Track day novice what I've learnt so far...
Discussion
Since I spent much time looking for help/advice before doing a track day I thought I'd share my first couple of experiences so far.
I've now done two in a standard S3 (8v):
Standard brakes and tyres are fine to start with (many told me I'd boil fluid or destroy pads on first go)
Renting a helmet is irritating so definitely buy one (I spent £100 on a full face bike helmet- perfect)
Bedford autodrome is perfect first track (did snetterton second)
Everyone is immensely friendly
Even in a (relatively) economical car you get through a lot of petrol (two tanks each time including to and from home) av 14.8 mpg in a car usually doing 35mpg+
I got pretty thirsty and hungry myself throughout day too!
By far and away the best money spent was having a pro racing driver with me for entire day each time. You learn a huge amount, you end up going so much quicker... *i believe this also preserved my brakes/tyres as I learnt a lot about carrying speed and balancing car rather than caning brakes after the straights. It helped leaving car for about 15 mins after 4-5 laps before next stint too.
...it's very addictive and I'll do many more. I'm sure more experienced people can offer much more insight! But thought I'd share a view from a novice starting out.
I've now done two in a standard S3 (8v):
Standard brakes and tyres are fine to start with (many told me I'd boil fluid or destroy pads on first go)
Renting a helmet is irritating so definitely buy one (I spent £100 on a full face bike helmet- perfect)
Bedford autodrome is perfect first track (did snetterton second)
Everyone is immensely friendly
Even in a (relatively) economical car you get through a lot of petrol (two tanks each time including to and from home) av 14.8 mpg in a car usually doing 35mpg+
I got pretty thirsty and hungry myself throughout day too!
By far and away the best money spent was having a pro racing driver with me for entire day each time. You learn a huge amount, you end up going so much quicker... *i believe this also preserved my brakes/tyres as I learnt a lot about carrying speed and balancing car rather than caning brakes after the straights. It helped leaving car for about 15 mins after 4-5 laps before next stint too.
...it's very addictive and I'll do many more. I'm sure more experienced people can offer much more insight! But thought I'd share a view from a novice starting out.
moktabe said:
How do folk generally find the standard of driving ability in general on track days?
The reasoning behind the question is I own a CSL and quite fancy sometimes the idea of taking it on track. Having never been on a trackway prior, I'm well aware that I'm not going to be able to howl it around like some of the more regular track day enthusiasts.
Therein lies my problem!
I am 100% aware of my shortcomings re driving ability but, taking to track in a car that is supposedly built for that reason, is it likely to be a target to be overtaken? That in itself wouldn't bother me remotely. I am well aware it's more the drivers ability to drive than the car, what would bother me if someone else with about the same experience as myself, i.e none, over assumed their ability and piled into me.
If that happened, the only way I'd manage to get on to PH would be if the prison I'd be in had free WiFi.
My outlook for going on a track day wouldn't be to nail every car that I could see in front of me but enjoy the experience of driving to the edge of my ability without having a chat with the local plod.
Thoughts?, or advice?
On the only two I've been on! All drivers were very courteous and aware of their car/ability. The officials are watching carefully and they make it clear anyone driving like an arse will swiftly be taken off. There was a great array of machinery on both days from MX5s to a fully race prepared 458, radicals, many a lotus and e46 m3 in various states of tune and a couple of CSLs. I didn't worry about any others (appreciate my car isn't as valuable as a CSL though) but there were some very expensive cars giving it a go.The reasoning behind the question is I own a CSL and quite fancy sometimes the idea of taking it on track. Having never been on a trackway prior, I'm well aware that I'm not going to be able to howl it around like some of the more regular track day enthusiasts.
Therein lies my problem!
I am 100% aware of my shortcomings re driving ability but, taking to track in a car that is supposedly built for that reason, is it likely to be a target to be overtaken? That in itself wouldn't bother me remotely. I am well aware it's more the drivers ability to drive than the car, what would bother me if someone else with about the same experience as myself, i.e none, over assumed their ability and piled into me.
If that happened, the only way I'd manage to get on to PH would be if the prison I'd be in had free WiFi.
My outlook for going on a track day wouldn't be to nail every car that I could see in front of me but enjoy the experience of driving to the edge of my ability without having a chat with the local plod.
Thoughts?, or advice?
CABC said:
Spot on op.
Candid and true I'd say.
Can you update your thoughts as you do more?
Cheers, yes I will.... I'm working with the pro driver towards doing the ARDS test. Trying to get one track day in a month now.Candid and true I'd say.
Can you update your thoughts as you do more?
Smokey32.... You're so right, I really appreciate the benefits of light cars. It bought to focus how heavy road cars are these days.
Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff