FAQ
- Does my car need any special
preparation for a trackday?
- What if there's rain?
- Tips for beginners
- What shall I bring?
Does my car/bike need any special
preparation for a trackday?
Most of the cars entered for our track days are
road registered. You will therefore need to run through a few basic
checks before venturing out - usually with an instructor if it is your
first event or visit to the venue. It isn't practical to give a detailed list
for every type of car & bike but detailed below are some basics you
should look at doing.
- Check all your fluid levels.
- If your car has an oil breather, make sure it
breathes into a catch tank.
- Make sure you have a decent amount of tread left on
the tyres - you will wear a significant amount
of rubber off them during a day of track driving.
- Check tyre pressures. Generally around 5 psi of
extra pressure from cold will prevent you scrubbing
away the sidewalls on the first lap - ask someone who has been
before if not sure.
- Check your brakes. If the pads have been in use
for a while, re-new them with a harder compound
perhaps as brake fade is not a pleasant thing to experience.
- Check all cooling hoses for weak points / crack
etc.
- Feel free to ask advise from the more
experienced drivers/riders attending the event.
Remember - drive within your and your car limits
and you will go away at the end of the day with some good memories and
an intact bank balance.
Not everyone enjoys driving in the rain but it's a
part of being British perhaps. Obviously a lot more caution will be
needed when driving around - an instructor is an extremely good idea to
accompany you if it's your first time.
Be aware that you will go 'off' faster and further in
wet conditions so bear that in mind - marshals do not take kindly to
people who are trying to be Michael Schumacher in the wet and come
off worse.
Start off slowly. There is nothing more worrying than
seeing a newcomer trying too hard. It takes time to learn the
track - the braking points etc. Take
in all the information required in order to go faster and safely, later.
Keep an eagle eye on your mirrors. If you see a faster car/bike
behind you, wait till the next safe opportunity to move to the right or
left (as the circuit organiser dictates) and
let him or her past. Always ensure you take the 'racing line' around the
circuit - you don't want to be wandering all over the place as others
will find it not only dangerous but annoying.
Don't be afraid to ask the more experienced drivers
for advice - always go out with an instructor for your first few laps. When you feel confident with your car and the track,
go fast and have fun, but keep concentrating hard on what you're doing.
- Your car!
- Your driving licence
- A crash helmet (Hiring is available)
- Long sleeves and trousers.
- Flame resistant overalls
are not necessary but advisable if you have them.
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For more general information
continue
here