Track day questions

[Gr44]

Hi all,

Well, long time reader (bmw forums mainly) and first time poster; so hello to anyone reading this and thanks for taking the time!

I own a '07 BMW E90 330D, which I use daily commuting to work and love the thing to pieces.. I've considered for a few years now taking it on a track day but mostly been too scared to write the thing off or end up with a hefty repair bill at the end of it!

Given it's almost made it's way to 100K and it's a brave new year I thought I'd start seriously looking at taking her out on a day (really wish I'd kept my old 2.0 Astra G for this!)

My main queries are:

• Training - The last thing I want to do is be all over the circuit because I've no idea where I'm going/what I'm doing and become 'that guy'... is training/guidance etc available on all TD's - are there better companies to book through for first-timers?

• Cost - top up fluids / couple of new tyres at the end along with oil/brake fluid change and wear/tear on brakes/tyres... am I being naive?

• Circuits - What would you recomend for a first course and who to book through?

• TD insurance - Do you bother, any companies you recomend?

That's about it really... just need to get a date in the diary soon... I have an itch!

Thanks for reading and look forward to speaking with you all!

Sean

[wackojacko]

Training - Driver instruction is always to hand (at most circuits) for a sort of reasonable price.

TD's - Go for a reputable company such as MSV, Circuit day, Motorsport Events etc

[wackojacko]

Cost - Tyres shouldn't be an issue aslong as they're not nearing te legal limit before the trackday. Tyre wear depends on how hard you are pushing and the conditions.
Ensure all fluids are to correct levels and brakes etc have plenty of life left in them.
Budget for 1 tank of diesel
Trackday cost
Driver training (£40 ish)

Circuits - I personally think Brandshatch is a good circuit for all experience levels, the MSV instructors are great aswell. Snetterton may well be a good option.

[wackojacko]

TD insurance - personally I don't bother. It's personal preferance, most insurance on covers mechanical damage so body work you still have to pay for on top of a sizeable excess.
IMO not worth it unless tracking an exotic or brand new car.
.

P.s sorry for many posts, would not post as one from my phone.

[BullyB]

You could take a look at the BMW Car Club - they do track days for like minded people who don't want to trash their cars.
They have a few coming up this season.

I used my 2004 Z4 on track a few times with no problems. I didn't take insurance.
Going around with an instructor is great, they will show you all aspects from where to be on the track and how to go faster.

My tyres were fine on the Z4 but the brakes cooked! Could only do about 5 laps between cool downs.

I warn you however as there will be one major issue... you will get hooked!
I now have an E36 M3 for the track - love it to bits!

[gruffalo]

BMW car club are at Snetterton on 1st March, limited numbers and free instruction.

Sounds like a tailor made event for you, very reasonably priced, won't be busy limited to 50 cars on entry list, lots of other BMW drivers to give you tips and free instruction!

[src1971]

Blyton is a good track for beginners. Some nice corners to go round and very little to hit if you fall off the track.

[will121]

Training - The last thing I want to do is be all over the circuit because I've no idea where I'm going/what I'm doing and become 'that guy'... is training/guidance etc available on all TD's - are there better companies to book through for first-timers?

As others have said most trackday organisers have instructors and well worth it in improving confidence and lines. If you can get on a BMW owners track day might be better as similar owners may be able to assist if you have a issue with break pads tyres etc.


Cost - top up fluids / couple of new tyres at the end along with oil/brake fluid change and wear/tear on brakes/tyres... am I being naive?

Are you planning to drive the car to and from the track? If so tyres can be an issue especially if a hot day, in which starting with used tyres generally better than new tyres as large tread blocks can overheat and destroy a set of tyres quite quickly. If running standard pads and old fluid brake fade quite common.

Circuits - What would you recommend for a first course and who to book through?

As above a BMW club or Novice day quite good starter, what are your local tracks, I would keep away from airfield type days as a starter as concrete areas can be hard on tyres


TD insurance - Do you bother, any companies you recomend?

Can you afford to loose the car should the worse happen? It is a rarity for accidents but they do happen, ive seen spinning into Armco on someone else’s oil spill in a 06 Clio, also this time of year get a corner a bit wrong and run wide onto wet grass and its surprising how fast you speed up towards something hard. Its worth enquiring on costs and making you own discussion and living with it.
Finally to counter the above start out steady, learn track and car limitations with thinks like brake fade better to identify with scope to get away with it than when on the limit last late brake’r at end of a fast straight or when nearly rear ending someone.

And mostly enjoy it

[DiscoColin]

I'd say something like an MSV Novice day at either Brands or Snet to start with.

[fushion julz]

Gr44 said:

Training - The last thing I want to do is be all over the circuit because I've no idea where I'm going/what I'm doing and become 'that guy'... is training/guidance etc available on all TD's - are there better companies to book through for first-timers?

Join the BMW Car Club (if you're not already a member) and go to one of their trackdays. This is the 2013 list:

March 1st
Snetterton 300 Circuit
Entry prices
Early Bird for club members only £130
Normal price for non members and late payers £150

May 7th
Cadwell Park Circuit
Entry prices
Early Bird for club members only £165
Normal price for non members and late payers £185

July 22nd
Croft Circuit
Entry prices
Early Bird for club members only £200
Normal price for non members and late payers £225

September 30th
Donington Park Circuit
Entry prices
Early Bird for club members only £235
Normal price for non members and late payers £275

November 29th
Oulton Park Circuit
Entry prices
Early Bird for club members only £130
Normal price for non members and late payers £150

The instruction is free/included in the price and preference is usually given to novices.

Gr44 said:

Cost - top up fluids / couple of new tyres at the end along with oil/brake fluid change and wear/tear on brakes/tyres... am I being naive?

The cost of tyres is entirely up to you and what you use. If you use standard road tyres then budget for a bit of increased wear, but you shouldn't do too much damage with a standard car. If you plan on doing more than one or 2 trackdays, though, it may be worth investing in a cheap set of s/h rims and fitting with some more track focused tyres (Toyo R1Rs, R888s, etc)

Gr44 said:

Circuits - What would you recomend for a first course and who to book through?

Airfield courses offer the chance of exploring the limits with less chance of bodywork damage due to the large run-off areas and no barriers...But a nice open circuit like Silverstone or Snetterton may be preferable to somewhere such as Cadwell (narrow, twisty and few run-offs).

Gr44 said:

TD insurance - Do you bother, any companies you recomend?

Never bothered, myself...it is expensive and the excess is high. Would only cover damage to your vehicle in any case as there is no liability for other vehicles when on track.

[Gr44]

Many thanks for all the feedback, very informative and useful!

I like the look of the Snetterton track and as a couple of your have said it seems almost pefect for my criteria so I think I'll head over to their website in a moment and check it out!

I live in Welwyn Garden City so fairly local to me as well for an added bonus.

I guess helmets are required as well.. I'll check with the BMW club if they provide or not.. otherwise I think it's just a case of getting the day off work and checking the car over!

Anyone else going on that day?

Thanks,

Sean

[Trev450]

If you're planning on doing a few track days you'd be better off purchasing your own helmet. I know it adds to the costs but a poorly fitting, smelly old helmet that has been worn by countless other people won't do much for your concentration.

[Gr44]

A fair point... what kind of money do you need to spend to get something halfway decent? Any makes/models that are worth exploring?

I guess it's best to try them on rather than order online... where stocks racing helmets?

Thanks

Sean

[Rovinghawk]

Gr44 said:

what kind of money do you need to spend to get something halfway decent? Any makes/models that are worth exploring?

Brand isn't as important as good fit.

RH

[Trev450]

You should definately try before you buy. You don't need a race helmet for track days only if you plan on doing MSA events. Bike helmets tend to be a lot cheaper than car ones so you local bike shop would be a good place to start.

As above, fit is more important than brand, but you do get what you pay for.

[Quietlybonkers]

Gr44 said:
Circuits - What would you recomend for a first course and who to book through?
Airfield courses offer the chance of exploring the limits with less chance of bodywork damage due to the large run-off areas and no barriers...But a nice open circuit like Silverstone or Snetterton may be preferable to somewhere such as Cadwell (narrow, twisty and few run-offs).

I totally agree. I pussy footed around Cadwell, loved the circuit but was scared of trashing my car on the barriers. I gave it beans around an airfield, spun it four time at around 90 mph and had the best track time of my life.

[gruffalo]

Gr44 said:

Many thanks for all the feedback, very informative and useful!

I like the look of the Snetterton track and as a couple of your have said it seems almost pefect for my criteria so I think I'll head over to their website in a moment and check it out!

I live in Welwyn Garden City so fairly local to me as well for an added bonus.

I guess helmets are required as well.. I'll check with the BMW club if they provide or not.. otherwise I think it's just a case of getting the day off work and checking the car over!

Anyone else going on that day?

Thanks,

Sean

I have a group of 5 cars with me on the BMW day at Snetterton! Hope to see you there.

[shim]

Gr44 said:

Many thanks for all the feedback, very informative and useful!

I like the look of the Snetterton track and as a couple of your have said it seems almost pefect for my criteria so I think I'll head over to their website in a moment and check it out!

I live in Welwyn Garden City so fairly local to me as well for an added bonus.

I guess helmets are required as well.. I'll check with the BMW club if they provide or not.. otherwise I think it's just a case of getting the day off work and checking the car over!

Anyone else going on that day?

Thanks,

Sean

Sean, m WGC as well and have been tracking my CSL for a few years.

Bedford is the best choice for a first timer, as safe as a circuit gets tbh and you'll get more track time, clearer laps, safer ESP if it rains and good facilities for a winter day. I often pop to Bedford for a quick day out at short notice even though it is a bit flat and featureless.

Strangely enough Brrands Hatch is the next closest to us, even though the river makes it feel further away. I very fare,y go there as the Indy can be crowded and slippy and it's a rather short circuit even if it has good elevation.

Rockingham is about 75 mins away so prob a bit closer than Snetterton which takes around 75-90 mins from WGC.

Personally however I think like Snetterton is the better race circuit near us. So therefore I'd book Bedford or Snetterton depending on your risk profile.

[Gr44]

Awesome thanks for all the feedback again. Sorry for the delayed reply; I've been away all week with work!

Spoken to the better half and no plans for the 1st so I'm going to treat myself on Monday and get Snetterton booked in!!

[Quietlybonkers]

Worth buying track day insurance in my opinion. On a Mannings policy it adds about £80 a year to the premium and covers all but the first £1000 of any damage on as many ATDO track days as you can fit in. On my first one an Else driver trashed the entire front of his car when he speared off the track into the Armco going up The Mountain at Cadwell. I lost the back end in the same place, as the rear goes light under full power. I was lucky and caught it, bit of a brown trouser moment.

You can buy it on the day at some tracks.