Headlights on deicated track car?

[chrisk545]

Hi everybody.

This is my first post, i can usally find the answers without bothering anyone. But can't seem to find it anywhere prob because it a stupid question. But do you need working headlights on track day cars? Asking because currently getting rid of as much wiring as possible in a bmw e46 before the cage goes in. Sorry in advance if it is an obvious answer.

Thanks.
Chris.

[E-bmw]

Not if it isn't ever going to be used on the road.

[gruffalo]

I would say yes.

I have been at many wet days where the circuit have insisted that headlights be used.

[QBee]

gruffalo said:

I would say yes.

I have been at many wet days where the circuit have insisted that headlights be used.

Had to have mine on only a couple of weeks ago - foggy start to the day

[BullyB]

I got told to turn mine off once at Oulton. I thought it was a good idea to have them on as it was raining but apparently not.

[Pothole]

BullyB said:

I got told to turn mine off once at Oulton. I thought it was a good idea to have them on as it was raining but apparently not.

Do you also put your fog lights on at the first trace of light mist?

[BullyB]

Pothole said:

o you also put your fog lights on at the first trace of light mist?

ha, Fog's on all day when I'n cruzin' - it's an M3 thing apparently.

I put them on as it was pissing it down and figured it would be a good idea.



Marshal at the gate told me to turn them off.


for the OP - loads of cars on track don't have any lights.

[GreigM]

I'd leave the lights in. As above, I've been on trackdays where I've been told to both switch on (ring) and separately switch off (oulton) headlights. You may have an argument if you are going to build a full race car that they aren't needed, but in that case make sure you have an MSA rain light at the back.

[Pothole]

I'm thinking the cars without would not be allowed to run if marshalls deemed lights necessary for a session, though. Battery LEDs, OP?

[88racing]

Told to turn headlights off in rain? Where's the logic in that?

[hkp57]

There is a lot of opinion on the road and the track that seeing something approach you with lights blazing makes it difficult to judge closing speeds, especially if there is a little water on your screen, mirrors or visor.

I tend to agree with this from my biking experiences

[Wh00sher]

I`ve been on trackdays with heavy rain and the Marshalls insisted on Headlights ON.

For the minimal weight you`ll save, I`d leave them fitted.

[chrisk545]

Sorry for taking so long to reply wouldnt let me post anything yesterday.
Thanks for the fast reply's. Great point if the marshall asks for them on good chance wont get on. So think i'll go for getting rid of everything else on the front but keep the dipped beam. Wasnt doing it to lose weight (not with a belly like mine :-) ) just trying to get rid of as much wiring to have less things to go wrong in the future.
Also liked the idea about the battery LEDs hadnt thought of that.
Thanks guys.

[HustleRussell]

I'd suggest an LED rear rain light as a minimum

Brake lights are also a safety feature i.e. a following driver is likely to be able to see, at a greater distance, if you're slowing for an accident ahead or to leave the circuit (more so than flags, particularly with the general trackday crowd who aren't necessarily looking for them).

Headlights on a race car are for putting the frighteners on the competitor in front who you are haranguing.

Edited by HustleRussell on Tuesday 29th March 18:27

[supertouring]

My clio cup car did not have lights, never had a problem.

[E-bmw]

88racing said:

Told to turn headlights off in rain? Where's the logic in that?

Don't see why you would need them on in the rain personally.

[mgv8dave]

You do not need then on a track car, however if it is very wet or dull the circuit can ask you to put them on.

[malc 1]

I have a e46 dedicated track tool with blank guttered thinned wiring headlights and as said are sometimes required in poor visibility
By default bmw's send power to the indicators when power has been lost at the headlights .
So I popped in a white LED lamp and a resistor and have white front side lights coupled with flashing white indictors ,keeps the marshals happy

[Tommo Two]

I always have my headlights on on trackdays, rain / sun / fog / etc, maximum visibility for others to see me.

[BullyB]

indicators are probably more important