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Most of us have sat at home and watched Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel reign supreme on every GP racetrack in the world during the 00's and have no doubt thought,"I wonder if I could ever do that?" Well you can! quite easily and you have nothing to fear from doing it. It is as simple as either booking yourself on a Track Day from one of the many online track day organisers or joining one of the many club track days that are held, even in your Porsche 911.
With the ever-worsening British roads and clampdowns on speeding drivers, track days are the only decent opportunity for enthusiasts like us, to give our cars a good shakedown. They are tremendous fun and allow you to explore the limits of your car's handling in relative safety. The key to getting the most out of a track day is preparation and maintenance.
What is a Trackday?
It's a day where you can go along to a race circuit and drive your own car. It is often the only legal way to explore the full range or your car's abilities. There are no police to stop you from speeding; there are no junctions to worry about.
It is a non-competitive event allowing drivers of road and track cars to come to a race circuit and explore their car's performance in a safe, controlled and professional environment. Basically, a trackday is what driving your car really all is about!
Track Days are fun events at which you can extend both yourself and your Porsche (as far, or as little as you want) within controlled surroundings and enjoy a degree of tuition to improve your skills, getting the best from yourself and your car!
The days are actually not that expensive at all and contrary to rumour if you look after your car, your car will look after you. Obviously Trackday cars, Evo's, Porsches etc will race round in circles all day without even batting an eyelid, but they still need looking after! So if you expect your Porsche 911 to do the same then you will be sorely disappointed, but by observing simple trackday procedures with your 911 you can easily get the most out of any Trackday without straining your car.
What is a trackday not?
A trackday is not a race or testing or timing day. Anyone found racing or competing in any way will be refused track time. Many circuits will bar you for breaking this rule. For those of you who race or aspire to racing, you are welcome as long as you leave all the timing equipment at home.
Can I go on a trackday?
Yes, of course! You must hold a valid full driving licence and this is the only qualification you need.
Choosing the right day
There are plenty of events held around the country every week, so finding a date won't be an issue, but there are things to look out for. Firstly if you have a particularly noisy car you need to be careful to ensure you won't exceed the set limit for the day. This limit will have been set by the local council and will be strictly enforced by the circuit rather than the trackday organizer, so if your car is too loud you won't be allowed out on track, it's as simple as that. As for location, we'd suggest choosing a circuit close to home so that your road driving is minimized, the concentration required for a full trackday can be quite tiring the first time, so it helps if you haven't got to endure a long drive home afterwards.
Another thing to consider is whether you would prefer a day with running-in 'sessions' or one where an 'open pitlane' format is employed. 'Sessions' mean that you are given certain times when you can go on track – typically either twenty or thirty minutes long – and drivers of a similar speed and experience are grouped together in novice, intermediate and advanced sessions. This type of day is favoured by beginners as it ensures you won't be out there alongside the experts, but you should check just how many cars are allowed at once to ensure it won't be over crowded.
What should I bring with me?
Driving licence, car (clearly!), the correct crash helmet (which must be worn on track), long clothes (that fully cover your arms and legs). Not really a long list, is it?
The driving licence must be valid and full. If you have one of the new plastic licences, please bring the paper counterpart as well. Some circuits are very fussy about this and will make you call the DVLA at your own expense for a licence check.
In car Video and Stills cameras
Are allowed at trackdays but these are subject to the venue's Clerk of the Course having to approve the mounting of them. They must be secure and not in any area where they obstruct the view of the driver or are a possible danger to others by falling off.
Cameras on the exterior of a car and helmet camera are increasingly disallowed at trackday venues, but you will need to check with the Clerk of the Course at your event.
Timing equipment and dataloggers
Timing on trackdays is not allowed unless it's a "testing" day. Dataloggers can be used only if they are the GPS/accelerometer type and don't give any "live" timing results.
Won't everyone else be much faster than me?
Maybe, maybe not. Either way, there are rules to protect you. Overtaking is only by consensus and only on the straights. On top of that circuit marshals will be looking out for 'bullies' at all times so that you will not feel uncomfortable!
Don't worry about horsepower! Remember fast cars are fast because they are driven well, not because they are the most powerful.
How about Insurance?
It is unlikely that your road Insurance covers you for trackdays. However, Insurance can be bought, either for the day or for a whole year. You will be required to sign a declaration before you are allowed on track to say that you accept the risks associated with the activity.
What if I crash?
This is always the big question! Unfortunately, despite the best safety efforts, accidents do sometimes occur. All trackdays are staffed with rescue and medical staff provided by the circuit owners. Should you have an accident, they will look after you. Another aspect of crashing is damage to your car. You will sign a declaration before you go on track that you are aware of the risks and any damage to the car or yourself is your own responsibility. You are not required to insure your car but, if you do not, and you crash, the payment to fix it must come from your own pocket.
Prepare your car!
If your car is road legal, then it is good enough for the track! Seatbelts are required at all tracks. You car will encounter higher stresses than would not be ordinarily encountered on the road (excepting the most aggressive of road drivers!). For this reason, it is important that drivers be satisfied the car is up to the task.
Noise
Circuits are coming under increasing pressure from local residents and various environmental groups regarding noise issues, many tracks impose noise limits. These are not usually a problem for standard road cars. If your car fails the noise test, you will have to quieten it or not be allowed on the track. Castle Combe in Wiltshire has a strict circuit noise limits, at 100 dB(A).
Brakes
Hard use of the brakes will increase the temperatures to which components are subjected. Pads, which are getting low, may struggle to cope with the extra heat and brake 'fade' may result. Thin (worn) discs may be prone to distortion if used to extremes.
Brake fluids that are still the OEM DOT 4 rating can have a limited range, depending how heavy your braking is, this can lead to a spongy pedal under repeated hard use, especially at a heavy braking circuit such as Bedford, SIlverston or Castle Combe.
A high temperature fluid (DOT 5.1) is advisable, but to ensure your brakes last, even consider braking earlier and ensure that you have a proper cool down lap at the end of each session, which will allow you to easily last the day.
Tyres
Are they in good physical condition with no damage to sidewalls? If the tread is low, this may improve the feel of the car and its stability under dry conditions, but if it rains you may be in trouble. As with all things in life, this element relies on compromise. Brand new tyres will feel 'slippery' until they have bedded in and the deep tread blocks may make the car feel 'fidgety' when cornering hard. Generally, tyre pressures may need to be slightly increased for dry track use, but decreased on a wet track.
Vehicle contents
You should make sure that all unnecessary and loose items are removed from the car, preferably before you set off for the circuit. Loose contents can fly around inside the car under braking and cornering and are therefore a potential danger. This applies equally to mobile phones, which should be switched off to avoid distractions.
Fuel
Make sure you have fuel. You will use a lot of fuel so make sure you check it regularly. After all you do not want to run out of fuel on the circuit, as this will stop everybody while you are rescued!
Lubricant levels
Engines used at high revs may consume more oil than under normal use. If necessary, bring a can to top-up if you know the engine is consuming oil. Check the transmission oil before the event but do not over-fill the engine oil, as any higher and it may overflow when hot and the oil expands.
Prepare yourself!
Crash helmet
Must be worn at all times when a driver or passenger is on the track. These do not need to be to the latest racing standard (although this is advisable) but they must be in good condition. An organiser will have helmets available for 'loan', if you do not have your own.
Clothing
It is not necessary to wear special clothing, but (for reasons of safety, not modesty) arms and legs must be covered at all times. Therefore, shorts or short sleeved shirts are not acceptable, whatever the weather.
Driving licence
All drivers will be required to show their Driving Licence when signing on before the event. This is not to check how many points you have, but to ensure you are able to drive a car legally. Regrettably, no licence - no track time and no refund.
The Day
Drivers Briefing
Listen to what the organiser and marshals have to say, even if you have done trackdays before, there will be specific instructions about the day, including circuit procedures, warm up sessions, timings and overtaking rules.
The rules
The biggest rule always is the one concerning overtaking and almost always this is allowed only on the left-hand side and only on the straights and never in the braking zones (there are a few exceptions to this, Castle Coombe has a policy of overtaking on the right and some days organized for experienced drivers only do occasionally allow overtaking on both sides). This means that overtaking requires co-operation from both parties as the car in front has move over to the right (and sometimes lift-off a little) so that the following car can pass.
This is what differentiates a trackday from testing and creates a safe environment where everyone can have fun. No one will dive down the inside of you under braking and once you reach the corner you can concentrate fully on it in the knowledge that anyone behind you will have to wait until you reach the next straight before you let them past. There are marshals all around the circuit so anyone transgressing this rule will be immediately be spotted and the driver will be hauled in to explain themselves.
Garages
Garages are available at most circuits, it is best to pre-book a garage to ensure you do not miss out, as any spare garages available on the day on a first come first serve basis are often snapped up first thing.
On Track
Stay alert to what is happening around you, do not get too close to other cars and check your mirrors and be ready to let faster cars pass (only on the straights) as they approach very quickly, but remember to what has been said in the drivers briefing.
Depending on how hard the car is being driven and how much heat is being generated within the tyres; it is recommended that you check your tyre pressures after every run to ensure that they are within the right limits. Driving quickly on a circuit will use the tyres harder than normal, but wear will not be excessive unless driven like a lunatic.
Quick driving means using the grip, not exceeding it or sliding the car around. The edges of the tread blocks will 'feather' slightly, but normal road driving will tend to flatten them off again. Also, watch out for legality on your drive home, you don't want your tyres to be illegal.
Towing Eye
Make sure you add your towing eye to your vehicle to ensure it can be recovered safely and without any damage. If you car does have an off and you do not have a towing eye, the recovery service can use any part of your car to attach a cable to it.
Driver Instruction
If it is available, it is highly recommended that you do have a session with an instructor, as this will make all the difference to your driving. Even after all these years I still have an Instruction session as there is always much to learn.
Information about Driver Training can be found by clicking here
Flags
On track certain flags are used to signal to all drivers. When you are on your sighting laps on track please familiarise yourself with the position of the marshal posts. The following are the types of flags you will see:
Tyre Pressures
These are very important and will be one of the main influences to how you car reacts on the day, as a result they need to be carefully monitored. At the start of the day keep to what the manufacturer states in the drivers manual / door sticker for road AT COLD.
When on track the tyres will go through heat cycles that are no experienced on the road through cornering. It is advisable to then stick to the same recommended pressures but AT HOT track driving tempearture your tyres will now be at ie cornering forces will build up heat and cause the PSI to rise.
You will need to manage your tyre pressures by reducing the amount of air in the tyres to bring the PSI down to the operating level as the tyre temps rise. These are a good benchmark and when on track you can have a look and see how they are wearing and adjust your tyre pressures accordingly.
Don't forget to add back the amount of Air PSI that you had taken out during the day, other by the time your tyres would have cooled down the PSI would have dropped down and your tyre risk being under inflated.
TMPS
Gadgets such as the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, can assist with tyre management, as reviewed here.
Cooling Down
This has been mentioned and is very important! After you last flying lap it is advisable to do another "in" lap but not at track speed (slow but not so slow as to get in the way of other cars on the circuit), in order to cool down the car. Stay off the racing line and try to not use your brakes unless very lightly to maximise the this cooling time.
Depending on the circuit it may be adviseable to indicate (on the side, per instructions from briefing) to show other quick drivers that your are staying out of the way. By the time you would have come back to the pit lane, your brakes, engine and gearbox would have had a good chance to cool down.
Back in the Pits
Finally do not park with your handbrake on! you may risk seizing your brake pads to your discs, park it in gear.
My final piece of advice is to enjoy yourself. Whether you drive an older or new Porsche 911, even a Cabriolet or Targa or any car for that matter! A track day is about having fun "safely" and driving your car like you never can on the road. Done right and you'll be saving for a trip to the legendary Nurburgring, the moment you leave the track!
Good luck and have fun.
With the ever-worsening British roads and clampdowns on speeding drivers, track days are the only decent opportunity for enthusiasts like us, to give our cars a good shakedown. They are tremendous fun and allow you to explore the limits of your car's handling in relative safety. The key to getting the most out of a track day is preparation and maintenance.
What is a Trackday?
It's a day where you can go along to a race circuit and drive your own car. It is often the only legal way to explore the full range or your car's abilities. There are no police to stop you from speeding; there are no junctions to worry about.
It is a non-competitive event allowing drivers of road and track cars to come to a race circuit and explore their car's performance in a safe, controlled and professional environment. Basically, a trackday is what driving your car really all is about!
Track Days are fun events at which you can extend both yourself and your Porsche (as far, or as little as you want) within controlled surroundings and enjoy a degree of tuition to improve your skills, getting the best from yourself and your car!
The days are actually not that expensive at all and contrary to rumour if you look after your car, your car will look after you. Obviously Trackday cars, Evo's, Porsches etc will race round in circles all day without even batting an eyelid, but they still need looking after! So if you expect your Porsche 911 to do the same then you will be sorely disappointed, but by observing simple trackday procedures with your 911 you can easily get the most out of any Trackday without straining your car.
What is a trackday not?
A trackday is not a race or testing or timing day. Anyone found racing or competing in any way will be refused track time. Many circuits will bar you for breaking this rule. For those of you who race or aspire to racing, you are welcome as long as you leave all the timing equipment at home.
Can I go on a trackday?
Yes, of course! You must hold a valid full driving licence and this is the only qualification you need.
Choosing the right day
There are plenty of events held around the country every week, so finding a date won't be an issue, but there are things to look out for. Firstly if you have a particularly noisy car you need to be careful to ensure you won't exceed the set limit for the day. This limit will have been set by the local council and will be strictly enforced by the circuit rather than the trackday organizer, so if your car is too loud you won't be allowed out on track, it's as simple as that. As for location, we'd suggest choosing a circuit close to home so that your road driving is minimized, the concentration required for a full trackday can be quite tiring the first time, so it helps if you haven't got to endure a long drive home afterwards.
Another thing to consider is whether you would prefer a day with running-in 'sessions' or one where an 'open pitlane' format is employed. 'Sessions' mean that you are given certain times when you can go on track – typically either twenty or thirty minutes long – and drivers of a similar speed and experience are grouped together in novice, intermediate and advanced sessions. This type of day is favoured by beginners as it ensures you won't be out there alongside the experts, but you should check just how many cars are allowed at once to ensure it won't be over crowded.
What should I bring with me?
Driving licence, car (clearly!), the correct crash helmet (which must be worn on track), long clothes (that fully cover your arms and legs). Not really a long list, is it?
The driving licence must be valid and full. If you have one of the new plastic licences, please bring the paper counterpart as well. Some circuits are very fussy about this and will make you call the DVLA at your own expense for a licence check.
In car Video and Stills cameras
Are allowed at trackdays but these are subject to the venue's Clerk of the Course having to approve the mounting of them. They must be secure and not in any area where they obstruct the view of the driver or are a possible danger to others by falling off.
Cameras on the exterior of a car and helmet camera are increasingly disallowed at trackday venues, but you will need to check with the Clerk of the Course at your event.
Timing equipment and dataloggers
Timing on trackdays is not allowed unless it's a "testing" day. Dataloggers can be used only if they are the GPS/accelerometer type and don't give any "live" timing results.
Won't everyone else be much faster than me?
Maybe, maybe not. Either way, there are rules to protect you. Overtaking is only by consensus and only on the straights. On top of that circuit marshals will be looking out for 'bullies' at all times so that you will not feel uncomfortable!
Don't worry about horsepower! Remember fast cars are fast because they are driven well, not because they are the most powerful.
How about Insurance?
It is unlikely that your road Insurance covers you for trackdays. However, Insurance can be bought, either for the day or for a whole year. You will be required to sign a declaration before you are allowed on track to say that you accept the risks associated with the activity.
What if I crash?
This is always the big question! Unfortunately, despite the best safety efforts, accidents do sometimes occur. All trackdays are staffed with rescue and medical staff provided by the circuit owners. Should you have an accident, they will look after you. Another aspect of crashing is damage to your car. You will sign a declaration before you go on track that you are aware of the risks and any damage to the car or yourself is your own responsibility. You are not required to insure your car but, if you do not, and you crash, the payment to fix it must come from your own pocket.
Prepare your car!
If your car is road legal, then it is good enough for the track! Seatbelts are required at all tracks. You car will encounter higher stresses than would not be ordinarily encountered on the road (excepting the most aggressive of road drivers!). For this reason, it is important that drivers be satisfied the car is up to the task.
Noise
Circuits are coming under increasing pressure from local residents and various environmental groups regarding noise issues, many tracks impose noise limits. These are not usually a problem for standard road cars. If your car fails the noise test, you will have to quieten it or not be allowed on the track. Castle Combe in Wiltshire has a strict circuit noise limits, at 100 dB(A).
Brakes
Hard use of the brakes will increase the temperatures to which components are subjected. Pads, which are getting low, may struggle to cope with the extra heat and brake 'fade' may result. Thin (worn) discs may be prone to distortion if used to extremes.
Brake fluids that are still the OEM DOT 4 rating can have a limited range, depending how heavy your braking is, this can lead to a spongy pedal under repeated hard use, especially at a heavy braking circuit such as Bedford, SIlverston or Castle Combe.
A high temperature fluid (DOT 5.1) is advisable, but to ensure your brakes last, even consider braking earlier and ensure that you have a proper cool down lap at the end of each session, which will allow you to easily last the day.
Tyres
Are they in good physical condition with no damage to sidewalls? If the tread is low, this may improve the feel of the car and its stability under dry conditions, but if it rains you may be in trouble. As with all things in life, this element relies on compromise. Brand new tyres will feel 'slippery' until they have bedded in and the deep tread blocks may make the car feel 'fidgety' when cornering hard. Generally, tyre pressures may need to be slightly increased for dry track use, but decreased on a wet track.
Vehicle contents
You should make sure that all unnecessary and loose items are removed from the car, preferably before you set off for the circuit. Loose contents can fly around inside the car under braking and cornering and are therefore a potential danger. This applies equally to mobile phones, which should be switched off to avoid distractions.
Fuel
Make sure you have fuel. You will use a lot of fuel so make sure you check it regularly. After all you do not want to run out of fuel on the circuit, as this will stop everybody while you are rescued!
Lubricant levels
Engines used at high revs may consume more oil than under normal use. If necessary, bring a can to top-up if you know the engine is consuming oil. Check the transmission oil before the event but do not over-fill the engine oil, as any higher and it may overflow when hot and the oil expands.
Prepare yourself!
Crash helmet
Must be worn at all times when a driver or passenger is on the track. These do not need to be to the latest racing standard (although this is advisable) but they must be in good condition. An organiser will have helmets available for 'loan', if you do not have your own.
Clothing
It is not necessary to wear special clothing, but (for reasons of safety, not modesty) arms and legs must be covered at all times. Therefore, shorts or short sleeved shirts are not acceptable, whatever the weather.
Driving licence
All drivers will be required to show their Driving Licence when signing on before the event. This is not to check how many points you have, but to ensure you are able to drive a car legally. Regrettably, no licence - no track time and no refund.
The Day
Drivers Briefing
Listen to what the organiser and marshals have to say, even if you have done trackdays before, there will be specific instructions about the day, including circuit procedures, warm up sessions, timings and overtaking rules.
The rules
The biggest rule always is the one concerning overtaking and almost always this is allowed only on the left-hand side and only on the straights and never in the braking zones (there are a few exceptions to this, Castle Coombe has a policy of overtaking on the right and some days organized for experienced drivers only do occasionally allow overtaking on both sides). This means that overtaking requires co-operation from both parties as the car in front has move over to the right (and sometimes lift-off a little) so that the following car can pass.
This is what differentiates a trackday from testing and creates a safe environment where everyone can have fun. No one will dive down the inside of you under braking and once you reach the corner you can concentrate fully on it in the knowledge that anyone behind you will have to wait until you reach the next straight before you let them past. There are marshals all around the circuit so anyone transgressing this rule will be immediately be spotted and the driver will be hauled in to explain themselves.
Garages
Garages are available at most circuits, it is best to pre-book a garage to ensure you do not miss out, as any spare garages available on the day on a first come first serve basis are often snapped up first thing.
On Track
Stay alert to what is happening around you, do not get too close to other cars and check your mirrors and be ready to let faster cars pass (only on the straights) as they approach very quickly, but remember to what has been said in the drivers briefing.
Depending on how hard the car is being driven and how much heat is being generated within the tyres; it is recommended that you check your tyre pressures after every run to ensure that they are within the right limits. Driving quickly on a circuit will use the tyres harder than normal, but wear will not be excessive unless driven like a lunatic.
Quick driving means using the grip, not exceeding it or sliding the car around. The edges of the tread blocks will 'feather' slightly, but normal road driving will tend to flatten them off again. Also, watch out for legality on your drive home, you don't want your tyres to be illegal.
Towing Eye
Make sure you add your towing eye to your vehicle to ensure it can be recovered safely and without any damage. If you car does have an off and you do not have a towing eye, the recovery service can use any part of your car to attach a cable to it.
Driver Instruction
If it is available, it is highly recommended that you do have a session with an instructor, as this will make all the difference to your driving. Even after all these years I still have an Instruction session as there is always much to learn.
Information about Driver Training can be found by clicking here
Flags
On track certain flags are used to signal to all drivers. When you are on your sighting laps on track please familiarise yourself with the position of the marshal posts. The following are the types of flags you will see:
Tyre Pressures
These are very important and will be one of the main influences to how you car reacts on the day, as a result they need to be carefully monitored. At the start of the day keep to what the manufacturer states in the drivers manual / door sticker for road AT COLD.
When on track the tyres will go through heat cycles that are no experienced on the road through cornering. It is advisable to then stick to the same recommended pressures but AT HOT track driving tempearture your tyres will now be at ie cornering forces will build up heat and cause the PSI to rise.
You will need to manage your tyre pressures by reducing the amount of air in the tyres to bring the PSI down to the operating level as the tyre temps rise. These are a good benchmark and when on track you can have a look and see how they are wearing and adjust your tyre pressures accordingly.
Don't forget to add back the amount of Air PSI that you had taken out during the day, other by the time your tyres would have cooled down the PSI would have dropped down and your tyre risk being under inflated.
TMPS
Gadgets such as the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, can assist with tyre management, as reviewed here.
Cooling Down
This has been mentioned and is very important! After you last flying lap it is advisable to do another "in" lap but not at track speed (slow but not so slow as to get in the way of other cars on the circuit), in order to cool down the car. Stay off the racing line and try to not use your brakes unless very lightly to maximise the this cooling time.
Depending on the circuit it may be adviseable to indicate (on the side, per instructions from briefing) to show other quick drivers that your are staying out of the way. By the time you would have come back to the pit lane, your brakes, engine and gearbox would have had a good chance to cool down.
Back in the Pits
Finally do not park with your handbrake on! you may risk seizing your brake pads to your discs, park it in gear.
My final piece of advice is to enjoy yourself. Whether you drive an older or new Porsche 911, even a Cabriolet or Targa or any car for that matter! A track day is about having fun "safely" and driving your car like you never can on the road. Done right and you'll be saving for a trip to the legendary Nurburgring, the moment you leave the track!
Good luck and have fun.