First track day, have I missed anything?
Discussion
Afternoon all, hope the Easter break is treating you well!
I've done a quick search but come up short, I've my first track day booked 28th April at Castle Combe with a couple of mates and really praying it goes off without a hitch. Thinking what prep I can do in advanced to help. Car is a Clio 182.
So far I've thought of:
- plenty of life in tyres and brakes - check!
-Going to get the car booked in for 4 wheel laser alignment, the place set up cars to race spec so will ask them to give it a bit of a check over too.
- ordered some spare brake pads just in case
- ordered a digital tyre Inflator, as I've heard that I may need to deflate on the day
- don't put handbrake on
- decent breakdown cover
This will be my first track day of 5 already booked for the year. I know I'll be slow so I am not too concerned about this. There is a slight chance the car may fail on noise, however Combe looks to be the right place as they have an onsite service that can sell me an overpriced silence.
Just wanted to double check anything else I should be looking for.
I've done a quick search but come up short, I've my first track day booked 28th April at Castle Combe with a couple of mates and really praying it goes off without a hitch. Thinking what prep I can do in advanced to help. Car is a Clio 182.
So far I've thought of:
- plenty of life in tyres and brakes - check!
-Going to get the car booked in for 4 wheel laser alignment, the place set up cars to race spec so will ask them to give it a bit of a check over too.
- ordered some spare brake pads just in case
- ordered a digital tyre Inflator, as I've heard that I may need to deflate on the day
- don't put handbrake on
- decent breakdown cover
This will be my first track day of 5 already booked for the year. I know I'll be slow so I am not too concerned about this. There is a slight chance the car may fail on noise, however Combe looks to be the right place as they have an onsite service that can sell me an overpriced silence.
Just wanted to double check anything else I should be looking for.
I know! I'm a bit OTT on brakes, they are almost brand new ferrodo pads, but seeing as they are fairly simple to change in situ I figured why not.
Good shout on the oil, I think the previous owner left a litre in the car. I was very lucky in that the previous owner built the car to track spec and then sold.
Will try to enjoy! Will be hard with my idiot mates driving!
Good shout on the oil, I think the previous owner left a litre in the car. I was very lucky in that the previous owner built the car to track spec and then sold.
Will try to enjoy! Will be hard with my idiot mates driving!
Thanks, really looking forward to it. I've got rockingham, lyndenn hill, Oulton and Bedford booked so this is an exploratory year for me.
I've heard about Combe run off which is a little scary.
Another potentially stupid question. I'd like to mount my GoPro, but haven't got a cage or harness bars. Can anyone recommend where best without these? I've heard suction pads aren't allowed.
I've heard about Combe run off which is a little scary.
Another potentially stupid question. I'd like to mount my GoPro, but haven't got a cage or harness bars. Can anyone recommend where best without these? I've heard suction pads aren't allowed.
Jimbo NW said:
Thanks, really looking forward to it. I've got rockingham, lyndenn hill, Oulton and Bedford booked so this is an exploratory year for me.
I've heard about Combe run off which is a little scary.
Another potentially stupid question. I'd like to mount my GoPro, but haven't got a cage or harness bars. Can anyone recommend where best without these? I've heard suction pads aren't allowed.
You may find suction pads are okay as long as you have a secondary attachment (such as a cable tie to the rear view mirror base) to stop it bouncing around the cabin if the suction pads fail. This is certainly true at Goodwood (didn't use to be...) who are quite anal about such things so worth checking with Castle Combe.I've heard about Combe run off which is a little scary.
Another potentially stupid question. I'd like to mount my GoPro, but haven't got a cage or harness bars. Can anyone recommend where best without these? I've heard suction pads aren't allowed.
Alternatively I have seen some mounts that attach to the headrest supports, so might be worth googling that.
Clothing wise:
.Crash helmet
.Comfortable but light clothing (It's hot work out there! You'll probably need to wear long sleeves & trousers)
.Comfortable trainers / race boots
Tools-wise and assuming you can take with you, the following could come in useful although you could beg and borrow from others if needs be.
.Trolley jack (and know where your jack points are on the Clio)
.Torque wrench / wheel brace / socket (Check wheel nuts are tightened to spec and it's worth rechecking on occasion)
.Tyre inflater (Foot-pump type is fine)
.Socket / spanner set
.Jerry can (20L) for spare fuel (You'll need it although there's a garage not far from the circuit, assuming car is road legal)
.Duck Tape / cable ties (in case you need to make some quick emergency repairs to bodywork / trim etc)
And just enjoy. Combe is a wonderful, fast flowing and technical circuit but you need to respect it. As others have said, build up slowly and try and get some tuition. You'll get far more out of the day if you manage to get out with an instructor so get your name down early.
.Crash helmet
.Comfortable but light clothing (It's hot work out there! You'll probably need to wear long sleeves & trousers)
.Comfortable trainers / race boots
Tools-wise and assuming you can take with you, the following could come in useful although you could beg and borrow from others if needs be.
.Trolley jack (and know where your jack points are on the Clio)
.Torque wrench / wheel brace / socket (Check wheel nuts are tightened to spec and it's worth rechecking on occasion)
.Tyre inflater (Foot-pump type is fine)
.Socket / spanner set
.Jerry can (20L) for spare fuel (You'll need it although there's a garage not far from the circuit, assuming car is road legal)
.Duck Tape / cable ties (in case you need to make some quick emergency repairs to bodywork / trim etc)
And just enjoy. Combe is a wonderful, fast flowing and technical circuit but you need to respect it. As others have said, build up slowly and try and get some tuition. You'll get far more out of the day if you manage to get out with an instructor so get your name down early.
Drive within your and the cars limits. Chill out and enjoy.
You will be buzzing for days after and you can make all kinds of stories about overtaking 911's etc (even though it was pulling into the pits) well that's what I always do!
Definitely pay for instruction, probably the best value for money £20 you will spend.
Enjoy, enjoy!
You will be buzzing for days after and you can make all kinds of stories about overtaking 911's etc (even though it was pulling into the pits) well that's what I always do!
Definitely pay for instruction, probably the best value for money £20 you will spend.
Enjoy, enjoy!
On a Clio, make sure the starter motor heatshield is present!
It's so often not replaced when work is done to the starter/gearbox and you will kill your starter on track without one.
If it's not there, it's cheap/easy to source and even easier to fit - it pretty much just clips in between the starter and solenoid.
It's so often not replaced when work is done to the starter/gearbox and you will kill your starter on track without one.
If it's not there, it's cheap/easy to source and even easier to fit - it pretty much just clips in between the starter and solenoid.
JustCallMeMac said:
Clothing wise:
.Crash helmet
.Comfortable but light clothing (It's hot work out there! You'll probably need to wear long sleeves & trousers)
.Comfortable trainers / race boots
Tools-wise and assuming you can take with you, the following could come in useful although you could beg and borrow from others if needs be.
.Trolley jack (and know where your jack points are on the Clio)
.Torque wrench / wheel brace / socket (Check wheel nuts are tightened to spec and it's worth rechecking on occasion)
.Tyre inflater (Foot-pump type is fine)
.Socket / spanner set
.Jerry can (20L) for spare fuel (You'll need it although there's a garage not far from the circuit, assuming car is road legal)
.Duck Tape / cable ties (in case you need to make some quick emergency repairs to bodywork / trim etc)
And just enjoy. Combe is a wonderful, fast flowing and technical circuit but you need to respect it. As others have said, build up slowly and try and get some tuition. You'll get far more out of the day if you manage to get out with an instructor so get your name down early.
If you're taking tools put in some disposable gloves or mechanics gloves. As for petrol the garage closest to the circuit is expensive there's a Sainsbury's not that far away..Crash helmet
.Comfortable but light clothing (It's hot work out there! You'll probably need to wear long sleeves & trousers)
.Comfortable trainers / race boots
Tools-wise and assuming you can take with you, the following could come in useful although you could beg and borrow from others if needs be.
.Trolley jack (and know where your jack points are on the Clio)
.Torque wrench / wheel brace / socket (Check wheel nuts are tightened to spec and it's worth rechecking on occasion)
.Tyre inflater (Foot-pump type is fine)
.Socket / spanner set
.Jerry can (20L) for spare fuel (You'll need it although there's a garage not far from the circuit, assuming car is road legal)
.Duck Tape / cable ties (in case you need to make some quick emergency repairs to bodywork / trim etc)
And just enjoy. Combe is a wonderful, fast flowing and technical circuit but you need to respect it. As others have said, build up slowly and try and get some tuition. You'll get far more out of the day if you manage to get out with an instructor so get your name down early.
I did my first track day at Combe, free accompanied laps at beginning of day. Don't get too put off by the horror stories during the briefing.
jumare said:
If you're taking tools put in some disposable gloves or mechanics gloves. As for petrol the garage closest to the circuit is expensive there's a Sainsbury's not that far away.
I did my first track day at Combe, free accompanied laps at beginning of day. Don't get too put off by the horror stories during the briefing.
Thanks! I've stopped at the little services just off the dual carriageway previously that's not a million miles away?I did my first track day at Combe, free accompanied laps at beginning of day. Don't get too put off by the horror stories during the briefing.
They've not sent anything of a brief or agenda for the day yet, assuming it's a pretty standard, aim to get there for 7 for registration type?
Looks like you've got most covered now. Don't forget sun cream if it's sunny. Plenty of water for yourself + snacks & a fold up chair to chill in.....
Don't forget to empty everything from the car (glove box, side panels, centre panel, under the boot floor etc). Fit the towing eye if you have one. If you are supposed to be at work, cover the #plate as there will be a photographer taking pictures that will be on the internet :-)
Start slow, learn the track, build slowly. Fastest lap shouldn't be before mid afternoon at the earliest. If it's open pit lane, Do short sessions (10-15 mins max) or you'll cook your brakes and yourself. Don't get fooled into thinking other cars braking points will be the same for yours. Don't forget to check your mirrors and be polite and let the faster cars through.....you don't need to be anal about it, just courteous.
Go kick some tyres and talk to others. Maybe even blag a passenger ride with another more experienced driver if you like the look of their driving and car. If tuition is available, do it.
Don't forget to empty everything from the car (glove box, side panels, centre panel, under the boot floor etc). Fit the towing eye if you have one. If you are supposed to be at work, cover the #plate as there will be a photographer taking pictures that will be on the internet :-)
Start slow, learn the track, build slowly. Fastest lap shouldn't be before mid afternoon at the earliest. If it's open pit lane, Do short sessions (10-15 mins max) or you'll cook your brakes and yourself. Don't get fooled into thinking other cars braking points will be the same for yours. Don't forget to check your mirrors and be polite and let the faster cars through.....you don't need to be anal about it, just courteous.
Go kick some tyres and talk to others. Maybe even blag a passenger ride with another more experienced driver if you like the look of their driving and car. If tuition is available, do it.
Cheers for the helpful advice, have made a lot of notes.
I've booked the Friday off as this is part of an epic weekend before a friends birthday celebrations in the evening and heading to Wembley the next day.
In terms of the car itself it's as good as I can hope for for now, slightly worried about noise but aware Combe will happily take my cash for a baffler or something.
Look forward to a long future of having no money and a huge grin on my face
I've booked the Friday off as this is part of an epic weekend before a friends birthday celebrations in the evening and heading to Wembley the next day.
In terms of the car itself it's as good as I can hope for for now, slightly worried about noise but aware Combe will happily take my cash for a baffler or something.
Look forward to a long future of having no money and a huge grin on my face
IMHO the best preparation for a first track day is PAX laps at earlier track days.
This will mean you are familiar with the briefings, with track etiquette, and have the ability to recognise the cars/drivers to be avoided. It will keep you safer and more relaxed, and more able to get the most out of the day itself.
This will mean you are familiar with the briefings, with track etiquette, and have the ability to recognise the cars/drivers to be avoided. It will keep you safer and more relaxed, and more able to get the most out of the day itself.
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