Track Day 101
A complete guide to getting started as a track day driver
Edition #1
We welcome you to the new LapMeta Blog. A place where we will be sharing insights, knowledge, stories, and other nerdy car things to help make your track days more fun.
For our first edition, we thought we’d start from the beginning and help provide some useful information to those car enthusiasts who have been itching to take that next step towards getting on track. After all, what’s the point of having a performance focused sports car if you can’t get it out on track to safely stretch its legs and see what it’s capable of.
The world of track days and high performance driving events to a new driver can be a little overwhelming. With so many track day hosting organizations trying to decide which one best fits your style, your budget, and your experience can be daunting for someone not involved in the sport. Doing your research and asking questions is the best way to get started. Review your local track’s calendar, research each organization's structure and program, and then reach out to them with a phone call or email. Introduce yourself and let them know you’re new to the track day community and want to know the process of getting on track. Every organization is always willing to help. Explore and compare the options and make a decision on which group is best for you and your budget as well as your experience.
After getting signed up and registered it’s time to prepare to head to the track. Oftentimes most organizations will have a tech inspection process. Some organizations make you have your car inspected by a certified shop or professional ahead of time. Others will do an at the track inspection with a direct club representative that will review your vehicle in person with you and some will have a self inspection process of your vehicle. It’s essential to take a look at the inspection process and tech sheet ahead of time and thoroughly review everything that is necessary for you and your car to hit the track. Nothing is worse than getting all the way to the track and finding out your car isn’t compliant. Keep in mind you’ll need a Snell SA rated helmet that meets the current rating requirement which is currently SA2015 or higher. If you don’t have one entry level full snell rated helmets are available for around $200, sometimes less. It’s also a good idea to have some driving gloves to prevent blistering.
Generally, track day organizations require:
-Adequate tread on tires
-Functioning brake lights
-Seat belts
-Adequate depth on brake pads
-No loose items roaming about the cabin
-All fluids topped off with no current leaks
-Recent brake fluid flush
Of course every organization has different requirements and regulations so be sure to review everything ahead of time so when you arrive at the track you can focus on the driving, instead of being at your local auto parts store trying to source some new brake pads.
In our next edition we will discuss some essential spares and tools to bring with you. It’s always best to be prepared! Check back soon on the LapMeta Blog to read on.