Advice for track day newbie please

[StratosGirl]

Hi there!

I'm going on my very first track day next month and I'm hoping for some advice - please be kind!
I've done some reading up but there are still things to organise that I am unsure about.
It's at Castle Combe and I'm taking an instructor with me so that's all sorted but...

First of all, the car: Alfa 146
It's in good shape, just had all new shocks, service, new front discs and new pads all round but am I likely to get through a full set of tyres?
It's currently wearing 9 month old Michelins with loads of tread left but I've heard some horror stories about people wearing them down to the canvas.
Is there somewhere at Castle Combe or near by to get new ones should they get too worn to drive home?

Track Day Insurance - I know I should get some but not sure what exactly the insurance covers! The websites seem to be a bit vague about that.

I am expecting to take:

open face helmet (already purchased)
extra oil
spare full fuel can (if there is anywhere to store it while on track)
mot certificate
track day insurance cover note
extra water for car
tape to cover up lights - anyone know if Castle Combe requires this?

Is there anything else that I need/should be aware of? Any info gratefully received!

[tertius]

StratosGirl said:

Hi there!

I'm going on my very first track day next month and I'm hoping for some advice - please be kind!
I've done some reading up but there are still things to organise that I am unsure about.
It's at Castle Combe and I'm taking an instructor with me so that's all sorted but...

First of all, the car: Alfa 146
It's in good shape, just had all new shocks, service, new front discs and new pads all round but am I likely to get through a full set of tyres?
It's currently wearing 9 month old Michelins with loads of tread left but I've heard some horror stories about people wearing them down to the canvas.
Is there somewhere at Castle Combe or near by to get new ones should they get too worn to drive home?

Track Day Insurance - I know I should get some but not sure what exactly the insurance covers! The websites seem to be a bit vague about that.

I am expecting to take:

open face helmet (already purchased)
extra oil
spare full fuel can (if there is anywhere to store it while on track)
mot certificate
track day insurance cover note
extra water for car
tape to cover up lights - anyone know if Castle Combe requires this?

Is there anything else that I need/should be aware of? Any info gratefully received!

You sound as though you are pretty well prepared to be honest.

Castle Combe is unusual in that it is the only UK circuit (as far as I know) that requires over-taking on the right only on track days. Most circuits overtake on the left only.

From what you say you have a dedicated instructor for the whole day?

As a circuit it is fairly intimidating, although flat and apparently quite simple, it is quite a technical circuit, very bumpy and very fast - take it easy in your first few sessions and listen to your instructor.

There are no pit garages at Combe, but most people seem to commandeer a section of the parking area and use that as their base for the day. There is a fuel station not far away, so no real worries on fuel.

You should be fine on tyres, but do check pressures and wear after every session. You will probably find your tyre pressures rise and you need to let air out as they get hot. I don't know your car but a reasonable rule of thumb seems to be to run tyres on track at hot pressures that are the same as the manufacturer recommended cold pressures. At the end of the day remember to pump them back up again. So take a tyre pressure gauge so you can check the pressures.

Track day insurance will cover damage to your own car in the vent of an accident it won't (typically) cover a mechanical failure, or third party damage.

Overall drive at your own pace, watch your mirrors and keep left out of the way of faster cars (so they pass on the right). Don't feel intimidated to drive faster than you want or be forced out of the way before you are ready. Overtaking will be by consent on the straights only. You have paid the same as everyone else its your day as much as theirs.

Finally, HAVE FUN!

[Cavey]

I've never been asked to show an MOT cetrtificate at Combe.

As for insurance, the deal with all track days and motorsport is that you pay for your own car's damage, however it is caused. As a result, insurance cover is only to protect your car. Some companies will cover track day use, but it can be expensive and my impression is that most people don't bother.

Who is organising the day? Most track days are very well regulated, so you are unlikely to get pranged by something else. However, as mentioned above Combe needs a deal of respect because the run off areas are very limited. That said, if you've got instruction for the day I think you'll be fine.

Sure you won't enjoy it at all

[7 Sevens]

You haven't mentioned your driving licence... take both parts.

As others have said you seem to have everything else covered. Try to limit your track time to 20min sessions, then allow a bit of time for you and car to cool down. Make sure you don't use the handbrake and if the cooling fan only works on the ignition remember to leave it running a bit.

Make sure all lose items are out of the car, torque the wheel nuts and check fluid levels through the day.

If you have a mechanical problem find a safe place to pull off. If you have a spin and can restart don't be afraid to. I say that as I was at a session where a new driver wasn't sure if they could rejoin so sat there brining out the red flags.

Have fun.

[Dakkon]

Until you get used to the track and which corner goes where, take it easy as you go over Avon Rise and the left-hander into the tight right of Quarry.

Go in too hot and the car will go light as you crest Avon Rise and you will run out of braking area to slow sufficiently for Quarry.

But if you have an instructor he should be pointing out the key corners, correct lines, braking points etc etc.

[StratosGirl]

Thanks for all the advice!

I will remember to take a tyre pressure gauge and driving licence paper part.

Yes, I'm hiring Chris Snowdon to be my instructor for the whole day!
We decided on Combe because it seems to be one of the more interesting tracks. Well, if you're going to bother
I booked the day directly though the Castle Combe website.
The plan is to try and push the car a little bit, improve my driving skills and have some fun.

[gruffalo]

Just one thing, while the Alfa will be great on the track I am sure and defo more sensible than using the Napier Sport I am not sure I could have resisted the temptation to pass up the opportunity to take that out for a spanking ;-)

[Mrs Muttleysnoop]

Remember to drink plenty of water during the day.

[StratosGirl]

The only problem with the Napier Sport is that I am only just tall enough to reach the pedals and the seats aren't adjustable! It's ok for burbling around but for track use I need new seats really. I do love that car though.

Weather forecast is looking good. Got my tracking done last week. All set I think! I will remember to take lots of water, for me and the Alfa

[anonymous-user]

there are loads of videos on youtube from the combe saloon car races. its worth watching a few just to get a feel for the circuit. obviously an instructor like chris knows his way around combe and will get you on the right lines within a few laps but it will help you get a bit of a head start.

[StratosGirl]

Cheers, I'll take a look. I've also bought the TOCA game that has the Combe circuit to get some idea of where the corners are...

[StratosGirl]

Thank you!

I looked at track day insurance (including Moris) and came to the conclusion that it's not worth it.
The excess is the same value as the car!

If it does break then I'll have to replace it with a 147 GTA. Shame.

[Zed Ed]

go at your own pace
identify the (usually very small number of) idiots early on and stay away from them on track
brake in a straight line
follow the overtaking rules, and allow people to pass you
slow in, fast out, of corners
think about loading on the car e.g. when you brake, accelerate or the road camber changes etc

it's fab, you'll love it

[StratosGirl]

Well, I had an absolutely amazing day!
Didn't embarrass myself too much and was flat out by lunchtime.
Cooked the tyres, clutch and brakes by teatime
Thanks for all the advice, guys.
Time to start planning the next one, I think!

[Mrs Muttleysnoop]

Well done and glad you enjoyed it.

[virdeeb]

Hi, i was at castle combe on Friday, were you in the dark blue alfa? I was in the purple M3 in session 2

[StratosGirl]

Hi there! Yes, I was in the dark blue Alfa in Session 2. I remember you lapping me a couple of times but I did have the slowest car there by about 100 bhp
I had a lovely day. Did you enjoy it too?

[virdeeb]

Yes I had a great time, it was my first trackday aswell so I was just trying to take it easy and learn the lines. I didn't want to end up binning it on my first outing. I do think that it's one of the best circuits for a first trackday and can recommend it to anyone.


Hi there! Yes, I was in the dark blue Alfa in Session 2. I remember you lapping me a couple of times but I did have the slowest car there by about 100 bhp
I had a lovely day. Did you enjoy it too?

[StratosGirl]

Did you get a photo at the end of the day? Your M3 is in one of mine, albeit blurred!

[Don]

virdeeb said:

I do think that it's one of the best circuits for a first trackday and can recommend it to anyone.

Combe is a nice circuit but I'm not sure I'd go as far as recommending it particularly for a first trackday. It's open and fast (bar the chicanes) with less runoff than you would really like.

But I'm delighted you both enjoyed it. I do like Combe, myself, for both trackdaying and motorsport spectating.

Remember that each track mile is roughly equivalent to twenty road miles and service your cars accordingly.

Have fun.