Get expert advice from the professionals at BookaTrack
Discussion
Hello from BookaTrack! We’ve been working with PistonHeads for as long as we can remember as their ‘go to’ track day provider, and are quite well known here on the forums already.
But now as the official PH track day partner, we’re here to help you with any track day related questions, whether you’re a complete newbie or a seasoned track day goer.
We run track days all over Europe and specialise in Caterham hire, running our own franchised Caterham dealership and workshops at our HQ at Donington Park. We've been organising track days for 'X' years, so we like to think we've learned a thing or two by now. So ask any track day related question you have here and our expert team will do their best to help.
If you want recommendations on the best circuits that would suit your car and driving style, what tyres to run or who to try for tuition, then ask away and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
You can see our full calendar of track days for the year here: http://www.bookatrack.com/event-calendar
If you’d rather give us a call directly, you can reach us on 0843 208 4635
Thanks,
Jonny & the team at BaT
But now as the official PH track day partner, we’re here to help you with any track day related questions, whether you’re a complete newbie or a seasoned track day goer.
We run track days all over Europe and specialise in Caterham hire, running our own franchised Caterham dealership and workshops at our HQ at Donington Park. We've been organising track days for 'X' years, so we like to think we've learned a thing or two by now. So ask any track day related question you have here and our expert team will do their best to help.
If you want recommendations on the best circuits that would suit your car and driving style, what tyres to run or who to try for tuition, then ask away and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
You can see our full calendar of track days for the year here: http://www.bookatrack.com/event-calendar
If you’d rather give us a call directly, you can reach us on 0843 208 4635
Thanks,
Jonny & the team at BaT
Hi Jex,
The noise limits differ at each circuit, it is the circuit that set the limit. Donington Park, for example have a drive by noise limit of 98db on most of their days, but they also run some unsilenced days throughout the year. Some circuits do static noise testing, whereas others have a drive by system.
Each event on our track day calendar (http://www.bookatrack.com/event-calendar) has the noise limit listed for that event, to give you an idea.
Hope this helps.
The noise limits differ at each circuit, it is the circuit that set the limit. Donington Park, for example have a drive by noise limit of 98db on most of their days, but they also run some unsilenced days throughout the year. Some circuits do static noise testing, whereas others have a drive by system.
Each event on our track day calendar (http://www.bookatrack.com/event-calendar) has the noise limit listed for that event, to give you an idea.
Hope this helps.
Mr Hooky - we will respond to your message shortly, we are just putting together some information for you, please bear with us.
Vladikar - thanks for the feedback. Most drivers list the cars they are bringing, but some may not know until the day, depending on what car they have available. But it is helpful to know what else you are on track with, especially if you are new to circuit driving.
Jex - all of our track days are open pit lane. The only sessioned days we run are test days, which are only open to race cars before specific race meetings.
Yes, there are limits in place for how many cars are on circuit at any one time. Each circuit is different depending on the noise limit for that venue. We limit bookings according to the circuit limit, to ensure customers are not queuing in the pit lane, etc.
We have a team of ARDS instructors available for every track day and you are welcome to book sessions with them, this option is available during the booking process on our website. Yes, we have strict rules in place for track days, we only permit overtaking on the left and not around corners, on the straights only.
Vladikar - thanks for the feedback. Most drivers list the cars they are bringing, but some may not know until the day, depending on what car they have available. But it is helpful to know what else you are on track with, especially if you are new to circuit driving.
Jex - all of our track days are open pit lane. The only sessioned days we run are test days, which are only open to race cars before specific race meetings.
Yes, there are limits in place for how many cars are on circuit at any one time. Each circuit is different depending on the noise limit for that venue. We limit bookings according to the circuit limit, to ensure customers are not queuing in the pit lane, etc.
We have a team of ARDS instructors available for every track day and you are welcome to book sessions with them, this option is available during the booking process on our website. Yes, we have strict rules in place for track days, we only permit overtaking on the left and not around corners, on the straights only.
MrHooky said:
Hi Jonny,
Advice please. My only car is a remapped E61 535d (Touring) and it’s perhaps a little leftfield to be seen on a track day but it’s surprisingly quick, rear wheel drive and I think it would be fun.
Thinking of doing a summer evening session (£145 I think you quote) just to enjoy some track space and really get a feel for how the car performs off the public highway.
Questions though. What should I realistically budget for doing just an evening session and how punishing is it going to be on my car? Happy to take a few mm off the tyres and a few k miles off the pads. But I don’t want to come away thinking it’s going to be new tyres/brakes all round plus a gearbox rebuild. Perhaps it’s as much as question for those who’ve tracked BMWs. I did 15 laps of the Nurburgring in a Megane 225 and the clutch was whining afterwards (sub 30k).
Also – what’s the deal with helmets and other gear? Can I just turn up in my diesel family wagon and drive!?
Hi MrHookyAdvice please. My only car is a remapped E61 535d (Touring) and it’s perhaps a little leftfield to be seen on a track day but it’s surprisingly quick, rear wheel drive and I think it would be fun.
Thinking of doing a summer evening session (£145 I think you quote) just to enjoy some track space and really get a feel for how the car performs off the public highway.
Questions though. What should I realistically budget for doing just an evening session and how punishing is it going to be on my car? Happy to take a few mm off the tyres and a few k miles off the pads. But I don’t want to come away thinking it’s going to be new tyres/brakes all round plus a gearbox rebuild. Perhaps it’s as much as question for those who’ve tracked BMWs. I did 15 laps of the Nurburgring in a Megane 225 and the clutch was whining afterwards (sub 30k).
Also – what’s the deal with helmets and other gear? Can I just turn up in my diesel family wagon and drive!?
Thanks for your question. This is something that often pops up.
For an evening session I would say that provided you have a good check of your tyres and brakes before heading to the circuit, a good set of tyres and brakes (above 50% worn) won't come away needing to be replaced. Ensuring you run correct tyre pressures with help prevent tyres wearing dramatically.
You have to remember that somewhere like the Nurburgring is an extremely punishing place for a car, somewhere like Donington Park is much less harsh on a car especially, only having a couple of heavy breaking points.
With regards to helmets, you will need one to be able to go out on track. This could be one that you own already (as it is a track day your helmet can be a kart helmet, motorbike helmet or proper race helmet) or we do offer a helmet rental service on our track days at £10 for the event. Other than that you do not need any other equipment.
Hope this helps answer your questions and look forward to seeing you on a track day soon.
daniel-5zjw7 said:
Hi guys,
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts as to what circuits would offer up the most fun in a low powered light-ish car (90bhp & 900kg)?
Hi Daniel, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts as to what circuits would offer up the most fun in a low powered light-ish car (90bhp & 900kg)?
Donington is a very good circuit and suited to a number of cars. Our Caterhams, for example, are of course very light and suit the nature of the circuit. Other places such as Brands Hatch Indy may suit you, where there aren't any long straights. Cadwell has some interesting 'twisty' sections, which are good fun. Oulton Park similarly has a good mix of corners, which are ideal for a variety of cars and their differing performances.
Do you have a circuit in mind you would like to try?
daniel-5zjw7 said:
You drive a slow car? ;-)
OK thanks for the info, I've done brands a few times as most local to me but not with this particular car, I've heard so many positive reviews for Cadwell so that's definitely high on the list.
I'm also considering Snetterton as is fairly local, I believe there's a few layouts there?
Yes, Cadwell is a fantastic circuit. Very narrow as well, to give you an extra challenge. OK thanks for the info, I've done brands a few times as most local to me but not with this particular car, I've heard so many positive reviews for Cadwell so that's definitely high on the list.
I'm also considering Snetterton as is fairly local, I believe there's a few layouts there?
That's right - Snetterton has three configurations, the 100, 200 and 300 circuit layouts.
Synchromesh said:
Cheers! You may not remember but my uncle and I hired a Caterham from you at Silverstone about six years ago. Fast forward to a month ago and I've gone and bought a Caterham of my own, so it clearly had a positive impression!
Oh brilliant! It obviously had a lasting impression. How are you enjoying the car? Can we expect to see you on track anytime soon? actuar90 said:
I'm coming from Ireland via a ferry to Hollywood so am thinking about an Anglesey track day. How do you think this track would suit my car - a standard k-series Elise?
I'm also thinking about doing one of your caterham drift days. Can you provide a bit more detail on these days? Are they full or half days and what format do they take?
Thanks
Hello, it should suit you pretty well. We run a day at Anglesey for the Lotus club each year and it's always a popular day. I'm also thinking about doing one of your caterham drift days. Can you provide a bit more detail on these days? Are they full or half days and what format do they take?
Thanks
Our Drift Champion experience is a full day, which runs from 8:30am-4:30pm (approximately). You will be taught how to drift and donut in our Caterhams. It will also teach you car control and handling. During the morning you will be introduced to a series of drift skills, which you will then have the chance to practice and perfect, allowing for plenty of time in car. In the afternoon we will expand the course, adding in extra challenges, which you will then be able to practice again. The main competition will begin mid-afternoon, where everyone will compete against one another, to be crowned Drift Champion.
The day will end with a prize giving and an award for the Driver of the Day. Our qualified instructors will be on hand to teach and guide you throughout the day. Lunch and all day hospitality is included for all drivers. If you would like any further information about this, or anything else we do, just let us know.
SpudLink said:
I attended the drift day at Donington last year, and I highly recommend it.
The only complaint is the limited amount of time in the car, because each run is very short, and each car is shared by several drivers.
Nevertheless, well worth the money.
Glad you enjoyed it. We have revised it over the winter and changed the format for this year. Our main aim is to provide as much time in car as possible for each driver. This year we will run longer courses and more cars, with each person driving more laps at once, to ensure every driver is in car more than they are out of it. The only complaint is the limited amount of time in the car, because each run is very short, and each car is shared by several drivers.
Nevertheless, well worth the money.
Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.
Calling all track day newbies! We are running a novice track day at Donington Park on Saturday 26th August.
The day is aimed at anyone who either hasn't done a track day before, or who hasn't done many track days - no race licence holders. It is a full day, open pit lane track day. Booking numbers will be lower than normal, to ensure everyone can learn without feeling pressured.
As well as an extended safety briefing, we are offering free instruction sessions for each driver. It is the perfect time to get used to track driving, with some invaluable tuition and advice from our qualified ARDS instructors.
Bookings must be made on our website, but if you have any questions about the day, please let us know.
The day is aimed at anyone who either hasn't done a track day before, or who hasn't done many track days - no race licence holders. It is a full day, open pit lane track day. Booking numbers will be lower than normal, to ensure everyone can learn without feeling pressured.
As well as an extended safety briefing, we are offering free instruction sessions for each driver. It is the perfect time to get used to track driving, with some invaluable tuition and advice from our qualified ARDS instructors.
Bookings must be made on our website, but if you have any questions about the day, please let us know.
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