Track Day Booked, any tips

B

bigshurv

Senior member
 Northampton
I've gone and booked myself a trackday at Donington Park in November. Am a bit aprehensive, have done loads of track days on bikes, but it's my first in a car. Do I need to play about with tyre pressures etc, and should I expect to completely trash my nice new Goodyear F1's . Actually, I can't wait, but I'd like to hear from the seasoned track day thrashers on the forum. My wife says she will stay firmly on the pit wall whilst I am on track, I wonder why ?. LOL. :driving: :rofl:
 
Take your time at first and learn your lines and braking points. Keep it neat and tidy is the first rule.
In the corners it's better to be slow in and fast out.
I monitor my tp's and find that 30psi hot works best for me.
If you havn't adjusted your front camber you may find you wear the front sidewalls and outer edges of the tyres a bit.
Keep an eye on your brakes if your staying on track for a while. Wear and overheating can be a problem once your up to speed.
Leave your TC and ESC on until your confidence builds and be careful once you switch them off.
Have loads of fun!!

There's lots more but my minds kinda blank at the moment, got man flu! You probably know most of the above from your bike days anyway.
 
Thanks Curtis, kind of what I thought. I really wanted to get a feel for the car at speeds and cornering forces I'd never aspire to on the road.I intend to take it fairly steady..............maybe......LOL. :rofl:
 
Steady usually lasts for about five laps at the most in my experience!

You should have got together with plowy, he's just completed some mods I recommended and he's off to test them at Croft on Thursday.

I gotta get back on the track soon but race seasons almost over and my cars still a bit sickly with busted clutch syndrome. I've run out of track tyres too.

I might have to settle for a winter rebuild and make an effort to get out there more next year. Might help if I could get the car to hold together for longer too!
 
That was my experience on the track, I was slow and easy for about 5 laps until I got a better feel, then I started pushing a bit more after each lap.

But yeah check your tire pressure after each run, don't use the E-brake at all when in the pit.
 
I'll be at Croft on Friday, just like Bigshurv I want to get some experience of driving at higher speeds without risking everything on public roads.

I intend to keep it steady at first and try and build up. That could take me longer than 5 laps though :oops: a few months back I went karting with proper karts for the first time, it was only by the end of the final race that I was getting close to a respectable speed :roll: Although I was held back for the qualifying/practice by a kart with a bent steering rod :thumbsdown: I'm a weakling, so the extra tough steering was the last thing I need.

Thanks for the handbrake tip, don't want it getting stuck on.
 
Wondermike said:
What you guys doing about insurance for the track?
Click to expand...

Apparently most don't bother. I arranged some insurance online though, about £80 for the day but I'd rather have the piece of mind.
 
Me too, no way I wouldn't have it. Even if you're very careful and take it easy, it doesn't stop some crazy fool bashing into you.
 
Do a cool down lap before coming in after the session, and try not to touch the brakes.

As has already been said, leave in gear with the handbrake off when parked up.

Empty the boot and cockpit of all unnecessary bits and bobs

HTH
 
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