Track Day Across the Pond
Discussion
Generally speaking, what are the rules regarding passing at track day events in the UK? From the videos posted on the web, it looks like the passer waits for the passee to move off line.
Generally, the passing car must pass off line...at least in the western US. If the passee moves off line, they are viewed as unpredictable and more of a rolling hazard.
Generally, the passing car must pass off line...at least in the western US. If the passee moves off line, they are viewed as unpredictable and more of a rolling hazard.
shithotfast said:
and at all the track days I have been to, you pass on the left, not the right.... They should indicate right, and then you pass. No indication suggests they haven't seen you, you go to pass and bang... Should all be in the pre briefing - if its a sensible track day.
Very interesting and logical. Signaling to indicate that it's safe to pass isn't a bad idea...especially for novices. Over here, the novices and intermediats signal too. We call it a "point by". The passee driver points out the window to the left, if the passer is to go by on the left; or over the top to the right (on LHD cars) to indicate please pass on the right. However, the passee stays on the line and it's the responsiblity of the passer to execute the pass off line.
The novice group has limited passing zones...usually just two or three of the logest straights. Passing must be complete before the next corner...and it's not a drag race. The passee is instructed to lift on the throttle to allow the passer to get by safely. Intermediates can usually pass anywhere, with a point-by. Advanced doesn't require a point-by or passing zones.
It all sounds good, but doesn't always work that way in reality. As you say, all covered in the driver's meeting.
shithotfast said:
How about track day car insurance, is that possible in the USA? It is here but is quite expensive for the day, and usually with a very high excess eg £2,000 or more. Actually whilst we are on the subject, I have just changed insurance so need to check mine now!
Haven't seen it. Perhaps there are specialty insurance companies that will to it. The "track days" here are considered driver's education and are generally covered under our standard "comprehensive and collision" policy. Over here, comprehensive means the insurance company will fix the insured's car if a boulder drops from the sky and damages your paint. Of course, you pay the deductible, the amount of which is negotiated at policy purchase. Any "raceing" event or time trials and the insurance company will bow out of any liability.
I had the pleasure of driving and instructing in a 2003 Caterham 7 at the track this weekend.
It was a very interesting experience. Ran with Toyo R-compound, a Ford engine, and (I think) a Quaife T/A. As fun as it was, I can't imagine the car being anywhere near as quick as an Ultima GTR. None the less, an enjoyable drive.
The setup must have been way off, though, and the steering wheel couldn't have been much more than 10 inches. Above 90 it was foolish.
It was a very interesting experience. Ran with Toyo R-compound, a Ford engine, and (I think) a Quaife T/A. As fun as it was, I can't imagine the car being anywhere near as quick as an Ultima GTR. None the less, an enjoyable drive.
The setup must have been way off, though, and the steering wheel couldn't have been much more than 10 inches. Above 90 it was foolish.
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