The 'Ring - What to take ?
Discussion
Off to the 'ring this weekend. Pretty experienced trackdayer, I would normally turn up at UK days with spare wheels (R Compounds) etc. Given that this is my first trip to the ring and that it will probably be a busy weekend I am torn between taking the track wheels/tyres or not. Reasons behind this are that 1. I really need to use this more like a recce, so taking it easy is top of the agenda. 2. If I swap wheels then I have to leave my others some where, just plonking them + tools etc in the paddock with lots of people milling around doesn't sound like a very good idea. What's the consenus ?
Additionally, obviously in the UK you have to wear a helmet, on the ring, as far as I can tell you don't. Again, Helmet or not.
TIA
Additionally, obviously in the UK you have to wear a helmet, on the ring, as far as I can tell you don't. Again, Helmet or not.
TIA
RLK500 said:
Off to the 'ring this weekend. Pretty experienced trackdayer, I would normally turn up at UK days with spare wheels (R Compounds) etc. Given that this is my first trip to the ring and that it will probably be a busy weekend I am torn between taking the track wheels/tyres or not. Reasons behind this are that 1. I really need to use this more like a recce, so taking it easy is top of the agenda. 2. If I swap wheels then I have to leave my others some where, just plonking them + tools etc in the paddock with lots of people milling around doesn't sound like a very good idea. What's the consenus ?
Additionally, obviously in the UK you have to wear a helmet, on the ring, as far as I can tell you don't. Again, Helmet or not.
TIA
Helmet yes, track wheels no.Additionally, obviously in the UK you have to wear a helmet, on the ring, as far as I can tell you don't. Again, Helmet or not.
TIA
Forget the track wheels, not worth the aggro when you haven't even learnt where the track goes. Just relax and have some fun getting to know the place.
I sometimes leave stuff in the carpark, it seems to be far less of a problem than you'd think but I still wouldn't leave anything too valuable, good toolset etc.
Helmets are not manditory but I'd strongly advise using one. When you consider all the muppets you're out there with, the tricky nature of the track, & the closeness of the armco everywhere you've got twice the reason a short cct has.
Since German road law applies on track you're supposed to have
Hi vis vest
Spare blub kit
Warning triangle
Medkit.
The high vis vest is very handy as a makeshift yellow flag if you need to deal with an accident scene.
A lot of the people on track are not experienced trackday goers so be very careful with the overtakes. Some won't realise you're there even after a few miles on their bumper. Careful around the bikes as their lines are different (broader). Don't try overtaking them in braking zones as they'll often surprise you by turning in far earlier than you'd expect from a car.
Overtake only on the left. Yield to the right. (if you don't you could end up on the wrong end of legal & insurance processes).
fergus said:
consider a small hand held fire extinguisher for emergencies as well. Proving not to be overkill as I found out recently. Pet topic at the moment as well!
A powder one at that, but remember the small, 1kg ones only last bout 6-8 seconds before they're spent. Even a 4kg one only last about 15 seconds (it just comes out faster).A 4kg one will have to be strapped into the car somewhere safe, as you wouldn't want that rolling around in a accident. A 4kg will also not be 4x the price of a 1kg one (probably less than double the price).
I've got a BMW extinguisher attached to the driver's seat and a 4kg one in the boot.
An easy way to test that a powder extinguisher* is still working is to hold the bottle up against your ear and turn it upside-down. If you can hear the powder falling (sounds like waves on a beach) then it's okay. If it's silent then you can give it a thump to see if it release the powder. If after a couple of thumps it still doesn't work then dump it.
If you do need to use it, try to stay upwind of both the powder and the fire. Firstly because the wind will mean you can stay further away from the flames while still getting the powder onto them, secondly as it means you won't be getting flames in your face, and thirdly because if you inhale the powder you are likely to end up with the runs.
* there are two types: one that is at pressure all the time, and one where you have to discharge the gas cartridge wait a second or two and then press the trigger.
mmm-five said:
fergus said:
consider a small hand held fire extinguisher for emergencies as well. Proving not to be overkill as I found out recently. Pet topic at the moment as well!
A powder one at that, but remember the small, 1kg ones only last bout 6-8 seconds before they're spent. Even a 4kg one only last about 15 seconds (it just comes out faster).A 4kg one will have to be strapped into the car somewhere safe, as you wouldn't want that rolling around in a accident. A 4kg will also not be 4x the price of a 1kg one (probably less than double the price).
I've got a BMW extinguisher attached to the driver's seat and a 4kg one in the boot.
An easy way to test that a powder extinguisher* is still working is to hold the bottle up against your ear and turn it upside-down. If you can hear the powder falling (sounds like waves on a beach) then it's okay. If it's silent then you can give it a thump to see if it release the powder. If after a couple of thumps it still doesn't work then dump it.
If you do need to use it, try to stay upwind of both the powder and the fire. Firstly because the wind will mean you can stay further away from the flames while still getting the powder onto them, secondly as it means you won't be getting flames in your face, and thirdly because if you inhale the powder you are likely to end up with the runs.
* there are two types: one that is at pressure all the time, and one where you have to discharge the gas cartridge wait a second or two and then press the trigger.
My plumbed in 2.25l SpA electrical one failed to activate...... As has been said above, make sure whatever you have is in servicable condition, otherwise you may as well just carry a flask in the car (and a tartan wool blanket to complete the effect)...
Anything is better than nothing, evn if you only get 10 secs worth of time, it could save your life. If the car goes up once you're out of it, then so be it....
Oh yes, if going for the first time, don't forget to pack your testicles, as you'll need them...
Edited by fergus on Thursday 24th July 14:04
For me: helmet (with dark visor or take sunglasses too); gloves; high visibility jacket; yellow flag; fire extinguisher; first aid kit; belt cutter and ADAC card. To comply with various country's laws youll also need a warning triange and a bulb kit. I always take an extinguisher thatll fight a fire, rather than one thatll simply pacify a German policeman.
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