Typical Track day guide

 

Track Days are for drivers and riders to test the speed and handling abilities of their own vehicles in a safe and controlled environment away from the public roads. They take place all year round on famous Circuits and Airfield Tracks across the UK and Europe, and are suitable for complete novices to professional racers.

Arrival and Sign On

  • Arrive at the circuit usually between 7.30 - 8:00am.
  • Go to the registration/signing on desk - here you will sign all relevant paperwork and have your driving license (and confirmation document if you have one) checked.
  • You will be given a sticker to display on your vehicle; this will indicate your ability group.
  • After you have registered you will often need to get your vehicle noise tested.
  • You then attend the mandatory driver/rider briefing which normally lasts about 15 - 20 minutes. Here you will be briefed on how the day is going to run, track etiquette, circuit training and any other information relevant to the day

Flags

  • YELLOW flag means that there's danger ahead of you so take extra care, don't overtake.
  • RED flag means there's been a serious incident and the sessions have been stopped, so slow down, don't overtake and make your way back to the pits or as directed.
  • YELLOW and RED striped flag means there's debris on the circuit or poor grip so take care.
  • BLUE flag means that another car wants to overtake you.
  • BLACK flag means you have been naughty or there's something wrong, you need to slow and come into the pits asap.

Session/ Grouped Track Days

track days guide
  • On a typical session/ grouped track day, attendees are split up into 2 or 3 groups according to track experience. Novice, Intermediate and Advanced/ Race Licence holders.
  • You nominate your ability group when booking your track day.
  • The circuit usually opens with the first session at 9:00am with the advanced group for 20 minutes, followed by the intermediate group for 20 minutes and then the novice group for 20 minutes.
  • This rotation will repeat up until 1pm when the circuit closes for lunch. A 1 hour break is taken whilst circuit snack bars and restaurants are open for food and refreshments. Quite often people use this hour to go and refuel their vehicle
  • The circuit re-opens for the first afternoon session after lunch in group order.

Open pit lane Track Days work slightly different and in most cases give your more track time than a sessioned event. All levels of driver/ rider use the track at the same time and with most Open pit lane events can stay out on track as long as they wish. Circuit opening times remain the same as a sessioned event.

'Run What Ya Brung' events are at Santapod Raceway where drivers can use the 1/4 mile drag strip for the day to test the speed of their Car or Motorcycle in a safe environment.