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[Project_XR2i_Trackcar]

I’ve had a few pm’s now from people asking how, what, where etc etc about trackdays. So I thought I’d knock up a basic guide.

If one of the moderators could stick it in Guides/FAQ it would be appreciated.

Trackdays

What do I need?

Firstly, a car – either a designated trackcar or your everyday car. Either way it needs to be road worthy. Oh, and not a bus, tractor etc etc (although i did see a bus load of OAP's on the ring once )

A Helmet – Mandatory (except at the ‘Ring’). You can pick em up for as little as 50 quid new. Mine was £25 from a homo-tor-cyclist friend. If in doubt, ring the track you are going to, as some hire them out for as little a £10 for the day.

A Driving licence – Either a full UK driving licence or a Race licence (see here for details about getting a race licence)

Some money – for the burger van of course and obviously you need to pay for the trackday before you go.

Good driving manners and road sense - Nuff said

General – Extra Fuel ( I usually take 2x 20l jerry cans), a trolley jack, axle stands, socket set, spanners etc. Spare lubes and oil, spare pads and if you have them a spare set of wheels and tyres. Also take a still camera or better still a camcorder and mount.

Do I need extra Insurance?

Totally up to you. If it’s your day to day car or your pride and joy then I would advise you do. I have seen a new Intregra Type R have a head on smash into a wall and an ST170 roll right in fornt of me in the kitty litter. I remember seeing the Type R driver walking away crying afterwards.

Does the car need an MOT & Tax?

If it’s going on a public road then YES most definetly. If its being trailored and not put onto a public road then no real need for tax. With regards to the MOT, I would advise you have it as most tracks state that the car must be road worthy – if you’ve got an in-date MOT then as far as I see it you’re covered.

Where to go?

Plenty of tracks in the UK that do public trackdays, try a search on google for ‘trackdays’, otherwise here’s some for starters:

Donnington Park Trackzone

Easytrack

UK Trackdays

Germany = the Infamous Nurburgring Absoloutley awsome circuit (see Ben Lovejoys website for all the info you will need)

Belgium = Spa Franchorps (sp?), not been myself yet but its on the way to the ring.

How much will it cost me?

All depends on your budget. A full trackday will cost you anything between 90 and 300 quid depending on what track, when the trackday is and who’s running it. Also some places allow for passengers (although Silverstone doesn’t), Donnington charges something like 20 quid for a full day or additional drivers 40 quid. You will need to allow for fuel (you will use a lot more than you normally do), and possible need to take some spare brake pads and if you’ve got them a spare set of wheels and tyres.

How do I get the car there?

2 options spring to mind…..

1. You can drive it there – Therefore it will need to be fully road legal (there and back remember). If you prang it make sure you have recovery cover (AA, RAC etc) to get you home.

2. Tow it there – by means of a trailer and tow car.

Project_XR2i_Trackcar’s Top Tips for the Track.

1. Do a short track session first, ie at Trax or Ford Fair to see if you like it (see link). 10,15 or a 20 minute session is enough for you to realise what its all about and how your car reacts on track. It will only cost around £25 for a session too. It also builds up your confidence, this is how I started and I was s41tting myself.

2. Get the extra insurance if you value your car – its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

3. Don’t drive like an idiot & take it easy, remember you car needs to last the full day and get you home. You will also get quicker by not thrashing it or you could end up going home early if you do.

4. Remember the Camcorder, its good to watch your action and make improvements.

5. Arrive early, some tracks have garages and they are usually based on first come, first served. Also you don’t want to miss your briefing.

6. Listen to the briefing and remember the flags and lights. You could get a ban if you ignore them. UK tracks are now like that pubwatch, get banned from one you get banned from em all. Also note , most tracks are overtake on the Left and on the straights only (although Castle Coombe is on the Right & some others may be the same).

7. If you enjoy it and get hooked (as I did) get a designated trackcar – it’s just as fun to build and maintain than the trackday itself. It also saves your main ride getting FUBAR’d. Expect to spend a lot of money if you do, whatever you plan to spend - TRIPLE IT !

8. Do the Nurburgring trip some time – Nuff said, do it and you will see what all the fuss is about.

9. No matter what car you are in you are in, be it a Cosworth, Impreza or even a Porsche GT3RS, DO NOT assume you are the fastest out there. I can guarantee that some little hot-hatch with a puny engine will be all over you (like me :D).

10. Buy a PS2/XBOX and get something like TOCA race driver 2 and practice the circuits before you go. Works for me every time

Hope this helps

Chris

[AdrianFRST]

Another excellent guide!

When's the book out?

[Project_XR2i_Trackcar]

cheers mate

[Kartracer69]

A great read, cheers for that fella

[flyingphil]

Just finished the checklist, lets go.................

[Xr_Dub]

i really wanna do this .....in my car, in the summmer
good tips and guide...

[Max M4X WW]

Nice guide, Think ill give it a miss though

Am popping off to goodwood tomorrow though, hope they all show..

http://www.bookatrack.com/-pB?556

[Adam_W]

i dont know why but i can imagine this being read out over the backing tune to baz luhmans "wear sunscrean" song, random i know

[Kartracer69]

i dont know why but i can imagine this being read out over the backing tune to baz luhmans "wear sunscrean" song, random i know

you're not wrong..

[Ram]

great guide. cheers

[Rs Adz]

nice guide hoping to put this in to practice soon