Should I track my Diesel Auris?
Discussion
I've got a real urge for a Track Day.. But with University hopefully next year, alot of the money I make this year is going to it.. So I dont want to spend it all on a track car and then run it. I'm driving a 2.0L Toyota Auris (130bhp Diesel).. And i've thought about just tracking it?
What do you think, is it a good idea? Would it still be fun? I only put new tyres on it.. Would it destory them in a day session?
Could you take it on without doing any modifications at all.. Or is it wise to do a few; race fluid, pads etc?
What do you think, is it a good idea? Would it still be fun? I only put new tyres on it.. Would it destory them in a day session?
Could you take it on without doing any modifications at all.. Or is it wise to do a few; race fluid, pads etc?
I've seen many many standard 'ordinary' road cars on track days and i think it would still be a great day, you can learn a lot in any car.
As for upgrades if you just keep an eye on things and remember that it is a standard car and that brakes and tyres may over heat quicker than upgraded items i think you'll be fine.
As for the tyres if they are relatively high profile tyres you could end up scrubbing the edges off them in a day on track. Mostly comes down to your driving style though really.
As for upgrades if you just keep an eye on things and remember that it is a standard car and that brakes and tyres may over heat quicker than upgraded items i think you'll be fine.
As for the tyres if they are relatively high profile tyres you could end up scrubbing the edges off them in a day on track. Mostly comes down to your driving style though really.
If I took the car out as is? New tyres, and I think all the pads/discs are still fairly good.. What would I (if anything) be expecting to replace after the track day?
Trying to get an idea of the costs..
Do most allow additional drivers? And is it just a case of, drive into the pit, and switch over?
Trying to get an idea of the costs..
Do most allow additional drivers? And is it just a case of, drive into the pit, and switch over?
Some track day conmpanies allow second drivers FOC some charge, check when you book.
Open pit lane days are the best, get there early and get a garage if you can so you have somewhere to dump your stuff.
Brakes take a hammering, upgrade to decent fluid with a high boiling point, that is just a simple replacement process, fit new pads a couple of weeks before going on your day, you can always go back to older pads but the extra meat on new pads helps stop the heat building up in the calipers.
Tyres, standard road tyres will probably do upto 4 full track days from new to scrap, so take a look at yours and decide what to do with them.
When on the track do short stints to start off with to see how things are going like tyre wear and brake fade.
You will enjoy this like nothing else, as you learn the line and most of all how to be smooth you will get quicker, the speed comes from smoothness not aggresion, you will have a ball I am sure.
Open pit lane days are the best, get there early and get a garage if you can so you have somewhere to dump your stuff.
Brakes take a hammering, upgrade to decent fluid with a high boiling point, that is just a simple replacement process, fit new pads a couple of weeks before going on your day, you can always go back to older pads but the extra meat on new pads helps stop the heat building up in the calipers.
Tyres, standard road tyres will probably do upto 4 full track days from new to scrap, so take a look at yours and decide what to do with them.
When on the track do short stints to start off with to see how things are going like tyre wear and brake fade.
You will enjoy this like nothing else, as you learn the line and most of all how to be smooth you will get quicker, the speed comes from smoothness not aggresion, you will have a ball I am sure.
Definitely go for it! They ran 5 of them in the Toyota Sprint Series last year and the drivers seemed to have a laugh!
Adhere all of the advice above and if you have a few minutes and some space at the start of the track day, ditch the spare wheel, jack, rear seats, parcel shelf etc to save a few KG's. Every little helps!
Go have some fun mate!
Adhere all of the advice above and if you have a few minutes and some space at the start of the track day, ditch the spare wheel, jack, rear seats, parcel shelf etc to save a few KG's. Every little helps!
Go have some fun mate!
gruffalo said:
When on the track do short stints to start off with to see how things are going like tyre wear and brake fade.
You will enjoy this like nothing else, as you learn the line and most of all how to be smooth you will get quicker, the speed comes from smoothness not aggresion, you will have a ball I am sure.
Does the brake fade come from the pads or the fluid? Or a combination of both?You will enjoy this like nothing else, as you learn the line and most of all how to be smooth you will get quicker, the speed comes from smoothness not aggresion, you will have a ball I am sure.
There's a track day at the end of the month.. If I went, I wouldn't want to land at it and it turn out that the brakes etc aren't going to last.
So would pads/liquids be a good precaution? Any recommendations? If I went to it, I'd be driving about 2 hours to get to it..
Cheers for the advice guys, I really appreciate it!
For anyone who has been the slower car on the track, or has been on the track with a slower car.. Does it/they get annoying holding everything up?
Yup, go for it I say. Followed 3 squadies around Brands Indy in a diesel Vectra - they looked like they were having a right laugh.
Just drive to the capabilities of you and the car, it's not an endurance race.
If the car gets hot / tired after a while just pull in for a breather, or just drop the pace a bit.
But do watch brake fade though and if's a warm day you may find the tyres start to get a bit hot.
If it's sessioned you'll only be out for 20min stints and most modern road cars will cope with 15 mins hard driving without too much trouble. Just keep in tune with how the car is coping and you'll be absolutely fine.
Just drive to the capabilities of you and the car, it's not an endurance race.
If the car gets hot / tired after a while just pull in for a breather, or just drop the pace a bit.
But do watch brake fade though and if's a warm day you may find the tyres start to get a bit hot.
If it's sessioned you'll only be out for 20min stints and most modern road cars will cope with 15 mins hard driving without too much trouble. Just keep in tune with how the car is coping and you'll be absolutely fine.
gruffalo said:
Some track day conmpanies allow second drivers FOC some charge, check when you book.
Open pit lane days are the best, get there early and get a garage if you can so you have somewhere to dump your stuff.
Brakes take a hammering, upgrade to decent fluid with a high boiling point, that is just a simple replacement process, fit new pads a couple of weeks before going on your day, you can always go back to older pads but the extra meat on new pads helps stop the heat building up in the calipers.
Tyres, standard road tyres will probably do upto 4 full track days from new to scrap, so take a look at yours and decide what to do with them.
When on the track do short stints to start off with to see how things are going like tyre wear and brake fade.
You will enjoy this like nothing else, as you learn the line and most of all how to be smooth you will get quicker, the speed comes from smoothness not aggresion, you will have a ball I am sure.
Forgot to mention that one of the fastest cars at Mallory Park a couple of weeks back was a Fiat Panda 100HP, being driven by an instructor Mike Cooper, he was way quicker than the Nissan Z350 and loads of other stuff, he also wasn't posting lap times much slower than the R8.Open pit lane days are the best, get there early and get a garage if you can so you have somewhere to dump your stuff.
Brakes take a hammering, upgrade to decent fluid with a high boiling point, that is just a simple replacement process, fit new pads a couple of weeks before going on your day, you can always go back to older pads but the extra meat on new pads helps stop the heat building up in the calipers.
Tyres, standard road tyres will probably do upto 4 full track days from new to scrap, so take a look at yours and decide what to do with them.
When on the track do short stints to start off with to see how things are going like tyre wear and brake fade.
You will enjoy this like nothing else, as you learn the line and most of all how to be smooth you will get quicker, the speed comes from smoothness not aggresion, you will have a ball I am sure.
It's all about having fun and developing a smooth driving style.
Conor D said:
Does the brake fade come from the pads or the fluid? Or a combination of both?
Both, although technically its two different fade mechanisms.I'd just take the car completely standard - providing its in half decent mechanical condition - and just let it cool down every so often.
Some sort of 'new toy' syndrome often seems to hit people when they first consider going on track, convincing them that they absolutely need to rush out and buy braided hoses, high temperature fluid, sticky tyres and all manner of other bling accesories. It simply isn't true. Go forth and have fun.
GuinnessMK said:
Bear in mind that your normal insurance won't cover you on the track.
Even if you are behaving and driving within your limits, there may be some other idiot who isn't.
A newish Toyota Auris sounds expensive to fix if the worst comes to the worst.
Is it possible to get 'Track Day Insurance'? If someone binned it, would it be a case of everyone fix their own.. Or would it just be bad news altogether?Even if you are behaving and driving within your limits, there may be some other idiot who isn't.
A newish Toyota Auris sounds expensive to fix if the worst comes to the worst.
Conor D said:
I'm one step away from paying for the track day.. The only thing i'm worried about is being the slower car, and possibly holding people up/getting in peoples way? Being in a 2.0L Diesel, on the track with Supercars..?
Anyone care to reassure me that it'll be okay?
Look in your mirrors and you'll be OK. Anyone care to reassure me that it'll be okay?
Also, I've not seen that many supercars on track on the fre I've been on.
You could also look to find a 'novice' trackday. My first was a novice day at Brands. I thought it was good as everyone was learning together - great atmosphere as well as everyone is in the same boat.
Stick a couple of these on the back for laugh...
http://merlinmotorsport.co.uk/product_info.php?pro...
http://merlinmotorsport.co.uk/product_info.php?pro...
I've done 2 trackdays in Smart Roadsters, my first was 80bhp, 105bhp 2nd time. Both times I was the slowest car there. Staying out of the way was not an issue, just used my mirrors and indicators a lot. Kept my line on the corners and linked sections, moved over on the straights. Don't think I was too much of a problem for other participants and it didn't stop me enjoying myself 
Insurance is available but expensive. It's every man for himself, no 3rd party cover, so you just cover yourself. A no brainer if it's your daily driver I'd say?
Have fun!
Insurance is available but expensive. It's every man for himself, no 3rd party cover, so you just cover yourself. A no brainer if it's your daily driver I'd say?
Have fun!
EVERYONE starts out slow, whether they are in a 911 or a shopping trolley. IF the day is busy, you will spend a lot of time getting out of peoples way, but as long as you don't hold someone up for half a lap at a time you will be absolutely fine.
Keep a close eye on your mirrors, and be positive with your actions when letting people past. Trackdays only allow overtaking on the straights, and on one side only, so if you see someone behind you as you approach a corner, take your normal (predictable) line through the bend, and then indicate left (or right, depending on the rules on the day!) to clearly show the following driver that you have seen them and are letting them past. Really fast traffic may be going past you before you even know they are there, but they should still do so safely (eg between corners, not diving up the inside in braking zones or as you are turning in).
I was a slow driver in a slow car when I started out, I never got hassled or pressured by anyone to get out of the way, but I was pretty conscientious about reacting to faster cars promptly. Everyone is there to have fun, and get home with an intact car, so you will find 99.9% of drivers are very easy-going when it comes to slower cars on track. They were all in your shoes once upon a time.
Now I have done a few more days and invested in a quicker car, I have found that the real annoyance is when someone is only 5% slower than you, but refuses to ease off to let you get past safely. You will probably be far enough off the pace (like I was!) that you couldn't hold anyone up even if you tried
I hope that helps, and let us all know how you get on!
Keep a close eye on your mirrors, and be positive with your actions when letting people past. Trackdays only allow overtaking on the straights, and on one side only, so if you see someone behind you as you approach a corner, take your normal (predictable) line through the bend, and then indicate left (or right, depending on the rules on the day!) to clearly show the following driver that you have seen them and are letting them past. Really fast traffic may be going past you before you even know they are there, but they should still do so safely (eg between corners, not diving up the inside in braking zones or as you are turning in).
I was a slow driver in a slow car when I started out, I never got hassled or pressured by anyone to get out of the way, but I was pretty conscientious about reacting to faster cars promptly. Everyone is there to have fun, and get home with an intact car, so you will find 99.9% of drivers are very easy-going when it comes to slower cars on track. They were all in your shoes once upon a time.
Now I have done a few more days and invested in a quicker car, I have found that the real annoyance is when someone is only 5% slower than you, but refuses to ease off to let you get past safely. You will probably be far enough off the pace (like I was!) that you couldn't hold anyone up even if you tried
I hope that helps, and let us all know how you get on!
moribund said:
Insurance is available but expensive. It's every man for himself, no 3rd party cover, so you just cover yourself. A no brainer if it's your daily driver I'd say?
Have fun!
I've requested a couple of quotes, I'd imagine I wont get a response tonight though. When you say expensive, do you mean less than £100? Or well above that?Have fun!
The Car's valued at about £7500-8000, and is group 6 insurance...
aww999 said:
EVERYONE starts out slow, whether they are in a 911 or a shopping trolley. IF the day is busy, you will spend a lot of time getting out of peoples way, but as long as you don't hold someone up for half a lap at a time you will be absolutely fine.
Keep a close eye on your mirrors, and be positive with your actions when letting people past. Trackdays only allow overtaking on the straights, and on one side only, so if you see someone behind you as you approach a corner, take your normal (predictable) line through the bend, and then indicate left (or right, depending on the rules on the day!) to clearly show the following driver that you have seen them and are letting them past. Really fast traffic may be going past you before you even know they are there, but they should still do so safely (eg between corners, not diving up the inside in braking zones or as you are turning in).
I was a slow driver in a slow car when I started out, I never got hassled or pressured by anyone to get out of the way, but I was pretty conscientious about reacting to faster cars promptly. Everyone is there to have fun, and get home with an intact car, so you will find 99.9% of drivers are very easy-going when it comes to slower cars on track. They were all in your shoes once upon a time.
Now I have done a few more days and invested in a quicker car, I have found that the real annoyance is when someone is only 5% slower than you, but refuses to ease off to let you get past safely. You will probably be far enough off the pace (like I was!) that you couldn't hold anyone up even if you tried
I hope that helps, and let us all know how you get on!
Thanks for that! That's what I wanted to hear! Keep a close eye on your mirrors, and be positive with your actions when letting people past. Trackdays only allow overtaking on the straights, and on one side only, so if you see someone behind you as you approach a corner, take your normal (predictable) line through the bend, and then indicate left (or right, depending on the rules on the day!) to clearly show the following driver that you have seen them and are letting them past. Really fast traffic may be going past you before you even know they are there, but they should still do so safely (eg between corners, not diving up the inside in braking zones or as you are turning in).
I was a slow driver in a slow car when I started out, I never got hassled or pressured by anyone to get out of the way, but I was pretty conscientious about reacting to faster cars promptly. Everyone is there to have fun, and get home with an intact car, so you will find 99.9% of drivers are very easy-going when it comes to slower cars on track. They were all in your shoes once upon a time.
Now I have done a few more days and invested in a quicker car, I have found that the real annoyance is when someone is only 5% slower than you, but refuses to ease off to let you get past safely. You will probably be far enough off the pace (like I was!) that you couldn't hold anyone up even if you tried
I hope that helps, and let us all know how you get on!
Just another question for anyone who's done a few track days.. Insurance? Is it advisable, have you ever had to make use of it?
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