First timer - preparing for 1st track day
Discussion
I have an Alfa 156 V6 as a spare car at the moment, which I picked up for a song last year and entered in the Screwball Rally to raise money for The Christie.
Whilst I was sourcing a new daily I ran her as my main car for a while and got a bit carried away with sorting out her mechanical issues, having all belts changed, water pump, a new rad and a full set of Koni dampers and springs fitted (man maths at its finest!).
I figure having come this far, I may as well use her for to dip my toe into a few track days, so have ordered a set of Ferrodo DS2500 pads for the front. As far as I can see, with those fitted she should be perfectly adequate for a bit of occasional track day fun.
A few questions:
- Presumably the only other mandatory piece of kit is a crash helmet?
- Are there any other mods you would recommend?
- Are there any tips you would give a total novice?
My nearest track is Oulton Park, so figure the first step is to book onto an arrive and drive day there.
Any pointers you could give a total novice would be very gratefully received.
Whilst I was sourcing a new daily I ran her as my main car for a while and got a bit carried away with sorting out her mechanical issues, having all belts changed, water pump, a new rad and a full set of Koni dampers and springs fitted (man maths at its finest!).
I figure having come this far, I may as well use her for to dip my toe into a few track days, so have ordered a set of Ferrodo DS2500 pads for the front. As far as I can see, with those fitted she should be perfectly adequate for a bit of occasional track day fun.
A few questions:
- Presumably the only other mandatory piece of kit is a crash helmet?
- Are there any other mods you would recommend?
- Are there any tips you would give a total novice?
My nearest track is Oulton Park, so figure the first step is to book onto an arrive and drive day there.
Any pointers you could give a total novice would be very gratefully received.
Well I'm no expert - I did a 'taster' session (20 minutes on track) at Oulton yesterday, and that's the limit of my experience!
But it was in an Alfa 156 GTA with uprated pads (Performance Friction) so perhaps I can offer something useful.
The car was absolutely awesome, and it was cracking fun. But after about 8 or 9 laps, I came up to a corner, tried to brake ... and the pedal went straight to the floor with no effect at all (apart from me cacking my pants).
Thankfully managed to scrub speed off through the turn, with a rather unorthodox racing line!
From what I've since read, and been told, when performance pads will make you stop better, they will also transfer heat to the fluid better. So if you're really hammering them, you're more likely to boil you brake fluid.
So, in summary, I'd recommend putting some uprated fluid in it too.
Aside from that, things I remember:
You need to have your towing eye fitted, not just in the boot.
You need to wear long sleeves and trousers (although they might not demand it in a closed car.)
Helmet you can hire there.
Going up the hill after Knickerbrook with a Busso engine going full chat will make you grin like a maniac.
But it was in an Alfa 156 GTA with uprated pads (Performance Friction) so perhaps I can offer something useful.
The car was absolutely awesome, and it was cracking fun. But after about 8 or 9 laps, I came up to a corner, tried to brake ... and the pedal went straight to the floor with no effect at all (apart from me cacking my pants).
Thankfully managed to scrub speed off through the turn, with a rather unorthodox racing line!
From what I've since read, and been told, when performance pads will make you stop better, they will also transfer heat to the fluid better. So if you're really hammering them, you're more likely to boil you brake fluid.
So, in summary, I'd recommend putting some uprated fluid in it too.
Aside from that, things I remember:
You need to have your towing eye fitted, not just in the boot.
You need to wear long sleeves and trousers (although they might not demand it in a closed car.)
Helmet you can hire there.
Going up the hill after Knickerbrook with a Busso engine going full chat will make you grin like a maniac.
Alfa159Ti said:
so have ordered a set of Ferrodo DS2500 pads for the front.
A few questions:
- Presumably the only other mandatory piece of kit is a crash helmet?
- Are there any other mods you would recommend?
- Are there any tips you would give a total novice?
My nearest track is Oulton Park, so figure the first step is to book onto an arrive and drive day there.
Any pointers you could give a total novice would be very gratefully received.
Most importantly, get instruction on the day.
You can probably hire a helmet at the circuit but do check first.
dont presume you can drive as well as your brain thinks you can 
I always knew I wasnt a good fast driver and adjusted based on that on first few track days. Get used to car at a decent speed and the track as well. Watching a video at times doesnt prepare you for camber changes
AND ENJOY!
I always knew I wasnt a good fast driver and adjusted based on that on first few track days. Get used to car at a decent speed and the track as well. Watching a video at times doesnt prepare you for camber changes AND ENJOY!
Pay attention in the briefing.
Watch your mirrors.
Take some tuition.
Give it 20min after the track opens before going out. Thats the busiest time but after 20mins they all start coming back in.
Keep you sessions short 15-20min.
If brakes become an issue, do an easy lap and let them cool (may be 1 lap in 5?).
Don't brake (much)on your in-lap and don't apply the handbrake in the paddock; Leave it in gear instead.
Give Druids lots of respect.
Enjoy.
Watch your mirrors.
Take some tuition.
Give it 20min after the track opens before going out. Thats the busiest time but after 20mins they all start coming back in.
Keep you sessions short 15-20min.
If brakes become an issue, do an easy lap and let them cool (may be 1 lap in 5?).
Don't brake (much)on your in-lap and don't apply the handbrake in the paddock; Leave it in gear instead.
Give Druids lots of respect.
Enjoy.
Andy Bell said:
I have heard this alot going there on 10th sept will keep it in mind
It's a double apex and under the trees so can be damp... but what usually catches people out is the slight hump and surface change on the exit; Get it straight before that and don't go mad on the throttle untill your clear... or be brave.Thanks so much fellas - really appreciate all the replies.
I'll speak to Camskill about some better brake fluid and have that done when I book her in to have the new pads fitted. (don't have much by way of facilities at my house)
Hadn't thought about a towing eye. Should there be one on the car already?
I'll speak to Camskill about some better brake fluid and have that done when I book her in to have the new pads fitted. (don't have much by way of facilities at my house)
Hadn't thought about a towing eye. Should there be one on the car already?
Trev450 said:
Most older cars have a towing eye attached to the chassis somewhere, its just important that it is fairly easily accessible.
...and newer stuff will have a screw in eye supplied (should be with the jack and tools) which goes into a hole (one front and rear) usually behind a cover in the bumper. It's worth going to the scrap yard or dealer and getting a second one so you can fit them front and rear. Different makes/models are different sizes and threads so be sure o get the right one. If you don't have them fitted on track and need towing they'll (a) not be hppy (b) just hook up to whatever they can find (c) not care about any damage as a result.spyderman8 said:
Tyre pressures!
This! I find taking my pressures down to around 24-25psi cold is best, checking them when hot generally results in around 33-34psi. All dependant on the car, track and driver though so experiment during the day as it will make a huge difference!Check your fluid levels and wheel nuts after a each session too.
Most importantly, drive to your own abilities and keep your head screwed on, then just have FUN!
Don't forget your driving licence. You won't go on the track at all without it. Just the photo card. Put it in the car the night before.
I have done 8 track days ths year in my 300 bhp TVR. Don't race, keep it sensible, watch your mirrors and be courteous to cars wanting to overtake, don't crowd the car in front, most of all enjoy yourself! And if you start getting ragged, go into the pits. Most club races are 15 minutes or less for a reason. You aren't Jenson Hamilton......
I have done 8 track days ths year in my 300 bhp TVR. Don't race, keep it sensible, watch your mirrors and be courteous to cars wanting to overtake, don't crowd the car in front, most of all enjoy yourself! And if you start getting ragged, go into the pits. Most club races are 15 minutes or less for a reason. You aren't Jenson Hamilton......
Everything AdiT says and take up the Oulton Park team on 20 mins of track tuition. I think it costs about £25 and you'll find it invaluble.
Then buy a cheap video camera and bracket (if you don't already have one) and video your session.You'll not only love watching it and sending it to your mates, but it will help you show you where you need to improve upon, being as its your first time.
Above all, just go out and have fun!
Then buy a cheap video camera and bracket (if you don't already have one) and video your session.You'll not only love watching it and sending it to your mates, but it will help you show you where you need to improve upon, being as its your first time.
Above all, just go out and have fun!
AdiT said:
Pay attention in the briefing.
Watch your mirrors.
Take some tuition.
Give it 20min after the track opens before going out. Thats the busiest time but after 20mins they all start coming back in.
Keep you sessions short 15-20min.
If brakes become an issue, do an easy lap and let them cool (may be 1 lap in 5?).
Don't brake (much)on your in-lap and don't apply the handbrake in the paddock; Leave it in gear instead.
Give Druids lots of respect.
Enjoy.
Watch your mirrors.
Take some tuition.
Give it 20min after the track opens before going out. Thats the busiest time but after 20mins they all start coming back in.
Keep you sessions short 15-20min.
If brakes become an issue, do an easy lap and let them cool (may be 1 lap in 5?).
Don't brake (much)on your in-lap and don't apply the handbrake in the paddock; Leave it in gear instead.
Give Druids lots of respect.
Enjoy.
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