Track Day Essentials
13 February 2013, 10:29 PM
#1
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Track Day Essentials
Howdy
I'm going to my first ever track day and I'm excited but apprehensive at the same time. I've got all my bits now helmet, spare wheel, small tool kit. Was also thinking about track day insurance and breakdown cover. But just how necessary are these? I mean the excess is 1500 quid, which most things can be repaired for less than that. Engine or gearbox is not covered so basically I'm insuring against a right off. My mate suggested breakdown cover is far more important but I'm torn and want to keep costs down but be safe in case. I have a 2005 Hawk Sti and going to Brands Hatch on a well organised day. No yobs or hooligans - hopefully.
I'm going to my first ever track day and I'm excited but apprehensive at the same time. I've got all my bits now helmet, spare wheel, small tool kit. Was also thinking about track day insurance and breakdown cover. But just how necessary are these? I mean the excess is 1500 quid, which most things can be repaired for less than that. Engine or gearbox is not covered so basically I'm insuring against a right off. My mate suggested breakdown cover is far more important but I'm torn and want to keep costs down but be safe in case. I have a 2005 Hawk Sti and going to Brands Hatch on a well organised day. No yobs or hooligans - hopefully.
13 February 2013, 10:54 PM
#2
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Car jack, wheel removal tool, jerry cans, long sleeve top, ensure all fluids topped up, gloves, comfortable footware, fire extinguisher, spare wheel/tyres, etc etc
13 February 2013, 11:03 PM
#3
I think track day insurance is well worth it, i had £9k cover for around £80 for the day, was 3yrs ago the last time, but if you bin it or someone hits you then it's not a great deal of dosh if the car hits the tyres or barrier at 90mph, it will be money well spent, some policies will let you add track days for the year if you plan on doing lots.
Extra fuel, good track biased break pads and high temp break fluid are a must.
Extra fuel, good track biased break pads and high temp break fluid are a must.
14 February 2013, 12:33 AM
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Sometimes, High Oct is cheaper at the track. Driver's license. The only downside to taking a road car is that is supposed to be your ride home. Start steady and work up pace throughout the day. Learn your limits and try not to hit anyone else 
Have a good time! I'm at Anglesey on the 17th!
Have a good time! I'm at Anglesey on the 17th!
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14 February 2013, 10:12 AM
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Another top tip don't feel pressured into going fast you'll build up speed through out the day as confidence gets higher , but know your limits as its when your on them mistakes are prevalent !!
Most of all enjoy I do !
Most of all enjoy I do !
14 February 2013, 10:41 AM
#12
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Excellent fellas just the sort of info I needed. I'll see if I can borrow a decent jack from someone as I hate those little boot jacks. If there isn't V Power fuel, there must be other 99 Ron fuel there, right? My car will run on most 99 ron fuel though it was mapped on V Power.
14 February 2013, 10:49 AM
#13
Excellent fellas just the sort of info I needed. I'll see if I can borrow a decent jack from someone as I hate those little boot jacks. If there isn't V Power fuel, there must be other 99 Ron fuel there, right? My car will run on most 99 ron fuel though it was mapped on V Power.
I normally add NF octane booster for track days.
14 February 2013, 11:06 AM
#14
Tow hooks! Turns out my GTR did not have the standard tow hook in the tool compartment, so make sure you have yours, otherwise they tie the straps anywhere they to get the car out.
There are couple of fuel stations around Brands and remember Slowboys address he is right there.
My insurance policy has 5 tracks day per year, but definitely worth having. I was behind a STi that got tagged at Silverstone....
There are couple of fuel stations around Brands and remember Slowboys address
he is right there.My insurance policy has 5 tracks day per year, but definitely worth having. I was behind a STi that got tagged at Silverstone....
14 February 2013, 02:32 PM
#15
No 99 around brands hatch specifically, but if you come out of brands hatch onto the a20 and turn right, you'll come down to a big roundabout. Turn right on this roundabout and keep going for about 5 miles and there'll be a shell station on your right (Hawley).
The post code for Shell Hawley is DA1 1PU
The post code for Shell Hawley is DA1 1PU
16 February 2013, 11:09 PM
#19
A spare t-shirt for the ride home is a must as I found you sweat a lot and their is no worse feeling than driving home in wet smelly clothes, also maybe some paracetamol if your exhaust is LOUD!! And keep hydrated with lucozade or some energy drink, your reactions will be sharper 
24 February 2013, 09:03 PM
#20
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I went, I saw and I conquered, well almost!
Got there for registration at 7:30am and then went into the briefing room with a cup of tea and a bacon butty. After a short briefing we were ready to get out on the track with the safety car for a few laps to it check out. Novice session began immediately after so once I felt comfortable, I built up the speed over a few laps. As it was a Mazda day, there were alot of MX5s and RX7 & 8s which spun off the track because of the greasy surface. It was unnerving I must admit, but my Scooby never let me down. When the weather cleared I opted for some driver instruction which was brilliant. He came with me for 20 mins and pushed me to my and my car's limits. I clocked 2 laps both under a minute and almost fried my brakes.
They were smoking when I got back in the pits. I kept the sessions to around 20 mins from then on and after lunch I had another go with the instructor. I improved my lines and gear changes but my braking went out the window as I started braking late. I was getting tired but never lost control apart from a couple of hairy moments.
WKD day of driving, highly recommended if anything just for the freedom of driving without the worry of getting nicked. Thanks to all the pointers, I managed to find a tow bar in the boot, and brought some spare oil and a tyre. I had a bottle of Lucozade and a water in the car. Here's a pic:
Got there for registration at 7:30am and then went into the briefing room with a cup of tea and a bacon butty. After a short briefing we were ready to get out on the track with the safety car for a few laps to it check out. Novice session began immediately after so once I felt comfortable, I built up the speed over a few laps. As it was a Mazda day, there were alot of MX5s and RX7 & 8s which spun off the track because of the greasy surface. It was unnerving I must admit, but my Scooby never let me down. When the weather cleared I opted for some driver instruction which was brilliant. He came with me for 20 mins and pushed me to my and my car's limits. I clocked 2 laps both under a minute and almost fried my brakes.
They were smoking when I got back in the pits. I kept the sessions to around 20 mins from then on and after lunch I had another go with the instructor. I improved my lines and gear changes but my braking went out the window as I started braking late. I was getting tired but never lost control apart from a couple of hairy moments.
WKD day of driving, highly recommended if anything just for the freedom of driving without the worry of getting nicked. Thanks to all the pointers, I managed to find a tow bar in the boot, and brought some spare oil and a tyre. I had a bottle of Lucozade and a water in the car. Here's a pic:
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