Thinking of going to my first track day. What do I need?
Discussion
Hi,
I'm thinking of taking my T sport Celica to a track day sometime early next year, along with my friend in his Type R.
I've never done one before and I just want to know the essential things I need to do/have before going.
I understand Insurance is not compulsory but probably advisable, especially as my Celica is my daily driver, so its not disposable.
I'm probably going to go a 'Novice only' event, as that seems to be the generally advised thing to do for first timers.
I've read that its can be brutal on brakes, even to the extent where you can wear through an entire set of pads in a day. Is there any truth in that?
Anything else I'm missing that I need to consider?
I'm thinking of taking my T sport Celica to a track day sometime early next year, along with my friend in his Type R.
I've never done one before and I just want to know the essential things I need to do/have before going.
I understand Insurance is not compulsory but probably advisable, especially as my Celica is my daily driver, so its not disposable.
I'm probably going to go a 'Novice only' event, as that seems to be the generally advised thing to do for first timers.
I've read that its can be brutal on brakes, even to the extent where you can wear through an entire set of pads in a day. Is there any truth in that?
Anything else I'm missing that I need to consider?
Edited by Grahamr123 on Sunday 6th October 22:51
I'm a fellow novice however I've got two events under my belt in my Impreza.
The changes I needed to make free the first event were brake pads. They didn't expire due to wear, but they simply couldn't stand the heat and were useless after three laps!
My second outing was with CL RC5+ pads and I was stopping all day long. I got some second hand R888 tyres on spare wheels too, but I can see that I chewed through a fair amount of rubber during one day at Cadwell so make sure your tyres will be legal for the drive home!
Do a mini service before tracking just to make sure levels are all good, oil starvation is a quick way to needing a new engine and just look after yourself and the car on the day with appropriate cool down laps and breaks.
Have fun!
The changes I needed to make free the first event were brake pads. They didn't expire due to wear, but they simply couldn't stand the heat and were useless after three laps!
My second outing was with CL RC5+ pads and I was stopping all day long. I got some second hand R888 tyres on spare wheels too, but I can see that I chewed through a fair amount of rubber during one day at Cadwell so make sure your tyres will be legal for the drive home!
Do a mini service before tracking just to make sure levels are all good, oil starvation is a quick way to needing a new engine and just look after yourself and the car on the day with appropriate cool down laps and breaks.
Have fun!
TWO things sine qua non - you won't get on track without your driving licence (some TDOs insist on both parts) and a helmet, though you can hire a helmet at the track.
You also need a long sleeved top and long trousers for most TDOs. Unless your car is stupidly loud you should pass the noise test with ease. Cash for drinks and meals unless you bring your own.
Car full of fuel as you arrive at the track - my car uses 2.5 times as much on the track as the road and i can have the tank empty by 11.00 am. They charge £1.60 a litre (super-unleaded only) at the track, and only open the pumps when they feel like it. You can bring spare fuel in cans if you want, expect to use up to £100 worth on a full day. I use super on the track, but your Celica may not need it.
Check the oil is full to the upper mark before you start, ditto water and brake fluid. Brake pads may not be too critical, don't panic - my TVR was fine on standard Ford Escort pads, though better on proper race pads (felt the same, but never faded on the proper pads). But do check they have some meat on before you start. And check all the above regularly throughout the day. So have spare oil and brake fluid.
Your road tyres will be fine, just don't expect to keep up with other similar cars if they are on track tyres, especially in the corners, so don't get drawn into going too fast. If you end up doing more track days, get some track tyres. Frankly, if you are looking at pre-31 May, you might actually have more grip on road tyres.
Pressure gauge and foot pump as already said, you will probably want to let air out of your tyres as they get hot, but will need to re-inflate them to get home. If you have any disasters and need tools, blag. People are friendly and will lend stuff.
Watch the gauges while on the track and give the car a break on the straights. Its not about lap times (you aren't allowed to time yourself), and if you want to video the camera MUST be fixed in the car. Just relax and enjoy, bring a change of underwear in case your talent runs out.
RAC card to get you home if the car breaks - yes, I have heard that they will still relay you, particularly if you can get the car off the track.
You also need a long sleeved top and long trousers for most TDOs. Unless your car is stupidly loud you should pass the noise test with ease. Cash for drinks and meals unless you bring your own.
Car full of fuel as you arrive at the track - my car uses 2.5 times as much on the track as the road and i can have the tank empty by 11.00 am. They charge £1.60 a litre (super-unleaded only) at the track, and only open the pumps when they feel like it. You can bring spare fuel in cans if you want, expect to use up to £100 worth on a full day. I use super on the track, but your Celica may not need it.
Check the oil is full to the upper mark before you start, ditto water and brake fluid. Brake pads may not be too critical, don't panic - my TVR was fine on standard Ford Escort pads, though better on proper race pads (felt the same, but never faded on the proper pads). But do check they have some meat on before you start. And check all the above regularly throughout the day. So have spare oil and brake fluid.
Your road tyres will be fine, just don't expect to keep up with other similar cars if they are on track tyres, especially in the corners, so don't get drawn into going too fast. If you end up doing more track days, get some track tyres. Frankly, if you are looking at pre-31 May, you might actually have more grip on road tyres.
Pressure gauge and foot pump as already said, you will probably want to let air out of your tyres as they get hot, but will need to re-inflate them to get home. If you have any disasters and need tools, blag. People are friendly and will lend stuff.
Watch the gauges while on the track and give the car a break on the straights. Its not about lap times (you aren't allowed to time yourself), and if you want to video the camera MUST be fixed in the car. Just relax and enjoy, bring a change of underwear in case your talent runs out.
RAC card to get you home if the car breaks - yes, I have heard that they will still relay you, particularly if you can get the car off the track.
Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff