I`m still a virgin
Discussion
At my age as well,
I`m looking to do my first track day soon, hopefully next month. Is there anything special I need to know first like how can i check the sound limit as my car is
LOUD, can i hire a helmet or best buy one, do i need bring MOT cert if i can find it ( or write out a new one tomorrow )
Any help / advise very welcome
I`m looking to do my first track day soon, hopefully next month. Is there anything special I need to know first like how can i check the sound limit as my car is
LOUD, can i hire a helmet or best buy one, do i need bring MOT cert if i can find it ( or write out a new one tomorrow ) Any help / advise very welcome
I've only ever done trackdays at Bedford Autodrome, which is where we run our days. The address is available elsewhere, but you'll have to seek it out yourself as I don't want to get told off for plugging!
To answer your questions:
- Bedford sound check you on the way in, and will give a refund if you fail. If you live anywhere nearby you could pop in beforehand and they'll noise check you. Alternatively look at getting a set of bolt on cans to bring your noise level down. Bedford is notoriously tight on noise levels, so you might want to look at somewhere that is a bit less strict if you really think it will be a problem.
- You can pick up a decent lid for about £80, but most places will let you hire one. Worth putting up with a sweaty lid for a couple of track days until know that you enjoy it/your car will stand it IMHO.
- We don't ask for an MOT certificate, but don't know about elsewhere. Ultimately the risk is yours if the car is going to be unsafe, and you will be asked to sign a disclaimer at the beginning of the day anyway.
- First time out, just be careful. Aside from the problems of getting used to a new circuit, be very wary of your brakes. Give them a chance to cool down and don't nail it until you know that they can cope with the extra demands. Boiled brakes aren't funny and tend to happen without warning.
- When you're coming in from the circuit, give yourself a cool down lap to put some air through the brakes. Quite often they'll sit there gently bubbling in the pit lane (especially with weather like this) and then boil the next time you go out.
- In the pit lane, leave your handbrake off and the car in gear. Really easy to warp your discs by applying the handbrake to hot brakes.
Apart from that, listen to the safety briefing, take it easy and have fun. I started attending track days last year and I'm now an absolute convert.
To answer your questions:
- Bedford sound check you on the way in, and will give a refund if you fail. If you live anywhere nearby you could pop in beforehand and they'll noise check you. Alternatively look at getting a set of bolt on cans to bring your noise level down. Bedford is notoriously tight on noise levels, so you might want to look at somewhere that is a bit less strict if you really think it will be a problem.
- You can pick up a decent lid for about £80, but most places will let you hire one. Worth putting up with a sweaty lid for a couple of track days until know that you enjoy it/your car will stand it IMHO.
- We don't ask for an MOT certificate, but don't know about elsewhere. Ultimately the risk is yours if the car is going to be unsafe, and you will be asked to sign a disclaimer at the beginning of the day anyway.
- First time out, just be careful. Aside from the problems of getting used to a new circuit, be very wary of your brakes. Give them a chance to cool down and don't nail it until you know that they can cope with the extra demands. Boiled brakes aren't funny and tend to happen without warning.
- When you're coming in from the circuit, give yourself a cool down lap to put some air through the brakes. Quite often they'll sit there gently bubbling in the pit lane (especially with weather like this) and then boil the next time you go out.
- In the pit lane, leave your handbrake off and the car in gear. Really easy to warp your discs by applying the handbrake to hot brakes.
Apart from that, listen to the safety briefing, take it easy and have fun. I started attending track days last year and I'm now an absolute convert.
quick answers. noise can be checked free at most tracks- lookup easytrack and bookatrack or circuitdriver for list of venues & dates and pick a convenient one, no cost to just visit. hire helmet until u know u will be doing it often. sometimes need to produce driving licence, never an MOT. insurance usually does not apply so be prepared to deal with this - there are a few companies who will cover u , big excess, maybe big premium. brakes are usual weakest link . watch tyre pressures and wear on LH wheels, also u will learn a lot from the other attendees.
Get out there and have a play chap. It can be the best fun you can have in a car with your trousers on!
Don't forget to make use of the instruction.
Too many feel they know it all...
but I assure you it is invaluable (of course I would say that 'cos I AM an Instructor!
Seriously we can all learn something all the time.
Have fun and if you have any other questions am only too happy to help.
Best regs
Steve L
Don't forget to make use of the instruction.
Too many feel they know it all...
but I assure you it is invaluable (of course I would say that 'cos I AM an Instructor!
Seriously we can all learn something all the time.
Have fun and if you have any other questions am only too happy to help.
Best regs
Steve L
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