most track events split the drivers into groups by experience/ability/car spec.

You only get a big mix on open pit events, i prefer this format because it gives plenty of time to go out when you are ready.

It really isnt that bad out there at all, reading this may make it sound worse than it is. I just feel some people need to take a step back and analyse what they are doing.

It is very easy to get blase about driving on track, sometimes its good to be reminded of the dangers involved and the consequences of making a bad judgement.

Dont be put off by this, as long as you use common sense you wont have a problem, just allow yourself some spare mantal capacity to read whats going on around you. If your right on the limit and inexperienced there is no way you will have any ability to think about others around you.

 

Dingy, i remember that from the drivers briefing in 1999. I dont remember seeing a single car off track that day.

 

Having driven on track before, I'm keen to get driving again.

My girlfriend Karen wants to get some track time too.

Now - I don't think I can afford to use my scoob for such events, as I'd be obliged to get track insurance. My old TR7V8 now belongs to my dad, so that's out too. But what are the chances of using a Renault 19 16v?

It's been chipped, and has an exhaust louder than my Scoobysport one!!

What's the score? Admittedly, it is slower (well, you never know! ) than a scoob, but the brake feel, and handling are supreme. It's done 0-60 in 6 secs. at Santa-pod too !

Are we pi55ing in the wind ?

Or am I just going to have to upgrade my scooby brakes again, and spend a fortune on insurance??

My track etiquette is good. I'd like to see Karen taught properly also, but on an informal basis.

Wotchya reckon? Or do you not relish the threat from an old hot hatch in the hands of a woman? (That's Karen - Not me!!).

 

Squizz,
Anything goes mate, as long as it is reliable and all its components are safely secured.
Cem

 

As a track day newbie i THOROUGHLY enjoyed the whole day, I may not have gone as quick as some of you, but, at the end of the day i wanted to Drive my car in a way that is just not possible on the road, I don't believe i held anyone up (apologies if i did!)

in fact i Prefered to let everyone pass and get my own space on track were i could enjoy myself at my own pace,doing my own thing....like abusing Josh!!!

looking at the video (see the other post) i don't think i was that much slower, not that that matters! I am really looking forward to going on track again (I think it will be donno following advice on the board).

I also think Alex's(Dr evil) idea of a newbie track day is a good one, This would remove the thought which was always in the back of my mind "I mustn't hold anyone up!! or i will be flamed on the board" In fairness this has not been an issue.

I have enjoyed reading about some of the more experienced drivers comments on the circuit and can compare them to my own experiencies so next time i will be able to step up a level.

If anyone was considering doing a trackday then definitely do it, only don't do Oulton the run off areas (or lack off them!!)doesn't do your confidence much good!!

Still a newbie but no longer a virgin!!!!!

Mark

 

Well I thought that when I was on the track most were obeying the rules (DBM and wagon excepting). It was only my second track day and I took it easy and let traffic pass, prefering to chase rather than be hassel'd.

I limited the number of laps to keep me from getting carried away and save the tyres etc. I still enjoyed myself without having to push the limits too hard.

If you are a novice then drive sensibly, be aware of other cars and you'll be OK. Get an instructor (I couldn't find one though) to show you the best lines and you don't have to get caught up in all the fuss.

F

 

This thread is a little too long to take it all in, but suffice it to say all men are great in bed and are great drivers! That’s the start of the problem. Nobody wants to admit there is something to learn after twenty years bonking and driving!!
I think the likes of Don Palmer, Mike Peck, Simon de Sideways et al should be pushing their courses on this thread. I’ve driven with all three and have learned more in a few hours than I have over the last 25 years of road driving.
Of course track days are for fun, but fun maybe scary but it should not be dangerous to others. Good safe tracks and well run track days exist whereby you can slowly bring yourself to your and your cars limit. To do this quickly, safely and with care for others swallow your pride, dig into your pocket and get an instructor. If he can’t teach you anything I’m sure he’ll pay you for the instruction you give him.

Apologies to all lady instructors and the wife – I mean you as well

 

Nobody likes to see any car totalled or people potentially injured and Rob Mac has a point about photos of such incidents being macabre but looking at other areas of the BB i.e track days you'll find nobody more keen to see the photos than the driver of said vehicle ,I for one don't think it does any of us any harm to see the results of an big off to bring home to us all just how dangerous driving can be for either relativley inexperienced drivers or those of us who think it will never happen to us because were just too good so yes look at the pictures but look at them and picture yourself hanging upside down by your seatbelt wondering whether or not they need to cut the roof off your pride and joy to get you and your passengers out.

But i feel sure you will all agree we as responsible members of the S.I.D.C. are all chuffed all occupants are o.k.

Regards .

Tim

 

Renrag,

Good advice, I'll admit I could do with some expert driving advice.
Any one thinking of a track day come along, its really very friendly, come as a passenger first, get to know a few people and find your feet.

As for the other comment, no I don't need a sex instructor. LOL

Lee

 

I seem to have provoked a bit of comment, havn't I??

At last the message seems to be getting through though... This thread is turning out to be full of common sense.

I was so incensed the other day because the pictures were posted up without asking the owners permission.

I will try to have a list of track day rules that you can all have by Donington so that everybody is clear and we can carry on being safe.

BTW, read the 'overtaking on the left' thread as well. I am sorry for naming the person that I have named; it is merely there to show you that we can ALL be in the wrong sometimes (including me, although in this job I cannot afford to be wrong and so am generally not any more )

As I said on that thread, it is up to EVERYONE on a track day to sort out the bad driving; and I cannot be everywhere at once!!

Rob.

 

Sorry to post again so soon and block up the air waves but iv'e just scrolled back and am amazed to find that there were people on the track who were uninsured how totally fckunig irresponsible everybody should produce documents before going on track if we can afford the gas tyres exhausts etc the least we can do is cover our backsides ( politley put ) and everyone elses i'm not insured mate doesnt wash.

Regards

Tim

 

Tim, you need to understand something about track day insurance. It is not like road insurance in any way.

Track day insurance covers you for the repair to your own car, nothing more. There is no 3rd party element.

If i were to stuff my car into yours (i hope this never happens of course) then dont come after me to pay for your repairs, because you wont get any joy.

If you cant accept that then you shouldnt be on track.

 

Hunty - For long threads, see Muppet Forum

Donno 13th Jan this year was my time on track. I followed a couple of cars that weren't tearing along to get the feel of the track for the first session. A bit nervous. The only tuition I'd had for the track was the Autosport guide!

2nd sesh I was able to follow some slightly faster moving cars and thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of knowing the track better and having more confidence.

If 15 mins/5 laps tuition had been available at the start of the day my confidence would have been higher from the start.

Initially my main worry was that as a novice, I would be getting in the way/posing problems for those following if I got out of shape.

BTW, if anyone is coming to Donno 18th Feb and is willing to spend a couple of laps with me in the morning, I'd be more than grateful.

Cheers
Ben

 

Ben Ive done Dono a fair few times now and I will be more than happy to sit with you in the morning if you like to help with advice of gears, speed and the racing line.

Harj...

PS. Im sure the wife will be having her own fun LOL

 

Harj - Much appreciated m8!

I'll look out for you in the morning.
Cheers

Ben
(Black MY94 WRX)

 

I've never having driven on a track day before, so I don't know if this already happens....

What about talking time before the circuit to "walk the track" in groups with an instructor or experienced driver? This would give an opportunity to point out tricky bits and right lines.

I remember doing this once when I went endurance karting. Not quite the same I know, but the marshalls pointed out which kerbs to clip, where you should lift off, where you are most likely to spin etc.

I suppose the downside is it might take 30 or 40 minutes out of the day, but that must be better than an accident or injury?

Chris.

 

This is a wonderful thread, with some marvellous suggestions. I particularly like the "beginner session" with instructors/experienced drivers, and the idea of a "warning: inexperienced driver" sign appeals to me.

Perhaps people should not be allowed out at a SIDC event alone until they had completed an hour-long on-track instruction session and had the certficate to prove it? If Scuba divers need certifying, shouldn't Scooby Drivers ? (Coat's already on...)

Perhaps the number of people attending track days through SIDC means that we should get more formal whilst retaining the friendly element?

 

Yeah, I think the idea of a green L plate is an excellent idea.

Cem

 

Andy.
I'm not sure that's such a good idea!

I am considering following John S's lead and allocating a 15min or so session at the beginning of the day purely for the first timers/beginners to go out on track with instructors/experienced drivers without feeling the pressure of being hounded from behind.
Does this sound like a step in the right direction?
Any other suggestions most welcome.

Stef.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by johnfelstead:
<B>If i were to stuff my car into yours (i hope this never happens of course) then dont come after me to pay for your repairs, because you wont get any joy.

If you cant accept that then you shouldnt be on track.[/quote]

Surely you would be a gentleman about it John?
Cem

 

Stef

15 Minutes is a little too short.

1 Hour would be good with say some of the faster boys ( e.g. You , Pete C , Tim H , John F , Rob Mac ) joining in to give them a 'safe' experience of being overtaken.

I have done two track days before ( Cadwell and Oulton ( Listers ) ) and have not done another one yet.

They were good because

1. Cadwell - It teemed down all morning so we had to tread warily which we could concentrate on lines etc and then increase the speed as it dried out. I also had a friend with me who races regulalrly and he gave me some very good instruction

2. Oulton - Being a Listers day it was limited numbers on track so I was not constantly having to check mirrors and we had easy access to instructors.

3. There was not so many ego's out on the track and track etiquette was excellent.

I would love to do another go but having witnessed some of the antics that goes on I won't be out for a while.

It's evident from the replies to John, Simon and Rob that some people are using the track days to bolster both egos and 'Lunchtime Legend' status.

It reminds me of the adage about trying to put old heads on young shoulders.

Pity really.

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Stef:
<B>

I am considering following John S's lead and allocating a 15min or so session at the beginning of the day purely for the first timers/beginners to go out on track with instructors/experienced drivers without feeling the pressure of being hounded from behind.
Does this sound like a step in the right direction?
Any other suggestions most welcome.

Stef.[/quote]

Good idea Stef - Having been on one of 'John's' days it does work well, but in fairness, the familiarisation laps on Saturday were almost as good and beneficial. Perhaps just a tweaking of the fam. laps, so that all beginners go out for 5-8 laps, then more experianced, then the nutters (sorry very experianced 'trackers' ) That way, experianced drivers and instructors can go with the beginners (and medium experienced if neccessary) to help.

I didn't think there was anything wrong with the organisation on Saturday!!

Just my two penneth

 

I have followed this thread and read peoples comments, John is right in what is says and Steff is the only one talking sense. The whole point of a track day is to drive the car to YOUR limits NOT the cars. A track day is technically a MOTORSPORTS event as there are cars travelling at high speed on a RACING CIRCUIT, due to the nature of the event you have the old timers who know the whole system their cars and there limits, then come the beginners who know they have a fast car and that is it. Why don't the old timers get in with the new guys for 15 mins in the morning and then take them out, also could we not put a sticker in the car to indicate a beginner we show when people are new at posting on the site. As for the accident at Oulton if you go to a motorsport venue regardless of what it is there are signs that read MOTORSPORT CAN BE DANGEROUS !, so can taking part and accidents do happen.

Darren.

 

I totally agree with regard to having a beginers session pre real full track time i had a second insured driver with me and after 15 minutes in the passenger seat declined to swap places purley from being scared of mixing it given the pace which would probably be less worrying had they been out for 15 mins prior to aclimatise.

Re insurance sorry John F i did not mean to have a go at uninsured drivers in respect of hitting me apologies ,but i still find it remarkable that for just £ 75.00 to cover a potential £ 12'000.00 of damage everybody does not insure.( this is less than 1 % premium ).a wing mirror cost £ 75.00 +

Still have to say though great day ,great company , well organised Stef.

Regards

Tim.

 

I tell you wot! if someone ploughed their heap into me when on track I would not be happy at all! even though its a risk we all take when going out. Track Insurance for me all the time now I think, I think the more SIDC days we see there will be more and more newbies which is great as I for one would love anyone to experience the same thing as I did on my first track day.

 

First-timers 'acclimatisation' session - Great idea.

I think it would help everyone, regardless of experience, to get the most out of the day.

Ben

 

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Darren Thompson:
<B>Why don't the old timers get in with the new guys for 15 mins in the morning and then take them out, also could we not put a sticker in the car to indicate a beginner we show when people are new at posting on the site.[/quote]

Excellent idea.

In preparation for my first track day, I contacted an SIDC/Track instructor for first-session tuition.

Unfortunately, that person was too busy, what with one thing and another.

What was I supposed to do ? Wait in the pits all day while everyone else went out ?

Instead, I went out alone - and very nervous !

 

I second what DB says! Exactly the same thing happened to me. I was lucky to have a friend with me who was also driving who had already been out so instead I just went with him! Would have been nice to have been able to get an instructor.

My first Trackday was Cadwell Park run in conjunction with the LTR and they had plenty of instructors on hand more than willing to come out on track and lend a hand!

Nito

 

I had the same thing on my first track day too lads, I was suppose to be going out with Rob Mac but he had to do another breifing and the session was already well under way. The amount you learn with an instructor is loads as otherwise you will be hitting 2nd gear down Craner Curves and thinking your doing alright.

I was fortunate enough to stick behind a Porker when I first went out at Dono and after 5 or 6 laps I realised I was going so slow so I overtook him and followed slightly faster cars. Dono is now my home track as its extremely comfortable going there cus its where I started.

 

A short session for beginners would be very welcome, I'm sure!

Karen would like some tuition purely as a confidence booster. I would like a refresher also - especially on a track I've never driven on.

One idea to add though - What about a single fast car on track lapping everyone under tuition after they've done a few laps? That way the instructor can teach them how to anticipate being overtaken and how to act accordingly...