General Notes

GENERAL NOTES FOR TRACK DAYS

CARS

Helmets and Seat Belts 

Helmets and Seat belts or Harnesses must be worn at all times whilst on the circuit 

OVERTAKING 

When driving on the circuit you must overtake on the left hand side only Use your mirrors regularly and if you see faster traffic behind you move over to the right and let the vehicles pass on the left. 

SPINS

If at any time you crash your vehicle, it may be necessary to stop circuit activity. This causes unnecessary loss of track time to both yourself and your colleagues and tf is therefore suggested that every care be taken to ensure your machine is driven to the conditions and not beyond. 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS 

Please ensure, that before entering onto the circuit, you are familiar with the following flag signals, as this is our only form of communication whilst you are on the circuit

FLAG	MEANING	ACTION
Red	Danger	Session has been stopped. Slow down immediately and proceed to the pits exercising extreme caution
Yellow	Slow Down	Your speed at this stage is too high for safety, (or there may be danger ahead of you)
Blue	Overtaking	Someone is following close behind you and wants to overtake. Move to the right and let the faster vehicle(s) pass you on the left.
Chequered	Session Ends	Complete the remainder of the lap and return to the pits

Reminders General 

1. Please drive slowly in the pit road and keep to the left until parking

2. When joining the circuit, do a “motorway entry’ - i e keep to the right until you are through the first corner

3. Always use your mirrors - overtake and be overtaken on the left only

4. Brake and change gear in a straight line - do not brake in a corner

5. Before each corner slow the car down sufficiently to a speed that enables you to accelerate progressively through the corner

6. Steer smoothly-  Do not feed the steering wheel through your hands and do not saw at the wheel.

7. Remember - if you crash valuable circuit time will be lost from your session.

8. Remember - On-Track Experience reserves the right to take you off the circuit, applies to anyone who is not complying with instructions or who may be causing a danger to himself herself or others.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY - THIS COULD AFFECT YOUR ENTRY 

You are reminded that the safety of your vehicle is your responsibility at all times. On-Track Experience reserve the right to refuse entry to any vehicle, without refund, if any fault or feature is thought to compromise the safety of the vehicle, its occupants or others present at the track. 

The On-Track Experience Track Days are arranged on an informal basis with a variety of vehicles, mostly road going, being used. However, it is important to note that circuit use exerts greater pressure for longer periods on vehicles and their components that would normally be experienced in road use. This obviously highlights the need for particular attention to safety feature and we recommend that entrants thoroughly inspect, or have their vehicles inspected, prior to use on the circuit. 

We recommend that you pay particular attention to the following items and any uncertainty or wear should be discussed with a qualified vehicle engineer prior to this event. 

1.            ELECTRICAL

(A)  The battery must be secured by a suitable strap or fixing and its cap(s) be tightly fastened 

(B)  The vehicle wring should be adequately bound and clear of obstruction — particular attention should be paid to areas where it runs through the bulkhead or over metal edges where the correct grommets or packing should be used. 

(C)       Conditions of wiring in highly flammable areas such as petrol tank and carburetors should be checked in particular. 

(D) Lights should be taped so that in the event of them breaking, they do not shatter on the circuit. 

2.            STEERING AND SUSPENSION 

(A)  General condition of shock absorbers, track rod arms, tie bars, panhard rods, springs, etc, should be checked for any areas of corrosion or wear with particular attention paid to mounting points and fastenings. These areas will be subject to high cornering stresses at the increased speeds of circuit driving and should be in good condition. 

(B)  Steering fastenings often have split pins fitted. It is important to check these and it is cheap and easy to replace worn or broken pins. They are a necessary safety feature. 

(C)  Gaiters, rubbers and seals retaining grease or oil should be in good condition as leaking units may in extreme cases leave oil on the circuit. Inadequately lubricated or sealed parts will provide inefficient damping and see increased wear through circuit use

 3.            TYRES, WHEELS & BRAKES 

(A)  Tyres should be checked for cracking around the tyre wall or between the tyre treads, for any weaknesses in the wall, or “out of round” characteristics. For circuit use, the general condition of the carcass, especially if aged, should be checked. If, for example, a vehicle is not used often, then the tyre performance at high speed is far more questionable and more likely to be affected by ageing. Standing in one particular place for a prolonged period of time can cause a flat spot or weakness in the tyre wall

(B)  Wheels should be tightly fixed, i.e. studs and nuts checked and adequately torqued and wheel bearings checked for wear. Wheels also should be checked for cracks (especially if alloy) and/or evidence of serious kerbing which can allow tyre to deflate on high speed cornering. Wheels should be tracked and balanced to ensure safety and trueness. 

(C)  Brakes should have a good feel and not pull to one side under heavy braking. Any inadequacies in their performance will be magnified at speed and can be dangerous. We will not have facilities to check these and recommend systems to be checked if the driver is in any doubt. Joints should be checked for any leakage as well as checks to seals and calipers. 

4.            ENGINE AND FUEL SYSTEM 

The engine should be in good order. It should not leak any oils or fluid, as this will be dangerous to all present. Gaskets and hoses should be in good order and adequately secured and fixed. If you have any doubts as to hose conditions whether it be fuel, oil or water, it  is wise to change it and keep the original as your spare for road use. 

Carburetors and fuel systems should have strong return springs fitted. Cables and linkages should be checked for lubrication and smooth operation. 

It is advisable not to fill the fuel system to more than 70% as some vehicles do lose fuel when full on fast corners 

In general it is highly recommended that all fluid levels be checked before circuit use and the vehicle must not enter the track with any loose objects inside — leave them in the paddock area. IF YOU HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER, IT MUST BE SECURED AND NOT LOOSE. 

It is worth remembering that an M.O T. certificate should not be taken as evidence of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle. 

If you are unsure of any of the points referenced, we recommend that professional advice is sought prior to the event. Your help in checking the vehicle before the Track Day is expected and appreciated. Always bear in mind, it is you who is driving the vehicle.