How to prepare for a track day. Download our FREE checklist

Intrigued by the idea of testing your car's limits in a safe space? Ever considered a track day but felt lost in the starting process? This guide simplifies your first foray into track driving. We'll shed light on essential car prep, navigating the unknown, and mastering the track - all minus the hype.

Whether this is your first track day experience or you’re a seasoned pro, it pays to be prepared.

Track time can be expensive, but there’s a wide range available depending on the track and organiser. UK track day costs can start from as low as £80, which is significantly cheaper than a speeding ticket.

These events are popular and spaces fill up quickly, so it’s important to book early to secure your spot on the track day calendar.
The true cost can extend far beyond the initial fee. Here are a few reasons why:

• Car not ready : Arriving with a car that’s mechanically unprepared can lead to frustration and wasted time. This could be anything from a simple coolant hose leak to a more serious issue like worn out brake pads. Annoying

• On track incident: Causing a red flag because your car is dropping debris or oil is not only embarrassing but can also hold up the entire session for other drivers. Frustrating

• Incorrect tyres: Spinning off track due to improper tyres for the conditions can ruin your day and potentially damage your car. Track day tyres are designed for high performance driving and provide much better grip than regular road tyres. Embarrassing

• Lack of focus: Distractions while driving on track can be dangerous. Focus on the road and avoid fiddling with the interior of your car. Who said this was a good idea?

The most important factor is safety. A mechanical failure at high speeds can lead to serious injury, and potentially impact your ability to work and earn a living.

So, before you head out there, take the time to prepare your car properly. As the saying goes, “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” We’ll break down the key areas to consider in the next section, and you’ll see that it’s not just about the car itself.

Are you prepared?

If this is your first track day experience, remember it’s supposed to be a thrilling and memorable experience that will make you want to come back for more.

The good news is that you don’t need to be a professional athlete to participate. However, there are some basic tips to help you prepare for it physically and mentally.

• Food: Avoid heavy meals before your session. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals to maintain your energy levels and avoid feeling sluggish behind the wheel.

• Helmet requirements UK: A helmet that meets the necessary safety standards is mandatory for all UK track day participants. If you’re driving an open top car, you’ll need a full face helmet. Helmet rentals are available at most circuits, but it’s advisable to book in advance.

For a more comprehensive read, this buying guide is fantastic

• Clothing: Wear comfortable, long clothing that covers your arms and legs. This is not a fashion show, prioritise safety and practicality over style.

• Footwear: if you have any specific racing boots, then by all means wear them, otherwise any pair of trainers with a thin sole will help. The thin soles will allow you to feel the pedals more precisely.

• Spectating: If you’re a complete novice, consider attending as a spectator first. This will help you familiarise yourself with the environment, locate key facilities like restrooms and briefing areas, and observe how the day unfolds. This can help ease any anxieties you might have about your first time and allow you to relax and focus on enjoying the experience when it’s your turn on the track.

• Schedule: Be punctual! Arrive early to avoid any last minute stress. Plan your day by familiarising yourself with your session start times, locating your designated garage space, and getting organised beforehand with your Checklist.

What to expect

If this is your first time, then booking a novice only session is recommended. This ensures you’ll be sharing the track with other drivers of similar experience on a beginner track day. General track days are typically split into sessions where drivers self select into skill groups based on their experience level, including novice, intermediate, and advanced.

When you receive your booking confirmation, be sure to review the rules beforehand to contributes to a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

The first order of business upon arrival is typically signing in, completing any necessary indemnity forms, receiving your wristband and car number, and then attending the mandatory safety briefing.

Choosing the right car

While high performance cars with names like GTI, RS, M, AMG, or Superleggera might make you dream of setting blazing lap times, participation can b in a wider range of vehicles. You can absolutely bring your everyday car to a track day, as long as it meets the essential safety requirements.

For instance, a classic Land Rover series 1 wouldn’t be the most suitable choice due to its high centre of gravity and off road focus. However, many road legal cars can be suitable, provided they adhere to the requirements:

• MOT test certificate: Your car must have a valid MOT test certificate, ensuring it meets the minimum roadworthiness standards.

• Safety check: It’s highly recommended to have a qualified mechanic perform a thorough inspection before hitting the track. This preventative maintenance can help identify and address any potential mechanical issues that could hinder your enjoyment or safety on the day.

• Noise limits: Noise restrictions vary depending on the track. Be sure to check the noise limit for the specific track you’ll be attending. It is worth reading a little more about how they carry out this test here, to determine how the results are gathered.

Insurance

This is a personal decision, and it’s not mandatory for a track day. It’s also important to confirm whether your existing policy offers any coverage for these type of activities, as many standard road car insurance policies likely won’t.

Several specialist companies offer track day insurance UK, providing coverage for your car in case of accidental damage during the event. Cost comparison tools can help you find the best deal and coverage options. However, be sure to thoroughly review the policy details, especially if you’ve made any modifications to your car since taking out your standard insurance. Even minor modifications could invalidate a claim under a track day policy.

Considering a camera mount for a GoPro or onboard camera might be a good idea. In the unfortunate event of an incident with another driver, having footage can be helpful. If you do install a camera, be sure to use a secure camera tether to prevent it from becoming a dangerous projectile under high G-forces.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your risk tolerance. If the potential cost of repairing or replacing your car after an accident is significant, then considering dedicated insurance might be wise.

Could you afford to right off the cost of the whole car? No, then you should insure it.

Car preparation

Crucially, is your car ready?

Regardless of whether you’re driving a standard road car or a full blown race car, there’s a minimum level of preparation required.
Running your car at highspeed on a track subjects your car to significantly higher forces compared to typical road driving.

This increased stress can wear down consumable components like brakes, tyres, and suspension components at a much faster rate. An inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended to identify and address any potential mechanical issues that could lead to breakdowns or safety hazards.

Let’s delve into tyres, the crucial link between your car and the track surface. Here are four key tyre checks:

Tyre tread depth: Technically, your car can pass a valid MOT with a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. But if you hit the track pretty hard and you need to drive the car home it will most likely be illegal by the time you leave. Its wise to start with around a minimum 4-5mm of tread depth to factor in a high wear rate.

Used tyres: If you’re concerned about tyre wear and legalities, consider using a dedicated set of track day tyres. These tyres are designed for high performance driving and provide superior grip compared to standard road tyres.

Tyre pressures: Proper tyre pressures are crucial for optimal handling and performance. Consult your car’s manual or a qualified mechanic to determine the recommended tyre pressure settings for your specific car and tyre setup. (see the checklist for more details)

Tyre inspection: Before heading out on the track, perform a thorough visual inspection of your tyres for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or cracks. Having a qualified mechanic perform a tyre inspection can provide additional peace of mind.

Warm up: Allow your car ample time to warm up before pushing it hard on the track. Ideally, your engine coolant temperature should reach at least 50 degrees Celsius before aggressive driving. Build up speed and temperature gradually during your initial laps to allow the engine, brakes, and tyres to reach optimal operating temperatures.

Cold tyre pressures: Start with cold tyre pressure settings that are slightly lower than the manufacturer’s recommended road tyre pressures. This accounts for the significant increase in pressure that occurs as the tyres heat up.

Hot tyre pressures: Monitor your tyre pressures after each session. The ideal pressure range will vary depending on your car, tyre setup, and track conditions. Observing how the pressures change throughout the day will help you determine the optimal starting cold tyre pressure for your next session.

Tyre data logging: If you plan on making track days a regular hobby, consider keeping a detailed record of your tyre pressures. This data, along with information about the track and weather conditions, can be invaluable for setting optimal tyre pressures in the future. Track day tyre pressure data sheets are available online or you can create your own system for recording this information.

Turbocharged car cool down: If your car has a turbocharger, let it idle for a few minutes after each session to allow the turbocharger to cool down before shutting off the engine. Extremely high temperatures can cause premature wear and tear on turbo bearings and seals if the engine is shut off immediately after hard driving.
Tyre pressure management is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Tyre pressures will increase as they heat up during track sessions. It’s important to check your tyre pressures regularly throughout the day, both when they are cold (before heading out on the track) and hot (immediately after returning to the pit lane).

Brakes

Brake system readiness is essential due to the increased stress placed on your brakes compared to typical road driving.

Brake pad and disc inspection: If you’re unsure about the remaining life of your brake pads and discs, err on the side of caution and replace them before your track day. It’s crucial to replace components by axle to ensure balanced braking performance. This means replacing all the discs and pads on the front axle or all on the rear axle simultaneously. Never just replace the one corner. Consider an inspection by a qualified mechanic for a more thorough assessment. Alternatively, you can visually inspect your brakes yourself. Look for a significant lip on the outer edge of the discs or brake pads that are less than 50% of their original thickness. These signs indicate the need for replacement.

Brake pedal feel: A firm and responsive brake pedal is crucial for optimal braking performance. If your brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or judders during braking, it may indicate air in the system, worn out brake fluid, or other underlying issues. A brake fluid change and brake bleeding service might be necessary to address these concerns.

Brake fluid: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time. This can lower the boiling point of the fluid, reducing braking performance and potentially leading to brake fade. Look into high boiling point brake fluid for track days to ensure your brakes perform optimally under high temperatures.

Cool down lap: Allow your car to complete a cool down lap after each track session. This helps to gradually reduce brake temperatures and prevent disc warping.

Parking procedures: Avoid using the handbrake immediately after a track session when the discs are still hot. This could cause the handbrake to seize or even warp the discs due to uneven cooling.

Torque Wheels

Mid session checks are important due to the increased heat and stress placed on your car compared to typical road driving. Under these demanding conditions, components can loosen slightly.

To ensure optimal safety and performance, consider performing a mid day wheel torque check. This involves tightening your wheel nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque settings using a torque wrench.

While the likelihood of your wheels loosening during a is minimal, performing a mid session check can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on enjoying your experience.

Fluid levels

Engine oil service is highly recommended before hand. Track running subjects your engine to increased stress compared to typical road driving. Fresh engine oil with the appropriate viscosity for track use will help ensure optimal lubrication and engine protection.

Consider consulting your car’s manual or a qualified mechanic to determine the recommended engine oil for your specific car.

Fluid level checks are crucial throughout the day. The engine will be working harder on the track, so it’s important to monitor your engine fluid levels regularly.
This includes checking your engine oil level for track days, as some cars may experience higher oil consumption during track sessions. Track day engine coolant level checks are also important to ensure proper engine cooling. Additionally, be sure to monitor your brake fluid level and fuel level throughout the day.

Towing Eye

Before the day, make sure you can find your towing eyes, and know where they fit. This is for your own comfort if the marshal’s need to pull you out of a gravel trap, otherwise they will hook up to any reasonable point they can find, not ideal if they drag it out with your suspension arms.

Make sure you fit front and rear, you don’t always end up in the barriers front first.

Noise Restrictions

Every track venue has its own noise limit, and these can vary quite a bit. For instance, Bedford Autodrome has a stricter limit of 87 decibels, whereas larger tracks like Brands Hatch, Oulton Park, Cadwell Park, and Silverstone allow for higher noise levels up to 105 decibels.

Exceeding the noise limit could mean being banned from the session.
Many circuits publish their noise regulations online, or you can find them through online resources like this one.

Loose items

Interior decluttering is a must, especially if you’re using your everyday car. Imagine navigating a fast corner at Silverstone after discovering your phone has become a rogue passenger under the brake pedal! Remove any loose items like phones, sunglasses, or that forgotten coffee cup to minimize distractions and potential hazards.

More importantly, a clean interior is crucial for safety in the unlikely event of an accident. Loose objects can become dangerous projectiles during a collision.
Session planning and organisation are key to maximising your enjoyment and minimising stress. Familiarise yourself with the track schedule beforehand to avoid last minute repairs that could eat into your valuable track time.

Schedule breaks between sessions to give yourself time to relax, refocus, and ensure you’re in peak mental and physical condition for each run. If you find managing everything yourself overwhelming, consider inquiring about track day mechanic for support.

What should I bring with me?

Essential track day kit can significantly enhance your experience and keep you prepared for anything. Let’s explore some key items to consider:

Cleaning supplies: During hot summer days, pesky bugs and flies can quickly splatter your windscreen. Pack some glass cleaner and paper towels for easy removal. For stubborn bug splatter, consider an active foam cleaner to pre-treat the grime before wiping it away.

Emergency supplies: Pack a roll of duct tape for minor repairs. It’s a versatile item that can also help out fellow enthusiasts in a pinch. Cable ties are another handy addition to your kit. They can be used to secure loose wires or even temporarily fix a cracked engine under tray.

Refreshments: Staying hydrated is crucial. Bring plenty of drinking water to stay focused and avoid fatigue behind the wheel.

Food: If you’re unfamiliar with the track’s location, pack some snacks or a light meal, even if there are limited food options available on-site.

Spare Fluids: Pack essential fluids for potential top ups. This includes at least 1 litre of the recommended engine oil for your car, along with some brake fluid that meets the correct specification. While most UK tracks have fuel stations nearby, they can be expensive. Consider bringing a jerry can filled with fuel from a cheaper station close to the track, or fill up your car’s tank just before arriving.

Basic tools. If you’re mechanically inclined, consider bringing a tool kit. Here are some essentials to get you started:

◦ Tyre pressure gauge
◦ Foot pump or 12V electric pump
◦ Funnels
◦ Jerry can
◦ Assorted socket set and spanner set
◦ Quality jack and axle stands (avoid using the flimsy scissor jack that comes with your car)
◦ Torque wrench
◦ Locking wheel nut key
◦ Cordless impact gun
◦ Flush cuts

If you are travelling on your own have a little think about where you will store your things whilst your out on track, racing circuits tend to be kind friendly places and its very rare items get stolen, just means you can relax more on the day.

Modifications

While extensive modifications aren’t mandatory for a track day, some basic tweaks can significantly enhance your car’s performance.
Weight reduction is a cost effective way to improve your car’s overall handling.

Removing unnecessary items like rear seats or replacing heavy door cards with lighter alternatives can lead to better braking, acceleration, and cornering.
Upgrading your tyres is another impactful modification. Explore track day tyre options from various manufacturers.

Consider having these tyres mounted on a dedicated set of wheels, allowing you to use track-focused, non-road-legal tyres that prioritise performance over everyday driving legality.

For those seeking improved engine performance, focus on optimising airflow. Start by researching air intake systems and performance exhaust upgrades. Remember to factor in track noise restrictions when selecting an exhaust system.

Conclusion, Have fun!

Most importantly, have fun! Track days are a fantastic opportunity to push your limits in a safe and controlled environment. Don’t worry about setting lap records on your first outing. Focus on gradually improving your skills and enjoying the experience.

Driver instruction is available for those who want to take their driving to the next level. Many tracks offer coaching sessions with experienced instructors who can provide valuable feedback and techniques to help you become a smoother and faster driver.

Help us spready the love. If you found this article useful please share this article with your fellow car enthusiasts to help them discover the joys of track driving. Building a strong track day community benefits everyone.

Safety first! Always prioritise safety during your track day experience. Follow all track regulations and drive within your limits.

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