CARS: Novice guide
SO what IS a track day (or trackday if you prefer)?
Put simply it’s an event that gives you the chance to enjoy yourself away from oncoming traffic, speed cameras and the obvious dangers of travelling at speed on the road.
Trackdays, track days, trackday and track day (you choose!) are NOT racing event and are designed for social fun not competition. Low pressure is the name of the game and novice/first timers are more than welcome.
Neither are track days like “experience days” where you come along and try something for a few laps at restricted speed.
Track days are in fact aimed at giving owners the chance to go fast in a safe environment. You can of hire one of our cars too – but expect to be able to exploit them without restriction.
We understand that your first track day may be a bit intimidating to begin with, but it need not be. If you have a driving license, then you have already driven on something far far more dangerous than a track – the road!
You don’t need to worry about what might be lurking around the next corner and track days are controlled environments with full marshalling and accidents are very rare. If they were anything but great fun then you wouldn’t have got this far!
A more serious side is that they offer the opportunity for some proper driving instruction. We’re not talking learning the highway code here, but rather a high level of car control and understanding into the correct lines and dynamics of driving.
You cannot, ever, learn these things on the road and no driver can consider themselves a good driver until you’ve developed these skills. You may well have the talent, but you’ll need the instructors to uncover it. We have a range of instruction options, from dedicated days to single sessions. You’ll find out more about that later. It’s highly recommended, from the likes of regular track drivers right through to professional racing drivers. Even Michael Schumacher made a comment on how improved a fellow F1 driver was after a course with one of our instructors!
So book up and take the jump, you won’t regret it!
The important thing to remember is that on any trackday you vehicle will undergo a lot more stress than possible on the road, it’s therefore essential that it is suitable and mechanically sound. Oil/fluid leaks will certainly result in the car being denied circuit access.
The car must be in good overall condition, particularly the tyres and brakes. An MOT is a good benchmark for road cars, even if you don’t have one your car should be in a condition that it COULD get one. If it has or can, then you should be fine.
Any non-road going track specific cars will be inspected on the day by the circuit marshals and as long as the requirements are met then they are welcome. This means that all indicators/brake lights MUST be in working order, seat-belts should be fitted, there should be adequate driver / passenger protection and any noise limits must be met.
Often track day drivers make the mistake that their car must be race prepared complete with cut-off switches, roll cages and plumbed in fire extinguishers. While these things are a good idea if you plan on turning your car into a specific trackday car, they are not compulsory, largely because no racing is involved at a trackday.
No open-wheeled cars are allowed, a minimum “Caterfield” style wings over wheels are needed. Single seater “formula” cars are not allowed.
There is no age limit on cars other than an older car is no excuse for leaks etc.
If you are in any doubt that your chosen car will not be allowed then contact us, with as many details as you can. If possible, include a picture and we’ll ket you know if it’s suitable.
Although modern cars are built to withstand stresses above those that they will experience on the road, standard production cars are not built with track days in mind. However, there are a few simple things you can do to help ensure the car will cope with the extra stresses and go home from the track day in the same condition it arrived and you’ll be free to concentrate on enjoying your tracktime:
1) Check that your brake disks and pads are in tiptop condition. Make sure if you need to change the pads that you have time to bed them in well before taking to the track (min 100 miles use). Many regular trackday enthusiasts upgrade the disks, pads and brake fluid they use which on top of improving track performance, will also make your car safer for the road.
2) Tyres. The actual part of the car making contact with the track needs to be in very good condition and set at the right pressures. There is no hard and fast rule here, as it will be determined by the make of car and the make of tyre, also the track conditions and your own personal preference. For instance, some vehicles find increased grip from lowering the pressure. The trick is to check the pressures are even and check them when they are at track temperatures i.e. get some proper heat into them and THEN set the pressures, totally the opposite of what you should do for road driving! One thing is for sure though, you should make any adjustments at the track and return the tyres to normal road pressures before you leave.
3) Your engine will spend more time at high revs than ever before, check that all the filters and belts are in good order and pay particular attention to the oil level. Bring some oil with you, as it is normal for an engine to “burn” some during a trackday. Keep an eye on the level during the day keeping it close to or at the max. Be careful not to overfill though or you’ll be smoking like a Red Arrow! Upgrading the oil to one that can handle higher temperatures is a good idea and some of our most enthusiastic and dedicated members will explain how they change the oil before and after each event!
4) Suspension and steering parts will help define how well your car handles, and hence how comfortable you will feel out on the track. Make sure these parts are in good working order and don’t be tempted to take to the track (or road for that matter) with faulty or worn parts.
5) Bodywork should be in good order, as we don’t want wheel covers (either tie these on or remove them for the event), bumpers and wings leaving your car while you are driving!
6) Make sure that you remove everything from the car that is not firmly fixed down. Pens and soft drinks cans can become lethal projectiles. Make sure you remove everything from the boot of the car too, in some cases this means the spare wheel also, there is always somewhere to keep things at an event, while you are on the track (remember that neither the circuit or easytrack can take responsibility for belongings so leave that PC at home!).
7) Bring some electrical or gaffer tape along and tape up glass lights before going on circuit.
A simple tool kit is handy to have.
9) Fire extinguishers are not compulsory, and indeed if there is an incident the Fire Marshals will take care of any fire. However, it’s recommended that you purchase an in-car fire extinguisher to keep in the cabin of the car. Make sure it is secure in it’s mounting though and will stay firmly fixed in the event of an accident.
10) Fuel! This sounds obvious, but it’s very important. You will not be averaging 35mpg while on the track, indeed less than 10mpg can be more realistic once you are a little more experienced. Be sure to have at least half a tank of fuel in you car before each session as if you run out on the track your car will be pushed by the marshals to a safe place and left there until the end of the day. Under NO circumstances will you be allowed back on the track, it’s a silly mistake and risks stopping track activity for others.
Note: The below is down to health & safety rules, liability restrictions, planning authority rules and duty of care. They are fact of life and enforced not only by Easytrack, but also by venue operators. Falling foul can mean exclusion from a venue (without refund: don’t even ask!) and possibility in fact of being blacklisted and banned from entering venues for any reason. That said very very very few drivers on track days will ever breach these rules as most are common sense and our days are very sociable trackdays where people are out for fun rather than trouble. Simply put, these WILL NOT get in your way of having a fun filled trackday but we have to say them and you need to heed them!
WHAT TO BRING. THE COMPULSORY BITS:
Suitable car – see the appropriate section.
Driving licence.
Completed indemnity forms.
Drivers / passengers must be over 18 years old. Spectators welcome but nobody under the age of 16 years is allowed in the pitlane or pitlane garages.
Helmet to EC2205 minimum standard. Full face only for any car without a permanently fixed roof.
If you don’t have one, we can hire one to you otherwise consider a purchase.
WHAT TO BRING. SUGGESTIONS:
A tyre pressure guage is very useful, especially as you really should set the pressures once you’ve got some trackday heat into the tyres after your first session.
You should also certainly bring some oil to top up the engine.
You can always tell track day regulars, because they usually bring 2 litres of water with them – not for the car, but because one can get very dehydrated (it’s very physical work) – and when it’s cold, they all wear hats! A small tool kit is a good idea, including a torque wrench (with socket to to your wheels up correctly) and the ever useful “gaffa tape”.
Make sure these are either totally secure in the car or better still when you arrive, take them out and leave them in the paddock area.
They’ll wreck the inside of your car on the first corner, and also anything loose inside the car is a potential lethal projectile!
PADDOCK AND GARAGES:
On arrival at a track day it’s important to remember that while there is no speed limit other than “within your abilities”, speed limits do apply to pitlane, paddock and garages.
It’s generally 10mph but at some venues 5mph. Never ever break these limits or the venue owner will likely ban you for life from their property!
Keep speed on the track, not off it.
Another very efficient way to get yourself banned is to try a brake test, burn-out etc. You won’t even be allowed back to watch! Don’t let over excitement get the better of you and remember you’re on borrowed private property.
Paddock bikes or powered scooters are not allowed at trackdays, so it’s all about walking!
Avoid blocking paddock/pitlane service lanes (typically identified by yellow/orange tramlines), the last thing you want is a fire engine to squash your pride and joy. Also no parking in the pitlane.
Non-track cars cannot use the garages, pitlane or main paddock. There are usually car parks at venues that are for spectators, friends and family.
Engines (& generators) should not be started prior to on-track activity.
After circuit activity has finished you must clear the venue within 1 hour. Please make sure not to leave anything behind, and that includes litter.
On days where there are evening activities are taking place, you must make room in garages the paddock immediately.
Refueling in the pitlane is forbidden.
Pitlane traffic is one way only, which includes reversing.
No sitting pit wall. Pitlane, garage and other indoor areas (inc toilets) are strictly non-smoking areas.
Garages can be pre-reserved for a fee, though we always leave a percentage of them for first-come first-serve. Open top cars have priority if it rains.
CAR AND DRIVER TRACKDAY PREPERATION AND SUITABILITY
Noise test! All cars must pass noise tests, usually there is one static as you arrive at the circuit (measured 50cm from the exhaust and 3/4 max revs) and also drive-by tests through the day. Standard cars need not worry but if you have aftermarket systems you should check if you are too loud before booking.
Tape over lights is also a good idea but not compulsory on cars with plastic light housings.
No licence = no trackday = no refund!
Sounds obvious but driving under the influence of drink or drugs won’t happen – we reserve the right to refuse circuit access to anyone we suspect on having had too much the night before!
The right clothes: while race suits are not necessary there is a rule in place that all drivers / passengers in cars must wear covered
SIGN-ON
The first compulsory part of a track day. Each participant, be they driver or otherwise MUST sign-on. An important part of this is that everyone must bring the forms, fully completed, that are emailed after booking.
If you don’t you will loose out and may have to wait until lunchtime before you can sign-on!
Also vital, and there is no appeal, is your ROAD driving licence. You must have both parts, be unrestricted and certainly not banned.
Always remember these bits!
Sign-on usually opens 1.5hrs before tracktime begins but shuts for the briefing an hour later. If you are going to be late, try your best to inform us in advance so we can make sure there is someone available, however late-arrivals may need to wait until an instructor is available to brief them and we do not guarantee you won’t lose out on a substantial amount of tracktime, without refund.
Passengers are not allowed in cars during the first hour of tracktime, and for that reason can’t sign-on until after sighting laps.
At sign-on you’ll get your first trackday wristband.
THE BRIEFING
The second COMPULSORY part of the day for drivers only.
It’s here were first we all introduce ourselves and second we let you know how the day is going to run and what we expect from the drivers.
Overtaking rules, flags, general circuit ettiquate, circuit access and other rules are explained.
It’s not an option to pay attention in the briefing, even if you’ve done 100 before.
Generally this part of the day will be about 20 minutes long and finishes with a second wristband being issued.
GET READY
Once you’ve left the briefing it’s time to make some final checks around the car. All safe and secure, detachable towing eyes in, no loose objects in the car, helmets on and fastened and seatbelts too.
Then it’s time to take a drive!
Signed on, noise tested, briefing done, bike and rider ready. Now it’s time to get on track!
There is one more thing though and that’s called sighting laps (you may also here the term “ducks and drapes”).
This is not a parade or warm up lap but an opportunity to do 6 essential things:
1. Find out how to get onto the track – it’s not always straight forward.
2. Get used to how the pitlane marshals let you out onto track. There may be lights, flags or hand signals. You’ll need to show your car sticker and wristbands each time and be sure you don’t line up for tracktime without having everything ready so make sure you’ve fastened your seatbelt and helmet.
3. Get used to actually going onto the circuit, following any instructions given out in the briefing. You will likely need to stay within “tramlines” until they stop. Think F1 – a driver crossed the lines leading out of the pitlane early and they get a stop-go penalty. You’ll get a black flag!
4. Learn which way the circuit goes, where the marshal posts are (they will show green flags for this bit), get your sight seeing out of the way and get a general feel of the place.
5. Learn how to get off the circuit, there is a procedure to follow which is different at each venue so it’s important to get used to this.
6. Judge the conditions and satisfy yourself you are happy (at your risk) to ride on track in them.
Once that’s out of the way – approx 10 minutes – you’ll come in off track and into the novice briefing. This time it’s about riding skills and the circuit itself. Which corners to look out for, which ones are good to attack. This is in fact a valuable class based instruction session which will help you approach track day riding and set you up for the day. Don’t miss it!
Then it’s onto track day proper – enjoy!
Perhaps the most important people on any track day are the marshals. There simply whould be no trackdays ever without them!
So the least you can do is pay attention to the fact they are there to make your day enjoyable and safe. On occassion they will need to communicate with you and since shouting, mobiles or telepathy don’t work well on trackdays, they will be relying on flags and, in some cases, lights. All is explained in-depth in the drivers briefing but here is the general meaning:
RED: Slow down, no overtaking and return to the pit at the end of your current lap. Continuing for an extra lap will mean immediate exclusion from the rest of the trackday.
BLACK: Same as red flag but for an individual rider. Could mean a problem with your car has been spotted. Report to pit marshals on return.
YELLOW: Danger ahead. Slow down, no overtaking and wait for the marshals to either lower the yellow or wave a green.
RED&YELLOW: The next few corners may be slippy (potentially oil, fluid etc), scrub off some speed and take caution until sure of grip.
GREEN: All clear, enjoy your lap.
CHEQURED: Final lap – return to pit. No more overtaking allowed.
Some circuit will also employ lights, usually red, yellow and green. These mean exactly the same and are also sometimes used in pitlanes. When in a pitlane, they are traffic lights. Green means you may go onto the track (as long as the marshals let you) and red you cannot!
Although trackdays are not schools for racing drivers, ARDS registered instructors run all our events. They are available to give you informal guidance into track driving technique, and how it varies from road driving. You can benefit a great deal from their race proven skills and trackday experience. The aim is ultimately to improve how safely you drive your car around a track and will help with awareness and control. We HIGHLY recommend all beginners make use of them, and reserve the right to make instruction compulsory if we feel you are struggling. That said you don’t need to take our word for it on the value of instruction – ask the question in the forum or look around the net, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone saying anything less than it’s by far the best upgrade you can buy.
As a novice you will be looked after anyway, with a second extended briefing covering the finer aspects of trackdays and circuit driving, we aim to calm the nerves and keep the excitement in check. Your first trackdays instruction will be mainly about showing and explaining the difference in road and track driving and perhaps pointing out some of the negative habits that road driving results in. You’ll also need time to become familiar with the environment you’re in and how to approach the trackday. The instructors will have you enjoying yourself and by the end of the day you’ll be more than comfortable with track driving and ready for the next event. You’ll also realise that you have much more talent than you realise.
Our team of instructors are highly experienced and we don’t just choose anybody (one even has an endorsement from M.Schumacher), and we have ability to select the right instructor for the right driver. Not all personalities get on well enough and since good instruction is about good communication it’s important that instructor and driver “gel”.
Your first session of instruction will be to access where you are right now, specifically showing you what habits of road driving limit your progress as an effective, smooth (and therefore fast) track driver. Then we will move onto showing you what you should be doing instead. Half the job at this stage is also to get you comfortable with track driving and approaching laps in a methodical way. There is little point to having an instructor next to you if you are too busy sightseeing, we need you to concentrate on your driving and how the car is responding to your input and how you are responding to it’s feedback.
Your second time with an instructor will see a different take as we move you into the technical approach to circut driving. This is where smoothness, correct lines, brake and throttle control, steering and car control get looked at in a more in-depth manner.
A lot of instruction is also off track and the instructors will be sure to make time for you through the day in order to check how you are doing and review your progress.
This is where you can really get misled. You’ll hear “Cadwell…hmm…not good for beginners”, “Silverstone, too fast for novice”, “make sure it’s summertime” etc etc all over the place.
However it’s best not to worry too much about the particular circuit or time of year, or even the format of the event at all. The truth is that if any track day organiser worth their salt will have everything in place to look after novice track day attendees at EVERY event. Bar none.
There is no combination of corners anywhere that are going to be a danger to novices because on your first days, the organiser should be keeping you safe and comfortable. That’s what we do. Our advice is to do a day that does not involve too much travelling the morning of the trackday or make sure you can stay over the night before and be well rested on the day. That’s about it, the rest is down to us. Leave getting to know particular circuits and getting to know a favourite or one you hate until you have at least 3 trackdays under your belt, concentrate first on getting to know trackdays, getting comfortable on them and getting some instruction.
COME JOIN THE FUN!