First track day questions

[spk]

Hello,

 

So interested in doing the upcoming track day (or another later one) having never done one before. I've just got a few questions about what I need to do in advance to be ready? 

 

1. I see insurance mentioned. What do most people do about this? Is it something you need to call up your insurance company and get something special for the day? Is it a hard requirement?

 

2. Helmet - can these usually be hired on the day?

 

3. Wheels and tires - best to bring something just for the track and swap them in the garage at the start of the day?

 

4. Any other paperwork usually needed other than driving licence?

 

That'll do for now. Thanks for any advice!

Cheers,

Steve

[WookieeM]

I’ll have a go to start you off:

 

Insurance is optional, but any damage is your responsibility- Who ever caused it. Depends on the value of your car and what happens if.

Specialist track day insurance from a specialist probably best. I pay about £100 per event for a 8-10k car. Personal choice, it’s rare to crash but can happen. (Did to me not my fault 3k claim) 

It should not happen and overall I think it’s safer than driving on the road. All going in same direction and love our cars, with rules on passing etc

 

Helmet hire on day available . If you love it buy your own to save cash in long run.

 

I use my bog standard wheels and tyres then drive home. Don’t get silly wear on them. Others swap over at the track to more track focussed wheels / tyres.

 

Just driving license needed, no race

license or anything crazy. Roadworthy car usually.

 

Make sure car is healthy before you go and brakes are not on their last legs etc.

 

I’ve only done about 4 track days so a newbie really. Hope the above is useful, ask if you want more etc.

 

Cheers.

Edited 5 October, 2017 by WookieeM
Tidy up spelling etc

[stylo]

Street tyres will never be as good as a semi slick (on a separate set of rims).  Should be able to drive to and from the venue with road legal semi slicks.  This is ideal but cost is prohibitive for most weekend warriors (me included).  Just means your road tyres get trashed faster, but the great thing is that you can learn the limit of your car/tyres and what it is capable of.  If you want faster time, get semi-slicks.

 

No mention of brakes but they are important !  Made the mistake myself using stock brake pads and fluids.  The pads were baked and there was fade as the day got on.  Not fun.  Changing to a higher temp brake fluid is a good idea and a track specific pad will also help prevent brake fade.

 

Most importantly, ensure your car is roadworthy - obvious I know.  I'll leave driving tips to someone else .. I am far from qualified !

[WookieeM]

Agree with Stylo on all points when pushing it and going even faster - For a first time std car is also fine.

 

But if you have the cash do the upgrades of course!

 

I just do 3~5 laps at a time ish. Then come in to let it all cool down. Car is Octavia 2012 TDi standard + stage 1 map.

Roughly drive for 20 mins rest 20 mins and repeat.

 

 

I don’t do crazy late braking as I leave a little margin for error (hopefully) so I’m going slightly easy on the brakes.

 

Fuel - If you do lots of laps in a petrol you’ll need more fuel! Either a trip out or bring some.

In my dirty diesel I can generally drive home on the same tank of fuel

[WookieeM]

http://www.evo.co.uk/trackdays/features/234398/preparing_for_your_first_track_day.html

 

Good start for some interwebs reading.

[DanHarper]

1. Depends on the car, if its your superb I'd get some! Try REIS.

2. Yes, but if they are anything like Karting helmets you wouldn't want to put it near your head. I find I sweat a lot on track, I bet the previous occupants of the hire helmets did too. Fairly basic helmets are going to protect you (afterall, your head isn't going to be coming in to contact with anything but the interior of the metal box keeping you safe from the rest of the world unlike on a bike) well enough for a track day, well worth £50 or so.

3. For your first time it would be a hell of an expense and unless you go straight out hard you'll probably be ok on your road tyres. Just keep an eye on the temperature and don't wear them too low or overheat them. If you think however you'll be using them again, Federal RS-Rs are a good budget track tyre and are road legal, just make sure you have enough tread depth if you drive home on them.

4. No.

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi,

If you'd like any help with track day insurance then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

[ColinD]

Welcome to a new world! 

 

I personally only saw track driving as a chance to drive on a good A road. With all the cars going in the same direction, a medical team right there and people who wave flags at you

 

Seriously, I drove them like I was driving the roads, only far less objective danger. The net result is I was far more confident, not cocky, on the normal road. Smoother etc.

 

So, 1st time, treat it like a spirited drive, a few laps, come in cool down, you the cars bits, brakes etc. Go out for a lap or two with someone else, then get back in. If you dare let someone you trust drive yours... it's quite enlightening!

 

Insurance is a thing, I never did, but I'd be very aware of others closing, or presence. If needs be, I'd coast down the straight to leave the 'twisty' bit open and clean to enjoy. I know I can go quick in a straight line, I want to get this sequence of corners just right... and round we go again

 

Enjoy it

 

[ColinD]

On 06/10/2017 at 07:20, WookieeM said:

I don’t do crazy late braking as I leave a little margin for error (hopefully) so I’m going slightly easy on the brakes.

 

 

Very wise words. Echoing Senna too if I'm right. He used to brake more before the corner than later... As a result of track work I hardly ever brake with any steering angle on the wheel, anywhere now. 

 

Brake Gear Turn Apex Accelerate |  Was my learnings... also means only one thing to worry about at each point

Edited 12 October, 2017 by ColinD