Ive just had a last minute chance to do a track day tomorrow at silverstone. Havent done one before - all hints and tips would be much appreciated.

Sorry not much time.

Cheers

 

I'll see you there then mate - don't worry - just have a laugh

It's the GP circuit so 140MPH+ down the straight

 

Tracks days for me needed some prep, 1st take a second set of wheels and tyres (if poss) on the day and use those rather than your road wheels as depending on how aggresive you are, you my end up driving home on rimms.
Take a second set of brake pads if your's are worn at all, as the will take a hammering like your tyres. Best to haev some fast road/track pads like padig or EBC.
If you have a decat exhaust system make sure you exhaust is not too loud as they will turn you away from the circuit. It varies from track to track what noise level they will allow but with siverstone I cant see any one being louder than F1 cars LOL.

Lasty make sure you have fun as thats what its all about

[Edited by Krade - 6/24/2003 11:51:24 AM]

 

I think we're only doing the evening session - it's through work.

What car will you be in???

 

Cool grey Type R (providing I get it back in time)

My mate is also going in a V8 Westfield..

I'm doing it on a fairly new set of tyres LOL

I'll look out for you..

Adam

 

I'll be in an sti8 (non PPP - yet) with my colleague in a grey M3.

 

see you there..

 

Hi mate, all very valid points above. Also take it easy until you know the circuit. I know that sounds like common sense but it is all to easy to get carried away.

You will be very nervous, sweaty palms etc etc, but keep your cool. Before you get warmed up, and settled down, if someone wants to pass you on the approach or exit of a corner, then let them go through. It aint worth bending your motor.

Once you get into a pattern and get settled down then just have some fun, start playing with the car, seeing how much you can push it, but dont over cook it

 

see track tips here on the RB5 Owners Club site

 

This event is organised by Goldtrack so they will probably separate the first two sessions into novices and experienced (they normally do) therefore you will not have to go out without the time to get up to speed.

 

Hi mate...

I've only done one trackday myself - Castle Combe about a month ago. I was really nervous beforehand, but it wasn't necessary. Just be sensible and don't try any heroics.

Like I said, I've not got much trackday experience, so the following is from my own reading in advance and also the experience of friends...

- Take a tyre pressure gauge and air pump. Make sure that you're not running low tyre pressures, otherwise your tyres could overheat.
- Check that your oil and coolant levels are topped-up (without being over-filled)
- If possible, do an oil change before your track day - your engine will never be under as much stress as when on circuit.
- Before and after driving make sure your wheel nuts are properly tightened
- Use octane booster (say, a bottle of Pro Boost in a tankful)
- Drive your last lap of a session as a "cooling down lap". Just watch out, 'cos others may still be at full pace.
- When you get back to the paddock, leave the handbrake off for a few minutes (otherwise the rear discs may warp)

Probably the best piece of advice is to seek the advice of professionals. There will probably be driving/circuit instructors present. Introduce yourself and ask for "new to track" advice.

Enjoy!

EDIT: clarified reference to tyre pressures. Don't run with low tyre pressure!

[Edited by Fatman - 6/24/2003 2:44:05 PM]

 

any more spaces left for a first timer?

 

You don't need to be nervous although it is easy to say that and more difficult to achieve

The trick is to settle in at your own pace. You need to get the feel of the car and also to learn the circuit. Silverstone GP will be lovely to drive around, very fast indeed. While you are getting up to speed you need to watch the mirrors and give faster cars plenty of room to overtake. Hopefully you don't get too many of the macho ones who like to cut in front of you as they pass you just to show how superior they are!

Once you feel you have got the hang of it, try to follow someone else who is going at your speed. Just drive in company and it is surprising how much you can learn like that-enjoyable too. You have to remember it is not meant to be "cut and thrust" stuff, just you and your driving and self improvement. Don't assume that no-one is coming the other way, if someone spins just before you arrive it looks a bit like that!

I wouldn't drop the tyre pressures, that will actually increase the heat in the tyres due to flexing of the tyre walls and will lose you some roadholding as well. Usually best to put a bit more pressure in the tyres instead. The pressures will increase on the track but should not go that high enough to cause trouble.

Take the bits and pieces as advised, better have a spare can of oil as well. But check engine,gearbox and diff oil levels before you go.

Above, enjoy it.

Les

 

Also be smooth mate, nice smooth steering, hold the wheel right, and dont be tempted to let it spin through your hands. Almost no corner on a large circiut will require stacks of turns on the wheel. Smooth on the throttle, and slow in, fast out is the best approach on corners.

As other folks have said, use your mirrors shed loads, and remember people will also be passing you on your inside too. Dont confine yourself to the left hand side of the track either. Its all too easy to do, as we do it all the time on the roads. You have the full width of the track to play with

Try and work out the best line for setting yourself up for the corners, and watch the more experienced drivers to find out where the apex is too (track wear will help you here too)

 

Thanks everyone for your tips.

I'm looking forward to it!!!!!

 

Lucky bugger!

Haven't been on a track for 6 months now Just be careful you don't get bitten by the bug

Enjoy