Track Day etiquette
Discussion
Hello, I'm about to do a few track days in the next few months (and beyond) but I don't know what one should and shouldn't do. I know I'm already breaking one rule (coming in a race car) so I don't want to break any others.
In fairness, the car is a kit car that I happen to want to race in, not a balls out GT or anything.
So golden rules?
In fairness, the car is a kit car that I happen to want to race in, not a balls out GT or anything.
So golden rules?
supertouring said:
My pet hate is when people pull right to let you past but do not ease off the gas. Some cars are often much more powerful down the straight, but slower through the corners.
So if you let someone through, let them through as quickly as possible and then get back on it yourself.
So if you let someone through, let them through as quickly as possible and then get back on it yourself.
All sound advice. jon- said:
Most importantly, make good use of your mirrors. If someone is faster than you, let them through.
I'd go a bit further - if they aren't getting smaller, then they're quicker than you, so let them by. This is a particular problem with nimble Caterhams and big-power cars often driven by...less capable drivers. Matey tippy-toes through the corners then blasts up the straight. Because the Se7en driver is being a gent and not barging past on the corners, he ends up stuck behind a car several seconds a lap slower.At most circuits, there's a awful lot of space out there. It's not a race, so blending out of the throttle on a straight for ten seconds can find you a nice, clear section.
just for my 5p worth it is also a good idea to look at what type of event you want to do,
not all track days are the same ...... timed days ie 3 lots of 20mins a hour are all very well and good if you like that sort of thing
the only dissadvantage is you have to drive at the time given to you, you may want to go to the loo or have a bite to eat at that time
that is your group.
also it is worth looking t the company doing it .....what are here days like ? are they too busy etc ? Do they get oversubscribed ? i know you can only have a max nmber of cars
on the track at anyone time but if 30 puls cars are all on there together it is like the M25 on a Friday night ..So you may want to look for " Open Pit Lane "
This way you can come and go as you please do eay 5 or 6 laps pop in give your brakes etc a rest and carry on, you dont have to be out lap after lap after lap to enjoy the day.
not all track days are the same ...... timed days ie 3 lots of 20mins a hour are all very well and good if you like that sort of thing
the only dissadvantage is you have to drive at the time given to you, you may want to go to the loo or have a bite to eat at that time
that is your group.
also it is worth looking t the company doing it .....what are here days like ? are they too busy etc ? Do they get oversubscribed ? i know you can only have a max nmber of cars
on the track at anyone time but if 30 puls cars are all on there together it is like the M25 on a Friday night ..So you may want to look for " Open Pit Lane "
This way you can come and go as you please do eay 5 or 6 laps pop in give your brakes etc a rest and carry on, you dont have to be out lap after lap after lap to enjoy the day.
custardtart said:
crofty1984 said:
In fairness, the car is a kit car that I happen to want to race in, not a balls out GT or anything.
What kit is it and where are you racing? I sometimes race in the 750 Kit car series, ask if you need to know anything? 
BUMP 
Ok it's been a few years since I've done a track day, and can't wait to get into the swing of things again.
What are the rules to follow; overtaking only on the left, that sort of thing? Do you have to indicate out the way for other drivers, for example?
Just making sure I do it right, that's all
Ok it's been a few years since I've done a track day, and can't wait to get into the swing of things again.
What are the rules to follow; overtaking only on the left, that sort of thing? Do you have to indicate out the way for other drivers, for example?
Just making sure I do it right, that's all
TonyHetherington said:
BUMP
Ok it's been a few years since I've done a track day, and can't wait to get into the swing of things again.
What are the rules to follow; overtaking only on the left, that sort of thing? Do you have to indicate out the way for other drivers, for example?
Just making sure I do it right, that's all
Rule 1: Attend the briefing. They'll explain all the rules you have to follow.Ok it's been a few years since I've done a track day, and can't wait to get into the swing of things again.
What are the rules to follow; overtaking only on the left, that sort of thing? Do you have to indicate out the way for other drivers, for example?
Just making sure I do it right, that's all
Usually the rules are as above:
Overtake only on the left, overtake only on the straights and never under braking, overtake only with the indicated consent of the driver in front.
Use your mirrors. If someone is with you through two corners they are faster than you. If they are faster you should indicate right, pull over to the right of the track and LIFT OFF THE THROTTLE.
Having said this I advise you to lift off only enough to get that one car past - and then get the hammer back down. Some rude
is all too likely to take advantage of your momentary slowing to pass you - and they may well not be as fast as you - and that type NEVER pull over for you. So - just let the one car past, get back on the throttle, and see if the one behind follows you through the regulation two corners. If you get stuck in bad traffic just come into the pits for a minute or two and go back out into some clear space.
Don't let yourself get into a race with another car - its fab fun seeing who is fastest but the red mist comes down all too easily and you can end up doing something you, and possibly the other guy, will regret. If you start getting all "I WILL PASS THIS BLOODY CAR"? Straight back to the pits. It's the only way...
The one thing I failed on last month at Cadwell was not getting frustrated when held up. Instead of pulling back in to pits for five mins cos someone was holding me up, I waited and waited and when I eventually got the opportunity to pass him I stupidly went into the next corner too quick and spun out . . entirely my own fault!
kirsty-SC said:
The one thing I failed on last month at Cadwell was not getting frustrated when held up. Instead of pulling back in to pits for five mins cos someone was holding me up, I waited and waited and when I eventually got the opportunity to pass him I stupidly went into the next corner too quick and spun out . . entirely my own fault!
A lesson learned. That is what track says are for.Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff