First track day help

[Jonnymaz]

Hi guys,

Been a while since I have been on so just been catching up. Thinking of doing my first track day when the weather gets a bit nicer. Have never taken my own car on a track before and it would be a travesty not to take the CSL on. I don't think the previous owner tracked it so it's been deprived!

Would really like some guidance from those more experienced. Any help with the following would be much appreciated:

1. Which track is good for beginners. Would prefer one that isn't too far away (Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Midlands area).

2. How is best to book. Do companies organise track days or do you book direct with the track?

3. I will need to get insurance and a helmet. Where's best to get those from?

4. What sort of overall cost would you expect?

5. Have I missed anything obvious??

I am also thinking of taking my brother in law along as he has a rally car and more track experience than I do!

Cheers hope you can help.

[Trawler]

I suggest you have some lessons before hand & then pick a track where they have novice sessions. Also some organisers run less cars & run the event strictly to the rules to try & avoid incidents. Take advantage of the instructors available on the track day.

Others will be along to answer your specific questions

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Open Track have great track days, tea and doughnuts, free instruction Mike Wilds is one of them and one of the best, all track days need helmets so do hire them out, if your insured with CCi they have free cover for recognised track day companies.

[0836whimper]

- Get Insurance (CCI provide 5 days included it as mentioned)
- Choose a track with plenty of run-off. Bedford is great as it's huge, flat (takes out a whole dimension for you to have to think about) and has no barriers, gravel etc, it's not a race track. Don't choose a narrow track with humps and overhanging trees etc....
- Think about an airfield day first, just to get a feel for the car at the limit of traction
- Be wary of days that basically allow race cars to test at the same time, they don't take any prisoners and find it hard to get out of 'race' mode
- Try a marque/owners club day first if there is one planned
- Keep Traction control on, then put MDM on if you feel like it. Don't turn it all off unless you are very experienced no matter how much Shimmy looks down on you
- Most incidents happen in the morning as everyone rushes on with cold tyres, be patient.
- Build speed slowly, it doesn't matter that MX5's and Novas are overtaking you as you warm up
- Back off and give the car a cooling lap or two
- Don't leave handbrake on in the pits once parked following some hot laps
- You'll probably find half of the attendees have left by 3pm, so you'll have a much quietier time then
- Get some AP's if it's not a one-off. It's so worth it.
- Don't go on a the track in a CSL and then expect to want to sell it....they are epic on track and you will love your car more than ever

[73CSL]

I dont' really do trackdays as always enjoyed road driving more ( living on the edge of some epic driving roads helps .... but, my one & only trackday in the CSL was the BMWOC trackday @ croft.

TBH, this was the 1st trackday I've actually enjoyed. The CSL was a revelation ( once I sorted tyre pressures ) . Everyting came together

Croft is a great track. especially with a bit of instruction to help you make the most of it ,

[Rick H]

Originally Posted by 0836whimper

- Get Insurance (CCI provide 5 days included it as mentioned)
- Choose a track with plenty of run-off. Bedford is great as it's huge, flat (takes out a whole dimension for you to have to think about) and has no barriers, gravel etc, it's not a race track. Don't choose a narrow track with humps and overhanging trees etc....
- Think about an airfield day first, just to get a feel for the car at the limit of traction
- Be wary of days that basically allow race cars to test at the same time, they don't take any prisoners and find it hard to get out of 'race' mode
- Try a marque/owners club day first if there is one planned
- Keep Traction control on, then put MDM on if you feel like it. Don't turn it all off unless you are very experienced no matter how much Shimmy looks down on you
- Most incidents happen in the morning as everyone rushes on with cold tyres, be patient.
- Build speed slowly, it doesn't matter that MX5's and Novas are overtaking you as you warm up
- Back off and give the car a cooling lap or two
- Don't leave handbrake on in the pits once parked following some hot laps
- You'll probably find half of the attendees have left by 3pm, so you'll have a much quietier time then
- Get some AP's if it's not a one-off. It's so worth it.
- Don't go on a the track in a CSL and then expect to want to sell it....they are epic on track and you will love your car more than ever

As someone reasonably new to trackdays myself, I worship at the alter of these words.

I sit in the caf for an extra coffee to let the cold-tyre gang slip and slide then go out slow letting oil get to ~100 degrees before ramping the pace. Last half hour before lunch is usually hectic as is first one back after and the final hour too.

Check your tyre pressures before going out.

No-one's judging and ultimately, any price paid is paid by you so take your time and build it up slowly.

APs will probably sell for what you pay for them so they are very worthwhile - as are Alcons etc. They make a world of difference.

Shimmy et al will help you to the ends of the earth.

Above all, get proper tuition sooner rather than later. I trained with Colin and Paul at CAT and enjoyed every minute in the car and out so I can recommend them, and others will have their own recommendations also.

Nick at BMWUK car club runs trackdays and although he'll twist your arm for a raffle ticket, these days are extremely well run, the nutters are elsewhere and there's some free tuition thrown in sometimes - although it's basic, it'll give you proper lines and a bit on balance.

iRacing has a lot of UK tracks - it's cheap and a good heads-up.

That all sounds a bit self-richeous - but that's not hows its meant

[shimmy]

depends what sort of driver/person you are but


1. Which track is good for beginners. Would prefer one that isn't too far away (Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Midlands area).Bedford, Rockingham, Snetterton, Donington all good

2. How is best to book. Do companies organise track days or do you book direct with the track? Opentrack, MSV, Circuit days, Goldtrack, RMA etc

3. I will need to get insurance and a helmet. Where's best to get those from? Online GPR or Demontweeks.

4. What sort of overall cost would you expect? £750-1000 A TRACKDAY

5. Have I missed anything obvious?? BRAKES!!!

[Rick H]

Originally Posted by shimmy

depends what sort of driver/person you are but


1. Which track is good for beginners. Would prefer one that isn't too far away (Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Midlands area).Bedford, Rockingham, Snetterton, Donington all good

2. How is best to book. Do companies organise track days or do you book direct with the track? Opentrack, MSV, Circuit days, Goldtrack, RMA etc

3. I will need to get insurance and a helmet. Where's best to get those from? Online GPR or Demontweeks.

4. What sort of overall cost would you expect? £750-1000 A TRACKDAY

5. Have I missed anything obvious?? BRAKES!!!

Helmets usually rented out for a tenner at MSV days, didn't know about others. £750-£1,000 - ouch - but taking everything into account then 'fraid so, the harder you go, the harder your wallet is hit.

Has anyone mentioned brakes yet?

[Jonnymaz]

Thanks very much for the help, very useful tips!

I like the idea of getting tuition so Open Track looks to be a good option, or is the tuition likely to be minimal seeing as it's free?

Bedford seems like a safe option! How does Cadwell Park compare as that's quite near to me?

Brakes, hhhmmm... might wait to see if I end up keeping it before I take the plunge.

Came across the old Book a Track thread when looking for info... gave me 10 minutes of amusement!

[0836whimper]

Forgot tyre pressures - as Rick said they are critical. I run 25-28 PSI when hot, means taking quite a lot of air out after some warm up laps.

I have used Javelin most, they are good, very relaxed, good for beginners.

Not driven Cadwell

Brakes