Novice Day Oulton PArk Feb 20th
Discussion
Hello All.
So looks like i am finally off to my first track day, and am very excited
Get fun car = check
Full service = check
Buy Go Pro = Will do
Its a novice day so it will be limited cars on track and sessioned in 20 min chunks i think.
So i was wondering what advice people have for me for my first day?
What to do to prepare the car fort a fun day?
Should i get 4 new tyres for the day?
Should i get a full new set of disks and pads for the day?
How much petrol can i expect to burn?
I am with Aviva insurance so do i need to tell them i will be doing a track day so they can charge me millions, or get specialised track day insurance, or not bother with any?
Anyone on here also going?
Thank you for your replies in advance
So looks like i am finally off to my first track day, and am very excited
Get fun car = check
Full service = check
Buy Go Pro = Will do
Its a novice day so it will be limited cars on track and sessioned in 20 min chunks i think.
So i was wondering what advice people have for me for my first day?
What to do to prepare the car fort a fun day?
Should i get 4 new tyres for the day?
Should i get a full new set of disks and pads for the day?
How much petrol can i expect to burn?
I am with Aviva insurance so do i need to tell them i will be doing a track day so they can charge me millions, or get specialised track day insurance, or not bother with any?
Anyone on here also going?
Thank you for your replies in advance
Don`t bother with new tyres, not needed.
I`d replace the brake fluid if it hasn`t been done and make sure you have plenty meat on the pads or if they are low I`d be tempted to fit something like EBC Yellowstuff, certainly not the £20 ebay specials you can get. Make sure things like the timing belt aren`t overdue.
Apart from that, on your first trackday I`d just go and enjoy it. You might think you will, but it`s unlikely in a novice day, for 20 min sessions that the car will be too stressed, it`s you that will need a break.
Make a habit of when you finish the session, have a LONG drink of water / lucozade / juice etc. You WILL dehydrate and not notice.
When you park up after coming back in, DO NOT put the handbrake on, just leave it in gear with the engine off. The pads will be very hot and you`ll cause problems if you put the handbrake on.
I`d fill up before arriving and then pop out to the petrol station at lunchtime to fill up if you are running low, I can`t see you needing more than that.
I`d get a cheaper camera, Personally I use the Mobius Actioncam, but the SJ4000 or SJ5000 or similar are fine. If you want a GoPro anyway, then buy one, but if it`s just to get footage of your first day, I wouldn`t.
Insurance is up to you really. You don`t NEED it. Purely a personal choice.
Let us know how you get on, you`ll be buzzing afterwards
I`d replace the brake fluid if it hasn`t been done and make sure you have plenty meat on the pads or if they are low I`d be tempted to fit something like EBC Yellowstuff, certainly not the £20 ebay specials you can get. Make sure things like the timing belt aren`t overdue.
Apart from that, on your first trackday I`d just go and enjoy it. You might think you will, but it`s unlikely in a novice day, for 20 min sessions that the car will be too stressed, it`s you that will need a break.
Make a habit of when you finish the session, have a LONG drink of water / lucozade / juice etc. You WILL dehydrate and not notice.
When you park up after coming back in, DO NOT put the handbrake on, just leave it in gear with the engine off. The pads will be very hot and you`ll cause problems if you put the handbrake on.
I`d fill up before arriving and then pop out to the petrol station at lunchtime to fill up if you are running low, I can`t see you needing more than that.
I`d get a cheaper camera, Personally I use the Mobius Actioncam, but the SJ4000 or SJ5000 or similar are fine. If you want a GoPro anyway, then buy one, but if it`s just to get footage of your first day, I wouldn`t.
Insurance is up to you really. You don`t NEED it. Purely a personal choice.
Let us know how you get on, you`ll be buzzing afterwards
Wh00sher said:
.......
Let us know how you get on, you`ll be buzzing afterwards
Wow thats lots of great advice thank you. will keep it all in mind.Let us know how you get on, you`ll be buzzing afterwards
To answer a few things.
The brakes and pads have been done mid Nov so should be ok i hope (just standard disks and mintex pads). I was thinking of going for the redstuff pads after the track day to see when i go back what the difference is.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311319322837?_trksid=p20...
I have only owned the car for a few months and had a full service with the oils done. Would it be worth me doing them again in preparation?
I have no record of the belt being done on the car in the last 5 years and as its on 122K i think its due around now. So taking it up to Phoenix Close near Rochdale for the belt and water pump in prep.
I am hoping to keep the car standard for my first day, then get some work done (brakes, callipers, disks, braided lines, intake, and possibly coilovers if money allows) then see what improvement there is second time out
I think Oulton Park require cameras to be mounted 'mechanically' (i.e. non-suction) or secured with a secondary tether.
If there's any free/cheap instruction on offer then make use of it.
Take your own food & drink, or eat at one of the pubs around the area as it's not particularly good value/quality food at the on-site restaurant.
Petrol is usually available on-site at specific times, but it's not cheap - so maybe fill up when you go out for lunch.
Don't know what car you've got, but my last day there (greasy November BMW event) I did over 200 miles and used 3/4 of the full tank I arrived with, and 3/4 of the half-time fill up (that's in a relatively lardy Z4M though).
If there's any free/cheap instruction on offer then make use of it.
Take your own food & drink, or eat at one of the pubs around the area as it's not particularly good value/quality food at the on-site restaurant.
Petrol is usually available on-site at specific times, but it's not cheap - so maybe fill up when you go out for lunch.
Don't know what car you've got, but my last day there (greasy November BMW event) I did over 200 miles and used 3/4 of the full tank I arrived with, and 3/4 of the half-time fill up (that's in a relatively lardy Z4M though).
Take a winter coat, preferably waterproof as racetracks are open and generally flat and windy. And wet.
Consider a block of wood to chock the car while the brakes cool, not all paddocks are flat!
I would wear long sleeves and a full face helmet but you can wear an open face if you want. (My car has no airbag)
A good pair of snug shoes will help, not thick soled or walking boots. Deck shoes or something.
Worth ensuring mats are either secure or removed and get rid of all the junk in cubby holes and glove compt.
MMM what else...?
Consider a block of wood to chock the car while the brakes cool, not all paddocks are flat!
I would wear long sleeves and a full face helmet but you can wear an open face if you want. (My car has no airbag)
A good pair of snug shoes will help, not thick soled or walking boots. Deck shoes or something.
Worth ensuring mats are either secure or removed and get rid of all the junk in cubby holes and glove compt.
MMM what else...?
For your first day:
Tyres - same rating, type, pattern across each axle (preferably all 4 corners matching) with even tread >3mm so that after 6 x 20mins they'll be legal to get you home. Reduce the pressures by 1-2psi to compensate for the heat generated - you'll need a pump to restore the pressure after.
Fuel - as folks say aim to arrive with 1/2 to 3/4 tank and be prepared to top up on circuit or locally at lunchtime (I usually run the tank near empty and put Super in)
Insurance - road policy isn't applicable, specialist policy for the day generally not worth the cost on a well run MSV taster
Camera - make sure it's secure!!
YOU - be prepared for a workout, get a good nights sleep prior, wear long sleeved top, thin soled shoes, take food / snacks, lots of fluids, helmet, sunglasses, warm coat / hat for the paddock. Race control or Organisers will keep an eye on a backpack while you're on track if you're going alone but it's better to go with a friend who can act as pit crew / photographer.
Other tips - electrical / duct tape for lights, in case you prang & need a bodge repair, know how to fix your towing eye - doing it in advance is easiest. Take everything you can out as weight is your enemy and loose objects become flying missiles.
These are worth a read:
http://www.seloc.org/articles/guides/an-idiots-gui...
http://www.lotus-on-track.com/faq-track-day-prepar...
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/blog/motorsport/how-...
Tyres - same rating, type, pattern across each axle (preferably all 4 corners matching) with even tread >3mm so that after 6 x 20mins they'll be legal to get you home. Reduce the pressures by 1-2psi to compensate for the heat generated - you'll need a pump to restore the pressure after.
Fuel - as folks say aim to arrive with 1/2 to 3/4 tank and be prepared to top up on circuit or locally at lunchtime (I usually run the tank near empty and put Super in)
Insurance - road policy isn't applicable, specialist policy for the day generally not worth the cost on a well run MSV taster
Camera - make sure it's secure!!
YOU - be prepared for a workout, get a good nights sleep prior, wear long sleeved top, thin soled shoes, take food / snacks, lots of fluids, helmet, sunglasses, warm coat / hat for the paddock. Race control or Organisers will keep an eye on a backpack while you're on track if you're going alone but it's better to go with a friend who can act as pit crew / photographer.
Other tips - electrical / duct tape for lights, in case you prang & need a bodge repair, know how to fix your towing eye - doing it in advance is easiest. Take everything you can out as weight is your enemy and loose objects become flying missiles.
These are worth a read:
http://www.seloc.org/articles/guides/an-idiots-gui...
http://www.lotus-on-track.com/faq-track-day-prepar...
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/blog/motorsport/how-...
If your car is a tin top then you can use an open face helmet, but you must use a full face if in a convertible with the roof off, or a Caterham etc. You can hire a helmet at the track for a tenner if you don't own one, but you must wear one.
It's an MSV track, so they insist on you wearing long sleeves and long trousers at all their circuits, even in a heat wave. Also you won't be allowed the windows open more than a crack. You will get hot driving on track, so wear layers so that you don't overheat in the car, but don't freeze your nuts off standing around.
DO take instruction if you can get it - normally charged at £20 a session. Worth every penny five times over. Try to get signed on for it as soon as you sign on to the track day - the instructor will be around. It fills up fast, or at least the best slots do. I would say learn the circuit first, so go for an instruction session between 10.00 and 12.30 if you can.
If it is wet, or even damp, take care - we don't want you trashing your pride and joy, or even your car. Oulton Park is a wonderful circuit, but not very forgiving if you step out of line. Build up your speed slowly and do watch your mirrors. Also obey the track day overtaking rules, allow faster cars past, and make it clear you have seen them so that they can come past safely. If overtaking is on the left, the right indicator is useful when you are about to be overtaken.
Make sure before you start that your fluids are all full and nothing is leaking. Start with a full tank of fuel, you will be amazed how fast you use it. If your car does 40 mpg on the road, it will do 20 mpg on track by the end of the day.
Track day insurance is an option, depends on the value of your car. Mine is worth between £12k and £20k, so i have it insured, with a 10% (of the value of the car) excess. Track day insurance only covers your own car, but everyone signs a disclaimer at the start of the day, so don't expect to claim off anyone that hits your car. If you want a quote, try moris.co.uk
Remember that Armco is HARD, tracks are slippery and you aren't a driving god. Above all else, remember it isn't a race, and you have to drive home in that car! Have fun!!!
It's an MSV track, so they insist on you wearing long sleeves and long trousers at all their circuits, even in a heat wave. Also you won't be allowed the windows open more than a crack. You will get hot driving on track, so wear layers so that you don't overheat in the car, but don't freeze your nuts off standing around.
DO take instruction if you can get it - normally charged at £20 a session. Worth every penny five times over. Try to get signed on for it as soon as you sign on to the track day - the instructor will be around. It fills up fast, or at least the best slots do. I would say learn the circuit first, so go for an instruction session between 10.00 and 12.30 if you can.
If it is wet, or even damp, take care - we don't want you trashing your pride and joy, or even your car. Oulton Park is a wonderful circuit, but not very forgiving if you step out of line. Build up your speed slowly and do watch your mirrors. Also obey the track day overtaking rules, allow faster cars past, and make it clear you have seen them so that they can come past safely. If overtaking is on the left, the right indicator is useful when you are about to be overtaken.
Make sure before you start that your fluids are all full and nothing is leaking. Start with a full tank of fuel, you will be amazed how fast you use it. If your car does 40 mpg on the road, it will do 20 mpg on track by the end of the day.
Track day insurance is an option, depends on the value of your car. Mine is worth between £12k and £20k, so i have it insured, with a 10% (of the value of the car) excess. Track day insurance only covers your own car, but everyone signs a disclaimer at the start of the day, so don't expect to claim off anyone that hits your car. If you want a quote, try moris.co.uk
Remember that Armco is HARD, tracks are slippery and you aren't a driving god. Above all else, remember it isn't a race, and you have to drive home in that car! Have fun!!!
Hello All
And wow, thank you so much for all your replies. I thought i had my work cut out but didnt expect so many things. I might make a tick list
Ah whoops sorry, thought my car was in the sig. It's a 99 Honda Prelude 2.2 vti.
Clothing and full car tidy check.
I will check with them for the camera, that is very handy to know.
Is it worth bringing some basic tools with me? And will there be anywhere to store tools and stuff on the day?
It was my fiance who booked the day for me for crimbo, and she added helmet hire so sweaty helmet sorted
I think i will try to get some instruction on the first session to get used to it, and possibly the last ish to see if i have any improvement.
And wow, thank you so much for all your replies. I thought i had my work cut out but didnt expect so many things. I might make a tick list
Ah whoops sorry, thought my car was in the sig. It's a 99 Honda Prelude 2.2 vti.
Clothing and full car tidy check.
I will check with them for the camera, that is very handy to know.
Is it worth bringing some basic tools with me? And will there be anywhere to store tools and stuff on the day?
It was my fiance who booked the day for me for crimbo, and she added helmet hire so sweaty helmet sorted
I think i will try to get some instruction on the first session to get used to it, and possibly the last ish to see if i have any improvement.
mmm-five said:
I think Oulton Park require cameras to be mounted 'mechanically' (i.e. non-suction) or secured with a secondary tether.
If there's any free/cheap instruction on offer then make use of it.
Take your own food & drink, or eat at one of the pubs around the area as it's not particularly good value/quality food at the on-site restaurant.
Petrol is usually available on-site at specific times, but it's not cheap - so maybe fill up when you go out for lunch.
Don't know what car you've got, but my last day there (greasy November BMW event) I did over 200 miles and used 3/4 of the full tank I arrived with, and 3/4 of the half-time fill up (that's in a relatively lardy Z4M though).
I did my first one there last year, yes the cameras have to be bolted/clamped, no suction or sticky pads. And definately no helmet mounts, he was very specific about that.If there's any free/cheap instruction on offer then make use of it.
Take your own food & drink, or eat at one of the pubs around the area as it's not particularly good value/quality food at the on-site restaurant.
Petrol is usually available on-site at specific times, but it's not cheap - so maybe fill up when you go out for lunch.
Don't know what car you've got, but my last day there (greasy November BMW event) I did over 200 miles and used 3/4 of the full tank I arrived with, and 3/4 of the half-time fill up (that's in a relatively lardy Z4M though).
In february, I'd get breakfast in the cafe, otherwise you'll be sat in the cold in the morning eating a cereal bar like I was, while everyone else is sat in the warm with bacons
Have a blast!
ETA yeah I'd take a toolbox just in case, but then I drive a kitcar so I never go anywhere without one
Do Passenger Laps.
Find someone who appears to know the lines and ask for ride.
Hopefully you've already been to at least one track day as a passenger, probably with mates, so you know the drill and appreciate the etiquette.
Oulton Park wouldn't be my choice of track as a novice, especially if damp, but it certainly is a great circuit.
Find someone who appears to know the lines and ask for ride.
Hopefully you've already been to at least one track day as a passenger, probably with mates, so you know the drill and appreciate the etiquette.
Oulton Park wouldn't be my choice of track as a novice, especially if damp, but it certainly is a great circuit.
Going back a few years now but the only track days I've done have been at Oulton Park.
Tuition needs to be an absolute priority if enjoying your day and staying safe are key to you. It is a brilliant circuit but there are some tricky and potentially hazardous parts to it.
All the general tips above cover all you need to know/do, but just wanted to reiterate that although there are 'better' novice tracks out there, you need not be overly worried as long as you drive within your limits, listen to the driver briefing and relax and enjoy it.
At this time of the year it will likely be damp/slick regardless of weather, particularly at the far end of the circuit under the trees. It just so happens that the corner at that point is one of the (the most?!) trickiest.
Enjoy.
Tuition needs to be an absolute priority if enjoying your day and staying safe are key to you. It is a brilliant circuit but there are some tricky and potentially hazardous parts to it.
All the general tips above cover all you need to know/do, but just wanted to reiterate that although there are 'better' novice tracks out there, you need not be overly worried as long as you drive within your limits, listen to the driver briefing and relax and enjoy it.
At this time of the year it will likely be damp/slick regardless of weather, particularly at the far end of the circuit under the trees. It just so happens that the corner at that point is one of the (the most?!) trickiest.
Enjoy.
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