a bit intimidating as the faster/more experienced drivers go wizzing past all the time. if you are all novices together in your group it will be a bit less stressful!
the other thing is if it is an open pit lane at a fast, sweeping track such as Donnington you may find it a little frustrating - especially is you are in a slower car. when people are faster you are meant to move over on the straights but if there are a lot out on track you find yourself constantly moving over to let a procession of 911s, elises & caterams past you as they will be crawling all over your @rse. A bit frustrating as you don't get the "feel" of the racing line.
In summary, do a few sessioned days in novice groups and you will be fine - alternatively take an instructor for a few laps - they are excellent.
have fun - you will really enjoy it!
try and go for a "sessioned" day rather than an open pit lane - don't worry about not getting enough lap time on a sessioned day, you'll get plenty. With an open pit lane it can be a bit intimidating as the faster/more experienced drivers go wizzing past all the time. if you are all novices together in your group it will be a bit less stressful!
the other thing is if it is an open pit lane at a fast, sweeping track such as Donnington you may find it a little frustrating - especially is you are in a slower car. when people are faster you are meant to move over on the straights but if there are a lot out on track you find yourself constantly moving over to let a procession of 911s, elises & caterams past you as they will be crawling all over your @rse. A bit frustrating as you don't get the "feel" of the racing line.
In summary, do a few sessioned days in novice groups and you will be fine - alternatively take an instructor for a few laps - they are excellent.
have fun - you will really enjoy it!
Hi,
I did a novice 1/2 day at Oulton earlier this year and I found it was excellent, not intimidating at all.
I've got a Mini Cooper (not an S) and I was a bit concerned about being in the way etc, I know my car's not exactly hard-core, but I love it.
Anyway, on the day I did have to move out of the way quite a bit but even on 1/2 a day I found I got loads of lapping in and on the novice day I found that a few of the drivers in hotter cars were actually slower overall (I even passed a 911 a couple of times that seemed to be going fairly slow every time I came accross it) but then again a lot of them were much quicker and had much faster cars.
Basically everyone was very well behaved and I din't have any difficulties in my not-so quick but glued to the corners Mini.
Have fun!
I did a novice 1/2 day at Oulton earlier this year and I found it was excellent, not intimidating at all.
I've got a Mini Cooper (not an S) and I was a bit concerned about being in the way etc, I know my car's not exactly hard-core, but I love it.
Anyway, on the day I did have to move out of the way quite a bit but even on 1/2 a day I found I got loads of lapping in and on the novice day I found that a few of the drivers in hotter cars were actually slower overall (I even passed a 911 a couple of times that seemed to be going fairly slow every time I came accross it) but then again a lot of them were much quicker and had much faster cars.
Basically everyone was very well behaved and I din't have any difficulties in my not-so quick but glued to the corners Mini.
Have fun!
crackthatoff said:
Hopefully sometime in the near future I'll be doing my first trackday, anyone fancy compiling some sort of beginners guide type effort?
Just general stuff about the things you should know before venturing out,such as do I need a helmet?
are harnesses needed?
how much tread do i need ?
what should I wear?
noise?
where and when to move over for other drivers etc ?
single day insurance etc
what would happen if you break down (crash) etc
which track for beginners?
you get the idea, Thought it would answer some questions for newbies and people scared to venture.
First things first, you drive a Lotus, join Lotus on Track - their days are excellent, well organised and good value.Just general stuff about the things you should know before venturing out,such as do I need a helmet?
are harnesses needed?
how much tread do i need ?
what should I wear?
noise?
where and when to move over for other drivers etc ?
single day insurance etc
what would happen if you break down (crash) etc
which track for beginners?
you get the idea, Thought it would answer some questions for newbies and people scared to venture.
Edited by crackthatoff on Thursday 16th August 12:25
The open pit/sessioned thing is a tricky one, with open pit you go out and come in when you want which can lead to a more relaxed day and if you get to know people on the day can follow them round to help with lines etc. the down side is that you're out there with all abilities but that shouldn't make a difference as people won't be diving down the inside into corners etc. and more experienced people will be more decisive on overtakes and will, in general, be considerate.
Harnesses are not required but are helpful as they hold you in better. A CG Lock is a good compromise.
Tyre wear depends onthe circuit and how you drive, you need plenty of tread as you need to get it home legally but brand new tyres are not be ideal as the higher tread blocks will squirm more and get hotter quicker.
Comfortable clothes with long sleeves and legs, decent shoes you can operate the pedals in without the risk of hitting two - a set of kart boots might be a good investment. You can hire helmets on the day or buy your own, probably best to hire and make sure you enjoy it (which you will!).
Noise limits depend on the venue - from 98DB up to 105 - if have std exhaust and induction, you'll be fine.
The briefing will cover this but generally move over to the right on the straights, indicate and ease off the gas a bit if but don't jump off the throttle or brake!!!
If you don't get track day insurance with your road policy, it won't be cheap (£100 plus per day) but it give peace of mind.
If you don't drive like a tit there is no reason you should be spinning, let alone crashing - work your speed up slowly and be prepared to get overtaken by cars you think should be slower. If you do have an incident then you'll be recovered to the paddock - running out of petrol is unforgiveable!
Your nearest circuit is probably Oulton Park which is a great track and should be fine - take instruction to get the most out of it. A lot of people will say start at Bedford because there's nothing to hit etc etc (see comment about driving like a tit) it's great for mucking about but for me it's a very sterile environment, I far prefer a proper race track but that's a personal thing I guess.
[quote=Cuzza]
[
Thats more or less what I was expecting getting quite excited about the idea, need to get a replacement licence first after I lost the old one 7 years ago. Went to oulton a couple of months ago to watch a stage of the elise cup, was ace! seems pretty expensive ie 100 ish insurance 200 for the day + fuel and food and tyres
but no doubt worth it, ill just have to spend less on beer etc
[
Thats more or less what I was expecting getting quite excited about the idea, need to get a replacement licence first after I lost the old one 7 years ago. Went to oulton a couple of months ago to watch a stage of the elise cup, was ace! seems pretty expensive ie 100 ish insurance 200 for the day + fuel and food and tyres
but no doubt worth it, ill just have to spend less on beer etc
Edited by crackthatoff on Saturday 18th August 13:53
I wouldn't be scared by it all.
Grab a helmet and hit the track. I've done a fair bit of 2 stroke karting over the years and that is more daunting than a track day.
Open pit lane gets my vote. Sessioned only leads to someone having an off and ruining your session.
My first track day (and the GF's) was in my Cerbera round Spa. I was a little nervous when we first went out but there was no need at all.
Just get out there and enjoy it. Just be careful as once you're done want you'll just want more!!!!
Grab a helmet and hit the track. I've done a fair bit of 2 stroke karting over the years and that is more daunting than a track day.
Open pit lane gets my vote. Sessioned only leads to someone having an off and ruining your session.
My first track day (and the GF's) was in my Cerbera round Spa. I was a little nervous when we first went out but there was no need at all.
Just get out there and enjoy it. Just be careful as once you're done want you'll just want more!!!!
Me & others did a few hints & tips for novices on another forum, its older vw Golf related but 99% of the stuff other than the tyres pressures that work for that car is universal-
Pre day prep-
Brakes wise just be aware you may see 20k easy out of a set of road pads even with fast road driving but at under 50 miles on track & they can be down to the metal. New fluid & good pads is therefore a bare minimum on that front with fresh oil & filter & good check over on engine, driveshafts & wheel bearings.
On track checks-
Check wheel nuts before & also during the day- DONT DO WHEEL NUTS UP WHEN JUST IN FROM A SESSION, WAIT FOR THEM TO COOL! & check tyres pressures throughout day too, presures are car & driver preferences, but as an average for older Golfs 30psi all round hot is a good base to work from.Check the oil before each session, keep an eye on the water temp and watch your tyres for wear.
At end of each session- Do a cool down lap, cut the revs right back stay off the brakes and just toodle round keeping out of everybody's way, then when you get to the paddock park up, leave it in gear and the handbrake off
-If running slicks or sticky tyres on a hot day also check hub nuts are still tight, i've had these come undone so now have tell tales on them with tipex.
Enjoy the social side but try not to get too ****ed the night before, trackdaying with a hangover is no fun , i speak from experience but tbh i do struggle with following this rule.
Always try and get there early, it's nice to be able to grab a garage when possible but also stops the 1st part of the day being a manic rush, allow time to sign on and do all your unpacking and car checks before the drivers briefing so that if your group is first then your ready to go straight out after the briefing.
If you're adjusting your suspension remember to soften it back off at the end of the day and recover brake duct if necessary, both things i've forgotten which are a PITA doing 10miles down the road in the dark.
Generally somebody (ie me!) will have plenty of tools/spares but it's always worth bringing a few basics of your own.
No need for your 1st few trackdays to worry about having a track prepped car but ditto what alex said, the brakes will take a hammering so it is worth having fresh pads and fluid in, and checking them either thro the day or before you go home.
If you feel the brakes going off during a session, maybe a lenthening pedal or perhaps a hard pedal which is less effective than it was (both can be quite subtle).DO NOT IGNORE IT. SLOW UP AND GO STEADY FOR A GOOD COUPLE OF LAPS TO COOL THEM DOWN. FULL ON BRAKE FADE/FAILURE IS NOT NICE (again speak from experience!)
Try to Relax, have fun, remember it's not a race and try not to get the red mist if somebody does get in the way.
Don't be afraid to ask question in the briefing or from other experienced trackers if you're not sure about anything. Also don't be afraid to have a chat and blag passenger laps form your fellow trackdayers, good way to pickup tips/lines and experience.
Keep an eye on your petrol gauge, running out is a cardinal sin but also don't brim the tank as it can overflow out of filler around long corners.
-When going out for your first session of the day, don't set your tyre pressures to 30psi and think "thats me set for the day". After one lap your 30psi will soon be 34-38psi and driving on an overinflated tyre will loose you alot of grip.
Try dropping them to around 26psi cold and check then straight after your first session to see what they have climbed up to.
As said, it's personal preference/style of driving but I find 25/26 to be a good starting benchmark. They don't take long to warm up.
Pre day prep-
Brakes wise just be aware you may see 20k easy out of a set of road pads even with fast road driving but at under 50 miles on track & they can be down to the metal. New fluid & good pads is therefore a bare minimum on that front with fresh oil & filter & good check over on engine, driveshafts & wheel bearings.
On track checks-
Check wheel nuts before & also during the day- DONT DO WHEEL NUTS UP WHEN JUST IN FROM A SESSION, WAIT FOR THEM TO COOL! & check tyres pressures throughout day too, presures are car & driver preferences, but as an average for older Golfs 30psi all round hot is a good base to work from.Check the oil before each session, keep an eye on the water temp and watch your tyres for wear.
At end of each session- Do a cool down lap, cut the revs right back stay off the brakes and just toodle round keeping out of everybody's way, then when you get to the paddock park up, leave it in gear and the handbrake off
-If running slicks or sticky tyres on a hot day also check hub nuts are still tight, i've had these come undone so now have tell tales on them with tipex.
Enjoy the social side but try not to get too ****ed the night before, trackdaying with a hangover is no fun , i speak from experience but tbh i do struggle with following this rule.
Always try and get there early, it's nice to be able to grab a garage when possible but also stops the 1st part of the day being a manic rush, allow time to sign on and do all your unpacking and car checks before the drivers briefing so that if your group is first then your ready to go straight out after the briefing.
If you're adjusting your suspension remember to soften it back off at the end of the day and recover brake duct if necessary, both things i've forgotten which are a PITA doing 10miles down the road in the dark.
Generally somebody (ie me!) will have plenty of tools/spares but it's always worth bringing a few basics of your own.
No need for your 1st few trackdays to worry about having a track prepped car but ditto what alex said, the brakes will take a hammering so it is worth having fresh pads and fluid in, and checking them either thro the day or before you go home.
If you feel the brakes going off during a session, maybe a lenthening pedal or perhaps a hard pedal which is less effective than it was (both can be quite subtle).DO NOT IGNORE IT. SLOW UP AND GO STEADY FOR A GOOD COUPLE OF LAPS TO COOL THEM DOWN. FULL ON BRAKE FADE/FAILURE IS NOT NICE (again speak from experience!)
Try to Relax, have fun, remember it's not a race and try not to get the red mist if somebody does get in the way.
Don't be afraid to ask question in the briefing or from other experienced trackers if you're not sure about anything. Also don't be afraid to have a chat and blag passenger laps form your fellow trackdayers, good way to pickup tips/lines and experience.
Keep an eye on your petrol gauge, running out is a cardinal sin but also don't brim the tank as it can overflow out of filler around long corners.
-When going out for your first session of the day, don't set your tyre pressures to 30psi and think "thats me set for the day". After one lap your 30psi will soon be 34-38psi and driving on an overinflated tyre will loose you alot of grip.
Try dropping them to around 26psi cold and check then straight after your first session to see what they have climbed up to.
As said, it's personal preference/style of driving but I find 25/26 to be a good starting benchmark. They don't take long to warm up.
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