Possible first track day.
Discussion
Hi Guys
thinking of doing my first track day, the last we of august as I have some time off. I think a half day or evening would be best for both me and the car.
So I'm going to need track day insurance and a helmet, is there anything else I need? Also what is track cover likely to cost and who's recommended?
I though about going to the Ring but figured getting some track miles in first would be good and be cheaper to stay in the UK this year.
is anyone doing a track day that week?
thanks Andy
thinking of doing my first track day, the last we of august as I have some time off. I think a half day or evening would be best for both me and the car.
So I'm going to need track day insurance and a helmet, is there anything else I need? Also what is track cover likely to cost and who's recommended?
I though about going to the Ring but figured getting some track miles in first would be good and be cheaper to stay in the UK this year.
is anyone doing a track day that week?
thanks Andy
Well done you!!
Full day or evening - up to you. An evening to start with is not a bad idea, less money wasted if you or the car hate it, and if the weather is hot then late afternoon/early evening is frankly a lot cooler for both you and the car. The car will get hooter than usual, and the brakes need time to cool, so keep to 10-15 minute sessions, better for both you and the car.
Tuition: I am sure you are a driving god already, but a 20 minute tuition session in your own car, for about £20-30, will be a good investment. Don't be proud, I had tuition only 4 track days ago even though i had done plenty before. It's good to get tips and pointers on how to improve your lines and braking.
Helmet: If you don't already have a helmet, then consider hiring one at the track - generally a tenner. Then if you decide not to do any more track days you haven't wasted more hardearned.
Driving licence: You need your driving licence with you. Put it in the car the night before. No licence, no track drive. take both parts, though i have never actually been asked for the paper bit.
Clothing: Take a long sleeved shirt with you, and don't wear shorts. You might get away with wearing shorts and a T shirt, but most tracks insist on long everything, and keep to cotton if possible, as synthetic fibres can melt and stick to skin in the event of fire or chemical spillage
Sunglasses: Take some, low sun can be a bit of a pain.
Water for you and the car
Spare oil (you might need some). Check the level before you set off, as track driving stresses the car more. I usually advise very slightly over-filling the oil.
Check your tyre pressures before you set off.
Brakes - a bit of a suck it and see. Check your pads have plenty of meat on, specially the fronts, and then see how it goes. I have known cars suffer from fade/loss of brakes on standard pads, and boil their fluid, but for a first time out I would hope for the best and see how it goes.
And if you have problems with the car, ask for help - the track day crowd are great, and will always muck in with expertise and tools to help you.
Tracks near you - Castle Coombe, Thruxton. You shouldn't have noise limits issues with your megane, unless you have messed about with the silencers.
Have fun! It's not a race, keep your eyes on your mirrors as well as the road ahead, anticipate, plan, obey the rules, and don't drive like a t
t - they can and will chuck you off the track if you behave badly repeatedly. And pay attention at the briefing.
Full day or evening - up to you. An evening to start with is not a bad idea, less money wasted if you or the car hate it, and if the weather is hot then late afternoon/early evening is frankly a lot cooler for both you and the car. The car will get hooter than usual, and the brakes need time to cool, so keep to 10-15 minute sessions, better for both you and the car.
Tuition: I am sure you are a driving god already, but a 20 minute tuition session in your own car, for about £20-30, will be a good investment. Don't be proud, I had tuition only 4 track days ago even though i had done plenty before. It's good to get tips and pointers on how to improve your lines and braking.
Helmet: If you don't already have a helmet, then consider hiring one at the track - generally a tenner. Then if you decide not to do any more track days you haven't wasted more hardearned.
Driving licence: You need your driving licence with you. Put it in the car the night before. No licence, no track drive. take both parts, though i have never actually been asked for the paper bit.
Clothing: Take a long sleeved shirt with you, and don't wear shorts. You might get away with wearing shorts and a T shirt, but most tracks insist on long everything, and keep to cotton if possible, as synthetic fibres can melt and stick to skin in the event of fire or chemical spillage
Sunglasses: Take some, low sun can be a bit of a pain.
Water for you and the car
Spare oil (you might need some). Check the level before you set off, as track driving stresses the car more. I usually advise very slightly over-filling the oil.
Check your tyre pressures before you set off.
Brakes - a bit of a suck it and see. Check your pads have plenty of meat on, specially the fronts, and then see how it goes. I have known cars suffer from fade/loss of brakes on standard pads, and boil their fluid, but for a first time out I would hope for the best and see how it goes.
And if you have problems with the car, ask for help - the track day crowd are great, and will always muck in with expertise and tools to help you.
Tracks near you - Castle Coombe, Thruxton. You shouldn't have noise limits issues with your megane, unless you have messed about with the silencers.
Have fun! It's not a race, keep your eyes on your mirrors as well as the road ahead, anticipate, plan, obey the rules, and don't drive like a t
t - they can and will chuck you off the track if you behave badly repeatedly. And pay attention at the briefing.Insurance tends to be based on the value of your car, since it's only first party. (i.e. it will cover your car, but not anyone else who you hit or who hits you.) In my experience of stand alone policies the excess is usually circa 10% of the vehicle value and the premium 1% of the vehicle value. I use Competition car Insurance but there are plenty of others.
http://www.competition-car-insurance.co.uk/trackda...
http://www.competition-car-insurance.co.uk/trackda...
Cheers guy's,
Goodwood on the Monday the 25th is £165 for the afternoon. The Insurance is better than expected too, just from the first people on google I will try MR96's lot for a quote too.
I know its a bit more expensive than other tracks but its very local to me so by the time Ive driven there and back it will level out.
Andy
Goodwood on the Monday the 25th is £165 for the afternoon. The Insurance is better than expected too, just from the first people on google I will try MR96's lot for a quote too.
I know its a bit more expensive than other tracks but its very local to me so by the time Ive driven there and back it will level out.
Andy
You're brave doing Goodwood on your first trackday. It's quite a narrow track with not a lot of runoff. Similar to Castle Combe in that respect.
For your first day you might be better at one of the "bike tracks" like Brands, Silverstone or Donnington as they have loads fo runoff to make it safer for riders. Even Bedford has loads of run off, albeit that's a bit basic in terms of being dead flat and pretty featureless. (Cadwell is a bike track, but not for beginners really.)
For your first day you might be better at one of the "bike tracks" like Brands, Silverstone or Donnington as they have loads fo runoff to make it safer for riders. Even Bedford has loads of run off, albeit that's a bit basic in terms of being dead flat and pretty featureless. (Cadwell is a bike track, but not for beginners really.)
You are right to keep it nearby. Saves time, money, and driving home when exhausted. That Goodwood one sounds ok to me, just drive sensibly. Take it steady and don't assume you are Lewis Hamilton first time out. And if it wet be very very careful, or even stay in the pits. You don't want to regret a crashed car.
I did Cadwell as my first TD. A friendly chap in a TVR told me what to do if I found I was running out of road at Charlie's (thankfully!), and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I just took it steady.
My next evening TD is early August at Cadwell. 20 track days later I take it a lot faster.
I did Cadwell as my first TD. A friendly chap in a TVR told me what to do if I found I was running out of road at Charlie's (thankfully!), and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I just took it steady.
My next evening TD is early August at Cadwell. 20 track days later I take it a lot faster.
QBee said:
You are right to keep it nearby. Saves time, money, and driving home when exhausted. That Goodwood one sounds ok to me, just drive sensibly. Take it steady and don't assume you are Lewis Hamilton first time out. And if it wet be very very careful, or even stay in the pits. You don't want to regret a crashed car.
I did Cadwell as my first TD. A friendly chap in a TVR told me what to do if I found I was running out of road at Charlie's (thankfully!), and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I just took it steady.
My next evening TD is early August at Cadwell. 20 track days later I take it a lot faster.
I have know plans to be setting fastest lap's first time out. I will probably going round like my mum for the first few laps. I did Cadwell as my first TD. A friendly chap in a TVR told me what to do if I found I was running out of road at Charlie's (thankfully!), and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I just took it steady.
My next evening TD is early August at Cadwell. 20 track days later I take it a lot faster.
thanks for all the useful advise guy's .
Have you had a look on motorsport events website? They do airfield days, so lots of run off and not much to hit. Tuition if you want some on offer and a really nice well organised day.
They do half days, mostly up around the castle combe area. Hullavington, Keevil, Abingdon etc. And very well priced.
Good luck and have fun. Don't try and rush out thinking you will be the next Lewis Hamilton, take it easy and build up your speed as you familiarise yourself with the track.
They do half days, mostly up around the castle combe area. Hullavington, Keevil, Abingdon etc. And very well priced.
Good luck and have fun. Don't try and rush out thinking you will be the next Lewis Hamilton, take it easy and build up your speed as you familiarise yourself with the track.
BrizzolPugger said:
Hi TheConverted and Hi all!
1st post for me here, so a wave to all.
I was looking into Castle Combe as a full circuit is approx £100.00 to £170.00.
and only 20.00 for some tuition, though not sure what you get for that.
Good luck on your 1st TD!
Cheers all.
If its your first TD, the tuition is the best thing £20 can buy......by far. Try and book a reasonably early session, it will help you get so much more out of the day.1st post for me here, so a wave to all.
I was looking into Castle Combe as a full circuit is approx £100.00 to £170.00.
and only 20.00 for some tuition, though not sure what you get for that.
Good luck on your 1st TD!
Cheers all.
I understand Castle Combe is a reasonably quiet track - what car are you running and has the exhaust been modified in any way?
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