Novice Track Day?
Discussion
I'm going to the Brands Hatch Novice track evening on the 12th June in my Clio 197. I was just wondering what sort of cars normally turn up to these things and what the format's like?
I've read the details on MSV's website, but I was hoping someone might have been on one and are able to relay their experiences?
Thanks!
Chris
I've read the details on MSV's website, but I was hoping someone might have been on one and are able to relay their experiences?
Thanks!
Chris
Hi Chris
I did my first track day last month at Brands Hatch. It was the novice day split into sessions but as only 20 cars booked they changed it to a open pitlane and can say you will have a great day, I was worried about the standard of driving and can say it was a great deal better than I thought it would be and the day went without any problems.
On my day we had cars ranging from a Honda CRX to a E Class AMG63 Estate.
Just remember that if you see a car behind catching up let him past as it will put less pressure on you as you will be thinking where is he.
Nathan
I did my first track day last month at Brands Hatch. It was the novice day split into sessions but as only 20 cars booked they changed it to a open pitlane and can say you will have a great day, I was worried about the standard of driving and can say it was a great deal better than I thought it would be and the day went without any problems.
On my day we had cars ranging from a Honda CRX to a E Class AMG63 Estate.
Just remember that if you see a car behind catching up let him past as it will put less pressure on you as you will be thinking where is he.
Nathan
I have done 2 full day track days in my car (1 sessioned, 1 OPL) and 3 days on the Nurburgring in rented track cars. I had instruction on the day for all of these and would certainly recommend 1 or 2 sessions as it really is the only way that you will get to know what you don't know.
My other top tip is never to turn down the offer of a passenger lap with an experienced driver or the chance to have them come out with you. To get the maximum enjoyment out of the day - surround yourself with the knowledge of people who have more than you (in my case, just about everyone) and soak up as much as possible. Knowledge is indeed power, and many claim (I believe rightly) that knowledge can be worth 100hp on a track day.
Finally - keep an eye on your mirrors too. The least stressful way to drive is actually to sacrifice the straights to clear traffic if there are people behind you and focus on the twisty bits. This is especially important if you have a lot of power but don't know the circuit too well. Frustrating people trapped behind you is to invite unnecessary risk. To some this may seem counterintuitive, but I figure that if a wide open throttle in a straight line floats your boat then you would be going to Santa Pod rather than a track day
My other top tip is never to turn down the offer of a passenger lap with an experienced driver or the chance to have them come out with you. To get the maximum enjoyment out of the day - surround yourself with the knowledge of people who have more than you (in my case, just about everyone) and soak up as much as possible. Knowledge is indeed power, and many claim (I believe rightly) that knowledge can be worth 100hp on a track day.
Finally - keep an eye on your mirrors too. The least stressful way to drive is actually to sacrifice the straights to clear traffic if there are people behind you and focus on the twisty bits. This is especially important if you have a lot of power but don't know the circuit too well. Frustrating people trapped behind you is to invite unnecessary risk. To some this may seem counterintuitive, but I figure that if a wide open throttle in a straight line floats your boat then you would be going to Santa Pod rather than a track day
I went to one of the novice evenings at Brands a couple of months ago and can say that it was one of the most fun things I've done in my life 
We were in a 1.6 Peugeot 205 completely unmodified (other than taking the spare wheel out!) so was one of the slower cars there but it was still amazing fun! Just go out there and don't try be the next Lewis Hamilton. Take it easy and build up the speed as you get used to the track. Paddock Hill Bend really is tougher than it looks.
We were in a 1.6 Peugeot 205 completely unmodified (other than taking the spare wheel out!) so was one of the slower cars there but it was still amazing fun! Just go out there and don't try be the next Lewis Hamilton. Take it easy and build up the speed as you get used to the track. Paddock Hill Bend really is tougher than it looks.
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