First Track Day, Tips
Discussion
Hi all, i'm 20 and will be attending my first trackday at Brands in the next couple of months (touch wood)... likely to be a modded S60T5 (not mine thank god) or a Corsa VXR i'll be taking round...
I know this has probably been asked and covered a million times and is a silly question, But, here goes; how can i go faster?
where im a track novice (short of karting) i would imagine a few small changed in driving style or line could reap big rewards and shave entire seconds rather than tenths off... What pearls of wisdom can you share?
also, with regards to "track etiquette" shall we say what should i look out for
really looking forward to it but don't want to go there and slow everyone down and p1ss a lot of experience people off...
cheers
jimbob
I know this has probably been asked and covered a million times and is a silly question, But, here goes; how can i go faster?
where im a track novice (short of karting) i would imagine a few small changed in driving style or line could reap big rewards and shave entire seconds rather than tenths off... What pearls of wisdom can you share?
also, with regards to "track etiquette" shall we say what should i look out for
really looking forward to it but don't want to go there and slow everyone down and p1ss a lot of experience people off...
cheers
jimbob
jimbobsimmonds said:
Hi all, i'm 20 and will be attending my first trackday at Brands in the next couple of months (touch wood)... likely to be a modded S60T5 (not mine thank god) or a Corsa VXR i'll be taking round...
I know this has probably been asked and covered a million times and is a silly question, But, here goes; how can i go faster?
where im a track novice (short of karting) i would imagine a few small changed in driving style or line could reap big rewards and shave entire seconds rather than tenths off... What pearls of wisdom can you share?
also, with regards to "track etiquette" shall we say what should i look out for
really looking forward to it but don't want to go there and slow everyone down and p1ss a lot of experience people off...
cheers
jimbob
Don't worry too much about other people - when you see them coming, wait for a straight bit, indicate, lift off and allow them to safely pass (and vice versa - only overtake on straight bits with cooperation from the other car) - thats all the etiquette you need. I know this has probably been asked and covered a million times and is a silly question, But, here goes; how can i go faster?
where im a track novice (short of karting) i would imagine a few small changed in driving style or line could reap big rewards and shave entire seconds rather than tenths off... What pearls of wisdom can you share?
also, with regards to "track etiquette" shall we say what should i look out for
really looking forward to it but don't want to go there and slow everyone down and p1ss a lot of experience people off...
cheers
jimbob
Don't think about going quicker - its the easiest way to be slow, think about being smoother - this will make you quicker and safer
. Take time to learn the circuit, take it a couple of corners at a time.
Above all, have fun - don't try to race anyone, have some humility in your driving ability. Coming away safe with a grin on your face is the aim of the day, its not a pissing contest.
Get yourself some instruction on the day. Experienced track day drivers will be able to see you are a novice and will be kind to you or they should be. Remember to look in your mirrors and overtaking is on the left at most British circuits. Pay attention at the briefing as the rules will be explained to you. Do not worry about speed that comes later, you need to get your technique right first.
Drink plenty of water not Red Bull etc on the day, even on a cold day it can get hot under a crash helmet. Enjoy youself.
Drink plenty of water not Red Bull etc on the day, even on a cold day it can get hot under a crash helmet. Enjoy youself.
Edited by Mrs Muttleysnoop on Saturday 27th November 17:38
cheers guys, normally not a hot head and would consider myself to be a pretty smooth driver; no jerking at the wheel etc but we will see if this applies to the track...
as for racing, can't make no promises if i come up across another novice in a similar car but im working on the basis most people will be in more powerful machines with more track miles under their belt; so im going to be bottom of the pack... its certainly something i will be looking into doing more of now im earning some proper money and my dad has got a lot more spare cash (mainly due to me and the other kids being less of a financial burden
). of course, that is assuming i am any good...
think ive got a slight advantage above some other 20 year olds in that i already drive a powerful car so the initial "shock" of having more than 110bhp is long gone (i know it still gets my mates when i let them have a go in my car) so i can concentrate on being smooth rather than just booting it at every opportunity...
also judging by your comments i should stay off the beer the night before. i was working on the basis before that Finns like beer and Finns make good racing drivers but that logic doesn't apply this time
really can't wait...
as for racing, can't make no promises if i come up across another novice in a similar car but im working on the basis most people will be in more powerful machines with more track miles under their belt; so im going to be bottom of the pack... its certainly something i will be looking into doing more of now im earning some proper money and my dad has got a lot more spare cash (mainly due to me and the other kids being less of a financial burden
). of course, that is assuming i am any good...think ive got a slight advantage above some other 20 year olds in that i already drive a powerful car so the initial "shock" of having more than 110bhp is long gone (i know it still gets my mates when i let them have a go in my car) so i can concentrate on being smooth rather than just booting it at every opportunity...
also judging by your comments i should stay off the beer the night before. i was working on the basis before that Finns like beer and Finns make good racing drivers but that logic doesn't apply this time
really can't wait...
jimbobsimmonds said:
can't make no promises if i come up across another novice in a similar car
think ive got a slight advantage above some other 20 year olds in that i already drive a powerful car so the initial "shock" of having more than 110bhp is long gone
These statements worry me......think ive got a slight advantage above some other 20 year olds in that i already drive a powerful car so the initial "shock" of having more than 110bhp is long gone
GreigM said:
jimbobsimmonds said:
can't make no promises if i come up across another novice in a similar car
think ive got a slight advantage above some other 20 year olds in that i already drive a powerful car so the initial "shock" of having more than 110bhp is long gone
These statements worry me......think ive got a slight advantage above some other 20 year olds in that i already drive a powerful car so the initial "shock" of having more than 110bhp is long gone
like i said, im not usually hotheaded especially when my old man is watching... would get a major b
king if i caused any damage...Edited by jimbobsimmonds on Saturday 27th November 18:37
GreigM said:
jimbobsimmonds said:
can't make no promises if i come up across another novice in a similar car
think ive got a slight advantage above some other 20 year olds in that i already drive a powerful car so the initial "shock" of having more than 110bhp is long gone
These statements worry me......think ive got a slight advantage above some other 20 year olds in that i already drive a powerful car so the initial "shock" of having more than 110bhp is long gone
Wrong attitude for your first trackday.
You've been given some good advice above. Build your pace slowly, concentrate on learning the track and take your car & yourself home in one piece.
Your apparent desire to be a driving god first time out is not likely to end well.
Please take some instruction!
You've been given some good advice above. Build your pace slowly, concentrate on learning the track and take your car & yourself home in one piece.
Your apparent desire to be a driving god first time out is not likely to end well.
Please take some instruction!
RichB said:
I thought this was going to be about advice like not setting the handbrake when you stop, what tyre pressures to use and taking a tyre inflator and pressure gauge, slightly over filling the oil, checking water and brake fluid, what to wear etc. but obviously not.
So did I.The usual ones I've read are never lift off mid corner and always brake in a straight line.
RichB said:
I thought this was going to be about advice like not setting the handbrake when you stop, what tyre pressures to use and taking a tyre inflator and pressure gauge, slightly over filling the oil, checking water and brake fluid, what to wear etc. but obviously not.
all the above would be pretty useful too...but im leaving the setting up to the people i'm with who have a few under their belt...
Edited by jimbobsimmonds on Sunday 28th November 16:55
Slagathore said:
RichB said:
I thought this was going to be about advice like not setting the handbrake when you stop, what tyre pressures to use and taking a tyre inflator and pressure gauge, slightly over filling the oil, checking water and brake fluid, what to wear etc. but obviously not.
So did I.The usual ones I've read are never lift off mid corner and always brake in a straight line.
slow in = fast out
fast in = straight on!!!
___________________________
The guy in your mirrors is faster than you...
Why is not important.
___________________________
Even Hamilton and Alonso attend safety breifings...
Listen!!!!
___________________________
Listen, watch, learn...have fun.
Everyone was a Rookie once. EVERYONE.
fast in = straight on!!!
___________________________
The guy in your mirrors is faster than you...
Why is not important.
___________________________
Even Hamilton and Alonso attend safety breifings...
Listen!!!!
___________________________
Listen, watch, learn...have fun.
Everyone was a Rookie once. EVERYONE.
Edited by Guillotine on Sunday 28th November 17:13
regardless of how much power your car has, or you think it has, there will always be someone FAR faster. With this in mind you can now forget about anyone else on the track (other than the usual courteous overtaking etc) and concentrate on a, learning the track, b, working your speed up to learn the limits and c, you own car control when you reach the limits.
Instruction, as mentioned is very useful and will show that you can listen and learn. All the big names take lessons all the time, there is always something to learn...
Other than that, make sure the car is in good shape and you have tread at the end of the day to drive home on.
Instruction, as mentioned is very useful and will show that you can listen and learn. All the big names take lessons all the time, there is always something to learn...
Other than that, make sure the car is in good shape and you have tread at the end of the day to drive home on.
jimbobsimmonds said:
Slagathore said:
RichB said:
I thought this was going to be about advice like not setting the handbrake when you stop, what tyre pressures to use and taking a tyre inflator and pressure gauge, slightly over filling the oil, checking water and brake fluid, what to wear etc. but obviously not.
So did I.The usual ones I've read are never lift off mid corner and always brake in a straight line.
I'd suggest
1) fix a large stop watch to your sunvisor (use tank tape), this will help you check lap times so you can see just how quick you are going.
2) over-inflate your rear tyres to 60 psi, this will help you get lots of oversteer, it will feel like you are going really fast.
3) at the signing on meeting make sure you ask them what the lap record is (even if its just an old airfield with lots of cones, they will appreciate you asking), knowing the current lap record is vital if you want to go faster (something to aim for as well as the barriers).
4) Lap One - absolutely go for it, ten tenths, no need to wait for the tyres, brakes, or you to warm up.
1) fix a large stop watch to your sunvisor (use tank tape), this will help you check lap times so you can see just how quick you are going.
2) over-inflate your rear tyres to 60 psi, this will help you get lots of oversteer, it will feel like you are going really fast.
3) at the signing on meeting make sure you ask them what the lap record is (even if its just an old airfield with lots of cones, they will appreciate you asking), knowing the current lap record is vital if you want to go faster (something to aim for as well as the barriers).
4) Lap One - absolutely go for it, ten tenths, no need to wait for the tyres, brakes, or you to warm up.
I'm the other end of the scale, 68 years young, and looking forward to my first track day, having attended one or two as a spectator in order to get the feel and a circuit or two as a passenger, I recieved nothing but encouragement. But what tyres should I put on my TVR Taimar? My money box is NOT bottomless, advice please.
Chummy said:
I'm the other end of the scale, 68 years young, and looking forward to my first track day, having attended one or two as a spectator in order to get the feel and a circuit or two as a passenger, I recieved nothing but encouragement. But what tyres should I put on my TVR Taimar? My money box is NOT bottomless, advice please.
If your current tyres are reasonable and not overly worn then you're probably used to how the car feels on these, so I'd stick with them - sure you can go faster, but for your first track day I wouldn't necessarily change them - especially not during the winter.If you're determined to do anything to your car I'd almost say that brakes are more likely to give you problems - a fluid change and if the pads are worn a fresh set.
Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff