Open wheeler track days?
Discussion
Hi guys. I am looking to purchase a fully prepped formula renault car from the 2011 season for the odd track day as I have some spare cash laying about which I would like to exercise a hobby with but I have found there is not much track day support at all for the car which will defeat the purpose of me buying it. Is there any track days I can attend (maybe 2 times a month) in my formula renault or is the only place I can drive when I enter an actual event?
The best thing you can do is go and spend a day doing your ARDS license so you can run it on general test days, which are either open pit lane with open wheelers mixed in, or are in sessions to separate the open wheelers from tin tops
It's worth being aware that single seaters generally require a good bit more upkeep than something more trackdayish like a Caterham, albeit probably not much different to something like a Radical (although many people don't run them as they should).
It's also worth pointing out that test days are a bit more of a free-for-all than track days with far fewer rules, so you need to have your wits about you more than a track day. If you're not that experienced on track then I'd probably recommend getting more comfortable on track days first before going for it.
It's worth being aware that single seaters generally require a good bit more upkeep than something more trackdayish like a Caterham, albeit probably not much different to something like a Radical (although many people don't run them as they should).
It's also worth pointing out that test days are a bit more of a free-for-all than track days with far fewer rules, so you need to have your wits about you more than a track day. If you're not that experienced on track then I'd probably recommend getting more comfortable on track days first before going for it.
Javelin have run some single seater sessions, and Anglesey Circuit does as well.
However, I'd recommend doing your ARDS and obtaining a national B / inter club license and doing single seat test days.
A single seater requires more upkeep, and a precise setup, with work between track sessions, and you'll get plenty of advice on one of these days on running them effectively.
However, I'd recommend doing your ARDS and obtaining a national B / inter club license and doing single seat test days.
A single seater requires more upkeep, and a precise setup, with work between track sessions, and you'll get plenty of advice on one of these days on running them effectively.
MG CHRIS said:
Your better of with a kit car or radical type car if you want to do track days. Don't really see the point of single seaters unless you want to race it or use it for sprint/hill climbs.
Thanks for the suggestion. I've looked into this but the inner kid in me wants to feel like an f1 driver. I've looked alot into the test days and they seem my best bet.
I get the appeal of a proper racing car but you’ll be no quicker in a single seater than a fast Westfield or Caterham. Save all the hassle of trailers, tools and things and just buy a kit car with a reliable lump in it. Have a look on the WSCC website, £8k buys a good road legal car....
I would see loads of issues with this as a "toy" car.
They are specialised, high maintenance vehicles. You are going to need some for of support crew even if just to help strap in. Tyres are going to cost you upwards of £1,000 a set and are not exactly long life.
More to the point, and very much one of the reason open wheel cars are not permitted on general track days is touching wheels brings about big problems and so you need to be proficient at knowing the size of the car and when, where and how to overtake or be overtaken.
So, yes test days are pretty much the only time you are going to get one of these things on track. Then the issue comes that very, very few people, if any, go into a Formula Renault with a novice cross on the car. Test days are not subject etiquette rules like trackdays and while they are not the actual race, it might very much well be. You will be expected to have served your apprenticeship and have the ability to be of reasonable pace and predictability or there is likely to be issues, potentially of a serious nature.
They are specialised, high maintenance vehicles. You are going to need some for of support crew even if just to help strap in. Tyres are going to cost you upwards of £1,000 a set and are not exactly long life.
More to the point, and very much one of the reason open wheel cars are not permitted on general track days is touching wheels brings about big problems and so you need to be proficient at knowing the size of the car and when, where and how to overtake or be overtaken.
So, yes test days are pretty much the only time you are going to get one of these things on track. Then the issue comes that very, very few people, if any, go into a Formula Renault with a novice cross on the car. Test days are not subject etiquette rules like trackdays and while they are not the actual race, it might very much well be. You will be expected to have served your apprenticeship and have the ability to be of reasonable pace and predictability or there is likely to be issues, potentially of a serious nature.
Nickjd said:
I would see loads of issues with this as a "toy" car.
They are specialised, high maintenance vehicles. You are going to need some for of support crew even if just to help strap in. Tyres are going to cost you upwards of £1,000 a set and are not exactly long life.
More to the point, and very much one of the reason open wheel cars are not permitted on general track days is touching wheels brings about big problems and so you need to be proficient at knowing the size of the car and when, where and how to overtake or be overtaken.
So, yes test days are pretty much the only time you are going to get one of these things on track. Then the issue comes that very, very few people, if any, go into a Formula Renault with a novice cross on the car. Test days are not subject etiquette rules like trackdays and while they are not the actual race, it might very much well be. You will be expected to have served your apprenticeship and have the ability to be of reasonable pace and predictability or there is likely to be issues, potentially of a serious nature.
Hi financially I have no problem with the up keeps of the car and I'm not sure where you've got the idea that I am treating it as a "toy" but I am more than able to keep a healthy pace in the car once I am used to it. I would not have pursued the idea if I did not have some ability in delivering a good pace in the car so I would not be an obstacle on the track. They are specialised, high maintenance vehicles. You are going to need some for of support crew even if just to help strap in. Tyres are going to cost you upwards of £1,000 a set and are not exactly long life.
More to the point, and very much one of the reason open wheel cars are not permitted on general track days is touching wheels brings about big problems and so you need to be proficient at knowing the size of the car and when, where and how to overtake or be overtaken.
So, yes test days are pretty much the only time you are going to get one of these things on track. Then the issue comes that very, very few people, if any, go into a Formula Renault with a novice cross on the car. Test days are not subject etiquette rules like trackdays and while they are not the actual race, it might very much well be. You will be expected to have served your apprenticeship and have the ability to be of reasonable pace and predictability or there is likely to be issues, potentially of a serious nature.
As I stated before I am looking to stretch my legs in it in a track day like manner which the test days would provide then after I can look at competing if I wish. I am looking to have my national b licence upgraded soon so I'm not some fool jumping inna car too quick for my own good if thats what you are thinking.
If you are desperate to get into single seater then try this, the MRF Challenge. Not sure it has happened this year for obvious reasons, but it is 15 races with flights and accommodation included in the fee. Back in 2017 it was $50,000 which for what it is is very cost effective.
https://www.mrfracing.in/racing
https://www.mrfracing.in/racing
HustleRussell said:
amir98 said:
I am looking to have my national b licence upgraded soon
What have you been racing so far? Formula Renault's a pretty serious bit of kit...And yes its going to be much quicker round a track than the porsche cayman I have been chucking around recently.
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