[Hobson]

Questions and answers:

Q."Why do trackdays exist?"

Trackdays started out as little more than a few mates hiring a race circuit and having a days fun, but pretty soon people cottoned on to the fact that with the perils of speed cameras, traffic and fear of a blue light flashing in your rear view mirror that the days of fast road driving were in decline. So much so that the trackday movement is now a fully-fledged phenomenon with over 550 trackday events in Britain alone in 2001. We’ve compiled a set of questions and answers that will help you if you’re new to trackdays or may be of interest even if you’re not.

Q "So what happens at a track-day then"?

Trackdays are a way of enjoying yourself and your car in a safe controlled environment away from the public highway. There are many operators, and prices can range from 60 quid to £400 for a days fun depending on the company and the circuit booked.

Q "What’s the benefit of airfield days"?

These airfield days are great for the beginner, due to the wide-open spaces, and are ideal places for the novices to cut their teeth and as a bonus they are usually cheaper than conventional race-circuits such as Silverstone or Brands Hatch.

Q "Do I need a race-licence"?

Not if you are just doing straightforward track-days, 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 get a bit sniffy if you have been banned or currently have six or more points on your licence.

Q "I’m not that fast, will I look foolish"?

No not at all, all the companies we deal with have full driver briefings and instruction available for novices so don’t worry, however, don’t get carried away, take your time and learn your limits, operators see too many people turn up thinking they are Jason Plato only to go into the cat litter on their first lap. Be warned marshals can spot a silly f***er a mile away and any on-track shenanigans will result in a ticking off or even you being sent home and possibly blacklisted. Follow instructions and you’ll have a great time.

Q "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, visorless thing that you last used on your moped in 1979 or wear that old one that used to belong to your granddad. 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. Always buy the best one you can afford, a good one will cost from £80 upwards, and make sure it fits you properly and feels comfortable, as there’s nothing worse than being stuck inside a crash helmet that is not right. Too tight and it’ll feel intolerable and too big it can be very dangerous. All good suppliers like Grand Prix Racewear, Demon Tweeks & Europa have measuring services. Some trackday operators have helmets you can hire for the day, but our advice is ‘don’t go there’ as it won’t be the most hygienic of appliances.

Q "I haven’t got any overalls, does that matter"?

The emphasis is on comfort, especially for a rookie and it will be a long and tiring day remember, and no-one will be expected to turn up looking like Jensen Button, but, if you can afford to buy a decent set of overalls all well and good. One point to remember, is that if you turn up at an event looking like a Michael Schumacher replica people will automatically expect you to drive like Michael Schumacher, so if you don’t want to attract attention it is probably best to leave the triple layer Nomex at home. 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.

Q "Does my car have to be roadworthy"?

In most cases Yes definitely, you will need a current MOT and road-tax, however do check with your organiser before you arrive to avoid disappointment.

Q "Does my car have to be prepared"?

Well certainly it’s a good idea to check all the fluid levels are correct and add an extra 10% to your tyre pressures Make sure you’ve got enough fuel, as you’ll use more than you imagine. Also clear out any old Coca- cans and rubbish, as you don’t want to be distracted or even get something stuck under the pedals. It you are planning to do lots of trackdays it is a good idea to look at brake upgrades because you’ll be surprised at how much of a pounding pads and discs will receive. As with anything the skys the limit and any modifications are entirely up to you. Noise will be a factor, as each circuit has a different decibel limit but if your car is road-legal then you should pass the noise test without a hitch.

Q "You mentioned brake upgrades what about tyres"?

As long as you don’t go bananas your road tyres will be okay for a days activities but longer term its worth investing in some good rubber for the purpose. We recommend Avon ACB10’s or Yokohama AO32’s or even a set of Pirelli P-Zero-C tyres (not the same as ordinary P Zeros) which are basically road-legal track tyres and have amazing levels of adhesion and grip, which isn’t surprising when you look at the tread pattern…or lack of it! Make sure they are the same size as your road tyres so that you won’t have to buy new rims. You don’t need to spend a fortune on your car to enjoy track days.

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

Don’t panic as the marshals have ways of making themselves understood!. You will quickly pick up the meanings of the flags. The most frequent one you will come across is the YELLOW flag, which means that there’s danger ahead of you so take extra care. If the yellow is being waved then something has gone badly pear-shaped in the vicinity so be prepared to stop.

A RED flag means there’s been a serious incident and the session has been stopped, so slow down to a crawl and make your way back to the pits or as directed.

A YELLOW and RED chequered flag means there’s oil on the circuit so obviously take care.

A BLUE flag means that another car wants to overtake you and if it’s being waved he wants to overtake you rather urgently.

One flag you don’t want to see, especially if it’s being aimed at you is the BLACK flag, which means you have, in the organisers opinion been a ‘very naughty person’ and you will have to go straight to the pits and get an almighty telling off!

Q "Which side of the road do I overtake on"?

At the drivers briefing in the morning you will get exact and precise instructions on procedures to follow. At nearly all events you will usually overtake on the left and if someone wants to go by, let them if you can. Of course if you’re not sure then hold station, it is always the overtakers responsibility to find the safest way past a slower car. By the same token if a driver has clearly been courteous and moved over for you then give them a cheery wave!

Q "Will my standard insurance cover me for track-days"?

Probably not, unless you are very lucky, meaning that if you biff your pride and joy you are on your own, and although the organisers will have insurance it will only be for Public Liability. Best thing to do is speak to a specialist insurer such as Competition Car Insurance (0115 941 5255 who can quote you on bespoke track day cover if you wish, which works out very cost effective.

For any questions not touched upon here your trackday organiser will always be please to hear from you.