Track Day 101 - Edition #2
The second edition of our complete guide to getting started as a track day driver.
We appreciate you returning for the second edition of the LapMeta Blog. Our hope is to help guide you through the process of getting on track for the first time for a high performance driving event.
Moving forward, it’s time to think about what are some good tools and essential things to bring to our first track event. One essential item would be a tire pressure gauge to set your pressures lower than your OEM recommendation for street use. When tire pressure is too high on track the contact patch is largely reduced and the car becomes loose and much more difficult to safely control. Dropping your pressures before going on track is certainly something you want to do.
Some other good things to bring:
- Spare quart of oil
- Torque wrench to verify your lug nuts are tight
- Paper towels or rags to check your oil and keep your windshield clean
- Some duct tape and zip ties are never a bad idea
- Wrench and ratchet set
Most organizations will require your vehicle to have a number so be prepared to have some tape handy to put a number on your door or window. Options to purchase magnetic or adhesive numbers from the event organizer are sometimes available but it’s always a good idea to have some painters tape in your mobile tool box just in case. Brake fluid is another good thing to have handy in the instance you need or want to bleed your brakes in between sessions. If you have your own code scanner, it’s never a bad idea to bring that as well in the instance you trigger a code on track, it gives you the chance to identify what the code may be and whether or not it’s safe to continue driving. The general rule we go by is; “it’s always better to have it then not”. So if you feel you might need it, plan to bring it. Track days don’t always go to plan.
Now that we packed all of our spares, made it through registration and tech inspection, it’s time to get on track! Usually you will start the event with a driver's meeting for your assigned group. Most new drivers will be assigned to the beginners group which oftentimes limits passing to point by only on the straight-aways. Some organizations also require an instructor to ride with you and work with you throughout the day. Be open and vulnerable to accepting suggestions, feedback, and some constructive criticism. Their job is to instruct you to first be safe and then be fast. Listen to their inputs and you will find the process of getting up to speed safely can go much quicker then choosing not to listen to them.
The track day organizers leading the meeting will go over all of the rules, provide suggestions and track specific tips, and of course open it up to questions. If you have a question, don’t hesitate to ask. They are there to help advise and teach you the ins and outs of safely operating your car on track. It’s always a good idea to ask ahead of time rather than make the wrong decision on track and get black flagged during your session which oftentimes requires a talking to with the event organizers.
Once you’re done with the drivers meeting, you’ll have a chance to return to your car to make final preparations and get yourself and your car ready to go on track. If you’re assigned an instructor this is the perfect chance to get their direct insight and don’t be afraid to ask them for help with anything. They are there to assist you as much even if it means helping you figure out the proper seat and hand positioning in the car. Be sure to confirm all loose items in the cockpit and trunk are left in your paddock spot and remember to drop your tire pressures a bit.
As you prepare to get lined up on the grid for your session, be sure to relax. Every person starts somewhere including all of the other drivers in the advanced and intermediate groups who were once in your position doing their first track day.
In our next edition of the LapMeta blog we will focus on what to do once you’re on the track.