Nick
Superstar Admin
- Messages
- 2,392
- Location
- North Yorkshire
After a PM requesting some tips I have written a guide to preparing for a trackday:
The first check has to be is your working for normal driving. You don’t want to be battling the small issues like duff wiper blades or blown bulbs.
So once you have got your car up to good working standard you can begin to prepare it for the abuse you are about to throw its way. You are going to be accelerating harder and longer, breaking harder and longer and cornering harder and more often than on the road.
Tyres
These black rubber things which keep you in contact with the track should be very high on your priority list. They need to be in great condition. No bulges etc. They need to be appropriate for the conditions (ie no semi slick if its lashing down with rain) and some tracks need a harder compound than others. Its also worth thinking about how you plan to get home if you bald a tyre or puncture one. Some take 6 track tyres on different wheels but that can be over kill. Good tyres and a proper spare will see you though most situations.
Check your wheel nuts are tight too!
Brakes
You need to make sure your disks and pads are up to standard. If your replace before hand ensure they are bedded in.
Fluid should be replaced. I can’t say how often as it depends but its wise not to take a chance as with the extra heat it can be an early failure with big consequences.
If you’re going to be doing this more often brakes are a good option to upgrade.
During the day, when you come back into the pits don’t apply the hand brake when you park!
Fluids
Ensure they are topped up and if your close to your service think about choosing an oil appropriate to the usage your going to be giving it.
Don’t forget washer fluid in your checks!
Lights
Tape your headlights and fogs up. This provides a bit of protection and stops and glass dropping if you do manage to break a lens
Fuel
Make sure you have plenty of your chosen brand. It may not be available close to the track !
Exhaust
Make sure its not too loud. Tracks have db limits to keep to. Don’t fall foul of this!
Inside
Make sure there are no loose items in the car. Even a pen can become distracting or a missile!
Its also worth removing the spare and tool kit from the boot.
On the day
Arrive early.
Take your helmet if needed (most don’t but its still wise to use one).
Take a few tools like wheel brace and a few spanners.
Extra oil and coolant and a few fuses are a good idea too.
Insurance
Bit of a side issue but your road policy will not cover you for any damage you do to your car. A one day track policy can cost from £40 so a worthy investment!
The first check has to be is your working for normal driving. You don’t want to be battling the small issues like duff wiper blades or blown bulbs.
So once you have got your car up to good working standard you can begin to prepare it for the abuse you are about to throw its way. You are going to be accelerating harder and longer, breaking harder and longer and cornering harder and more often than on the road.
Tyres
These black rubber things which keep you in contact with the track should be very high on your priority list. They need to be in great condition. No bulges etc. They need to be appropriate for the conditions (ie no semi slick if its lashing down with rain) and some tracks need a harder compound than others. Its also worth thinking about how you plan to get home if you bald a tyre or puncture one. Some take 6 track tyres on different wheels but that can be over kill. Good tyres and a proper spare will see you though most situations.
Check your wheel nuts are tight too!
Brakes
You need to make sure your disks and pads are up to standard. If your replace before hand ensure they are bedded in.
Fluid should be replaced. I can’t say how often as it depends but its wise not to take a chance as with the extra heat it can be an early failure with big consequences.
If you’re going to be doing this more often brakes are a good option to upgrade.
During the day, when you come back into the pits don’t apply the hand brake when you park!
Fluids
Ensure they are topped up and if your close to your service think about choosing an oil appropriate to the usage your going to be giving it.
Don’t forget washer fluid in your checks!
Lights
Tape your headlights and fogs up. This provides a bit of protection and stops and glass dropping if you do manage to break a lens
Fuel
Make sure you have plenty of your chosen brand. It may not be available close to the track !
Exhaust
Make sure its not too loud. Tracks have db limits to keep to. Don’t fall foul of this!
Inside
Make sure there are no loose items in the car. Even a pen can become distracting or a missile!
Its also worth removing the spare and tool kit from the boot.
On the day
Arrive early.
Take your helmet if needed (most don’t but its still wise to use one).
Take a few tools like wheel brace and a few spanners.
Extra oil and coolant and a few fuses are a good idea too.
Insurance
Bit of a side issue but your road policy will not cover you for any damage you do to your car. A one day track policy can cost from £40 so a worthy investment!
