Would like to do my first track day, any advice?

[bund]

I would like to get involved in track days, could some of you please give me some advice. Like where's good for a novice or if you know of any novice days coming up.

thanks

[hengti]

as regards venue, I'd recommend an airfield track day

there's alot less to hit(ie. just cones!), so you'll likely feel more confident about the experience

plus they tend to be cheaper (although the surface can tend to be rougher than a proper circuit and wear tyres more)

[molydood]

I can recommend Bedford Autodrome, huge run offs, perfect for beginners. I have span a few times there, and no damage, there is very little to hit.

It is quite a flat circuit, but very enjoyable.

airfields already recommended, and a good choice IMO

[Phil. S.]

Any motorsport-events day would be good. I've done three with them and they are excellent. I did my first one at Brands, in the rain! A short track to learn but Paddock is a bit scary when you fisrt attempt it. Wherever you go get an instructor as soon as possible. No point practicing doing it wrong all morning and then getting an instuctor.

[mrsmadmark]

Phil. S. said:

Any motorsport-events day would be good. I've done three with them and they are excellent. I did my first one at Brands, in the rain! A short track to learn but Paddock is a bit scary when you fisrt attempt it. Wherever you go get an instructor as soon as possible. No point practicing doing it wrong all morning and then getting an instuctor.

agree to the above

My first trackday was a novice day at brands, great day it was, and definately worth getting the instructor.

www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/MSV-trackdays.asp?circuit=all&type=Car%20&msvcode=pistonheads

[fnegroni]

May I recommend, against easytrack's advice, to opt for open-pitlane rather than sessioned track day.
In open pitlane, you may go on and off the track as you please: it means less pressure on yourself, and more time available for that all important cool down lap...
In sessioned, you sometimes come to the end of the session and little realise you then have to go back to the pits without a cool down lap.
Also, in open pitlane, you can go out for a stint, come back, revisit the track mentally, and go out again, without risking to miss the slot.

[iguana]

fnegroni said:

May I recommend, against easytrack's advice, to opt for open-pitlane rather than sessioned track day. In open pitlane, you may go on and off the track as you please: it means less pressure on yourself, and more time available for that all important cool down lap... In sessioned, you sometimes come to the end of the session and little realise you then have to go back to the pits without a cool down lap. Also, in open pitlane, you can go out for a stint, come back, revisit the track mentally, and go out again, without risking to miss the slot.

IMHO I'd have to advise against open pit for novices, the speed diferential vs experienced bods is high & you will be concentrating on faster traffic coming up behind you & pulling over too much to enjoy it, (or if you dont you'll be holding them up & frustrating them & risking dodgy overtakes) or learn much.

Open pit is for those with fair amount of track experience only IMHO.

[richardb.jones]

Hmm not sure I agree with the last post - re OPL vs Sessioned. Depending on the people and cars there (vs what you drive) OPL 'can' be frustrating for you (constantly being overtaken..) and the other drivers (being held up). Being 'hassled' to move to the right whilst trying to keep it all together is not nice, so IMO, a sessioned track day for a 'Novice' is much better to learn the ropes. You can always move up to the 'intermediate' class in the PM if you have had a good morning session ?

[hengti]

what car are you running?

if it's the one in your sig, you might prefer to spend a little more money and go on a more 'exclusive' day out that has been organised specifically for cars of that nature and drivers of your experience

instruction will almost certainly come with it

[steve z]

I would agree that an airfield day is definately the way to go for your first track day, and I would also recommend open pit lane for the reasons mentioned above.

MSE (Motorsport Events) organise excellent days of this type mainly in the South for about £99 per day.

[yi8tvr]

Do your own homework. I found Goldtrack to be the best(Well organised) everybody will have there own opinions. GP circuits have stiffer regulations (more run off) Airfield circuits are good but not to demanding on you but very demanding on your bodywork and tyres. You usually only get what you pay for ? I think a session day will be better for you as you can opt for the novice group, you will be looking forward more than looking in your mirror and driving off line. You dont have to go out on your session and yo do have a cool down lap after each session its the one after the chequered flag.

Most importantly keep on the black and off the green and have fun.

Another tip is try to get insured with Mannings and only go on TVR
run days or Atdo members then you are covered on your policy ( BUT CHECK)

[rmac]

Good circuits for getting into the swing are:

Anglesey
any airfield - but don't use anything flash there, you would be better off renting a caterham or something.
Bedford autodrome

My personal favourites are bookatrack - very well run & if you do have a problem with anyone or anything you have people to talk to & help you sort it.

All track days will have an instructor present although in my experience they seem to just want to turn you into a racing driver rather than just getting round the circuit safely and well within your own limits.

I would highly recommend hiring a car or using something cheaper than a v8 vantage until you get the hang of it & are used to other track users.

[richb]

yi8tvr said:

only go on TVR run days

Well that depends on what he's intending to drive! His profile shows a picture of an AMV8 but there's no mention if that's what he intends to take on the track or just wishful thinking. For what it's worth I would recomend Bedford Autodrome but have heard that the surface at airfields is likely to be less clean and tend to throw up lots of stones (i.e. chips) Rich...

[doctorpepper]

If thats your car in the profile I'd steer well clear of airfields unless you own shares in Chips-away!

[anonymous-user]

bund matey, you absolutely cant go wrong with bedford autodrome as an ideal place for first trackday, its made for it. im going on sat april 8th, red 964rs with goldtrack, there are still spaces, stop selling euribor and book it.

[yi8tvr]

richb said:

yi8tvr said: only go on TVR run days richb said: Well that depends on what he's intending to drive! His profile shows a picture of an AMV8 but there's no mention if that's what he intends to take on the track or just wishful thinking. For what it's worth I would recomend Bedford Autodrome but have heard that the surface at airfields is likely to be less clean and tend to throw up lots of stones (i.e. chips) Rich...

You dont have to have a TVR to drive on TVR track days. I think you only need a TVR membership ?

>> Edited by yi8tvr on Wednesday 29th March 13:25

[E2DJH]

Hi, I'm going to my first rtack day at Brands Hatch next Wednesday evening.

www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/trackdays.asp?circuit=all&type=Car

It's only a short session, i've booked and instructor, and it's for beginners only. Why not come along?

[bund]

Thanks everyone, yer i will be taking the amv8. Brands is the easiest for me to get too. I Def need an Instructor ill have a look into it.

[TT Tim]

Hi Bund,

How about booking yourself into a Novice half day at Brands.

www.motorsportvision.co.uk/brands-hatch/trackdays/event-details.asp?ProductID=1739

I'll vouch for them, well run, with a 'track tour' in a minibus to start with so you can understand the circuit, instructors are on hand, but best to book in advance, the instructors don't drive your car, they give you instruction while you drive.

A half day gives you an excellent taster and you don't push yourself or the car too much.

HTH

Tim

PS: Failing that you can join me on the 18th at Brands for the Open Pit Lane day

PPS: Here's a taster for you: www.tjgraphics.net/TVR/CerbsatBrands.mov

>> Edited by TT Tim on Thursday 30th March 13:20

[bund]

Tim,

that looks the nuts good sound track as well. I'm going to give these people a shout. Like someone said though is there track etiquette or is someone in a wicked PUG going to try and push me out? I'm not ready to write my car off yet........