leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

Just got my reminder through for re taxing the car for the year ,now i'm going to be using the car only for the track.

My question is do you tax and insure it with specialist company declaring all mods including cage brakes engine turbo etc.. or do you sorn the vehicle i believe this can only be done for upto a year then what ?

I dont mind keeping it on the road to drive to and from tracks etc or might go down the other route of (tractor and trailer) excuse the pun.

I'm a bit confused with the sorn thing as ive never had a car sorn before advice on this matter please.

cheers lee

200sex

iTrader: (2)

sorn it keep it of the road when 12 months up is up sorn it again and so on trailer to track and get track day insurance

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

What does the track day insurance cost and what does it cover ?

Do you need this particular insurance?

200sex

iTrader: (2)

you dont have to have track day insurance but if you smash the car up then thats it done. you can buy it on the day normaly anything from £30-£50 for the day

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

Are there company's that do a package that you dont have to mess about on a daily basis, what i mean is can it be insured when parked up etc

stevebt

iTrader: (8)

Just remember if you only get trackday insurance and something happens to it whilst away from the track you get NOTHING!

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

Thats what i mean surley there must be companys that provide cover all year round whether your on the track or the vehicle is parked up ie in a garage etc..

bengreen85

not that iv heard of mate. i think ud have to insure it for low miles a year and maybe not declare the mods as the track insurance would cover any costs if it got hit? but if its stolen from ur locked garage without claiming mods ud be screwed?!

Moley

iTrader: (9)

What is the value of the car?
Most track cover will have a £1500xs.

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

when finished a about 10k less the original purchase price

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

any links to get some quotes of some reputable track insurers.

Moley

iTrader: (9)

Be very careful, lot sof track companies will gladly insure it for £10k, but will only pay book value.

On average one-off track cover is between £70-£140 per day, and you'll need another policy for road cover.

There aren't many companies who'll do a normal annual policy with additional track cover included. I use two who do it, but theire prices are very hit and miss.

Which tracks are you planning on doing?

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

Well cadwell is just round the corner from me but wouldn't mind eventually trying all of them,knockhill,silverstone ,brands,etc...

Rescue Dude

iTrader: (11)

I was insured through HIC for a Pug 205 and my insurance had free track day cover which looked pretty comprehensive.

Can't remember the company I was with though?

D1CCY

http://www.competition-car-insurance.co.uk/

These guys do most of the things above. I have used them for low mileage road insurance to and from track on a very modded scoob (reasonably cheap). Now use them for storage and transit on a non registered kit track car that I trailer to track. I've never bothered with on track insurance. Like a any insurance, overall premiums must exceed cost of overall claims or the company would not be in business. This makes the premiums and excesses vs the risk unattractive to me.

I would recommend taking track driving instruction at every opportunity as this will reduce your chances of doing something silly (and improve your lap times). Javelin have a most excellent ARDS instructor called Tim who I use a lot.

Moley

iTrader: (9)

..... just find out if they cover the mods like-for-like though

Taffy223

Why not insure the car for theft only ( if using a trailer and the car is not on the road ) then use track day insurance as you see fit.


ETA
Not sure about the tax...I'd imagine if not used on the road then it would be insignificant

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

ards is the course i assume i need to get booked on for my first time round cadwell do you use your own car or there supplied ? also costs for tutor ?

Moley

iTrader: (9)

ARDS if if you're doing your race licence.

You don't need a race licence for a normal track day, only MSA events.

If you do decide to do the ARDS course you'll normally be using their car, but is only about 20 minutes on track.

Moley

iTrader: (9)

.... for your first time you just need to book a normal track day, but book a session with an instructor for your first time out

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

I assume i'l be driving under his instruction ! and is there any specifications as to the safety of the car ie does it need cage/extinguisher/harnesses etc....

Moley

iTrader: (9)

Cage and harness not really needed.
They'll have marshalls around the track with extinguishers but i always carry one, even if it just helps keep a fire under control untill the marshalls get to you.

Definately get an instructor in the car with you for the first session (at least), best thing i did on my first track day.

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

Thanks for the advice but as i wont be using my car for any other reason apart from the track il be fitting a cage and harnesses need some coilovers arbs and ap front brake set up that should do it for now.

Moley

iTrader: (9)

IMO the money for the cage and harnesses would be better spent on a set of R888's, but it's your choice of course.

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

R888's better than slicks ?

Moley

iTrader: (9)

I'd be cautious on using full slicks untill you've done a few track days TBH.

If you do run full slicks you MUST have a baffled sump (not just the Cosworth baffle plate some use)

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

Found this has helped ;


Car Track Day Q&A Guide What happens at car trackdays then?

Car trackdays are a way of enjoying yourself, and testing the speed and handling abilities of your car in a safe, controlled environment away from the public highway.

Do I need a race-licence?

Not if you are just doing straight forward car trackdays, but you must take your ordinary driving licence and of course it must be valid. One point worth noting is that if you are going to a day where you will be driving either the circuits or the organisers own cars, they might not allow you out if you are banned or currently have six or more points on your licence.

Will I need a crash helmet?

Yes, you most certainly will and don't take any chances and under no circumstances should you contemplate digging out that old chipped helmet. If there's any doubt over your helmets' integrity, get a new one. This is your life we're talking about don't forget, and lid can save your life. Some track day organisers will supply helmets, but check first.

I haven't got any overalls, does that matter?

The emphasis is on comfort, especially for a rookie. It will be a long and tiring day, and no-one will be expected to turn up looking like Jensen Button! If you can afford to buy a decent set of overalls all well and good. Remember that safety and comfort are paramount and although a race circuit by its very nature will bring an element of competitiveness, there are no prizes to be won so a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt will be fine. Arms must be covered at all times if you are in an open top car. We recommend a couple of pieces of 'proper' equipment, which are race boots and driving gloves, as they do make driving easier.

Does my car have to be roadworthy?

In most cases yes definitely, If your car has a MOT then that's fine. The car has to be of a safe standard.

Is there anything else I need to know about the cars?

Empty all loose articles from inside your car, including the boot. Ensure your indicators and brake lights are in working order. If you have a towing hook, ensure it is in place prior to going on circuit. Ensure you have sufficient fuel to complete your session. Ensure there are no fluid leaks. Increase tyre pressures by approx 5lbs front and rear. Windows and sunroofs must be closed. All track days will have a noise limit in which your car must pass before heading out on track, if the car fails you will not be granted use of the circuit and in most cases there are no refunds given in the event of a noise test fail, please make sure you have your car checked before booking if you are not sure. Some MOT test centres can test this and you can buy devices to help at home although they may not be as accurate as used at the venues.


What about all the flags, do I have to learn them?

Don't panic as the marshals have ways of making them understood! You will quickly pick up the meanings of the flags. The most frequent ones you will come across can be seen on our Track Day Guide

Will my standard insurance cover me for car trackdays?

Probably not, unless you are very lucky. If you damage your pride and joy you are on your own, and although the organisers will have insurance it will only be for Public Liability. You can get a quote for track cover on-line by clicking on the Insurance link above

D1CCY

Javelin charge £20 for 20 mins and one session on a track day to begin with is probably enough as it gives you a lot to think about. I've shared Tim full time with one other driver over two days (Oulton and Anglesea) and I found it very intense, just depends how serious you are about being quick. Was only using a 90 bhp MX5 at Anglesea (broke kit car at Oulton) and apart for being smoked on the straights still ended up getting round pretty fast, in fact I'd say I learned more in a slower car. Let Tim drive your car and you'll be gobsmacked.

If you're just starting track days I recommend an Airfield one to start with as there is a lot less to hit if you make a mistake.

A decent harness is nice because it stops you sliding about in your seat so you can concentrate on the driving. On track I feel uncomfortably exposed in a lap and strap.

leecalcars

iTrader: (37)

Hopefully wont be hitting anything mate fingers crossed but i suppose there is always the chance, i will hopefully build my confidence over a period of time and wont be going out hell for leather just because im on the track !

So airfield is probebly the way forward on first few times i see elvington has a nice track any others local to me in lincolnshire, i used to use waltham airodrome for testing my mates avenger tiger prior to rallys but think this has since shut..
I will be investing in a harness or 2 as youve said less movement and can concentrate on the job in hand.