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Track Day Tips

Brakes
Check brake discs, pads and fluid. Fit new pads (and discs) well in advance if necessary, and bed them in fully before heading out onto the circuit. Upgrading your brakes should be a first priority, even before you consider making any changes to the engine. It’s not the speed of an accident that causes problems, it’s the sudden stop at the end – it’s better never to reach that situation.

Tyres
Any car’s footprint is remarkably small. Just four small patches of rubber in contact with the road, and your life could depend upon how well the two interact. Many track day regulars keep a separate set of wheels exclusively for circuit use, and fit fresh tyres every time. Check condition and pressures before, during and after the test.

Engine
Your car’s engine is going to experience more stress during a half-hour track session than it is ever likely to go through anywhere on the road. High revs, hard acceleration, heavy engine braking, increased temperatures – the works. Make sure all filters and belts are in excellent condition, oil is fresh and levels are at maximum, but do not overfill. Double-check all these elements throughout the day, on a regular basis. Be prepared to complete an oil change after the event as well as before.

Cooling
Maintaining engine temperatures within the optimum range is vital. Check all coolant hoses, unions, pumps and radiators to ensure that they are in tip-top condition, and that includes the fluid within. Keep an eye on levels and temperatures throughout the session, and ease off on your last lap to cool the engine before returning to the pitlane.

Suspension
Dampers, springs, joints, unions and steering components should all be in excellent condition. Examine carefully for poor damper performance and leaks, play in joints, and worn or perished bushes.

General
You and your car will be traveling round the circuit faster than you ever should on the road, and experiencing acceleration, braking and lateral forces far greater than you may be used to. Check inside and out for loose items and remove anything and everything that isn’t necessary – this will not only prevent the chance of wheel trims spinning off across the track, or CD cases flying around the cockpit, but will also reduce overall weight and improve your driving experience considerably. Don’t overfill your fuel tank, but also ensure you have enough for each session, and sufficient to get you home again.

Safety
Last, but most certainly not least, consider safety as a priority. Check your seat belt fittings and fastenings, and perhaps even invest in a harness. Wear an approved crash helmet. Fit an in-car fire extinguisher, within easy each of the driving seat, but well secured. Consider fitting a roll cage to an open-topped car, and if you intend to participate frequently, you may even think this a worthwhile investment in a roofed car as well. Take tank or gaffer tape with you to the circuit, and partially cover your car’s headlights to avoid the risk of broken glass littering the track. Finally, attend the briefing, listen to the advice of the organisers, obey the rules of the road (which may include ‘no overtaking’ unless directed to do so) and enjoy yourself.