First Time Track day
Discussion
Hi Guys,
I am looking to purchase an elise S1 to use as a track day car, I would like to think I can gain experience to enter a race series in the future. However first things first
I was wondering what the deal is with track days and if you can get tutition etc.. what level of driver do you need to be etc.. etc..
I only ask as I don't want to turn up and write my car off or even worse someone else's etc..
Do they have like novice days or something, whats the format do people go round steady and fast all at once??
Can you get tuition in your own vehicle???
I have done a number of driving experience things for brthdays and such like and done a lot of karting.
Some basic advice and guidence would be beneficial.
Also I am looking to buy a cheap S1, then stick elise parts motorsport body on it and swap the k series for a K20 type r lump and 6 speed box. - Is this a good track car??? I was thinking the honda engine as i can run with it standard then when i feel confident possible race it in a series with plenty of room for further tuning.
You thoughts much appreciated.
Cheers
Scott
I am looking to purchase an elise S1 to use as a track day car, I would like to think I can gain experience to enter a race series in the future. However first things first
I was wondering what the deal is with track days and if you can get tutition etc.. what level of driver do you need to be etc.. etc..
I only ask as I don't want to turn up and write my car off or even worse someone else's etc..
Do they have like novice days or something, whats the format do people go round steady and fast all at once??
Can you get tuition in your own vehicle???
I have done a number of driving experience things for brthdays and such like and done a lot of karting.
Some basic advice and guidence would be beneficial.
Also I am looking to buy a cheap S1, then stick elise parts motorsport body on it and swap the k series for a K20 type r lump and 6 speed box. - Is this a good track car??? I was thinking the honda engine as i can run with it standard then when i feel confident possible race it in a series with plenty of room for further tuning.
You thoughts much appreciated.
Cheers
Scott
Parts of your question are answered here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=18&t=431038
There is another thread just under this one along a similar vein. Also worth using the search function.
Just some random thoughts ...
Some trackdays run sessioned days - different groups with different abilities. It's probably easiest to go for one of these.
Tuition is invaluable, personally I would aim to get tuition for the whole day from one person, preferably someone who knows your car or similar. It's no problem to get it done in your own car.
Make sure you car (brakes/tyres etc.) is up to doing a track day, I am sure someone with an Elise can give you more info on what might need upgrading if anything.
Try and learn the circuit before you go onto it, otherwise you can spend a day learning it. There are lots of in car videos kicking around that will give you a good idea of the circuit and plenty of computers games.
Given you have some driving day experiences and some karting, you are unlikely to be the least experienced driver out there on a novice session.
Think about insurance, not sure about Elises but some specialist insurers will cover trackdays for a couple of hundred more a year. AFAIK your car is your own responsiblity, if someone hits your car, you pay, regardless of how they did it.
If it's wet on your first track day, be incredibly careful. Some of the other cars will be on slicks and very dangerous/slow and the dry line is likely to be very slippery.
Think about somewhere like Beford where there is a lot of run off to do your first day. Maybe even try a car limits/handling course beforehand so you get a feel for your car.
Tuition isn't cheap, but you will end up going a lot faster and it's a good way to have a helping hand on your first day as well from someone who knows the ropes and should be able to keep you out of trouble.
Just some random thoughts ...
Some trackdays run sessioned days - different groups with different abilities. It's probably easiest to go for one of these.
Tuition is invaluable, personally I would aim to get tuition for the whole day from one person, preferably someone who knows your car or similar. It's no problem to get it done in your own car.
Make sure you car (brakes/tyres etc.) is up to doing a track day, I am sure someone with an Elise can give you more info on what might need upgrading if anything.
Try and learn the circuit before you go onto it, otherwise you can spend a day learning it. There are lots of in car videos kicking around that will give you a good idea of the circuit and plenty of computers games.
Given you have some driving day experiences and some karting, you are unlikely to be the least experienced driver out there on a novice session.
Think about insurance, not sure about Elises but some specialist insurers will cover trackdays for a couple of hundred more a year. AFAIK your car is your own responsiblity, if someone hits your car, you pay, regardless of how they did it.
If it's wet on your first track day, be incredibly careful. Some of the other cars will be on slicks and very dangerous/slow and the dry line is likely to be very slippery.
Think about somewhere like Beford where there is a lot of run off to do your first day. Maybe even try a car limits/handling course beforehand so you get a feel for your car.
Tuition isn't cheap, but you will end up going a lot faster and it's a good way to have a helping hand on your first day as well from someone who knows the ropes and should be able to keep you out of trouble.
Not sure where you're based but I did a novice day at Oulton this year, they also run these at the other MSV tracks as well.
It was a really good introduction, you could also pay for tuition (£25 extra I think) for lines/braking points etc.
The day was really well run and I didn't feel out of my depth one bit (and I've only got a Mini Cooper (BMW)), just remember to be courteous to others, check your mirrors often and build up gradually and you'll have no probs at all.
On the novice day I think they were in the main novices (given that I was able to catch and pass a nervous looking 911 a few times), although there were a couple of Ginettas that looked like they were from the race series, but again didn't cause any probs.
Would definately recommend, would also think it's a fairly good way to gradually build you up to entering a race event if you wanted.
Have fun!
It was a really good introduction, you could also pay for tuition (£25 extra I think) for lines/braking points etc.
The day was really well run and I didn't feel out of my depth one bit (and I've only got a Mini Cooper (BMW)), just remember to be courteous to others, check your mirrors often and build up gradually and you'll have no probs at all.
On the novice day I think they were in the main novices (given that I was able to catch and pass a nervous looking 911 a few times), although there were a couple of Ginettas that looked like they were from the race series, but again didn't cause any probs.
Would definately recommend, would also think it's a fairly good way to gradually build you up to entering a race event if you wanted.
Have fun!
Edited by Eifion on Wednesday 12th September 16:40
If you're buying an Elise have a look at:
http://www.lotus-on-track.com
Cheap trackdays, instruction, novice level events etc.
Maybe pick an easy circuit like Bedford to start with. I'd wait until you can get the most from a standard car before upgrading - you'll learn more, safer and quicker.
If you want to race an Elise:
http://www.elisetrophy.com/LoTRDC
http://www.lotus-on-track.com
Cheap trackdays, instruction, novice level events etc.
Maybe pick an easy circuit like Bedford to start with. I'd wait until you can get the most from a standard car before upgrading - you'll learn more, safer and quicker.
If you want to race an Elise:
http://www.elisetrophy.com/LoTRDC
chris7676 said:
Glad you enjoyed Oulton but I hated it. Not the best place for a novice but apprently can be ok / great for many. It is difficult and not too safe (runoff) as a matter of fact.
Yep, suppose you're right, but I've not driven any others so nothing to compare it to, also it's that vary nature of Oulton I've always liked. The only bit I didn't like/found hard to get right was Druids, not so much the lines but knowing how far to push it without heading straight for the barriers (or that bridge). Otherwise I think you'd need to be doing something fairly silly for a novice to come a serious cropper. That's where I think I should have paid for an instructor to give me a bit of extra confidence, will try it again soon though.
Hi scott, very sensible to get instruction a full day is a good idea. Driving on a race circuit is so very diffrent than driving on roads. We can help you with this if you need. I am an ARDS instructor with many many years of experience, You will learn all aspects of circuit driving,ie braking points & application,turnin, apex's ,exit points of corners,Throttle application,Hand position. We concentrate on getting you to drive quickly, smooth & confident but always safely. best of luck with what ever you decide to do . racetrackdrivingdays@hotmail.com.
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