Beginners Guide To Trackdays

So you have booked your first track day, in your own car. This is amazing and I can guarantee you, that once you have experienced the thrill of driving around the race circuit without the fear of getting caught speeding by cameras, you will definitely book another.

Before your first outing make sure you have the following;

• UK Full Drivers - Hard copy
• You will need a helmet-(for some circuits you can hire one)
• You will also need to wear a sleeved T-shirt and no shorts.
• Sensible footwear, no boots 
• Insurance cover - additional to cover your vehicle for track use
• Check the oil, coolant, and tire pressures.
• Ensure the rear lights and seat belts work.
• Make sure there are no fluid leaks.
• Pack water
• Check noise limits for the track day and make sure your vehicle is below this level.
• Check the condition of your tires.
• Book Tuition if available
• Tow hook ( needed to be fitted to the front of the vehicle on the day)
• Track day organizers' online briefing _ if applicable.
• Make sure you have fuel ( believe me a lot of people forget this) and some organisers will charge you if you run out on the circuit.

I would also spend some time looking at YouTube videos of in-car coverage, from experienced instructors. If you have a passenger booked on as well, make sure they also have a helmet and appropriate clothing.

You will need to arrive in plenty of time, especially if you are towing your vehicle and need to unload. 

When you arrive at the circuit the first thing you will need to do is sign in at the circuit office, where you will be required to show your driver's license, and you will be given wristbands for drivers and passengers, as well as a noise test sticker for your car.

Then you will need to empty your vehicle and make sure no loose items are in the car, you don't want that bottle of water attacking you when you go on track.

Then take your vehicle as early as possible to the noise test area, where a marshal will ask you to rev to where they feel is necessary. Please bear in mind there will be a static test which is this one as well as a drive-by test, which you won't know if you have failed until you set off a sensor and you will be called into the pitlane by an official.

Check your final instructions for drivers' briefing times, and again arrive early. You will in most cases be handed another wristband to say that you have attended which you will be asked to show before you drive out of the pitlane.

Straight after the briefing, it will be instantly on to the sighting laps. I would recommend your car is fully ready for the track before you attend the briefing. 

You will line up in the pitlane and follow the safety car for a few laps of the circuit. No overtaking. Take time to learn the circuit. 

Once you return to the pits, take time to give your vehicle another checkover before you hit the track.   

The most important thing to remember is this is not a race. Take time to learn the circuit first and build up speed slowly. Your car will feel completely different from how it feels on the road, so make time to become accustomed to its track characteristics.

Don't judge or compare yourself to other cars/ drivers.

This point is very important, you might see a race car and presume there is an experienced race driver behind the wheel. The case is it could be a novice just like yourself. And later on in the same day, another driver might be behind the wheel. Just don't predict what vehicles might do and be prepared for the unexpected. 

You will naturally feel quite tired, even if you are sitting down all day, make sure you do short stints with plenty of rest time between sessions to cool you and your car down.