Viper
12th October 2010, 01:34
I thought I would write a quick guide for people who are interested in getting started on a track day. If it is deemed unnecessary then I'm sure it will be gone when I wake up :D
What do I need to go on track?
The 3 main things you need are a road worthy car, a full UK driving licence and a helmet.
Most (if not all) venues have helmets available for hire, although there is likely to be a limited availability. For those of you considering getting your own helmet it is worth noting that venues are going to be getting strict about what helmets you can use. It seems that they will start to want people to use helmets which follow the MSA guidelines:
10.3.1. Standards. Helmets bearing one of the under mentioned ‘standards’ may be approved by the MSA subject to other criteria being met.
(a) INTERNATIONAL EVENTS & ALL MSA EVENTS.
FIA 8860-2004.
SNELL SA2005.
SNELL SA2000. (May be withdrawn with effect from 01/01/11)
SFI Foundation 31.1A, 31.2A.
BS 6658 Type A/FR.
In addition the following are acceptable for:
(b) (Helmet Standards)
International and MSA National Kart Racing Events (with exception of International Kart Drivers under 15 years of age and Bambino Drivers**):
• SNELL K98 and K2005
• SNELL – FIA CMR2007
• SNELL – FIA CMS2007
It is also important to note that all track days have noise limits. Typical noise limits seem to be either 98 or 105dB. This is usually measured at 3/4 revs from around a 1/2 meter distance. If you exceed the limit then you will not be allowed on track.
Take a long sleeved top and trousers with you. Most places will not let you on track if your arms and legs are not covered!
Familiarise yourself with the track. The last thing you need to be doing on track is worrying what the track does next!
Is my car good enough to go on track?
As long as your car is road worthy there will not be a problem. I have seen people saying they will not go on a track day because their suspension isn't good enough, or because they haven't got cams yet. You don't need bucket seats, a cage, the best suspension etc to go on track! If you want to do a track day then do it.
Don't be put off if your car is slow either. Have your own fun. Track days aren't competitive so speed is not an issue. If you drive within your limits and keep good track etiquette you should be fine!
Empty the car of any unnecessary items.
Make sure you regularly check your car during the day. Check for fluid levels, wheel nuts, leaks, brake pads and tyre pressures. Don't run out of fuel either, you will look stupid ;)
Track Etiquette
IMO, the main thing about a track day is to be safe.
Good track etiquette
Be aware of safety flags (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/flags_guide/default.stm). Ensure you know what they mean and that you obey them when you see them.
Make sure you are aware of other cars around you. If someone is clearly faster than you then don't hold them up, move over and signal for them to pass (only do so on a straight)
When overtaking someone make sure you leave them enough space and do not bully them out of the way.
Be patient. It is likely that you will be faster than someone. Make sure you remember that everyone has their own skill level and they may not be as comfortable as you on track.
If people are catching you up in corners but you are faster on a straight it is more than likely they are faster over all, so have the decency to let them pass.
Stay within your limits.
Poor etiquette
Do not bully cars out of the way. Actions such as tailgating and flashing headlights will be noticed by the track marshals and they will not be afraid of using black flags.
Do not drive past your limits. Doing so will put yourself and others in danger.
Do not overtake in braking zones or through corners. Marshals are usually fairly keen on this!
Do not block drivers from overtaking you.
I am sure I will have missed things out so let me know if I have, or if I've been talking crap.
Drive safely and have fun!
What do I need to go on track?
The 3 main things you need are a road worthy car, a full UK driving licence and a helmet.
Most (if not all) venues have helmets available for hire, although there is likely to be a limited availability. For those of you considering getting your own helmet it is worth noting that venues are going to be getting strict about what helmets you can use. It seems that they will start to want people to use helmets which follow the MSA guidelines:
10.3.1. Standards. Helmets bearing one of the under mentioned ‘standards’ may be approved by the MSA subject to other criteria being met.
(a) INTERNATIONAL EVENTS & ALL MSA EVENTS.
FIA 8860-2004.
SNELL SA2005.
SNELL SA2000. (May be withdrawn with effect from 01/01/11)
SFI Foundation 31.1A, 31.2A.
BS 6658 Type A/FR.
In addition the following are acceptable for:
(b) (Helmet Standards)
International and MSA National Kart Racing Events (with exception of International Kart Drivers under 15 years of age and Bambino Drivers**):
• SNELL K98 and K2005
• SNELL – FIA CMR2007
• SNELL – FIA CMS2007
It is also important to note that all track days have noise limits. Typical noise limits seem to be either 98 or 105dB. This is usually measured at 3/4 revs from around a 1/2 meter distance. If you exceed the limit then you will not be allowed on track.
Take a long sleeved top and trousers with you. Most places will not let you on track if your arms and legs are not covered!
Familiarise yourself with the track. The last thing you need to be doing on track is worrying what the track does next!
Is my car good enough to go on track?
As long as your car is road worthy there will not be a problem. I have seen people saying they will not go on a track day because their suspension isn't good enough, or because they haven't got cams yet. You don't need bucket seats, a cage, the best suspension etc to go on track! If you want to do a track day then do it.
Don't be put off if your car is slow either. Have your own fun. Track days aren't competitive so speed is not an issue. If you drive within your limits and keep good track etiquette you should be fine!
Empty the car of any unnecessary items.
Make sure you regularly check your car during the day. Check for fluid levels, wheel nuts, leaks, brake pads and tyre pressures. Don't run out of fuel either, you will look stupid ;)
Track Etiquette
IMO, the main thing about a track day is to be safe.
Good track etiquette
Be aware of safety flags (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/flags_guide/default.stm). Ensure you know what they mean and that you obey them when you see them.
Make sure you are aware of other cars around you. If someone is clearly faster than you then don't hold them up, move over and signal for them to pass (only do so on a straight)
When overtaking someone make sure you leave them enough space and do not bully them out of the way.
Be patient. It is likely that you will be faster than someone. Make sure you remember that everyone has their own skill level and they may not be as comfortable as you on track.
If people are catching you up in corners but you are faster on a straight it is more than likely they are faster over all, so have the decency to let them pass.
Stay within your limits.
Poor etiquette
Do not bully cars out of the way. Actions such as tailgating and flashing headlights will be noticed by the track marshals and they will not be afraid of using black flags.
Do not drive past your limits. Doing so will put yourself and others in danger.
Do not overtake in braking zones or through corners. Marshals are usually fairly keen on this!
Do not block drivers from overtaking you.
I am sure I will have missed things out so let me know if I have, or if I've been talking crap.
Drive safely and have fun!