Advice needed from a track day novice
Discussion
I have done a variety of 'experience' days in the last year (Palmer sport, rally days etc), and after spending all that money I am wondering if there is a better way. I have never done a track day, and don't really have a decent car for it, so starting from scratch really. So here goes, admittedly from a very naive point of view.
Looking at classifieds, I have noticed interesting cars like a Renault clio 172/182 for less than say £4k. Well, this compares well with what I have spent on track days, so looks interesting - so what are the 'extras' (trying to get to the bottom of how much it would cost versus what you actually get)
Do you need full safety gear for a trackday (roll cage, fire extinguisher, overalls, helmet etc etc)?
Do people tend to get insurance for trackdays - does this cover accident damage, or just recovering the car back home?
Not being a mechanic, I would using the local garage to carry out repairs/servicing. Would you get the car serviced after every track day? Do tyres last for just one day or more and what other things would you tend to replace after each day?
On a typical track day - how much track time could be expected (I guess this is flexible as presumably they vary who is allowed on track according to speed differentials/ driver ability - but some guide would be good)
If something fails on the car, do track day organisers offer any sort of assistance on the day to get you going again?
Thanks for your help
Some truly novice questions on there, but just gathering my thoughts on this
Looking at classifieds, I have noticed interesting cars like a Renault clio 172/182 for less than say £4k. Well, this compares well with what I have spent on track days, so looks interesting - so what are the 'extras' (trying to get to the bottom of how much it would cost versus what you actually get)
Do you need full safety gear for a trackday (roll cage, fire extinguisher, overalls, helmet etc etc)?
Do people tend to get insurance for trackdays - does this cover accident damage, or just recovering the car back home?
Not being a mechanic, I would using the local garage to carry out repairs/servicing. Would you get the car serviced after every track day? Do tyres last for just one day or more and what other things would you tend to replace after each day?
On a typical track day - how much track time could be expected (I guess this is flexible as presumably they vary who is allowed on track according to speed differentials/ driver ability - but some guide would be good)
If something fails on the car, do track day organisers offer any sort of assistance on the day to get you going again?
Thanks for your help
Some truly novice questions on there, but just gathering my thoughts on this
i will throw in a bit more experienced chaps will no doubt help too.
Do you need full safety gear for a trackday (roll cage, fire extinguisher, overalls, helmet etc etc)?
Of that list all you need is a helmet ( must meet certain specs I use my motorbike helmet with a gold sticker on it which is fine can't remember exactly but any track day company will tell you in their website the requirements)
Do people tend to get insurance for trackdays - does this cover accident damage, or just recovering the car back home?
I never did. But you must realise it's a big risk
Not being a mechanic, I would using the local garage to carry out repairs/servicing. Would you get the car serviced after every track day?
Hmmm personally I would think it better to learn to do your pads, disks and oil. Strictly speaking they probably don't need a service after track days but they are harder in the car and I've always thought it a good idea to change oil more often. At the very least Brakes get a hammering and need inspecting more not nesse strike changing every time but I always check mine you will soon get a feel for the usage your car and driving gets. Also IMO the first and probably only mods at first are upgrade the brakes
Do tyres last for just one day or more and what other things would you tend to replace after each day?
All depends but generally tyres will last more than one track day ( road tyres) too hard to say varies so much might last quite a while
On a typical track day - how much track time could be expected (I guess this is flexible as presumably they vary who is allowed on track according to speed differentials/ driver ability - but some guide would be good)
f it's an open pit day you can literally go out as long as you want. ( unless red flagged due to accidents)
If something fails on the car, do track day organisers offer any sort of assistance on the day to get you going again?
Not in my experience but I'm sure if it's something simple. Make sure your car is in good Nick. You will not be allowed on track if the car has bits falling off. Depending on the day sometimes a few people there who would help but obviously things that can be done are limited. sometimes not so much as others are focused on their own thing and a but cliquey in fact unless you go as a club or say a ph meet it may not seem that freindly people are there for their own thing on the most part but again it varies.
. If you get something like you suggest car wise maybe join a forum for that make and going with others from that forum would help there especially if there are more experienced people of that marque and track day wise
Do you need full safety gear for a trackday (roll cage, fire extinguisher, overalls, helmet etc etc)?
Of that list all you need is a helmet ( must meet certain specs I use my motorbike helmet with a gold sticker on it which is fine can't remember exactly but any track day company will tell you in their website the requirements)
Do people tend to get insurance for trackdays - does this cover accident damage, or just recovering the car back home?
I never did. But you must realise it's a big risk
Not being a mechanic, I would using the local garage to carry out repairs/servicing. Would you get the car serviced after every track day?
Hmmm personally I would think it better to learn to do your pads, disks and oil. Strictly speaking they probably don't need a service after track days but they are harder in the car and I've always thought it a good idea to change oil more often. At the very least Brakes get a hammering and need inspecting more not nesse strike changing every time but I always check mine you will soon get a feel for the usage your car and driving gets. Also IMO the first and probably only mods at first are upgrade the brakes
Do tyres last for just one day or more and what other things would you tend to replace after each day?
All depends but generally tyres will last more than one track day ( road tyres) too hard to say varies so much might last quite a while
On a typical track day - how much track time could be expected (I guess this is flexible as presumably they vary who is allowed on track according to speed differentials/ driver ability - but some guide would be good)
f it's an open pit day you can literally go out as long as you want. ( unless red flagged due to accidents)
If something fails on the car, do track day organisers offer any sort of assistance on the day to get you going again?
Not in my experience but I'm sure if it's something simple. Make sure your car is in good Nick. You will not be allowed on track if the car has bits falling off. Depending on the day sometimes a few people there who would help but obviously things that can be done are limited. sometimes not so much as others are focused on their own thing and a but cliquey in fact unless you go as a club or say a ph meet it may not seem that freindly people are there for their own thing on the most part but again it varies.
. If you get something like you suggest car wise maybe join a forum for that make and going with others from that forum would help there especially if there are more experienced people of that marque and track day wise
Edited by Pesty on Wednesday 5th November 00:07
Edited by Pesty on Wednesday 5th November 00:09
Good advice from Pesty there.
As regaurd to tyres if after the first track day you want to do more, then go out and buy quality track focused tyres along with performance brake pads.
Then if after your second track day you are hooked on it,then welcome to the club and be prepaired to empty your pockets at times!
Good luck with it.
As regaurd to tyres if after the first track day you want to do more, then go out and buy quality track focused tyres along with performance brake pads.
Then if after your second track day you are hooked on it,then welcome to the club and be prepaired to empty your pockets at times!
Good luck with it.
Not sure how much £4k means to you, but it might be worth swapping your daily to something that can do both reasonably well like a more sensible hot hatch (golf gti etc). Depending on how many you plan on doing per year (and if you get on with it at all) it might not be worth the added expenses of a second car.
When I started I did exactly the same as you're planning and bought a clio 172, did two trackdays and around 1k miles in it in around a year, plus spent about £500 on maintenance, plus usual costs of insurance, tax etc. I ended up selling both cars and getting a Z4C which suited my daily drive plus trackday usage, the added fuel consumption was tiny compared to the savings running a second car.
Just something to consider.
When I started I did exactly the same as you're planning and bought a clio 172, did two trackdays and around 1k miles in it in around a year, plus spent about £500 on maintenance, plus usual costs of insurance, tax etc. I ended up selling both cars and getting a Z4C which suited my daily drive plus trackday usage, the added fuel consumption was tiny compared to the savings running a second car.
Just something to consider.
Pesty offers good advice.
Insurance only covers you for your own damage and typically has an excess of 10% of the value of the car.
One thing I would do before you take any car near a track is to change the brake fluid to a proper high temp fluid, Carbon Lorraine is what I use with a boiling point of some 320deg C but there are others as well. Do not be tempted by DOT5 fluids as the bigger number does not mean better.
Once you have done the brake fluid the next on the list is to book look at track days you can get to and book an instructor to spend at least half the day with you. Mike Cooper http://www.drivertuition.com/ transformed my driving both on track and on the road in one day, money very well spent.
Insurance only covers you for your own damage and typically has an excess of 10% of the value of the car.
One thing I would do before you take any car near a track is to change the brake fluid to a proper high temp fluid, Carbon Lorraine is what I use with a boiling point of some 320deg C but there are others as well. Do not be tempted by DOT5 fluids as the bigger number does not mean better.
Once you have done the brake fluid the next on the list is to book look at track days you can get to and book an instructor to spend at least half the day with you. Mike Cooper http://www.drivertuition.com/ transformed my driving both on track and on the road in one day, money very well spent.
A few words from another trackday rookie, after last Sunday's experience at Snetterton
Other thing that i found well worth it was spending a bit of money on a set of useful tools, so that at the day itself at least you have some pliers, screwdrivers, sockets, strong gaffa tape and maybe a trolley jack/axle stands with you, especially if you're running a budget track day car. Also, make sure you have a towing strap attached, or attach the factory standard towing hook on your car.
Also maybe good to bring with you some engine oil and coolant in case you run a bit low on them.
Last thing that made a difference to us was bringing a decent picnic cooler bag, softdrinks (you'll get hot in the car!) and foldable chairs, especially handy when you have multiple drivers;)
Other thing that i found well worth it was spending a bit of money on a set of useful tools, so that at the day itself at least you have some pliers, screwdrivers, sockets, strong gaffa tape and maybe a trolley jack/axle stands with you, especially if you're running a budget track day car. Also, make sure you have a towing strap attached, or attach the factory standard towing hook on your car.
Also maybe good to bring with you some engine oil and coolant in case you run a bit low on them.
Last thing that made a difference to us was bringing a decent picnic cooler bag, softdrinks (you'll get hot in the car!) and foldable chairs, especially handy when you have multiple drivers;)
Phateuk said:
Not sure how much £4k means to you, but it might be worth swapping your daily to something that can do both reasonably well like a more sensible hot hatch (golf gti etc). Depending on how many you plan on doing per year (and if you get on with it at all) it might not be worth the added expenses of a second car.
When I started I did exactly the same as you're planning and bought a clio 172, did two trackdays and around 1k miles in it in around a year, plus spent about £500 on maintenance, plus usual costs of insurance, tax etc. I ended up selling both cars and getting a Z4C which suited my daily drive plus trackday usage, the added fuel consumption was tiny compared to the savings running a second car.
Just something to consider.
Interesting you say this, my daily is a snotter 1.9 Laguna, and I run an MR2 turbo as a track car, I have been pondering combining into one car due to costs etc....When I started I did exactly the same as you're planning and bought a clio 172, did two trackdays and around 1k miles in it in around a year, plus spent about £500 on maintenance, plus usual costs of insurance, tax etc. I ended up selling both cars and getting a Z4C which suited my daily drive plus trackday usage, the added fuel consumption was tiny compared to the savings running a second car.
Just something to consider.
Hmmm, lets see, we've been tracking an old BMW for the last year and half, heres my two cents:
Do you need full safety gear for a trackday (roll cage, fire extinguisher, overalls, helmet etc etc)?
No. the only thing we have is a helmet, has to be at least a decent motorcycle helmet (not and FMX helmet) although that said, Sparco, OMP and a few others to budget trackday helmets for less than £100. I would however get a cage if you dont have a full roof - ie if you track a convertible. for a clio, i wouldnt bother with a cage, or anything else for that matter.
Do people tend to get insurance for trackdays - does this cover accident damage, or just recovering the car back home?
We have never insured our beemer, but it is only worth £1000, so if we bin it its no big deal. if its worth a lot of money and is your only car, maybe get insurance - but it is very expensive, and most trackdays are really pretty safe.
Not being a mechanic, I would using the local garage to carry out repairs/servicing. Would you get the car serviced after every track day? Do tyres last for just one day or more and what other things would you tend to replace after each day?
We change the oil twice a year, or every 6 trackdays/2000 miles. but we always keep an eye on temps and never let the car get hot. tyres, even on a relatively powerful rwd bmw, last for ages - maybe 8 full trackdays. brakes - front pads are lasting 4 trackdays, the rears 6 or more. and thats with a heavy car - on a light clio, a set of pads and tyres will probably last a whole year.
Learn how to change brake pads and change oil, as thats what you'll need to do the most. other than that its pretty straightforward.
On a typical track day - how much track time could be expected (I guess this is flexible as presumably they vary who is allowed on track according to speed differentials/ driver ability - but some guide would be good)
we only do full open pit lane (OPL) where track time is 9-12, then 1 till 5. at snetterton we managed 250 miles on track in one day - and the track is 3 miles long, so thats 83 laps! only limit on an OPL day is how hard you're willing to push the car and yourself - we bought out beemer to be used as a trackcar, and share the driving to get the most out of it, but if its just you id expect maybe 8 sessions of 6 laps or so.
If something fails on the car, do track day organisers offer any sort of assistance on the day to get you going again?
touch wood, i've never had a problem on track, but from what i've seen TDOs dont offer much assistance. however, your fellow trackday goers usually do. take a basic toolkit around, but if theres something specific you need, if you ask nicely you can normally borrow tools/advice from other people. if you get a fairly popular car there will be plenty of other similar cars in the paddock with owners usually happy to help.
Hope this helps somewhat, all i can say is definitely do it! i love track driving, as soon as i finish i day im counting down the days till the next one. if you like driving, its the best fun your can have in a day, no question.
Do you need full safety gear for a trackday (roll cage, fire extinguisher, overalls, helmet etc etc)?
No. the only thing we have is a helmet, has to be at least a decent motorcycle helmet (not and FMX helmet) although that said, Sparco, OMP and a few others to budget trackday helmets for less than £100. I would however get a cage if you dont have a full roof - ie if you track a convertible. for a clio, i wouldnt bother with a cage, or anything else for that matter.
Do people tend to get insurance for trackdays - does this cover accident damage, or just recovering the car back home?
We have never insured our beemer, but it is only worth £1000, so if we bin it its no big deal. if its worth a lot of money and is your only car, maybe get insurance - but it is very expensive, and most trackdays are really pretty safe.
Not being a mechanic, I would using the local garage to carry out repairs/servicing. Would you get the car serviced after every track day? Do tyres last for just one day or more and what other things would you tend to replace after each day?
We change the oil twice a year, or every 6 trackdays/2000 miles. but we always keep an eye on temps and never let the car get hot. tyres, even on a relatively powerful rwd bmw, last for ages - maybe 8 full trackdays. brakes - front pads are lasting 4 trackdays, the rears 6 or more. and thats with a heavy car - on a light clio, a set of pads and tyres will probably last a whole year.
Learn how to change brake pads and change oil, as thats what you'll need to do the most. other than that its pretty straightforward.
On a typical track day - how much track time could be expected (I guess this is flexible as presumably they vary who is allowed on track according to speed differentials/ driver ability - but some guide would be good)
we only do full open pit lane (OPL) where track time is 9-12, then 1 till 5. at snetterton we managed 250 miles on track in one day - and the track is 3 miles long, so thats 83 laps! only limit on an OPL day is how hard you're willing to push the car and yourself - we bought out beemer to be used as a trackcar, and share the driving to get the most out of it, but if its just you id expect maybe 8 sessions of 6 laps or so.
If something fails on the car, do track day organisers offer any sort of assistance on the day to get you going again?
touch wood, i've never had a problem on track, but from what i've seen TDOs dont offer much assistance. however, your fellow trackday goers usually do. take a basic toolkit around, but if theres something specific you need, if you ask nicely you can normally borrow tools/advice from other people. if you get a fairly popular car there will be plenty of other similar cars in the paddock with owners usually happy to help.
Hope this helps somewhat, all i can say is definitely do it! i love track driving, as soon as i finish i day im counting down the days till the next one. if you like driving, its the best fun your can have in a day, no question.
AdriaanB said:
A few words from another trackday rookie, after last Sunday's experience at Snetterton
Other thing that i found well worth it was spending a bit of money on a set of useful tools, so that at the day itself at least you have some pliers, screwdrivers, sockets, strong gaffa tape and maybe a trolley jack/axle stands with you, especially if you're running a budget track day car. Also, make sure you have a towing strap attached, or attach the factory standard towing hook on your car.
Also maybe good to bring with you some engine oil and coolant in case you run a bit low on them.
Last thing that made a difference to us was bringing a decent picnic cooler bag, softdrinks (you'll get hot in the car!) and foldable chairs, especially handy when you have multiple drivers;)
All good stuff.Other thing that i found well worth it was spending a bit of money on a set of useful tools, so that at the day itself at least you have some pliers, screwdrivers, sockets, strong gaffa tape and maybe a trolley jack/axle stands with you, especially if you're running a budget track day car. Also, make sure you have a towing strap attached, or attach the factory standard towing hook on your car.
Also maybe good to bring with you some engine oil and coolant in case you run a bit low on them.
Last thing that made a difference to us was bringing a decent picnic cooler bag, softdrinks (you'll get hot in the car!) and foldable chairs, especially handy when you have multiple drivers;)
I'd also add a good tyre pressure gauge. A pump.
Also remember to empty the rear seat, boot etc of any stuff like jack, spare wheel etc.
Don't be intimidated by faster cars. We all have to learn and they should make allowances, so long as you are keeping your wits about you.
Don't push too hard, too soon. It's a bit of fun, not qualifying for the BTCC!
Most of all though, have fun fella.
Don't be intimidated by faster cars. We all have to learn and they should make allowances, so long as you are keeping your wits about you.
Don't push too hard, too soon. It's a bit of fun, not qualifying for the BTCC!
Most of all though, have fun fella.
I have a Renault Clio 182 I used solely for track day fun so I should be able to help answer your questions realistically,
I've had a set of R888s for two years and they still have some life left in them. Probably 15-20 track days.
novice2013 said:
Do you need full safety gear for a trackday (roll cage, fire extinguisher, overalls, helmet etc etc)?
No, all you need is a helmet. Having a fire extinguisher secured in place close to hand is never a bad thing though.novice2013 said:
Do people tend to get insurance for trackdays - does this cover accident damage, or just recovering the car back home?
I've never got insurance. But the car is cheap enough to repair if I do have a knock.novice2013 said:
Not being a mechanic, I would using the local garage to carry out repairs/servicing. Would you get the car serviced after every track day? Do tyres last for just one day or more and what other things would you tend to replace after each day?
You wont need to get it serviced after every track day. I change the oil twice a year and generally try to keep on top of it all. When I first got the car I used to take it to the local garage to do everything, but over the years of having the car I've learnt how to do all of it myself.I've had a set of R888s for two years and they still have some life left in them. Probably 15-20 track days.
novice2013 said:
On a typical track day - how much track time could be expected (I guess this is flexible as presumably they vary who is allowed on track according to speed differentials/ driver ability - but some guide would be good)
If it's an open pit lane you can generally get as much driving as you feel comfortable with. I usually do 15-20 minute stints then let the car cool off for 30 minutes. Then repeat until the day ends.novice2013 said:
If something fails on the car, do track day organisers offer any sort of assistance on the day to get you going again?
They are not obliged to. But i'm sure they would help if possible. As would a lot of helpful guys around. So you should always be able to get help should you ever need itUsed to track a Caterham 7. Few pointers, Trailered mine, so had the luxery of being able to take spare tyres etc. Roll cage for a Caterham good idea, stiffened the car up and helped when I wrote it off :-)
Overalls, yes, wore a second hand pair, just because they are comfortable and some fire resistance, but not necessary.
Insurance - yes, but only covers your own car. Glad I had insurance when I wrote my car off, got over 17k. Downside of insurance, even though it was track insurance, still paying for making a claim against my road policies, as it was an insurance claim. Hasn't cost me 17k in extra premiums, so worth it.
Last point, pick your track day organisers, there are good and not so good, which will determine if you have a good day.
Overalls, yes, wore a second hand pair, just because they are comfortable and some fire resistance, but not necessary.
Insurance - yes, but only covers your own car. Glad I had insurance when I wrote my car off, got over 17k. Downside of insurance, even though it was track insurance, still paying for making a claim against my road policies, as it was an insurance claim. Hasn't cost me 17k in extra premiums, so worth it.
Last point, pick your track day organisers, there are good and not so good, which will determine if you have a good day.
Some more input from my side (another track day rookie):
- As for safety gear, got a new set of Sparco helmets online (good enough for track days, still look the part and they're fresh and clean). As for clothes - i find thin (rubber) soled shoes comfy for driving, and since it's a requirement to keep arms covered, maybe have a long sleeve shirt or something with you. Also good to bring a (rain) coat as you might get hot in the car, and might be freezing when you're out
- As said before, I've maybe spent 100-150 on a tool set, pliers set, some basics (tape, cable ties, screws/bolts) and a decent trolley jack, most of which was sourced through the likes of ebay/amazon, special offer sections. Again, these tools will also prove their use around the house, on my daily driver, my bike, my GF's oldtimer car, so not a pure track day purchase. Also bought the standard set out fluids matching the car's current fluids (race engine oil, race break fluid, steering fluid and coolant). A bottle of WD40 or contact cleaner doesn't hurt either.
-No additional insurance, as I'm running a 1k car, so not really worth it. Can imagine this attitude changes when you're driving something very fast and dear.
-Car preparation: good tyres and brakes are more imporant than power, as it's essential to be safe on the track at higher-than-road speed. Speed will come later Good tip to clear the car of all rubbish lying around, you don't want that old Coke can to get stuck underneat your brake pedal on the track. Given higher speeds and sharper cornering, things will fly around in your interior. Also, this is the cheapest weight reduction programme you can carry out. People are amazed by the amount of useless stuff in their cars
-Track day format: we tried open pitlane (with 3 drivers) and found it very relaxing, as you totally set your own pace and you don't feel obliged to fully drive your paid session time.
-Prepare for no assistance, and you'll be positively surprised. On my track day, we were happily surprised by drivers/organisers given advice, chatting to us, helping out pushing (when the car wouldn't start) and by lending a few tools/bolts. However, always good to come prepared so you can return a favour to others
-Also good to bring some cash with you - many tracks don't have cash points, and yes, I had to drive to a supermarket in town to get cash as my mate forgot to bring his tuition money;)
- As for safety gear, got a new set of Sparco helmets online (good enough for track days, still look the part and they're fresh and clean). As for clothes - i find thin (rubber) soled shoes comfy for driving, and since it's a requirement to keep arms covered, maybe have a long sleeve shirt or something with you. Also good to bring a (rain) coat as you might get hot in the car, and might be freezing when you're out
- As said before, I've maybe spent 100-150 on a tool set, pliers set, some basics (tape, cable ties, screws/bolts) and a decent trolley jack, most of which was sourced through the likes of ebay/amazon, special offer sections. Again, these tools will also prove their use around the house, on my daily driver, my bike, my GF's oldtimer car, so not a pure track day purchase
. Also bought the standard set out fluids matching the car's current fluids (race engine oil, race break fluid, steering fluid and coolant). A bottle of WD40 or contact cleaner doesn't hurt either.-No additional insurance, as I'm running a 1k car, so not really worth it. Can imagine this attitude changes when you're driving something very fast and dear.
-Car preparation: good tyres and brakes are more imporant than power, as it's essential to be safe on the track at higher-than-road speed. Speed will come later
Good tip to clear the car of all rubbish lying around, you don't want that old Coke can to get stuck underneat your brake pedal on the track. Given higher speeds and sharper cornering, things will fly around in your interior. Also, this is the cheapest weight reduction programme you can carry out. People are amazed by the amount of useless stuff in their cars-Track day format: we tried open pitlane (with 3 drivers) and found it very relaxing, as you totally set your own pace and you don't feel obliged to fully drive your paid session time.
-Prepare for no assistance, and you'll be positively surprised. On my track day, we were happily surprised by drivers/organisers given advice, chatting to us, helping out pushing (when the car wouldn't start) and by lending a few tools/bolts. However, always good to come prepared so you can return a favour to others
-Also good to bring some cash with you - many tracks don't have cash points, and yes, I had to drive to a supermarket in town to get cash as my mate forgot to bring his tuition money;)
Novice track days are also worth doing. That way, you can be sure everyone is in the same boat and you won't have to be too concerned with faster, more experienced drivers being held up. An added bonus is that they are much cheaper too! I did 3 novice days at Brands Hatch and I seem to recall they were around £50, or thereabouts?
Some great tips, thanks.
I was thinking of a clio 182 as it appears you can pick up a good one for comfortably less than £4k (not sure why I focus on that figure really but that is broadly what we have spent on Palmer sport / rally days over the last year - and have no car at the end of the year to show for it!). So the rough rule of thumb is if we can spend the same on a car and some track days and still have a car at the end of it, ready for next year, it is probably the way ahead.
Also am looking at getting a (hopefully) reliable car for the budget and it appears the clio is a common choice so it looks like this might add up.
Also doesn't appear insurance is necessary - if it is only the actual car that is covered then I am prepared to take the financial risk of a total loss on the car. After all we spent the same same on 'experience days' and still have no car at the end of it which in my maths puts the track day vs experience day experience level. But at least with track days you would usually expect to have the car at the end of it.
Good tip on novice days - I didn't even know they existed.
One more on insurance - don't you need to cover injury to third parties?
And noddy question on breakdowns - what happens if you break down in circuit - presumably there is some sort of recovery truck?
And also on breakdowns - if you really can't get the car home under its/your own steam, I assume the likes of the AA would just laugh at you and tell you to sort yourself out. In other words does on the forum get any sort of break down cover ?
I was thinking of a clio 182 as it appears you can pick up a good one for comfortably less than £4k (not sure why I focus on that figure really but that is broadly what we have spent on Palmer sport / rally days over the last year - and have no car at the end of the year to show for it!). So the rough rule of thumb is if we can spend the same on a car and some track days and still have a car at the end of it, ready for next year, it is probably the way ahead.
Also am looking at getting a (hopefully) reliable car for the budget and it appears the clio is a common choice so it looks like this might add up.
Also doesn't appear insurance is necessary - if it is only the actual car that is covered then I am prepared to take the financial risk of a total loss on the car. After all we spent the same same on 'experience days' and still have no car at the end of it which in my maths puts the track day vs experience day experience level. But at least with track days you would usually expect to have the car at the end of it.
Good tip on novice days - I didn't even know they existed.
One more on insurance - don't you need to cover injury to third parties?
And noddy question on breakdowns - what happens if you break down in circuit - presumably there is some sort of recovery truck?
And also on breakdowns - if you really can't get the car home under its/your own steam, I assume the likes of the AA would just laugh at you and tell you to sort yourself out. In other words does on the forum get any sort of break down cover ?
Call Competition Car Insurance on 0844 892 1966 and have a chat. It's nowhere near as expensive as one might imagine. In fact, I cover my M3 for the road with these guys and am able to do 4 track days and 6 speed events, in a 12 month period. It's not a requirement for track-days, but I like the added peace of mind.
novice2013 said:
And noddy question on breakdowns - what happens if you break down in circuit - presumably there is some sort of recovery truck?
And also on breakdowns - if you really can't get the car home under its/your own steam, I assume the likes of the AA would just laugh at you and tell you to sort yourself out. In other words does on the forum get any sort of break down cover ?
You will get recovered to the pits, from there you have to make your own arrangements. I have heard of people with AA/RAC cover being recovered before. In theory you could argue a breakdown on track could also have happened on the road or that you were spectating and your car broke down when you went to leave. The breakdown companies won't recover an accident damaged car and neither would your normal motor insurance policy, so if the worst happened you'd have to cover the cost of that yourself.And also on breakdowns - if you really can't get the car home under its/your own steam, I assume the likes of the AA would just laugh at you and tell you to sort yourself out. In other words does on the forum get any sort of break down cover ?
The Clio 172/182s make great track cars that are hard to beat for running costs, fun and speed. If it's mainly a track car you're after then the 172 cup is probably the best variant to get - it has no ESP/seat airbags which makes fitting aftermarket steering wheels and seats less hassle. It also has no air con which reduces the time required for a cambelt change. You'll probably find the air con doesn't actually work on a lot of 172/182s anyway!
I wouldn't worry about insurance as long as you stick to your limits. Car to car contact is extremely rare as you can only overtake on straights with the consent of the other car. If you get an instructor and build your speed gradually, and don't get sucked into chasing faster cars, you'll be fine!
I'd get a light car, that way you won't be destroying your brakes and tyres. I had a mk3 MR2, and that did about 5 trackdays on one set of tyres and could have done a few more easily. It also never suffered from brake fade. The trick is to do 5-10 lap sessions then let the car cool down, then go out again. Something like an MX5 would be good. But Clios are popular on track too.
If you have a reliable car prepped before the trackday you are unlikely to break down, so don't worry about that!
And be warned... track days are very addictive
I'd get a light car, that way you won't be destroying your brakes and tyres. I had a mk3 MR2, and that did about 5 trackdays on one set of tyres and could have done a few more easily. It also never suffered from brake fade. The trick is to do 5-10 lap sessions then let the car cool down, then go out again. Something like an MX5 would be good. But Clios are popular on track too.
If you have a reliable car prepped before the trackday you are unlikely to break down, so don't worry about that!
And be warned... track days are very addictive
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