Track day virgin
Discussion
I've read a few threads on this forum about getting into track days, and had some specific questions which hopefully you guys can help me out with!
- What kind of cars actually go? Would an M3 be out of place?
- Are there any track days down south (I'm in Berks) where you can get an instructor to jump in with you and pay them ad-hoc. How expensive is this?
- Is helmet hire included? Do they have lots of sizes - I have a big head!
- How much would a day's insurance be? I'm 24, no track experience, 6 yrs NCB on the road if that helps.
- What kind of cars actually go? Would an M3 be out of place?
- Are there any track days down south (I'm in Berks) where you can get an instructor to jump in with you and pay them ad-hoc. How expensive is this?
- Is helmet hire included? Do they have lots of sizes - I have a big head!
- How much would a day's insurance be? I'm 24, no track experience, 6 yrs NCB on the road if that helps.
- What kind of cars actually go? Would an M3 be out of place?
It'll fit in nicely, sir. Alsorts go. Ms not uncommon, even saw one of those estate thingumy ones. If you go for an open pit lane day, you can do as much or little time as you want. You'll need to keep the sessions fairly short in a road focussed car as brakes, tyres etc need to cool.
- Are there any track days down south (I'm in Berks) where you can get an instructor to jump in with you and pay them ad-hoc. How expensive is this?
See bookatrack.com (so as to not promote favouratism, also look at easytrack.com or gold track and many of the other linkies around this forum) for examples. You'll want an airfield day first, as there are less things to hit and more space to play with. I went to Bedford with bookatrack recently, all very relaxed, ideal for first timers. They have instructors for ad-hoc lapping instructions at reasonable prices.
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It'll fit in nicely, sir. Alsorts go. Ms not uncommon, even saw one of those estate thingumy ones. If you go for an open pit lane day, you can do as much or little time as you want. You'll need to keep the sessions fairly short in a road focussed car as brakes, tyres etc need to cool.
- Are there any track days down south (I'm in Berks) where you can get an instructor to jump in with you and pay them ad-hoc. How expensive is this?
See bookatrack.com (so as to not promote favouratism, also look at easytrack.com or gold track and many of the other linkies around this forum) for examples. You'll want an airfield day first, as there are less things to hit and more space to play with. I went to Bedford with bookatrack recently, all very relaxed, ideal for first timers. They have instructors for ad-hoc lapping instructions at reasonable prices.
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I went on track (in my own car) for the first time last year and I got my insurance through Competition Cars and paid about 75 quid. However, had I stuck with my previous insurers, which was arranged through our owners club, I would have got 5 track sessions included 
. I guess you need to shop around. I went on track earlier this year and didn't even bother with insurance, but part of that was knowning who I was going to be on track with.
I'm sure that when I was at Donington last year there were instructors available to sit in with you - possibly for a small fee but I can't remember. But if you go with a car club there's usually someone about who's more experienced at track days and would sit in with you - that's what I've done.
To be honest, go on track and have fun, don't act like a dick and try and beat everyone, go at your own pace until you're comfortable with the track and the car's handling, then you'll be fine.
As for tracks, not too far away there's Goodwood, Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Castle Coombe and Thruxton.
. I guess you need to shop around. I went on track earlier this year and didn't even bother with insurance, but part of that was knowning who I was going to be on track with.I'm sure that when I was at Donington last year there were instructors available to sit in with you - possibly for a small fee but I can't remember. But if you go with a car club there's usually someone about who's more experienced at track days and would sit in with you - that's what I've done.
To be honest, go on track and have fun, don't act like a dick and try and beat everyone, go at your own pace until you're comfortable with the track and the car's handling, then you'll be fine.
As for tracks, not too far away there's Goodwood, Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Castle Coombe and Thruxton.
Hi Ed
All sorts of stuff turns up. I have seen Cavalier SRis, Dolly Sptints, tons of 205s, 535i BMs, even a Metro GTA, as well as the usual Caterfields, Elises, etc. M3 will fit in just fine, and probably be quite quick, whatever generation.
Most organisers will hire out helmets, but you can buy a decent enough one for £100 and it will mean a) that it fits properly and b) that you aren't cosying up to someone else's sweat and nits.
There are some good airfield days in Wiltsire/Oxfordshire organised by www.motorsport-events.com. Well run days, good value, and loads of run-off so good for a first timer. They also provide instruction if you like. And they do hire helmets.
Good luck
All sorts of stuff turns up. I have seen Cavalier SRis, Dolly Sptints, tons of 205s, 535i BMs, even a Metro GTA, as well as the usual Caterfields, Elises, etc. M3 will fit in just fine, and probably be quite quick, whatever generation.
Most organisers will hire out helmets, but you can buy a decent enough one for £100 and it will mean a) that it fits properly and b) that you aren't cosying up to someone else's sweat and nits.
There are some good airfield days in Wiltsire/Oxfordshire organised by www.motorsport-events.com. Well run days, good value, and loads of run-off so good for a first timer. They also provide instruction if you like. And they do hire helmets.
Good luck
Hi Ed,
I'd buy my own lid if I were you, good ones can be had for as low as £50. You can say it might not be as good ass a £100 one, but certainly better than a £100 one that's probably been knocked about, may not fit properly. I believe some track day organisers hire lids out, but there's not many. As a rule, I'd say they expect you to bring your own.
As far as what cars go, I've just come back from Cadwell Park, I'd think there were 3 M3s (2xe30, 1xe46) my fisher fury kit car, one caterham, onelocost, a boxster, pug 205, astra, golfmk2, elise, lancia, etc. so your car will not look out of place provided it is: a car.
Be curteous, if someone is faster than you, let them past, and if you're faster than someone, generally they will invite you past with either an indicator or a wave.
GO AT YOUR OWN PACE. You will not enjoy yourself if you stack it in he first lap. Give your tyres and brakes time to warm up too. as you're probably unfamiliar with the circuit, this will usefully coincide with you taking it easy for the first few laps to learn the track. a warm-down lap is a good idea.
I'd recommend an open lane track day as you can go in and out as you please. Sessioned ones have their advantages too.
I'd buy my own lid if I were you, good ones can be had for as low as £50. You can say it might not be as good ass a £100 one, but certainly better than a £100 one that's probably been knocked about, may not fit properly. I believe some track day organisers hire lids out, but there's not many. As a rule, I'd say they expect you to bring your own.
As far as what cars go, I've just come back from Cadwell Park, I'd think there were 3 M3s (2xe30, 1xe46) my fisher fury kit car, one caterham, onelocost, a boxster, pug 205, astra, golfmk2, elise, lancia, etc. so your car will not look out of place provided it is: a car.
Be curteous, if someone is faster than you, let them past, and if you're faster than someone, generally they will invite you past with either an indicator or a wave.
GO AT YOUR OWN PACE. You will not enjoy yourself if you stack it in he first lap. Give your tyres and brakes time to warm up too. as you're probably unfamiliar with the circuit, this will usefully coincide with you taking it easy for the first few laps to learn the track. a warm-down lap is a good idea.
I'd recommend an open lane track day as you can go in and out as you please. Sessioned ones have their advantages too.
Thanks for all the feedback guys, good to know. So core advice seems to be:
- Have an airfield day to start off with
- Buy a helmet
I've had a look on a few of the URLs mentioned and can't see any Bedford track days soon? Where else is an airfield (or massive run off) that's not a zillion miles from Berks? I want something sooner rather than later!
- Have an airfield day to start off with
- Buy a helmet
I've had a look on a few of the URLs mentioned and can't see any Bedford track days soon? Where else is an airfield (or massive run off) that's not a zillion miles from Berks? I want something sooner rather than later!
edb49 said:
Thanks for all the feedback guys, good to know. So core advice seems to be:
- Have an airfield day to start off with
- Buy a helmet
I've had a look on a few of the URLs mentioned and can't see any Bedford track days soon? Where else is an airfield (or massive run off) that's not a zillion miles from Berks? I want something sooner rather than later!
http://www.bedfordautodrome.com/- Have an airfield day to start off with
- Buy a helmet
I've had a look on a few of the URLs mentioned and can't see any Bedford track days soon? Where else is an airfield (or massive run off) that's not a zillion miles from Berks? I want something sooner rather than later!
and www.motorsportvision.co.uk
My only 2 trackdays were with MSV (snetterton and cadwell) and I've had no problems, even let the non-gazebo'd open-toppers (me and a caterham) stay in the dry in the scrutineering bay.
http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/trackdays/event-...
I'm busy on 15th Dec so this looks like the first suitable one for me.
With helmets, I remember there's all sorts of standards and FIA approvals. Will a cheapo £50 let me get into any trackday? Ideally I'd like to go somewhere and try a few on, but I've got no idea where there are motorsport shops.
I'm busy on 15th Dec so this looks like the first suitable one for me.
With helmets, I remember there's all sorts of standards and FIA approvals. Will a cheapo £50 let me get into any trackday? Ideally I'd like to go somewhere and try a few on, but I've got no idea where there are motorsport shops.
I've done Brands a couple of times with MSV. Very thorough and well organised novice track days. Helmet hire included. £20 extra for 20 mins with an instructor in the car with you - but definitely worth doing on your first time out.You probably won't get much over 100 mph even on the pit 'straight' but it'll feel alot faster on some of the corners!
Helmet-wise, as far as my understanding goes:
to take a bike on a trackday, you need an ACU gold-sticker helmet. I'm pretty sure you can get one for about £70 upwards
To RACE a car you need an FIA approved lid, starting at about £200 (I've got a Sparco for the track, but a regular ACU for when I'm on me motorbike on the road; I don't track the bike)
For a trackday in a car you need a BS green or blue stickered lid. this is basicaly any helmet you buy in britain that's not fell of the back of a lory from the eastern block.
so your scales are:
HTH
to take a bike on a trackday, you need an ACU gold-sticker helmet. I'm pretty sure you can get one for about £70 upwards
To RACE a car you need an FIA approved lid, starting at about £200 (I've got a Sparco for the track, but a regular ACU for when I'm on me motorbike on the road; I don't track the bike)
For a trackday in a car you need a BS green or blue stickered lid. this is basicaly any helmet you buy in britain that's not fell of the back of a lory from the eastern block.
so your scales are:
- Standard bike helmet, up to £60
- ACU bike helmet £50 upwards -this would be my option in your case, FIA regs mean I need the expensive one or I can't race
- FIA approved/red BS sticker
HTH
Crofty, I've recently bought a Fury Fireblade and want to get it on the track in the new year, reading MSV's Ts&Cs it states open top cars and drivers of open top cars require:
A neighbour of mine has lots of experience at Brands, so I was hoping to do a novice track day there first with him along as a passenger/extra driver.
- Drivers of open top and single-seater cars must at all times whilst on-circuit, wear gloves and a full-face crash helmet which complies with the current BSI, MSA/FIA standards.
- Open top cars will only be permitted when fitted with a full MSA/FIA approved roll safety device, or other road homologated roll over safety device. Road homologated vehicles which do not have the above by virtue of their manufactured date, but which are still in standard road homologated specification are also permitted.
A neighbour of mine has lots of experience at Brands, so I was hoping to do a novice track day there first with him along as a passenger/extra driver.
Buy a copy of Art Markus' Track Day Driver's Guide and read it. Amazon is your friend.
It will tell you everything you could possibly want to know to enjoy taking up track days.
As said by others:
1) Buy a helmet. Full face is more flexible but not as nice to wear in a closed car. I have one of each!
2) Most organisers have instructors available - £20 to £40 for a session (more for someone like Calum Lockie). In twenty minutes they will give you enough "homework" to keep you busy practicing for the rest of the day.
3) Good organisers I have used are Bookatrack and Goldtrack. I can recommend both, although I do most days with the Porsche Club (same thing but with Porschey friends as it were).
4) Circuits near(ish) Berkshire are
Silverstone - Oxfordshire
Brands Hatch - Kent
Castle Combe - Wiltshire
Thruxton - Hampshire
Further afield but so worth it is Donington. Haven't got further north, myself, but they tell me Oulton Park and Croft are good too. Anglesey is too blimmin' far for southerners but if combined with a weekend away (my old Mum lives up there) is scenic and fun.
It will tell you everything you could possibly want to know to enjoy taking up track days.
As said by others:
1) Buy a helmet. Full face is more flexible but not as nice to wear in a closed car. I have one of each!
2) Most organisers have instructors available - £20 to £40 for a session (more for someone like Calum Lockie). In twenty minutes they will give you enough "homework" to keep you busy practicing for the rest of the day.
3) Good organisers I have used are Bookatrack and Goldtrack. I can recommend both, although I do most days with the Porsche Club (same thing but with Porschey friends as it were).
4) Circuits near(ish) Berkshire are
Silverstone - Oxfordshire
Brands Hatch - Kent
Castle Combe - Wiltshire
Thruxton - Hampshire
Further afield but so worth it is Donington. Haven't got further north, myself, but they tell me Oulton Park and Croft are good too. Anglesey is too blimmin' far for southerners but if combined with a weekend away (my old Mum lives up there) is scenic and fun.
hugh_ said:
Crofty, I've recently bought a Fury Fireblade and want to get it on the track in the new year, reading MSV's Ts&Cs it states open top cars and drivers of open top cars require:
A neighbour of mine has lots of experience at Brands, so I was hoping to do a novice track day there first with him along as a passenger/extra driver.
You're best off checking with MSV, I don't want you turning up and getting sent home for the sake of misinformation, but I'd say, yes, the helmet is fine, the ACU sticker should be in addition to the BSI, so there should be no problem there. Both times I've been with MSV there's never been a "helmet-check" - Drivers of open top and single-seater cars must at all times whilst on-circuit, wear gloves and a full-face crash helmet which complies with the current BSI, MSA/FIA standards.
- Open top cars will only be permitted when fitted with a full MSA/FIA approved roll safety device, or other road homologated roll over safety device. Road homologated vehicles which do not have the above by virtue of their manufactured date, but which are still in standard road homologated specification are also permitted.
A neighbour of mine has lots of experience at Brands, so I was hoping to do a novice track day there first with him along as a passenger/extra driver.
.The roll cage should be fine. If it's ever been on the road, it's probably had to pass an SVA safety test, if it's ever been raced, it'll have had to pass FIA guidelines. looks fine in the pic. I would check though as it's not a full cage, but it certainly is a "roll over safety device".
LAstly (and sprobably most important) Fireblade engined fury, eh? just like mine, which would make it eligible to race in RGB (class C) with the 750 motor club. When are you lining up on the grid with us??
Hi Ed,
M3 is a good car and there are lots on track days.
Insurance for an airfield is not really necessary.
Tracks near you are Colerne Airfield, Hullavingdon Airfield, Keevil Airfield, Caslte Combe, Abingdon Airfield, Silverstone, Bedford and Dunsfold Airfield (top gear test track).
Send me an e-mail and I will forward you my track day spread sheet, which lists all of the track days in the UK and Europe.
M3 is a good car and there are lots on track days.
Insurance for an airfield is not really necessary.
Tracks near you are Colerne Airfield, Hullavingdon Airfield, Keevil Airfield, Caslte Combe, Abingdon Airfield, Silverstone, Bedford and Dunsfold Airfield (top gear test track).
Send me an e-mail and I will forward you my track day spread sheet, which lists all of the track days in the UK and Europe.
crofty1984 said:
LAstly (and sprobably most important) Fireblade engined fury, eh? just like mine, which would make it eligible to race in RGB (class C) with the 750 motor club. When are you lining up on the grid with us??
Thanks for the advice, I'll speak to MSV.With regard to RGB, I'm off to Canada for 6months in April with work which prevents next season, but it also means that hopefully I wont have spent too much money, so may have some spare cash which I suppose could go towards a trailer, full cage and the cost of the events/series. Excluding car prep. prior to a series, how much does it normally cost in entry and running costs providing nothing goes to tits up!?
Edited by hugh_ on Tuesday 4th December 20:36
hugh_ said:
crofty1984 said:
LAstly (and sprobably most important) Fireblade engined fury, eh? just like mine, which would make it eligible to race in RGB (class C) with the 750 motor club. When are you lining up on the grid with us??
Thanks for the advice, I'll speak to MSV.With regard to RGB, I'm off to Canada for 6months in April with work which prevents next season, but it also means that hopefully I wont have spent too much money, so may have some spare cash which I suppose could go towards a trailer, full cage and the cost of the events/series. Excluding car prep. prior to a series, how much does it normally cost in entry and running costs providing nothing goes to tits up!?
Edited by hugh_ on Tuesday 4th December 20:36
I'd say, licence and club membership/championship entry fee will be £500 ish total, My kit (helmet, gloves, boots, race suit, nomex undies, neckbrace, etc) was £700, but I know you can get it cheaper. entry fees per race are roughly 150-250 depending on length of race/course/wether it's a double header. Good second hand trailer £500 ish I couldn't tell you about a cage price. as I understand it what you have is acceptable, but obviously a full cage is much safer.
Car prep at a glance from road spec I'd guess at fitted fire extinguisher, rain light, proper six-point harness, transponder, some form of reverse if you don't already have one.. And take off what's not neccesary. This doesn't include lights/horn as the car in theory should be able to pass an MOT. ask the RGB guys on the forum at bikecars, they're very helpful. Dan
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