leebutts
1 AYC Bar
We don't have purely a motorsport related section so this is going under general.
Kat made the brilliant suggestion to build up a guide on how to prepare and participate in track days.
So I'd like to hear from everyone regarding
1. What to check/prepare before the day
2. What to do when you arrive (might vary per track)
3. Track day etiqutte/rules (also will vary)
4. Miscellaneous tips for getting the maximum enjoyment out of the day
We can then put the combined wisdom into a how to guide.
I'll start
What to do before the day:
Fluid levels: at least oil and coolant, preferrably diff and gearbox as well.
Tires: check for acceptable tread as well as consistent pressure between left/right. Recommended pressure from Bridgestone for my tires was around 30psi, however track marshall at QR said at least 40psi to avoid possibility of tire coming off the rim. Bridgestone man said that was rubbish. got me thinking that over inflated tires might have contributed to my spin - thoughts?
Clothing: most days will require you to wear long pants and sleeves.
Helmet: double check you helmet meets the standards required for the day.
Extinguishger: although not normally compulsory, it's a good idea to fit a fire extinguisher to the car. I can't think of a wosrese thing than watching your VR-4 go up in smoke!
When you arrive:
Sign in: you will be allocated a number and pit bay. Check what time the drivers breifing will be, and if there are any extra sessions for novice drivers (if it's your first time)
Recheck tire pressures: keep in mind they will rise as the tires warm up
Fix number/timing gear: this will vary per track so check what is required
Attend the drivers briefing: this will tell you all you need to know about the track and how the day will be run. Be sure to ask questions if you don't understand something.
When out on the track:
Passing: only pass on the straights. Track days are for you to compete against the clock, not the other drivers. Diving into a corner under brakes is asking for trouble!
Drive within your limits: if it's your first time out, build up the speed. This is easier said than done as I found out when I spun on my first lap. You'll run out of talent before you run out of car
If you spin or run off track: If it's possible to re-join, do so carefully. If you are stuck or cannot get the car started, stay in the car and wait for someone to come and rescue you. This obviously doesn't apply if the car is on fire...
Other tips:
Pit lane: this is generally a one way street, don't try and drive out the way you came in if you need to go back to the carpark or leave early.
Get tips from experience drivers: if it's your first time, get chatting to other drivers. Firstly you might make some new friends, secondly experience counts for a lot.
Kat made the brilliant suggestion to build up a guide on how to prepare and participate in track days.
So I'd like to hear from everyone regarding
1. What to check/prepare before the day
2. What to do when you arrive (might vary per track)
3. Track day etiqutte/rules (also will vary)
4. Miscellaneous tips for getting the maximum enjoyment out of the day
We can then put the combined wisdom into a how to guide.
I'll start
What to do before the day:
Fluid levels: at least oil and coolant, preferrably diff and gearbox as well.
Tires: check for acceptable tread as well as consistent pressure between left/right. Recommended pressure from Bridgestone for my tires was around 30psi, however track marshall at QR said at least 40psi to avoid possibility of tire coming off the rim. Bridgestone man said that was rubbish. got me thinking that over inflated tires might have contributed to my spin - thoughts?
Clothing: most days will require you to wear long pants and sleeves.
Helmet: double check you helmet meets the standards required for the day.
Extinguishger: although not normally compulsory, it's a good idea to fit a fire extinguisher to the car. I can't think of a wosrese thing than watching your VR-4 go up in smoke!
When you arrive:
Sign in: you will be allocated a number and pit bay. Check what time the drivers breifing will be, and if there are any extra sessions for novice drivers (if it's your first time)
Recheck tire pressures: keep in mind they will rise as the tires warm up
Fix number/timing gear: this will vary per track so check what is required
Attend the drivers briefing: this will tell you all you need to know about the track and how the day will be run. Be sure to ask questions if you don't understand something.
When out on the track:
Passing: only pass on the straights. Track days are for you to compete against the clock, not the other drivers. Diving into a corner under brakes is asking for trouble!
Drive within your limits: if it's your first time out, build up the speed. This is easier said than done as I found out when I spun on my first lap. You'll run out of talent before you run out of car
If you spin or run off track: If it's possible to re-join, do so carefully. If you are stuck or cannot get the car started, stay in the car and wait for someone to come and rescue you. This obviously doesn't apply if the car is on fire...
Other tips:
Pit lane: this is generally a one way street, don't try and drive out the way you came in if you need to go back to the carpark or leave early.
Get tips from experience drivers: if it's your first time, get chatting to other drivers. Firstly you might make some new friends, secondly experience counts for a lot.
