It's been a while that we are discussing to book a track for half a day, together with 3-4 friends. As I've never attended such an event I'd like to ask what costs we should be looking at for say a few hours run. (We will ask for the half-day option instead of the whole day package). Apart from participation fees, fuel, oil ( ), the expected tyre wear (which I hope won't be that high so that we are left without tyres to return home!) what else should we take into account before we go on?

It's 1000 crona for as many lap as you can get away with

We've just been on an airfield in czech and got stopped by the police, fined, and told to leave ! Lol.... ( we got 3 runs )

Funny, apparently it was free last time!

Ill pop up a reply later. i do a fair amount so should be able to answer anything you want to know

Think that most of the regular tracks which have open track days will give you most of the info on their websites, at least the UK ones do, not sure about France. But nothing like a bit of info from a regular like Sy.

What do you need to do to the car.

Very little tbh.

Tyres - Reduce your COLD Tyre temperature to around 1.8 bar. The tyre temperature will soon bump that pressure back upto normal. If the stock tyres get to hot you will lose all the grip.

Fuel - Make sure you have a full tank of fuel. You might not need it all but if you run out fuel is normally mega expensive on or near tracks in my experience. Unless your tyres are already on their last legs you'll probably be alright for wear and tear.

Brakes - Stock brakes aren't very good and over heat loads. When your new to a track you will find you over brake and make it worse. If you keep it to 4-5 lap stints you should be alright. Try and give the car at least one cool down lap before pulling in. When in the pits do not use your handbrake is your pad will stick to the disc, leaving pad residue which will then cause vibrations. Same goes for applying your brakes when you are at a standstill. Release them just before the car becomes stationary to ensure the pad doesn't stick to the disc.

Oil temps - you'll notice the oil temps stay above 120degrees on track. That should be OK. Just make sure your cool down lap(s) give your oil a chance to cool down. I stay out for cooldowns laps until my oil temps drop below 100°. I then leave the engine running in the pits until it drops below 90°.

Obviously check the obvious stuff like your oils, coolant, wheel nuts etc.

If there was a single mod I would recommend guys doing before a trackday it would be upgrade your brake pads and fluid. The stock ones are imo the biggest weakness and have the potential to ruin the day if they overheat.

Chuck in 2litres of good brake fluid like Motul RBF600 or 660 matched to some decent pads like Mintex M1144, Ferrodo DS2500, Pagid blue, Tarox Corsa to name a few. Should only cost about £150-£200 to sort it but imo, worth it

Sy

Thanks Sy, that was exactly what I was looking for. Especially since you've been there with an almost stock vrs once iirc. Fluid and pads are not cheap but I reckon I would profit from them after the track as well, no? Only thing is I'd like to wait a little more so that a remap is on the car before I go there, then it should be even more fun I guess...

Remap means your brakes will have an even harder time. If you have to choose between pads and fluid, then its pads to go for imo. You should notice the difference in daily use as well.