how to get into track days

[anonymous-user]

i know its prob been asked before but i had a search and couldnt find any decent info.


whats the deal with track/airfield days??

im thinkin about a 2litre zetec in a fiesta for abit of weekend fun.
does the car need to b mot'ed, tax and insured for the road or can i just use it for the track, i.e no mot, insurance etc.
of course i wud need a trailer to do this as the car wouldnt b road legal


any info would be great cos its all new to me


cheers

[jacobyte]

It must be road legal and in good condition. Besdies that, iffy brakes/suspension/engines/tyres will nake the car a real nightmare and you won't have fun. Make sure you take your driving licence and a helmet.

A few links for you to look at:
www.easytrack.co.uk
www.uktrackdays.co.uk
www.bookatrack.com
www.motorsport-events.com

[agent006]

jacobyte said:

It must be road legal

It must be road worthy. Plenty of cars used on track aren't taxed, registeres etc.

[anonymous-user]

agent006 said:

jacobyte said: It must be road legal It must be road worthy. Plenty of cars used on track aren't taxed, registeres etc.

but how do they know it is road legal with out mot, tax and insurance



i really want to convert my car into a track toy but dont want the cost of having to keep it road legal

is this possible or am i just talking crap


cheers

[Simon Mason]

Cars generally don't have to be road legal for track days. The only requirement is that you have a current driving license and that generally speaking it has a fairly standard or at least quietish exhaust on it. The rest is left upto your discretion. Even crash helmets can generally be hired from the organiser on the day.

[AJI]

another one for you:
www.javelintrackdays.co.uk/



On the trackday websites it states your car must be in suitable mechanical condition for use on a track. Therefore you don't need M.o.t or road tax.
But if you knowingly take an unsuitable car on track they will no doubt throw you out. (no way suggesting thats what you were intending by the way)

[molydood]

indeed, I do not believe it has to be road legal, just mechanically safe and strong enough to withstand the rigours of track work. plenty of people bring cars on trailers but it is really important to have components that are not going to fail under hard use, as it could be hazardous to both driver and other track users.

Airfields are a good place to start if you are worried about hitting something, or Bedford Aerodrome as it has enormous grassy run offs.

[jacobyte]

agent006 said:

jacobyte said: It must be road legal It must be road worthy. Plenty of cars used on track aren't taxed, registeres etc.

Indeed, you are correct and I am getting very old for my years . Just a few weeks ago a friend's racecar was at a Goodwood trackday and he was permitted to use slicks. I was in the passenger seat, so I really should know!

I need a brain transplant .

[Phil. S.]

I'd check with the individual track day organizer if I were you. I sure many would be happy, but not all. I think motor-sport events insist on cars being road legal (or do they just ban race cars?). Plenty of people go out on slicks, which is hardly street legal.

[legaleagleboy]

For info, I have done about 30 trackdays in the last 3 years, not once has the condition of my car been checked mechanically -- the only check is for noise at some circuits. No MOT certificates are required either.

However, if you car is clearly a problem on track because of the car (or the driver) and looks like it may affect others -- you will be black flagged and that may well be the end of your day!

be sensible and enjoy!

[Alpineandy]

Practical performance car mag (May issue) has an article about this.
(I haven't read it yet)