HELP - First Time On A Track

HELP - First Time On A Track

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Discussion

flashheart

Original Poster:

578 posts

249 months

Sunday 15th February 2004
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Greetings folks, have just signed up for an insructional trackday at Cadwell with EVO mag at the end of March. Have Cerbera but no idea where to start, noise limits etc, etc. Has anyone got any (polite) suggestions to get me started. Cannot wait to doooo it!

chimhunter

906 posts

256 months

Sunday 15th February 2004
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Make sure the oil is up to the mark, check what tyre pressures you should be running (high speed driving) and generally make sure that the car is in tip-top condition.

The car should be fine but take it easy for the first few sessions. Gradually build up speed in each session, and definitely, definitely get tuition. It is the single most effective way of improving your on-track speed and car control. Remember, it's not a race.

There are plenty of posts on here full of advice for a first timer, a quick search should help. Good luck, and have a great time!

PetrolTed

34,443 posts

310 months

Sunday 15th February 2004
quotequote all
Take advantage of the tuition as early as possible to stop you getting any bad habits.

Above all - relax. At the end of the day you're just driving your car along a one way street. You've been driving for years - don't feel that this is vastly different or you'll just intimidate yourself.

Build it up over time and concentrate on smoothness rather than outright speed. Speed will come thanks to smoothness but not vice versa

Have fun. Cadwell is fantastic!

A vid of me at Cadwell

joospeed

4,473 posts

285 months

Monday 16th February 2004
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The EVO day at Oulton looked great .. wide selection of cars there and everyone seemed to have a blast, only in the afternoon when people were allowed on in proper track day format did the excitement start for a few people .. lol

the first bit which was the novice track day intorduction looked as safe as houses

getcarter

29,631 posts

286 months

Monday 16th February 2004
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I wrote a short guide for first timers a while back - people seem to find it useful. It's here>> www.stevecarter.com/track-day-beginners.htm

(My site has just recovered from a big crash, so if you can't see it, try tomorrow.

Have fun

Steve

steve lewis

141 posts

291 months

Tuesday 17th February 2004
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Ok so I may have a vested interest...
I agree with Ted...
Enjoy developing your driving skills and meeting like-minded nutters..
but...
here's the advert...
************************
You wouldn't just buy a hang glider and throw yourself off the nearest cliff without some basic instruction! The same applies to performance car driving.

Given some basic skills (and driving is a skill) you will become smoother, faster and above all safer, making your time behind the wheel more enjoyable.

With winter approaching what better time to ask for a days tuition as a present!? It could make the difference and keep you 'on the black stuff'.

Steve Lewis has tutored many drivers. All have benefited from the experience and do not hesitate to recommend the experience. Steve is one of only 400 active ARDS registered instructors in the UK and as an 'A' Class Instructor spends much time teaching and demonstrating all aspects of circuit driving. This includes all drivers, from the novice, to the hardened racer who wants to find that elusive last tenth of a second.

Instruction is based on a daily rate. Most UK circuits are used. Instruction takes place in your car or an alternative can even be provided if required.

Call today to discuss your requirements - 07785 773 341

steve@b-chip.com

PetrolTed

34,443 posts

310 months

Tuesday 17th February 2004
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Steve, no advertising in the forums now

joospeed

4,473 posts

285 months

Tuesday 17th February 2004
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yup, you can get all manner of tuition these days from sideways drifting techniques to proper track day and then race tuition.
Most track day companies offer laps with instructors, but you're limited on time with them to usually about 10-15 mins. What you'd get with Steve Lewis is a 1 on 1 based tuition that you really need if you want to improve your overall skills significantly.
Tuition of this type is worth it's weight in gold .. and brings benefits you can transfer from car to car

steve lewis

141 posts

291 months

Saturday 21st February 2004
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Sorry Ted.. understood
Remember I'm a new boy here
Just trying to help...
Word of mouth works though...
Cheque in the post Joo !

Best regs
Steve

evoactive

72 posts

250 months

Sunday 22nd February 2004
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The Introduction Courses are all about instruction. And I agree if you are going to spend money on trackdays, spend it on yourself rather than the car. You will go quicker and you'll find it considerably more rewarding.

This is why we always have instructors available on all our days and they are always of the highest calibre. And it is why on our full trackdays the first hour is for novices only, with all the instructors on-hand to help you. The chief instructor at Cadwell on that day will be Rob Barff, who as well as making his living from instructing is racing an LMP Dallara in the European Le Mans series including Le Mans itself. Check out www.robbarff.com for pictures of the car from Friday's test.

The car preparation tips already posted here are all valid. Oh, and I can garantee that you'l have a great day.