Getting into track days, use my car or buy dedicated one?

[infernouk]

Hey guys,

So im looking at doing my first track days this summer, previously I have only done a bedford palmer day driving M3, atom, caterham. Driving for 7 years with no issues, but im only 26 so want to make sure i dont rush into this and cause myself issues!

I own a GT86 at the moment, which i use for about 20 miles a week, i work in london so it only gets driven at the weekends. This is a PCP car at the moment. But again its not essential to my every day life / work commuting

I am rather risk adverse by nature so am unsure if its smart to take my 86 on track for the first time i go / learning as even with insurance, the excess could easily exceed the value of a cheap dedicated track car if the 86 came off track in a big way!

A thought was to purchase a 325i or similar for 1500, then insure, mot and tax that and drive it to / from and use for track days until im more confident. Obviously also not a cheap option, but cheaper than smashing up my 86.

I live not too far from bedford autodrome so id probably start learning there, though not 100% sure if the 86 will pass noise limits with the cobra exhaust, i havent checked flyby volume!

Whats your guys opinion all having had a lot more track day experience? Over cautious? right to be concerned? Just take the 86 and pay the insurance?

Appreciate some external input on this!

[_Leg_]

I've been doing track days for 15 years (and also race). In that time I've seen maybe 3-4 accidents with contact and they've always been a car contacting scenery rather than car on car. So long as you choose to go on track days organised by decent quality organisers you should find they are safe.

I've never been in the car you have so can't comment on it's suitability but the reviews on it seem to point at it being a car that would be ok for track. Track days are hard on road cars though so expect to go through a lot of tyres, brakes etc. Of course, depending on how hard you push.

If you did decide to buy a specific track car my advice would be to avoid stuff like BMW 3 series etc. They'll again cost a lot in tyres, brakes and so on. Buy a Clio 172 or similar. Lighter and more fun. If you're thinking "Ahh but a 325 will be faster" I can guarantee you that you in a 325 versus you after proper track tuition in a Clio 172 or similar wouldn't see which way the latter you went.

To get started I would book a day, or half day, with a proper instructor and take your current car on a suitable track day. Do that then you'll know what to do. May I recommend Jamie Stanley -http://www.jamiestanley.co.uk. Nice guy, very experienced and he'll teach you how to be safe and quick.

Hope that helps.

[infernouk]

cheers, if i bought an alternate car id also want a RWD so i can translate to my 86 at some point!

The car is fine stock for track days as many of the owners club use them stock. My concern primarily, is the spinning off and hitting scenery causing big bills.

Im fully prepared for the consumable costs as they are very transparent and obvious, what im mainly trying to reconcile is the risk level of car to car or car to scenery and if insurance is necessary to get peace of mind.

In respect of tuition im looking at the CATD driving school guys at the moment, i have sent them an email and will try to get an instructor shared 2-1 with a friend of mine who is also new.

[1173russ]

E36 handle superb, 2.5 is probably enough power but we all prefer more.
My car will be getting sold soon,
Also got a 182 Kangoo which is mega fun

[dunc_sx]

I'd use the '86 if I was in your position, the familiarity of the car would drastically reduce the chance of incident.

Dunc.

[Steve H]

I'd use the 86, excellent car to learn in.

Contrary to Leg's experience I've barely seen a trackday where someone doesn't manage to make contact with the scenery but it's usually predictable who is going to do it and virtually always avoidable; don't be that guy and you'll be fine.

Running a dedicated trackday car when you first start out is likely to be disappointingly expensive and potentially frustrating when you already have a perfectly good car already on the driveway. I would agree with Leg's comments about instruction and Jamie is a good guy and excellent pedaler although he tends to do more race coaching than novice stuff.

[agent006]

infernouk said:

My concern primarily, is the spinning off and hitting scenery causing big bills.

You already have a £1500 fund for that if you don't buy a second car. Then add insurance and tax for 2nd car. It gets expensive quickly, and it's more expensive pro rata the less you use it.

I have a 2nd car for track, but I'd say use your 86.

[agent006]

P. S. I started track driving at the same age as you, in my everyday car (Audi 100!). Never had the slightest hint of throwing it at the scenery, unless you drove like a complete div and have no concept of risk then its pretty rare to end up off track. Certainly until you've found your feet after a good few track days. By then you'll want a dedicated track car but for different reasons.

[MrC986]

I've just returned from a track day Anglesey and although it was organised by the BMW Car Club, there were a range of makes there.... 325ti Compacts are a popular cost effective track car, though getting harder to find and some are now looking at 325/330s in both saloon and coupe as well as early Z4 3.0 litre cars, though it's finding a manual gearbox that can be the challenge.

I've also seen early MR2 drop tops and mk2 MX5s as popular budget cars if you don't want to pick the normal Clio type cars. Mini Cooper S (R53 version) also have a good following as well though it depends whether you want front or rear wheel drive?

l wouldn't personally be using a car I'd got on PCP.