I figured working in the industry and having started trackdays from the age of 17 I might be able to put some useful info together for those who are tempted to take that first step into on track events in the UK.
If you are looking into trackdays the chances are you already spend most of your money on your car anyway so really there isn't a huge extra cost when it comes to trackdays and choosing the right car and events you can keep event entry and car maintenance costs to a bare minimum.
Despite some of the YouTube videos you might see of Action Day type events or the Nürburgring many people would argue that the track is certainly a safer place than the road, especially when it comes to enthusiastic driving. Trackday enthusiasts are in large very experienced with a lot of money invested in their own cars and a huge amount of respect for any other enthusiasts. Trackdays have Marshals at every corner, Medical units on site and both TDO's and Circuit should have the correct polices and insurance in place to host such events.
You as a driver and what you need:
First and foremost you need a valid UK or EU driving licence for 99% of on track events if not an MSA race licence.
Don't panic if you have never done a trackday. All TDO's have a drivers briefing at the start of each event to inform you how the event and track is run, what the flags are and how you should act if an incident happens with you or another person on track. You will usually also get the opportunity for sighting laps a the start of the day where everyone follows in convoy round the track for a few laps in order to learn the lines and conditions on that day. Also look our for the TDO's that offer free instruction with there events or even paid. Instruction for may is the most important thing in making you a better and safe driver both for road and track, you can learn a huge amount in a short space of time including certain lines a specific conditions and driving techniques.
Every TDO in the UK requires you to wear a suitable helmet. this can be a road type motorcycle helmet or an MSA approved race helmet. You can pick up 2nd hand items from ebay for as little as £40 or spend as much as a £1000. HedTek are a company that do very reasonably priced MSA helmets. Open face is usually allowed providing your car has a windscreen. Some drivers also find it easier to have MSA approved racing gloves which help with grip on the wheel and racing boots to help with pedal feel.
Always remember to drive within the limits that you and your car are comfortable with, pace will come with experience.
Your Car - The essentials:
- Most TDO's require your car to be at least to road worthy condition but does not have to have MOT
- Most On Track events have a sound limit and most tracks are under 102DB, make sure you check the limit of the event you are booking
- I'd highly recommend a small in car hand held extinguisher of the foam variety, a marshal can't always get to a fire as quick as you could
- If its a dedicated track car get a roll cage, you only need it once but it will save your life
- Good brake pads and discs, braided lines and decent brake fluid such as Castrol SRF
- Good Tyres semi slicks for dry, Nankang NS2R or Federal RSR are a bargain, Uniroyal Rainsports for wets
- Buckets seats and Harnesses are super handy for keeping you in place but only recommended for cars with cages
- Fluid check pre track day and on the lunch break
- Torque wheels when you arrive at track and again at lunch
- Spanner check prior to any event essential areas like steering, suspension and brakes
- Spare Fuel is always handy as most cars use more than a tank in one day
- Vehicle damage insurance is available but only needed for valuable cars
I'd highly recommend 10-15 minute stints on track for basic setup cars as you will find you and the car will get tired in that period, come into the paddock, leave the handbrake of and your car in gear, leave it to rest for 15-20 mins to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
Check your tyre pressures on a regular basis when you get in from track to avoid tyre wear, around 30PSi hot on most cars is a good starting point.
Always remember to keep an eye on your temps and gauges when on track to avoid damage and spilling fluids on track causing closure and a potential hazard for others.
Bargain popular track car you can build or buy for under £4k include BMW E36/E46 with 6 pot, 90's civic with b series engine, Renault Clio 172/182/197, Honda Civic Type R EP3, Citroen C2 VTS, Mazda MX5.
Modification Costs:
- Discs & Pads - Around £400 all round
- Tyres - From £65 semi clicks / From £35 wets (Per Tyre)
- Buckets & Harnesses from £250 2nd hand
- Roll Cage from £800 new
- Good Geometry Setup from £150
The Events:
We are lucky enough to have a huge trackday scene in the UK with plenty of TDO's to choose from. Avoid Trackdays . co .uk as they take as much as 35% of the takings from a TDO's booking, go direct and find the orgaisers that suit you. Avoid high number trackdays. There are a few really good TDO's out there that offer low number trackdays with open pitlane format and reasonable numbers on track so you can find your own space and come in and out in your own time. on-track.co.uk are a great source and provide a one stop shop for many events through the season with direct links to the organisers.
For some circuits and TDO's you will pay as little as £80-£125 out of season or for the more popular tracks in season as much as £800 for some TDO's. As well as normal trackdays some organisers offer other on track events such as sprints, auto solos and rally trackdays.
Choose wisely and you will get plenty of seat time in your car and a very friendly atmosphere on the day.
Event Costs:
- Event from £100
- Fuel NA car £60-£100 per event
- Brakes £400 per season
- Tyres £400 per season
- Fluids £300 per season
Other useful stuff to bring:
- Basic Tool Kit
- Tyre pressure Gauge
- Tyre Pump
- Spare fluids, coolant, oil, brake fluid
- Jack and wheel brace
- Latex Gloves
- Something to catch and clear up fluids
- Driving licence to sign on
- Hands & Legs usually must be covered
General Events Schedules:
8am - driver sign on
8:30 - Driver Briefing
9:00 - Sighting Laps
9:15 - Open Pitlane
12:30 - Lunch Break
13:30 - Open Pitlane
17:00 - Track Closes
I think that's about it, if I have anything else or anyone else can think of anything I will add it to the top
Our Website:
www.slipandgripautomotive.co.uk/
Our Members Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/slipandgripautomotive/
Our Business Page:
www.facebook.com/SlipandGripAutomotive/
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/channel/UCkeS33DEzO-7wT2z_lyMM0Q
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/slipandgrip_automotive/?hl=en
Cheers all
If you are looking into trackdays the chances are you already spend most of your money on your car anyway so really there isn't a huge extra cost when it comes to trackdays and choosing the right car and events you can keep event entry and car maintenance costs to a bare minimum.
Despite some of the YouTube videos you might see of Action Day type events or the Nürburgring many people would argue that the track is certainly a safer place than the road, especially when it comes to enthusiastic driving. Trackday enthusiasts are in large very experienced with a lot of money invested in their own cars and a huge amount of respect for any other enthusiasts. Trackdays have Marshals at every corner, Medical units on site and both TDO's and Circuit should have the correct polices and insurance in place to host such events.
You as a driver and what you need:
First and foremost you need a valid UK or EU driving licence for 99% of on track events if not an MSA race licence.
Don't panic if you have never done a trackday. All TDO's have a drivers briefing at the start of each event to inform you how the event and track is run, what the flags are and how you should act if an incident happens with you or another person on track. You will usually also get the opportunity for sighting laps a the start of the day where everyone follows in convoy round the track for a few laps in order to learn the lines and conditions on that day. Also look our for the TDO's that offer free instruction with there events or even paid. Instruction for may is the most important thing in making you a better and safe driver both for road and track, you can learn a huge amount in a short space of time including certain lines a specific conditions and driving techniques.
Every TDO in the UK requires you to wear a suitable helmet. this can be a road type motorcycle helmet or an MSA approved race helmet. You can pick up 2nd hand items from ebay for as little as £40 or spend as much as a £1000. HedTek are a company that do very reasonably priced MSA helmets. Open face is usually allowed providing your car has a windscreen. Some drivers also find it easier to have MSA approved racing gloves which help with grip on the wheel and racing boots to help with pedal feel.
Always remember to drive within the limits that you and your car are comfortable with, pace will come with experience.
Your Car - The essentials:
- Most TDO's require your car to be at least to road worthy condition but does not have to have MOT
- Most On Track events have a sound limit and most tracks are under 102DB, make sure you check the limit of the event you are booking
- I'd highly recommend a small in car hand held extinguisher of the foam variety, a marshal can't always get to a fire as quick as you could
- If its a dedicated track car get a roll cage, you only need it once but it will save your life
- Good brake pads and discs, braided lines and decent brake fluid such as Castrol SRF
- Good Tyres semi slicks for dry, Nankang NS2R or Federal RSR are a bargain, Uniroyal Rainsports for wets
- Buckets seats and Harnesses are super handy for keeping you in place but only recommended for cars with cages
- Fluid check pre track day and on the lunch break
- Torque wheels when you arrive at track and again at lunch
- Spanner check prior to any event essential areas like steering, suspension and brakes
- Spare Fuel is always handy as most cars use more than a tank in one day
- Vehicle damage insurance is available but only needed for valuable cars
I'd highly recommend 10-15 minute stints on track for basic setup cars as you will find you and the car will get tired in that period, come into the paddock, leave the handbrake of and your car in gear, leave it to rest for 15-20 mins to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
Check your tyre pressures on a regular basis when you get in from track to avoid tyre wear, around 30PSi hot on most cars is a good starting point.
Always remember to keep an eye on your temps and gauges when on track to avoid damage and spilling fluids on track causing closure and a potential hazard for others.
Bargain popular track car you can build or buy for under £4k include BMW E36/E46 with 6 pot, 90's civic with b series engine, Renault Clio 172/182/197, Honda Civic Type R EP3, Citroen C2 VTS, Mazda MX5.
Modification Costs:
- Discs & Pads - Around £400 all round
- Tyres - From £65 semi clicks / From £35 wets (Per Tyre)
- Buckets & Harnesses from £250 2nd hand
- Roll Cage from £800 new
- Good Geometry Setup from £150
The Events:
We are lucky enough to have a huge trackday scene in the UK with plenty of TDO's to choose from. Avoid Trackdays . co .uk as they take as much as 35% of the takings from a TDO's booking, go direct and find the orgaisers that suit you. Avoid high number trackdays. There are a few really good TDO's out there that offer low number trackdays with open pitlane format and reasonable numbers on track so you can find your own space and come in and out in your own time. on-track.co.uk are a great source and provide a one stop shop for many events through the season with direct links to the organisers.
For some circuits and TDO's you will pay as little as £80-£125 out of season or for the more popular tracks in season as much as £800 for some TDO's. As well as normal trackdays some organisers offer other on track events such as sprints, auto solos and rally trackdays.
Choose wisely and you will get plenty of seat time in your car and a very friendly atmosphere on the day.
Event Costs:
- Event from £100
- Fuel NA car £60-£100 per event
- Brakes £400 per season
- Tyres £400 per season
- Fluids £300 per season
Other useful stuff to bring:
- Basic Tool Kit
- Tyre pressure Gauge
- Tyre Pump
- Spare fluids, coolant, oil, brake fluid
- Jack and wheel brace
- Latex Gloves
- Something to catch and clear up fluids
- Driving licence to sign on
- Hands & Legs usually must be covered
General Events Schedules:
8am - driver sign on
8:30 - Driver Briefing
9:00 - Sighting Laps
9:15 - Open Pitlane
12:30 - Lunch Break
13:30 - Open Pitlane
17:00 - Track Closes
I think that's about it, if I have anything else or anyone else can think of anything I will add it to the top
Our Website:
www.slipandgripautomotive.co.uk/
Our Members Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/slipandgripautomotive/
Our Business Page:
www.facebook.com/SlipandGripAutomotive/
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/channel/UCkeS33DEzO-7wT2z_lyMM0Q
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/slipandgrip_automotive/?hl=en
Cheers all