Just as with many things in life, trying something new for the first time can be a daunting prospect. But it's also true that the sense of achievement and fun often leaves you wondering why you'd never tried it before!
This is exactly what you can expect with your first track day experience driving or riding your own car or own motorbike on a famous circuit. So, to help calm the nerves, here's a handy guide for track day preparation for first timers.
Plan Ahead
Your first track day will be packed with excitement, so to make the most of it make sure you're fully prepared.
Simple things like double checking the itinerary, checking booking emails and other relevant documentation, as well as printing it off, will ensure you have the peace of mind, and documentation, should any questions arise.
Check the location and give yourself plenty of time to arrive, bearing in mind that many track days start early.
What to Bring
Prepare a checklist of what to take with you. This should include your driving licence or motorcycle licence, while practical measures include a change of clothes. Safety and comfort is vital and for drivers it might include boots and gloves.
A helmet is essential and if you don't have one, then the venue might hire them, but check first. We also have racing helmets along with gloves and other track day accessories available to purchase on our site as well. Those on two wheels should take a helmet, a spare visor, leathers, boots, gloves and a back protector.
In case of any mechanical issues, then it's sensible to pack some essential spare parts, along with some everyday items like screen wash, oil and spare rags.
Packing refreshments such as fruit is also a good idea to keep energy levels high, while drinking water will avoid dehydration, although there will most likely be catering at the track as well.
What to Expect
Fun, fun and more fun! But before that there are some practicalities to cover. As previously mentioned, make sure to have paperwork to hand, and head to the registration / sign on desk.
You'll be grouped according to your experience – novice, intermediate or advanced/race licence holders, while your vehicle will be noise tested to ensure it is within circuit limits.
Next is a driver/rider briefing, which usually takes around 15 - 20 minutes. This is where you'll learn how the day will run, track etiquette, circuit training, plus other relevant information.
Taking to the Track
It's not long before the track action starts. An important factor is knowing what the different coloured flags mean, and how to respond to directions, including returning to the pits on some occasions.
In a nutshell, yellow means danger ahead, so take extra care and don't overtake. Red shows a serious incident and the session has been stopped. Blue means another vehicle wants to overtake. Black means you might have done something wrong. Yellow and red stripes indicate debris, so take extra care.
The format will either be grouped or an open pit lane. Grouped sessions typically see the three different levels taking to the track at different times, while an open pit lane sees all levels of rider/driver on the asphalt at the same time.
Relax and Take It All In
It might appear there's a lot to take in, but you'll be well looked after, so you can enjoy your riding or driving and see your lap times improve. We're pretty certain you'll be bitten by the track day bug and will soon be passing on your own words of wisdom to other first timers.
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