new to trackdays
Discussion
would like to do a few trackdays sometime soon but not to sure where too start, somewhere nearby to me and not too expensive so would probably be mallory park or castle combe, possibly oulton park. ive read that a few of you on here say javelin trackdays are good, are there many others?
il be in a classic subaru impreza so not the quietest of cars but its basically standard so im guessing it will comply with most of the noise limits.
any other tips??
il be in a classic subaru impreza so not the quietest of cars but its basically standard so im guessing it will comply with most of the noise limits.
any other tips??
I've been doing track days for just over a year now so by no means an expert but have picked up a few things in that time. I've only driven Oulton Park out of those you have listed and its a great track but can be quite daunting with its various undulations and the back half of the track needs a little respect. I did my first day at Blyton as it was flat and had plenty of run off but my not be ideal for you location wise.
Almost all of my days have been with Javelin and I've never had a problem and always found them very helpful. My advice would be to make sure you have plenty of brake pad and tyre tread depth for the day and build your self up slowly through out the day. Don't worry about being quick straight away and do short 10-15 minute stints to give you and the car time to rest/cool. Theres always been a friendly atmosphere at events I've attended and plenty of people happy to help and advise.
It's great to be able to get out in your car away from traffic/speed cameras etc so just relax and enjoy the day!
Almost all of my days have been with Javelin and I've never had a problem and always found them very helpful. My advice would be to make sure you have plenty of brake pad and tyre tread depth for the day and build your self up slowly through out the day. Don't worry about being quick straight away and do short 10-15 minute stints to give you and the car time to rest/cool. Theres always been a friendly atmosphere at events I've attended and plenty of people happy to help and advise.
It's great to be able to get out in your car away from traffic/speed cameras etc so just relax and enjoy the day!
from what ive read on similar threads most people say just take it slow to start with make sure the brake pads are decent and check your mirrors, and dont do more than 2-3 laps flat out if its a standard road car because you will just cook the brakes and tyres. or something along those lines...
HustleRussell said:
Oulton and Combe are risky, Mallory is boring and risky (but cheap).
Get your car noise tested before the event, on trackdays the limit can be as low as 99db which is not loud.
Take care on the drive home because you'll have just become accustomed to driving very fast.
Funny you say Mallory is boring, it's one of my favourite circuits. But I suppose it probably makes a big difference with what car you are driving. In my MX-5 it's great fun but I suspect in something properly quick like a 911 GT3 it probably would be quite dull.Get your car noise tested before the event, on trackdays the limit can be as low as 99db which is not loud.
Take care on the drive home because you'll have just become accustomed to driving very fast.
I did my first track day at Castle Combe recently in a MX5. On reflection I'd probably suggest an airfield circuit (Hullavington or Abingdon) for a first time, I came very close to a meeting with the barriers at the end of the day. My only other tips would be take any instruction going, take it easy, keep an eye on your mirrors, relax and have fun. I didn't do much in the way of preparation, a service and new tyres but only because the old ones were marginal anyway. Things may be different between a work out MX5 and a Subaru though....
I actually found that I drove home much slower as I didn't feel the need to go quickly.
yeah im looking into a cheap set of wheels and tyres specifically for trackdays and an oil and filter change will probably be best, il leave it at that for now until ive got used to doing a few trackdays.
and i know theres one this week at mallory park but the noise limit is 88db and i can imagine mine is a bit louder than that, not sure how i would get it checked without going to a track though, which i wouldnt really have time to do as the closest track (castle combe i think) is still well over an hour away
and i know theres one this week at mallory park but the noise limit is 88db and i can imagine mine is a bit louder than that, not sure how i would get it checked without going to a track though, which i wouldnt really have time to do as the closest track (castle combe i think) is still well over an hour away
jumare said:
I did my first track day at Castle Combe recently in a MX5. On reflection I'd probably suggest an airfield circuit (Hullavington or Abingdon) for a first time, I came very close to a meeting with the barriers at the end of the day. My only other tips would be take any instruction going, take it easy, keep an eye on your mirrors, relax and have fun. I didn't do much in the way of preparation, a service and new tyres but only because the old ones were marginal anyway. Things may be different between a work out MX5 and a Subaru though....
I actually found that I drove home much slower as I didn't feel the need to go quickly.
Good advice here, try an airfield as they are as safe as a trackday gets.I actually found that I drove home much slower as I didn't feel the need to go quickly.
You mentioned brake pads, I would also look at the fluid especially on your first day and it may take you some time to find the braking points resulting in lots of heat soak.
Most importantly get instruction, lots of it. You will be amassed at the results.
I would say budget for changing your brake fluid along with your oil change and check the state of your pads whilst bleeding the brakes.
Use fluid fit for purpose, general Halfrauds stuff is not fit for purpose. ATE Superblue or the new version of that comes recommended for this type of use.
Imagine your disappointment having spent your money to play having to crawl back into the pits after your brake pedal hits the floor following a few hot laps.....and that's the better scenario of possible results. Car preparation = more time on track and more fun.
One area not worth overlooking is the brakes as you loose if you crash and you loose if you don't have brakes and have to watch the other people on the day play instead of you :P
Have fun out there and be safe.
Humour
Use fluid fit for purpose, general Halfrauds stuff is not fit for purpose. ATE Superblue or the new version of that comes recommended for this type of use.
Imagine your disappointment having spent your money to play having to crawl back into the pits after your brake pedal hits the floor following a few hot laps.....and that's the better scenario of possible results. Car preparation = more time on track and more fun.
One area not worth overlooking is the brakes as you loose if you crash and you loose if you don't have brakes and have to watch the other people on the day play instead of you :P
Have fun out there and be safe.
Humour
For a first track day I'd recommend Bedford if it's not too far for you. Ample of run off, fair marshals and as the track is kinda big (depending on which one you choose) you won't get a stacking effect at corners like what happens at Brands sometimes when busy. Just be aware noise at Bedford though is strict, more so on Drive by than static.
Enjoy though, it's a great day out mate.
Enjoy though, it's a great day out mate.
ellis12345 said:
i have heard brake fluid is a must. i got the chance to give my brakes a good test the other day n all due to a suicidal pheasant 
Most definitely a must. There is nothing you can do on the road to simulate running on track as far as brakes are concerned, unless you are brave enough to attempt to outrun the police.Mmmmmm pheasant, they are tasty lol.
Humour
Jmracing66 said:
Before you start looking into track wheels, get yourself on a novice day somewhere and get some instruction booked.
It will make you far quicker and smoother than just running round on your own.
What he said above.It will make you far quicker and smoother than just running round on your own.
I have always thought that Snetterton is a nice track to start on or Bedford, both are wide and will give you "track experience" that you would not get on an Airfield.
Also you will find facilities a bit better IMHO at Snetterton or Bedford than a Airfield and some Track Days are only a few pounds more than an Airfield event.
I am sure there is a list of Track day organisers on here some where but you could always start with the ATDO and a simple use of Google will helkp you find what you want.
Just take your time, have fun and take it easy.
ATDO LINK
http://www.atdo.co.uk/atdo.php?pg=members&ls=a...
mgv8dave said:
I am sure there is a list of Track day organisers on here some where but you could always start with the ATDO and a simple use of Google will helkp you find what you want.
All the organisers, dates and venues should be on here: www.on-track.co.ukAnother vote for instruction. It will make the day a helluva lot more rewarding than pounding round not having a clue with what you're doing! Your WRX will be a bit of an understeer monster, so the instructor will be able to show you how to get the best out of it.
As has been said, ensure your brakes and mechanicals are up to scratch. I would not waste money on a spare set of wheels and tyres unless you have ditch finder fitted.
Remember you'll need to buy a helmet too, although most track days will rent them. Again, don't be tempted to go for a Carlos Fandango carbon fibre helmet over instruction!
As has been said, ensure your brakes and mechanicals are up to scratch. I would not waste money on a spare set of wheels and tyres unless you have ditch finder fitted.
Remember you'll need to buy a helmet too, although most track days will rent them. Again, don't be tempted to go for a Carlos Fandango carbon fibre helmet over instruction!
Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff