Track Day Newbie - A Couple of Questions.

[edx]

I am looking to get a couple of trackdays done in the Z4C, I have a couple of choices but can't decide which to go for.

I've never been on a track before so I was thinking about doing the novice day at Oulton Park on the 29/01/08, however I've discovered that the track time is sessioned into 20 minute slots, which after reading the other thread about sessioned vs open pit lane, has put me off after all the negative reaction to sessioned days.

However, would the sessioned format suit a complete newb as myself? I dont want to be getting in the way of more seasoned trackdayers whilst I get to grips with the circuit, but I also dont want the scenario to be that I just get in the groove then be called in.

The quandry arises that there is an open pit lane day at Oulton on the day after the novice day, I'm guessing I'd get more track time on the open pit lane day, but would it be more sensible to start things off with the sessioned day?

Which one should I go for?

[gtdc]

If it's a novice day at Oulton Park and everyone is a novice why does it need to be sessioned?

Melindi
www.goldtrack.co.uk

[edx]

gtdc said:

If it's a novice day at Oulton Park and everyone is a novice why does it need to be sessioned?

Melindi
www.goldtrack.co.uk

I've no idea?

It's abit puzzling?

[gtdc]

Ask them.

Melindi
www.goldtrack.co.uk

[edx]

gtdc said:

Ask them.

Melindi
www.goldtrack.co.uk

Gave them a call, a couple of reasons:

a) To give drivers new to circuit regular breaks to prevent wearing themselves (and their cars) out.

b) To offer (free) tuition/classroom sessions with instructors in the 40 min break periods.

Their advice on the phone was for me to do this one as I've never been on the track before.

What do we think?

[tobster]

I did a novice track day @ Snetterton on the 19th and it was open session after the drivers briefing.

I guess it's all down to who is organising the day but I'm sure people are intelligent enough to know that 20 mins of track time is enough for a road cars brakes and would take a 10 - 15 minute break every so often.


My track day had at most 6 cars on the track at any time !!

[boxsey]

If they are a good trackday company (you don't say who it is) they will watch how the day goes and could even change to open pit lane later in the day if everyone is getting on well.

Since it's Oulton, I would recommend the novice day as your best bet. It's a bit narrow and blind in places so it could be a bit daunting with fast track dayers buzzing around you on the alternative OPL day that you mention.

p.s. you'll love Oulton, it's a fantastic circuit.

[WEREWOLF]

edx
I would go for OPL.99% of drivers are fine there`s always one numpty at a trackday and you`ll soon see who it is.If your slow who cares.Just use a little common sense and you will be ok. Booking a session with an instructor would be a good idea.
I may try to book this one myself and your welcome to have a pax ride to get to know the circuit if you want.

[shim]

even though session days seem to be not the favourite flavour at the moment they do suit beginners and as its a novice day as well, get it booked!!!

if you were at bedford i would say it would matter less as the is a bit more ability to avoid barriers etc should it go a bit wrong.

get on that phone and tell us how it turns out"

[iguana]

The other thread is a tad misleading, its all experienced trackdayers saying they prefer open pit, I do too by a long long margin, but I've been at this a good few yrs, for a 1st timer I really don't agree with open pit, you have enough to take in & are nervous enough about keeping it on the black stuff without always looking in yr mirrors, my mates missis stuffed the car doing exactly this.

Sessioned day, novice group is perfect in this instance, a nice quiet open pit day can be too, but when its busy & racers & seasoned trackdayers in quick stuff on track with wobbly novices is not a good or safe environment for either IMHO.

[phatgixer]

Novice day sounds perfect.

Oulton is a marvellous venue, too.

[edx]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

I've booked myself onto the novice day.

Really looking forward to it, I used to go and spectate at Oulton as a young lad with my dad, back then I never imagined I'd drive it one day!!

[Crook]

edx said:

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

I've booked myself onto the novice day.

Really looking forward to it, I used to go and spectate at Oulton as a young lad with my dad, back then I never imagined I'd drive it one day!!

I did my first at Brands on a Novice sessioned day. It was a very good introduction. I found that as you are A. new and in small groups, you tend to talk more with the others and have a good experience, finding out about other's cars etc. and B. that you don't need to stay out for the whole session if you don't want to.

Also, Oulton is a great track.

Have an excellent day.