Discussion
So, car is here would be criminal not to use it as intended.
Never done a car trackday..
What do I need?
Where is a friendly place to start?
Can I get some decent 911 specific tuition?
Will I be laughed at and destroy the car if I can't heel/toe?
Ideally midweek evening session that I can get to from London if that exists. Not interested in airfield type trackday.
Appreciate pointers.
Cheers
Never done a car trackday..
What do I need?
Where is a friendly place to start?
Can I get some decent 911 specific tuition?
Will I be laughed at and destroy the car if I can't heel/toe?
Ideally midweek evening session that I can get to from London if that exists. Not interested in airfield type trackday.
Appreciate pointers.
Cheers
I was in the same situation a few years ago. I would seriously consider going to Bedford and getting some tuition. An airfield is the best place to learn about the car and it's limits without spinning off a track into the barriers. At a later date you can try Cadwell...
What car do you have? If it's a GT3 or similar there could be noise issues.
Most of all, take it easy to start with and learn the car and your own limits. Not being able to heel and toe will not result in mass humiliation - unless certain members of ph happen to be around....you know who you are!
What car do you have? If it's a GT3 or similar there could be noise issues.
Most of all, take it easy to start with and learn the car and your own limits. Not being able to heel and toe will not result in mass humiliation - unless certain members of ph happen to be around....you know who you are!
Don't need anything other than long sleeves and a helmet. Take all loose stuff out the car. Check tyres etc before the day.
Pressure gauge if you are feeling keen.
But it is your first day so just enjoy learning. Most days will have tuition available - useful for that particular track.
I would go PCGB day first as not many cars, well organised and unlikely to be T boned by a would be Senna. Great instructors too that you can buy in 15 min slots. Start with one, practice and then book again after lunch.
Pace does not matter, track etiquette does. No one will laugh at you - decent types will be keen to advise and help.
Fill up with super unload before you get there - you will use a lot.
Enjoy!
Pressure gauge if you are feeling keen.
But it is your first day so just enjoy learning. Most days will have tuition available - useful for that particular track.
I would go PCGB day first as not many cars, well organised and unlikely to be T boned by a would be Senna. Great instructors too that you can buy in 15 min slots. Start with one, practice and then book again after lunch.
Pace does not matter, track etiquette does. No one will laugh at you - decent types will be keen to advise and help.
Fill up with super unload before you get there - you will use a lot.
Enjoy!
Good point about noise, 996 GT2 so I am assuming noise won't be an issue even on the quietest days?
PCGB sounds good but looking at the calendar there is nothing that really suits me anytime soon.
What are MSV like? I see they do have frequent evening sessions at Brands, that would suit me like a glove for location/time.
PCGB sounds good but looking at the calendar there is nothing that really suits me anytime soon.
What are MSV like? I see they do have frequent evening sessions at Brands, that would suit me like a glove for location/time.
Definetly invest in instruction. It will make you safer, which will give you confidence to then start pushing. You'll enjoy the day more and go quicker as a result - win win!
You should upgrade your pads and brake fluid beforehand to avoid it becoming an expensive 3 laps; OEM pads and fluid just aren't up to the abuse.
Take a tyre pressure gauge and footpump so you can take some air out of the tyres once it's warmed up, but otherwise you must wear long sleeves and helmets are available at the circuit for a small rental fee.
Brands Hatch is a fantastic circuit and is easy to learn because it's so short. The extended (and rarely available) full GP circuit is one of my favourites. However, neither configurations could be described as ideal for the first timer. Mistakes are easy and there is next to no run off in most places.
As mentioned above, i would go to Bedford initially. Lots of space and some very good instructors who - trust me - are there to push you, not nanny you.
You should upgrade your pads and brake fluid beforehand to avoid it becoming an expensive 3 laps; OEM pads and fluid just aren't up to the abuse.
Take a tyre pressure gauge and footpump so you can take some air out of the tyres once it's warmed up, but otherwise you must wear long sleeves and helmets are available at the circuit for a small rental fee.
Brands Hatch is a fantastic circuit and is easy to learn because it's so short. The extended (and rarely available) full GP circuit is one of my favourites. However, neither configurations could be described as ideal for the first timer. Mistakes are easy and there is next to no run off in most places.
As mentioned above, i would go to Bedford initially. Lots of space and some very good instructors who - trust me - are there to push you, not nanny you.
Cheers, good info.
One reason I thought Brands was a good choice is I know it fairly well having done a fair amount of trackdays/racing on bikes around there, and it's not too fast! Lack of run off is a good point though.
Bedford sounds good, I think that's the way to go maybe on the 28th. Will it be massively crowded if I go on a weekend though?
Is the crowd very different to the more slightly more expensive trackday organizers mentioned? Not that I care much but I seem to remember from my motorbiking days that some trackdays where more chaotic then others (and eventually I packed in trackdaying altogether in favour of racing).
Thanks
One reason I thought Brands was a good choice is I know it fairly well having done a fair amount of trackdays/racing on bikes around there, and it's not too fast! Lack of run off is a good point though.
Bedford sounds good, I think that's the way to go maybe on the 28th. Will it be massively crowded if I go on a weekend though?
Is the crowd very different to the more slightly more expensive trackday organizers mentioned? Not that I care much but I seem to remember from my motorbiking days that some trackdays where more chaotic then others (and eventually I packed in trackdaying altogether in favour of racing).
Thanks
Thanks. Bedford it is then, and I'll make sure to get some tuition!
Yes boxsey having been on track with bikes of course helps a little but it's over 10yrs ago and I just wanted some general info, I've definitely learnt a few things here. I want to come prepared
The VT trackday in August is unfortunately not going to work. Depending on how this first outing goes I will get some more, hopefully Porsche specific, days booked in.
Insurance. Will I be able to get trackday insurance, and who are the people to use? Car is still on Swedish plates, will this be an issue?
Cheers
Yes boxsey having been on track with bikes of course helps a little but it's over 10yrs ago and I just wanted some general info, I've definitely learnt a few things here. I want to come prepared
The VT trackday in August is unfortunately not going to work. Depending on how this first outing goes I will get some more, hopefully Porsche specific, days booked in.
Insurance. Will I be able to get trackday insurance, and who are the people to use? Car is still on Swedish plates, will this be an issue?
Cheers
My first ever track day was Brands. Similar to you its local and I knew the track well before. You'll be fine there. Get some tuition because the instructors there really do know that track (or any you go to) like the back of their hands. There may be better for a first outing but Brands would still be one of my 'first on the list' tracks. As others have already said, don't worry about being quick. Learn the track and slowly build your pace. The first time round Paddock Hill bend is superb as the ground just falls away!
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