Track Day for beginners - advice

gobbo

gobbo

gobbo

Soldato
Joined
25 Dec 2002
Posts
2,862
I'm thinking of going to a track day, i'd like the experiance, but i've never done one before.

Is there any special equipment I need? Obv i'd need a lid, but does it have to conform to any standards, closed or open face etc?

Also, what tracks are good for beginners, i've heard bedford is supposed to be good, as the track has long run offs incase something goes wrong. :) :)
 
as long as you have a helmet you are fine with most track places. Also i wouldnt worry too much on where you track first.....but it might be worth doing it with a good track day company that have stricter rules than some open pit days, (to stop folk overtaking you on corners and only allowing you to pass on certain sides etc)
 
Airfield track days are a good way to get into it as there's no armco to smash into ;)

A lot of places are cutting down on the use of m/cycle helmets as well, so beware you may not be able to use one if that's what you've already got.

If that's the case just collect one from the circuit on the day.

Things I normally take with me:

Car(!)
Driving license
2 spare litres of oil
Water
Assorted fuses
Full tank of petrol (I'm lucky if I get 120 miles out of 50 litres on track)
Leccy/gaffer tape for taping up lights etc
Electronic tyre pressure gauge
Footpump
Lots of sugary food
Small toolkit
Cardboard box to put all the above in while I'm on track
Video camera, bullet camera, mounts and spare batteries/tapes
Credit card, cash

Remember that most tracks stipulate your arms and legs should also be covered, even in a tin top.

It's also worth remembering to empty the car of CD's, maps, pens and anything loose in the car that could go flying about.

Check your wheelnuts are tight before you get there and that you have sufficient brake pad left and tyre tread depth to get home afterwards - and it also helps to know where your towing points are if you do a proper circuit and not an airfield!

And last but not least - dont try to go too fast too soon, take your time to learn the lines and the speed will come.
At some point the chances are you will get stuck behind a slower car that doesnt notice you for a lap or two... dont get frustrated and your flash lights, just back off and let your car cool down and the build some space for yourself to drive in. Try and stick to 20 minute sessions as it's mentally tough to concentrate hard for that long.

Hope you enjoy it, it's pretty addictive :D
 
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