novice trackdays in the north west

[rudster]

don't really want to do a sessioned day but struggling to find a novice day,anyone got any suggestions thanks

[BenElliottRacing]

Most track day organisers will provide a novice with a free tuition session.

[A2Z]

I did one with Circuit Days at Anglesey. My second ever track day. It was a standard open pit lane track day but novices were given a large yellow sticker for the back bumper (hopefully so that other more experienced 'dayers would cut you a little extra slack). There were a surprising ammount of novices on the day and it was a good atmosphere. Didn't feel intimidated by the bigger stuff and tried my best not to get in the way. Just keep an eye on your mirror and let them past when safe to do so. Circuit Days also included a free 20 min lesson with the entry price (best lesson I've had).

I have also done a proper novice day at the same place with another organiser. That was good as well. That was my first ever track day. Thinking back, it wasn't really different to the day I first described. There were still some seasoned 'dayers in proper machines but everyone got on well.

[t11ner]

As suggested above really, just run a decent open pit day at Oulton and make sure you get some tuition and you'll be fine.

[mattsayle]

Get yourself over to Oulton Park and get some instruction booked. MSV run novice days and the last one I did was OPL.

[t11ner]

Don't MSV still charge for instruction or is it free on novice days?

[snorkel sucker]

dont be too intimidated by not having been on a track day before. if you listen to the drivers briefing and take heed of the rules and other drivers you will be fine.

Some tuition goes a long way and i would highly reccomend it. Oulton is also a great track to drive and learn on. I am also sure that many of the more seasoned trackday runners would be more than happy to give you some advice

[rudster]

thanks for the advice folks,its not actually for me but a friend of mine who's disabled,he'll be using hand controls so doesn't expect to be up to speed and doesn't want to spoil it for anyone else,so thats why he'd prefer a novice day preferably at anglesey as oulton can be a bit unforgiving

[philmorris]

Now this post makes sense!

It might not be the circuit that is the problem, it could be the driver's fear factor. Either way, under some circumstances you just get to a point where the itch has to be scratched; so get on with it.

Oulton (or any circuit) would be fine, circuits are not sentient; thay cannot be "unforgiving", any more than snow can be "treacherous". The "danger" comes from the participants.

My advice is to pay a bit more for a less crowded day (e.g. from my own experience, Goldtrack or Bookatrack). Both of these companies have experience of dealing with disabled drivers and Melindi and Jonny will go the "extra mile" to help a newbie fit in.

Who knows where it will lead?

[chris7676]

But Oulton is more potentially dangerous and just more difficult than Anglesey. Honestly it was too much for me, but I can understand why some call it their favourite.

[t11ner]

Nastiest injury that I've seen whilst on a trackday was at Anglesey - I understand what you mean but you can get hurt anywhere...........

[johnnymaestro]

rudster said:

thanks for the advice folks,its not actually for me but a friend of mine who's disabled,he'll be using hand controls so doesn't expect to be up to speed and doesn't want to spoil it for anyone else,so thats why he'd prefer a novice day preferably at anglesey as oulton can be a bit unforgiving

Prestige Track Club are running a day on Tuesday 23rd Feb at Oulton with Novice sessions and Paul O'Neill instructing as well. Their days are usually fairly quiet and they specialise in Novices. The owner used to instruct for SEAT on the disability days at MIRA as well - so hand controls are not a problem.