Car Trackday Questions and Answers

1. What is a Track Day?
2. Is there racing involved, what about a race license?
3. Will I need a crash helmet?
4. What sort of cars will be there?
5. What will i expect as a ‘novice’?
6. Is there a drivers briefing?
7. Should I prepare the car?
8. Will my standard insurance cover me for car trackdays?
9. How many cars will be on the circuit?

1. Track Days are events held on race circuits and other private tracks such as old airfields where ordinary drivers can take their cars along and drive without the restriction of speed limits.With the level of congestion on today’s roads, lower speed limits, speed cameras etc., a track day is probably the only opportunity a driver has nowadays to truly explore a car’s performance. See A Typical Track Day
2. It is important to recognise that a track day is not a race. No ‘competitive’ driving is allowed, and no timing is allowed and a race licence is not valid, only your DVLA driving licence. Quite simply, everyone attends the event in order to drive at whatever speeds they choose, without being forced to drive slower or faster by others. A strict set of rules and track day etiquette ensure that all drivers can have fun on the track together.
3. Yes, you most certainly will and don’t take any chances and under no circumstances should you contemplate digging out that old chipped helmet. 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. If you don’t own a helmet and you don’t want to purchase one we ca supply you one of ours.
4. Track days will typically have a large selection of cars in attendance, from hot-hatches, through super cars to full-on race machinery. There will also usually be a range of driver abilities, from track day novices though to race drivers.
5. Track day novices should not be put off by the fact that fast cars and experienced drivers may be present. All track day drivers had to start somewhere, and being strictly non-competitive, beginners will usually receive a warm welcome and good advice from the more experienced drivers.
6. There is always a drivers’ briefing at the start of the event where the rules for the day are set out, and you must attend. The track marshals are also well aware of the rules for the day and will call-in any car guilty of misdemeanors or bad driving. In extreme cases, drivers will be sent home from the event as safety is just so important.
7. You don’t need a special car, and most track day drivers will be using their own road car. However, some preparation will be necessary and you should ensure that your car is fully roadworthy with all fluid levels checked etc. Track days are far harder on brakes, suspension and tyres that road driving, and track day regulars will quickly be fitting uprated components.
8. Probably not, unless you are very lucky, meaning that if you damage 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.
9. Every circuit has a recommended limit but we like organisers who don’t get close to this. On a typical track day we will allow 22 to 26 cars out onto the circuit at any one time. We will also release them from the pit lane in groups of 5 or 6, this again cuts down on crowding.

What is often missed in track day descriptions is just how much fun they are, and how friendly everyone is.