Track Day Do's and Donts - Advice please

[Hopsta]

Not sure if this is in the right place (feel free to move it [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]) Would it be possible for some of the more experienced track drivers to post up a list of DO's and DONT's with regards to track days ie tyre pressures, what to do when you finish a session ie brakes off/on, engine running (how long), cooling down lap, how much fuel to run with. I've picked up snippets over the last year with posts, just be nice to have it all in once place for us newbies

Any advice muchly appreciated [img]images/graemlins/bowdown.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/beerchug.gif[/img]

Graham

[PhilT]

I'll try, here are my 10 points that I do, and I know others may have different ideas.

1. Do observe all safety steps that have been taken.
2. Do make sure your car is to the recommended spec for road use - i.e. tyre pressures, oil level, etc - I try to use the track as an extension to the road, no speed limit and nothing coming the other way (Hopefully!!)
3. Do have enough fuel to go round, ain't nothing worse than running out of fuel on the track. I get around 8 mpg on the track and you should be able to calculate how much you will need. I usually arrive with as close to a full tank as possible.
4. Do take it easy - It's not a race.
5. Do be very aware of your surroundings, there will be faster people than you on the track, let them past by indicating to the right and slowing down if necessary.
6. Do NOT overtake on corners, you might end up in someone's 'racing line'.
7. When you have overtaken someone try to thank them ( [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img] ).
8. Do allow at least one lap to cool down, try not to use the brakes too much.
9. Do NOT use the handbrake when you pull up in the pits - If you can find a flat piece of ground and let the engine tick over for a bit and then turn it off and leave the car in gear. If you leave the handbrake on then you may boil the brake fluid [img]images/graemlins/033102bad_1_prv.gif[/img].
10. Do remember at all times that the car you are on the track in, is probably the same car that you want to drive home in!!

Most track regulars will be happy to take you round as a passenger.

Try this link for some more good advice - http://www.bookatrack.com/isapi/bat.dll?2&broc&a&b&c&3

HTH,

[chrisa1]

You forgot to mention - Avoid Gravel Traps like the Plague!!!!

[img]images/graemlins/roflmao.gif[/img]

[Prawn]

I would pretty much mirror Phil's points. also :

1) Make sure you check the car over thouroughly the night before, ie oil, water, pressures etc
2) As well as a warm down lap, you need to do a warm up lap to get the brakes etc warmed up before pushing them
3) I always remove loose items + spare + mats etc, it is amazing how much stuff moves around if it comes loose
4) Re the handbrake I always take a chock or something sililar just in case the cars are on a slope.
5) TAKE IT EASY WHEN YOU FIRST GO OUT, build up your speed as your knowledge of the track and confidence build, there are no prizes for being quickest, as Phil says you will want to be able to drive the car home at the end of the day.

If in doubt ask, people will be happy to help I'me sure.

[TimJMS]

Futher to the good points already mentioned....

When behind slower traffic through corners, always leave yourself plenty of margin to play with. When a Caterham / Westfield spins in front of you (my two biggest moments on track have involved this scenario) then you will need to be able to escape to the left or the right, so dont over - commit in this situaton to a racing line!

[DuncS3]

Graham,

As a 'veteran' of only one track day, one of the biggest bits of advice I could give to a newbie is dont feel pressured into driving in any way apart from whatever you feel comfortable with. If that is 30 mph round the circuit - so be it. I was fretting the day before, woudl I be too slow, holding people up etc, but once you are on your way you find your own pace. Be very observant - always know what is in front and what is behind you, and dont be ashamed to let people overtake you. Just take it easy and enjoy!
When I went out on Donington for the first lap I felt quite uncomfortable (what with the crash helmet on which was weird!) and I wasnt sure if I was going to like it. After a lap or two at my own pace, it was great fun.

I of course echo all the sentiment here - check tyre pressures, take spare oil and Millers etc with you and be courteous.

Dunc [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

[MPSeed]

The Track Day comments above are good, take note of them all, Look, Learn & Listen, no room for ego's on the track.

Also a helmet can be a good idea, and if tuition is offered, and its your first/second time TAKE IT EVEN IF IT COSTS DOUGH...

Politeness and consideration to others is the order of the day.

See Porsche Club GB Track Days Guide below..

http://www.porscheclubgb.com/frame.html

Remember this is suposed to be fun, it will not be if an idiot wrecks their own, or worse, someone elses RS!!

[Bushy]

I agree do not be forced into thinking you need to prove anything, even us alledged fast RS4 owners are happy to let more competent people past, well I certainley have let better and faster people over take
Dont be worried, it is at your own pace, if not and you push too hard that is when accidents occur

[Hopsta]

Cheers for the advice/tips peeps ! [img]images/graemlins/clap.gif[/img]

See you there! [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

Graham

[tanoga]

Agree with all the above but would add the following
1,
Don't forget your driving license as some tracks do ask
to see it.
2,
No disrespect to anyone one here but make sure you keep
your car locked when unattended
3,
Enjoy the day and be safe

Sorry I can't make it myself on the 2nd April at CC would have been a great day out. I just hope England stuff Turkey else I'll have the right humph

[Scotty]

I'd also add to infalte your tyres to recommended + 10%.

This eliminates a lot of the tyre wall movement that will otherwise lead to the tyres possibly overheating.

[Riz_RS4]

[img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]