Novice track days.
Discussion
Hello all, I'm new to PH (as recommended by a mate) and new to track days. I've seen a few websites who host novice track days, with Rockingham and ClubMSV topping my choices at the moment. Want to take my 2011 WRX STI 320R and see what it can do!
In your experience what has been the best day for you in track time and general all round experience?
Thanks for any thoughts!
In your experience what has been the best day for you in track time and general all round experience?
Thanks for any thoughts!
Some people reccommend you starting witn an airfield circuit or Bedford autodrome for your first track day but I don't. This si because they are a bit featureless and I think it is easier to drive a circuit with more obvious features that hhelp you learn it.You shouldnt be driving outside of your comfort zone, even on track and especially on your first track day that would make crashing a realistic possibility anyway.
If you do a novice only track day you will probbaly have brake markers and turn in cones which will be enormously helpful.
Be prepared for the sudden cliff that your barkes and tyres will go off too as you can not stay out indefinately in a road car doing lap after lap. You'll probably need to keep coming in every 20 minutes or so to keep temperatures under control.
If you do a novice only track day you will probbaly have brake markers and turn in cones which will be enormously helpful.
Be prepared for the sudden cliff that your barkes and tyres will go off too as you can not stay out indefinately in a road car doing lap after lap. You'll probably need to keep coming in every 20 minutes or so to keep temperatures under control.
Agree with most of the above but the airfields/Bedford are recommended because they are a bit "safer" because of the runoffs, however most high profile circuits have decent runoff areas otherwise they wouldn't keep their status in this safety conscious world. Your car should be up to mild track abuse if your gentle on it. Just do four or five laps then come in to cool the brakes etc. I would say go to your local circuits track days and talk to organisers/other drivers. Most important thing is to look after your brakes/ tyres and get some tuition. Far better than any mods per pound to get faster and remember that your new to track driving so don't think that your Senna yet.
Remember that it's not a race, enjoy it and watch your mirrors.
Remember that it's not a race, enjoy it and watch your mirrors.
Edited by Madgit on Monday 5th March 20:29
Thanks for the above!
I have put Pro Drive 19s on the car, but have kept the original wheels and tyres so was thinking of using those instead on track days.
I see why most the track day organisers cut it down to say 5 20 minute sessions as regards to brakes and tyre wear!
Club MSV does seem a good bet. Is there a particular track that people like driving? Or do all have their merits?
I have put Pro Drive 19s on the car, but have kept the original wheels and tyres so was thinking of using those instead on track days.
I see why most the track day organisers cut it down to say 5 20 minute sessions as regards to brakes and tyre wear!
Club MSV does seem a good bet. Is there a particular track that people like driving? Or do all have their merits?
Your car will be well up to the task. My dad has a 330S Impreza hatch and it's been excellent on all the trackdays we've done (though he couldn't keep up with me at the last one 
).
I will say though, watch out for the brake pads. His pads have cracked several times, and I think it's probably worth getting some better pads for track use.
I think an airfield is a good idea. You want somewhere with a wide track so you can get used to the handling before you take it somewhere a bit more challenging.
).I will say though, watch out for the brake pads. His pads have cracked several times, and I think it's probably worth getting some better pads for track use.
I think an airfield is a good idea. You want somewhere with a wide track so you can get used to the handling before you take it somewhere a bit more challenging.
I sadly learnt about pads the hard way with my Fiesta. I'd done a few trackdays without problems, but during one trip to the ring I'd have a particularly good clean lap with very little traffic, I came around for a second lap and in the bends after Hatzenbach I hit the brakes and got nothing :S I spun the car and luckily got away with grazing the barrier sideways at about 5mph. Just a small sent on the rear wing and a scratch on the front bumper. It tought me a lot about buying a proper brakes and having a LOT more respect for the ring! I haven't been around the ring as fast since, even though my current car is a lot quicker.
And I'd never use street pads on a track (though I'm the first to admit the brakes on a Fiesta ST aren't really up to the job anyway).
Anyway, no idea about the speed runs, you'd probably need to go somewhere like Bruntingthorpe? It's not something I've ever done though.
And I'd never use street pads on a track (though I'm the first to admit the brakes on a Fiesta ST aren't really up to the job anyway).
Anyway, no idea about the speed runs, you'd probably need to go somewhere like Bruntingthorpe? It's not something I've ever done though.
We run our days for all experience levels and always ascertain in the briefing who has done a trackday before and who has done the particular circuit. In most cases, about 25% of our customers have never done a trackday before and a good few never done the particular track.
More often than not, if they arrive in a quick road car, they are used to driving pretty quick on the road, so are generally pretty good drivers.
We always do sighting laps at the begining of the day and offer free instruction, which is highly recommended even for drivers with more experience.
I think it depends on the circuit as to whether you would need to go on a novice day or a normal trackday. Circuits I would recommend for a first day would be Donington, Anglesey, Blyton, Bedford. My first trackday was at Donington about 12 years ago and although you do improve with the more days you do, if the day is run properly with the overtaking rules followed, I don't think you will have a problem.
As for the car, make sure all the levels are up and be careful of the brakes. Even cars with good brakes can suffer on track with fade and a spongy pedal. If you enjoy it, then look at some better pads and higher spec brake fluid.
More often than not, if they arrive in a quick road car, they are used to driving pretty quick on the road, so are generally pretty good drivers.
We always do sighting laps at the begining of the day and offer free instruction, which is highly recommended even for drivers with more experience.
I think it depends on the circuit as to whether you would need to go on a novice day or a normal trackday. Circuits I would recommend for a first day would be Donington, Anglesey, Blyton, Bedford. My first trackday was at Donington about 12 years ago and although you do improve with the more days you do, if the day is run properly with the overtaking rules followed, I don't think you will have a problem.
As for the car, make sure all the levels are up and be careful of the brakes. Even cars with good brakes can suffer on track with fade and a spongy pedal. If you enjoy it, then look at some better pads and higher spec brake fluid.
Airfields are OK but I prefer circuits as I find them easier to work out the lines (probably just all the extra scenery), but tend to loose my bearings amongst the wide open spaces and cones of an airfield day. Blyton is probably the best of both worlds though; lots of run off but a proper track to follow rather than a load of cones. Anglesea is good as well. On the other hand Oulton or Cadwell would be very steep learning curves for a first track day.
I'm not convinced that novice specific days are that good either. I'd rather have experienced drivers around me who know what to do, than a load of novices, if I was to get it wrong.
Listen to the briefing, accept that you aren't the best driver in the world, learn by your mistakes (we all make them), watch your mirrors and you'll have a good day. Book instruction and you'll more than get you monies worth.
Best tip I got when starting out, was don't rush out as soon as the sighting laps are done and the track is open; It'll be busy. Instead, wait 15-20 mins and there'll be a lot more space on track.
I'm not convinced that novice specific days are that good either. I'd rather have experienced drivers around me who know what to do, than a load of novices, if I was to get it wrong.
Listen to the briefing, accept that you aren't the best driver in the world, learn by your mistakes (we all make them), watch your mirrors and you'll have a good day. Book instruction and you'll more than get you monies worth.
Best tip I got when starting out, was don't rush out as soon as the sighting laps are done and the track is open; It'll be busy. Instead, wait 15-20 mins and there'll be a lot more space on track.
I did my first track-day at Bedford and although good fun, I much prefer proper circuits. I also found that because I drive an older, less powerful car, the stupidly long back straight was a bit of a chore to be honest. The day was well run though and certainly encouraged me to do more.
I then did 3 novice days at Brands with MSV and think they were the best £50's I've ever spent. The first time though Paddock Hill is a great experience, as was going off into the gravel when confidence overtook talent. A b
king followed (quite rightly!) and a valuable lesson was learned. Luckily the session was about to end or else I would have spoiled it for others. Best thing of all, was knowing the other cars were also novices and I didn't have to feel as intimidated as I might have with much faster cars to deal with.
Good luck with it though. You'll love it I'm sure.
I then did 3 novice days at Brands with MSV and think they were the best £50's I've ever spent. The first time though Paddock Hill is a great experience, as was going off into the gravel when confidence overtook talent. A b
king followed (quite rightly!) and a valuable lesson was learned. Luckily the session was about to end or else I would have spoiled it for others. Best thing of all, was knowing the other cars were also novices and I didn't have to feel as intimidated as I might have with much faster cars to deal with.Good luck with it though. You'll love it I'm sure.
Frenchda said:
constant depreciation of your bank account once you start 
It'll start off with ''I'll just get some cheap alloys & some 888's''....A few weeks later.....maybe some stiffer shocks?
A few weeks later stil....I really need a seat and harness......
Before you know it.....A rear cage makes sense for safety....
Christmas is cancelled this year as I want to go to Spa....
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