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What to bring to a track day |
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The most important thing is the right attitude. Track
days can be dangerous. There will be a set of simple
rules designed to keep you and others safe, if you come
prepared to follow those rules, you will be fine, break
them and you'll be going home early. Other than that, a
suitable & safe car and the correct clothing. |
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* Crash Helmets
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Helmets are compulsory for all people intending to drive
or passenger.
Ideally they should be certified to at least BSI
6658 Type A or Snell SA95,SA2000 standard. Some circuits
have started to insist on MSA approved helmets only, in
particular Silverstone. Helmets can be hired on all
Lotus on Track days for £20.
Open face helmets may not be allowed in some open top
cars at some circuits, if this is the case you will be asked to put your
roof on or wear a full face helmet.
MSA approved helmet standards - FIA 8860-2004, SNELL
SA2005, SNELL SA2000, SFI Foundation 31.1A,31.2A, BS
6658 Type A/FR and the most common type - BS6658 - 85
Type A. |
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* Contents -
Remove everything from the car that is not firmly fixed
down. Pens and soft drinks cans can become lethal
projectiles. Make sure you remove everything from the
boot of the car too, in some cases this means the spare
wheel also, there is always somewhere to keep things at
an event, while you are on the track (remember that
neither the circuit or Lotus-on-Track can take
responsibility for belongings so please leave anything
expensive at home |
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* Tyres -
The actual part of the car making contact with the track
needs to be in very good condition and set at the right
pressures. There is no hard and fast rule here, as it
will be determined by the make of car and the make of
tyre, also the track conditions and your own personal
preference. Check that pressures are even and check them
when they are at track temperatures. However, please be
sure to make any adjustments at the track and return the
tyres to normal road pressures before you leave. |
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* Brakes -
Check that your brake disks and pads are in tiptop
condition. Make sure if you need to change the pads that
you have time to bed them in well before taking to the
track (min 100 miles use). Many regular track day
enthusiasts upgrade the disks, pads and brake fluid they
use which on top of improving track performance, will
also make your car safer for the road. |
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* Engine -
Your engine will spend more time at high revs than ever
before, check that all the filters and belts are in good
order and pay particular attention to the oil level.
Bring some oil with you, as it is normal for an engine
to "burn" some during a track day. Keep an eye on the
level during the day keeping it close to or at the max.
Be careful not to overfill though. Upgrading the oil to
one that can handle higher temperatures is a good idea.
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* Suspension/Steering -
Suspension and steering parts will help define how well
your car handles, and hence how comfortable you will
feel out on the track. Make sure these parts are in good
working order and don't be tempted to take to the track
(or road for that matter) with faulty or worn parts.
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* Bodywork -
Bodywork should be in good order, as we don't want boot
lids, wheel covers, bumpers and wings leaving your car
while you are driving. |
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* Fire Extinguisher -
Fire extinguishers are not compulsory, and indeed if
there is an incident the Fire Marshals will take care of
any fire. However, it's recommended that you purchase an
in-car fire extinguisher to keep in the cabin of the
car. Make sure it is secure and will stay firmly fixed
in the event of an accident. |
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* Fuel! -
This sounds obvious, but it's very important. Be sure to
have at least half a tank of fuel in you car before each
session as if you run out on the track your car will be
pushed by the marshals to a safe place and may be left
there until the end of the day. Under NO circumstances
will you be allowed back on the track, it's a silly
mistake and risks stopping track activity for others. |
