Minimum car requirements for Track Day
Discussion
Can anyone tell me if there are generally minimum requirements for the car on a track day? Does it have to be MOT'd etc?
The reason I ask is that my wife very recently crashed her Alfa Romeo, and given 3rd Party insurance the damage to the bodywork would cost me more than the car is worth to repair. The car drives fine, but no longer has front passenger side lights and has a bit of a messy bonnet/wing. Mechanics/engine/suspension unhurt and drives as good as new. As it has a 152bhp 2litre 16v engine, I thought I could strip out the insides and make it into a nice track car...as long as it was ok to have a bit of a dent....whaddaya think?
The reason I ask is that my wife very recently crashed her Alfa Romeo, and given 3rd Party insurance the damage to the bodywork would cost me more than the car is worth to repair. The car drives fine, but no longer has front passenger side lights and has a bit of a messy bonnet/wing. Mechanics/engine/suspension unhurt and drives as good as new. As it has a 152bhp 2litre 16v engine, I thought I could strip out the insides and make it into a nice track car...as long as it was ok to have a bit of a dent....whaddaya think?
Depends on the organiser and track. Some ask for road cars to be road legal (i.e. MOTable) and race cars to be race legal (i.e. would pass scrutineering), others aren't fussy as long as you're not a danger to others (bits hanging off, fluid leaks, no brake lights etc).
I would say no problem with losing a few bits (headlamps etc) but ensure nothing loose, no sharp bits sticking out, and try and make it look presentable; you may be an observant and considerate driver but if your car is a shed then others may "judge the book by the cover".
AdrianR
I would say no problem with losing a few bits (headlamps etc) but ensure nothing loose, no sharp bits sticking out, and try and make it look presentable; you may be an observant and considerate driver but if your car is a shed then others may "judge the book by the cover".
AdrianR
Yup all sensible advice here.
I'd say make sure it's safe and presentable, no leaks or loose bodywork.
If you are tarting it up then make specific care on safety. A good four point harness with sensible race seat will make a big difference not only to the safety but you will feel far more of what the car is doing underneeth your backside without the 4 inches of foam padding in a normal seat.
Also look at some list B tyres KUMHO, YOKOHAMA, AVON etc. or even (if you are trailering it...) some slick tyres. You'd me amazed how much quicker a good contact patch with the circuit can offer.
Be careful of slicks though as you'd truggle greatly in the wet!
Always happy to offer thoughts etc.
I am a qualified ARDS A intructor and do lots of circuit miles.
Best regs
Steve Lewis
steve@b-chip.com
I'd say make sure it's safe and presentable, no leaks or loose bodywork.
If you are tarting it up then make specific care on safety. A good four point harness with sensible race seat will make a big difference not only to the safety but you will feel far more of what the car is doing underneeth your backside without the 4 inches of foam padding in a normal seat.
Also look at some list B tyres KUMHO, YOKOHAMA, AVON etc. or even (if you are trailering it...) some slick tyres. You'd me amazed how much quicker a good contact patch with the circuit can offer.
Be careful of slicks though as you'd truggle greatly in the wet!
Always happy to offer thoughts etc.
I am a qualified ARDS A intructor and do lots of circuit miles.
Best regs
Steve Lewis
steve@b-chip.com
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