Help for a Novice on Car Track Days

So you fancy taking your car for a little quality time together... on track?

This is a RaO post for those of you who might be thinking about going to a track, but have been put off by nerves, safety concerns, or the countless disaster videos that the web provides.

I am going to try and give you some tips about how to have an enjoyable, and safe day while allowing everyone participating to have the same.


1. Perhaps most importantly find a quality track day company, with a good reputation. The difference in support and safety provided between a top notch trackday organiser and a group who just hire the track is huge.

Proper briefing, marshaling and a close eye on peoples' behaviour make such a difference to the accessibility, safety and enjoyment of a day on track.

Here in the UK I prefer RMA and Goldtrack, I'm sure many of you will have suggestions about others, especially if you are overseas.

Please feel free to leave a comment on this below.


2. Make sure you have your towing eye in (for ease of extraction after a visit to 'the beach'), and check your car over thoroughly.

I mean that. Just because your car can drive to the circuit without spilling its valves over the tarmac, doesn't mean it can take the acute stresses of circuit driving.

Check all fluid levels, tyre tread and pressures and make sure your brakes are up to it, and make sure that if you have glass headlights (or are required to do so) tape them up.

Also, don't allow your fuel to go beneath 1/4 full, because those lateral g-forces in long corners can cause fuel starvation.


3. Familiarise yourself with the rules on the day. This generally means overtaking on one side only and with the cooperation of the person being overtaken, i.e. they indicate and move out of the way.

Most people remember this from the overtakers point of view but it is just as important if you are having a good drive on what seems like an empty track, it's probably because of a queue behind you. Keep an eye on your mirrors and let people through.

They will generally give you a wave, how nice!


4. General etiquette.

Don't be aggressive, ever. This isn't a race, this isn't even a race test day. There will be drivers of all ages and skills and just because you have a new Porsche Turbo doesn't mean you are any more important than them.

Wait for them to see you and allow you to pass.

Don't overtake in the corners. People can generally handle a car on a straight, but corners are often where most people come unstuck, too much speed on entry, too much gas on exit. This will be compounded by there being two of you on a narrow bit of macadam, and one of you is surprised.

Leave passing 'til the straight (if they're not moving out of the way -speak to them or report them, I know it sounds OTT but it's for the good of the group that these people are reminded of the rules, usually no.3)

Explore the limits of your car without exploring your own limitations. A red flagged session (when the session is stopped) because you are in the gravel will cost everyone valuable, and expensive track time, and not make you popular.

Don't drive at 10/10ths.

If this all sounds a bit preachy, and your worried that you will be under too much pressure, you won't I promise. If you are considerate and cautious you will be completely safe, and have a great day.

If you are still worried then there are loads of novice trackdays (or novice sessions on certain days) out there for people to acclimatise to driving on circuit without the pressure of faster drivers around them.

These are just general rules-of-thumb, but they should give you a good basis for your day.

Happy driving, if you have any additions or comments please leave them below.