First track day advice
Discussion
I'm thinking of getting on to my first track day, and have a few questions that I was hoping some may be able to help with me
What track would be good for a 'beginner' (I say this in that I have done a few palmer type days, but absolutely nothing in my own car and so think i will basically be driving like my mum) - I was thinking of bedford because of the run off areas but is this not a touch dull? Are there any others i should consider
Track day insurance - For peace of mind, I would rather pay this premium. Who do people here tend to use, and how does it work? For example, if i made a claim, can it affect my no claims of my actual policy, or is it a stand alone? Would I need to inform my own insurer?
And I've heard the tracks run with different levels of experience at any given time - Am i asking for trouble if i go on a beginners day?
And finally, are there any tracks that will take you for laps to get used to it, or is a case of speaking nicely to some of the more experienced guys to get a passenger lap?
Anything else I should be thinking of asking?
Thanks
What track would be good for a 'beginner' (I say this in that I have done a few palmer type days, but absolutely nothing in my own car and so think i will basically be driving like my mum) - I was thinking of bedford because of the run off areas but is this not a touch dull? Are there any others i should consider
Track day insurance - For peace of mind, I would rather pay this premium. Who do people here tend to use, and how does it work? For example, if i made a claim, can it affect my no claims of my actual policy, or is it a stand alone? Would I need to inform my own insurer?
And I've heard the tracks run with different levels of experience at any given time - Am i asking for trouble if i go on a beginners day?
And finally, are there any tracks that will take you for laps to get used to it, or is a case of speaking nicely to some of the more experienced guys to get a passenger lap?
Anything else I should be thinking of asking?
Thanks
Hay Andy,
I only started doing track days last year and i think Bedford is the best place which isnt a complete mission to get to for your first day in your car. Like you say plenty of run off and the best advice i can give is to get some laps with an instructor and grab a few passenger rides with people who know what there doing.
Let me know what day you intend and maybe i can come with you. No point getting a passenger ride with me though
......
I only started doing track days last year and i think Bedford is the best place which isnt a complete mission to get to for your first day in your car. Like you say plenty of run off and the best advice i can give is to get some laps with an instructor and grab a few passenger rides with people who know what there doing.
Let me know what day you intend and maybe i can come with you. No point getting a passenger ride with me though
......What Porsche have you got?
Bedford GT or Silverstone GP would be your best bet for a first track day, as they have lots of run off and are still a challenging circuit. And going in the Novice group would be advisable on a gold track day, as the people driving in this group are normally pretty sensible!
Obviously instruction is a good idea as well http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
www.seanedwards.eu
Bedford GT or Silverstone GP would be your best bet for a first track day, as they have lots of run off and are still a challenging circuit. And going in the Novice group would be advisable on a gold track day, as the people driving in this group are normally pretty sensible!
Obviously instruction is a good idea as well http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
www.seanedwards.eu
Sean Edwards said:
What Porsche have you got?
Bedford GT or Silverstone GP would be your best bet for a first track day, as they have lots of run off and are still a challenging circuit. And going in the Novice group would be advisable on a gold track day, as the people driving in this group are normally pretty sensible!
Obviously instruction is a good idea as well http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
www.seanedwards.eu
A 996 targa - not exactly the track beast of porsches line up, but fun none the less!Bedford GT or Silverstone GP would be your best bet for a first track day, as they have lots of run off and are still a challenging circuit. And going in the Novice group would be advisable on a gold track day, as the people driving in this group are normally pretty sensible!
Obviously instruction is a good idea as well http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
www.seanedwards.eu
Sean Edwards said:
What Porsche have you got?
Bedford GT or Silverstone GP would be your best bet for a first track day, as they have lots of run off and are still a challenging circuit. And going in the Novice group would be advisable on a gold track day, as the people driving in this group are normally pretty sensible!
Obviously instruction is a good idea as well http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
www.seanedwards.eu
Hay Sean,Bedford GT or Silverstone GP would be your best bet for a first track day, as they have lots of run off and are still a challenging circuit. And going in the Novice group would be advisable on a gold track day, as the people driving in this group are normally pretty sensible!
Obviously instruction is a good idea as well http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
www.seanedwards.eu
You are merciless with these plugs
I did Bedford as my first place and it was great. I was worried about insurance but there's only a few corners which you would worry about crashing. I think as long as your brakes are ok I wouldn't bother.
However instead of taking out track day insurance it would be cheaper to insure yourself with A Manning. They cover trackdays as well. Even if you get stung for admin costs it's likely to be cheaper that doing day cover. The policy and price is great value anyway.
However instead of taking out track day insurance it would be cheaper to insure yourself with A Manning. They cover trackdays as well. Even if you get stung for admin costs it's likely to be cheaper that doing day cover. The policy and price is great value anyway.
Bund said:
Sean Edwards said:
What Porsche have you got?
Bedford GT or Silverstone GP would be your best bet for a first track day, as they have lots of run off and are still a challenging circuit. And going in the Novice group would be advisable on a gold track day, as the people driving in this group are normally pretty sensible!
Obviously instruction is a good idea as well http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
www.seanedwards.eu
Hay Sean,Bedford GT or Silverstone GP would be your best bet for a first track day, as they have lots of run off and are still a challenging circuit. And going in the Novice group would be advisable on a gold track day, as the people driving in this group are normally pretty sensible!
Obviously instruction is a good idea as well http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
www.seanedwards.eu
You are merciless with these plugs
I think Bedford's the best place if you're feeling a little intimidated about the whole thing. However, presuming your moderately competent on the road, there's no reason you'll suddenly need to drive off the tarmac as soon as you get onto a circuit, so don't be too put off if another track's nearer or more convenient. My first track day (public day actually) was at the Nurburgring, which perhaps isn't ideal, but there were no problems.
It's not as intimidating as you build it up to be in your head. Book whichever you fancy and have a good day.
Oh - and there's a cheap open pit lane day at Bedford on the 6th August. It's advertised on the front page of PH. £149 for the day.
It's not as intimidating as you build it up to be in your head. Book whichever you fancy and have a good day.
Oh - and there's a cheap open pit lane day at Bedford on the 6th August. It's advertised on the front page of PH. £149 for the day.
willdew said:
Oh - and there's a cheap open pit lane day at Bedford on the 6th August. It's advertised on the front page of PH. £149 for the day.
I would try and find a sessioned day for your first track outing.Also check any insurance carefully as a lot of insurers will not cover you for your first trackday.
Davey S2 said:
willdew said:
Oh - and there's a cheap open pit lane day at Bedford on the 6th August. It's advertised on the front page of PH. £149 for the day.
I would try and find a sessioned day for your first track outing.Also check any insurance carefully as a lot of insurers will not cover you for your first trackday.
MSV (motorsportvision) do lots of novice sessioned days - the best IMO for your 1st track day.
Open Pit Lane days will mean that although you have the flexibility to go out when you want - you'll be (with respect) a moving chicane for lots of the faster cars / experienced drivers - meaning you will either push hard in an attempt to keep up with them (= bad) or you'll spend the day looking in your rear view mirror not wanting to hold anybody up (and therefore not enjoying yourself or learning the lines for yourself)..
Open Pit Lane days will mean that although you have the flexibility to go out when you want - you'll be (with respect) a moving chicane for lots of the faster cars / experienced drivers - meaning you will either push hard in an attempt to keep up with them (= bad) or you'll spend the day looking in your rear view mirror not wanting to hold anybody up (and therefore not enjoying yourself or learning the lines for yourself)..
BermyAndy said:
Bund said:
You got any days in mind?
Open to suggestions - would prefer mid week as guess a little quieter, and its silly season in the office so plenty of spare time. Give me a shout if you intend on going to any of the 'nicer' ones though?BermyAndy said:
Davey S2 said:
willdew said:
Oh - and there's a cheap open pit lane day at Bedford on the 6th August. It's advertised on the front page of PH. £149 for the day.
I would try and find a sessioned day for your first track outing.Also check any insurance carefully as a lot of insurers will not cover you for your first trackday.
AON will cover trackdays but not your first one. I had to provide written confirmation from Castle Combe that I had previously done a trackday there before AON would cover me for Donnington
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