Beginner Track Day

[kieranadams97]

So yesterday was my 18th birthday and Dad has said he would like to pay for me to do a track day. It's nothing serious just wanted to have a little bit of fun and try driving on a track.
Question is what sort of track day should I go on? Or would it be better to have an instructor session?
Any recommendations for tracks near the west midlands would also be appreciated.
Cheers.

 

[Inequality Street]

Always worth having tuition, normally it's quite cheap too.

I have done 2 track days, both at Bedford, which is a very good track for a starter as there are pretty much no walls to hit. (I went off once, cooked my brakes, mind that!)

Will you be in your Campus? Or are you looking to do a 'Track Experience' in a Lambo or something?

 

[imprezaworks]

Trackday in your car?

 

[Big P Dog]

Why not?

 

[imprezaworks]

I was curious

 

[kieranadams97]

@RyG @imprezaworks Thats what the plan was, in the campus. Would it be pointless due to being so slow? Just thought it would be a fun day to chuck it into a few corners.

I got given an experience in a supercar too, should be fun.

 

[imprezaworks]

Not atall mate, not atall. Example.

My dad drove mine round Oulton for the first time the other month, if your slower than him you shouldn't have a license, lol. You will have a great time and date I say more fun

 

[Inequality Street]

@RyG @imprezaworks Thats what the plan was, in the campus. Would it be pointless due to being so slow? Just thought it would be a fun day to chuck it into a few corners.

I got given an experience in a supercar too, should be fun.

Thats why its a track day, not a race day!

All I will say is keep an eyeon your brakes, I managed to frazzle my pads in both my 200 and 172 because I stayed out too long. Regular breaks in the pitts to keep them cool and you're a good'un. (Dont use your handbrake when parked, it will stick, leave in gear)

 

[GrahamS]

I did some track time in a golf v5 ones. I sailed around in absolute comfort.
Do some 20 minute sessions first as it's an easy way to have fun without hammering your car.
http://www.msvtrackdays.com/car/products/taster-session-car.aspx

 

[Steve]

Get a novice sticker for the back of your car that way anyone following will know your new.

My mate stuck one on the back of my car at Donington without me knowing. Guy in next garage came over at 10am said you learnt that quick

 

[imprezaworks]

Ha ha

 

[clioben182]

Go for it. I've done loads of experience days all over the midlands also done trackdays at silverstone (before the extension) and donington. I did a trackday at mallory park last month, absolutley loved it, good bunch of lads with clio's there and some very good considerate driving. I had a 20 min instructor session which i would recommend also. interesting range of cars there aswell including a mk1 escort that was permantley sideways!

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Try a taster session if it's available at your nearest track ?

MSV do £25 for a 20 min session on certain days...

Faiiling that - go for an evening event for your first - I can't imagine you'll want to spend 6+ hours hammering it about for a full day on your first go...

My first TD was Snetterton in a fairly standard 182. Infact it was below standard spec with a crap exhaust and rubbish tyres and brakes !!

Was a sessioned day .. so once an hour, had a ~15 min slot ! That's plenty to get a few laps in and not over work / over heat the car/tyres/brakes etc.

 

[warwickstingray]

Best thing to do when your young or new to driving is to get your daily on track. You will experience all the things that would get you into trouble on the road. A good driver isn't all about speed. A good driver has complete control and can achieve flawless consistency. I passengered in a Corsa 12v around combe with a pretty tidy driver at the wheel and it was hilarious fun. Your Clio is a rocketship compared to that Corsa. Too much Willy waving at track days these days. Turn up, have some fun, learn some stuff, fill up at the choke and puke and check out the pit at lunch, have some more fun and then go home with a big smile on your face. If that doesn't happen your doing it wrong.

 

[imprezaworks]

100000% agree. I've been guilty of over doing stuff for a trackday. You would think I was competing in a cup championship. Fun is key.

 

[warwickstingray]

100000% agree. I've been guilty of over doing stuff for a trackday. You would think I was competing in a cup championship. Fun is key.

What you do is a different type of fun at track days and great if you have have the time, hobby funds and are going through a stint of being fed up with just driving and want to learn more about Car mechanics and their effects. I personally found you need a lot more skill, time and equipment than I had to really get the best from a car! I just always chime in for those that think you can't just turn up and have fun. I personally think there should be the odd road car only track day during the year. This is why I like the wet as quite often the track day specials get left in the pit and the track ends up with all sorts of random shite on it [emoji14]

 

[Steve]

Best thing you can do is join someone on a local trackday then you can experience the day.
I would then book an open pit lane event, again with someone who has done several trackdays.
Take it in turn to passenger each other or follow the leader & get to understand the basics. Also very helpful to have an extra set of eyes looking out while 'you' concentrate on driving your lines.( everyone forgets this is nothing like driving on the road)
Once confident grab some tuition & start to learn more.

I would never attend a 'noob' event as I can not think of anything worse.

Don't worry about what car you have, you should of seen my mrs face when i took her Scenic round Donington, priceless.

 

[kieranadams97]

Oulton park is one of the closer ones to me and seems a good circuit.
I was looking at this http://www.msvtrackdays.com/car/calendar/2015/may/26-op-nov.aspx but as @Steve said will this be frustrating? Would I be better of booking a 'general car track day' and whacking a novice sticker in the back?
Thanks for all the advice lads

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Novice days aren't necessarily attended by 100% complete novices .. it just means more along the lines of turning up with a pit crew and race car, you're probably going to be politely asked to leave. Maybe.

 

[Brett]

Go for it mate you will be fine.

I've only done three track days and I'm pretty quick now. Just keep your foot in and you'll be fine.

 

[imprezaworks]

Oulton park is a great circuit. Although some would say not an 'ideal' first track outing. Others will say other circuits with more run off etc. I did my first at oulton and have been there quite a few times. Chances are that if you do book someone off here willl be attending too.

 

[imprezaworks]

If you do book Oulton let me know and I will do the day too

 

[Tony Hunter]

You'll be fine, just remember who you are, and what you are driving, listen to what you are told in the driver briefing, and get a tuition session booked first before you go out on your own.