TrackDay Beginners Checklist

duncan · Post by **duncan** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 4:49 pm

Build your speed and dont worry about faster cars overtaking you - be aware of this and let them past - DONT try and race them

From reading this thread there are a lot of things but in reality most of it is common sense and given in the briefing but here is my mental checklist:

Take:
- Driving Licence (both parts for most circuits)
- Breakdown Service details

Clothing:
- if you have a racesuit - wear it.. a lot of people do now
- if you havent then stick with natural fibres and long sleeved top (not fleece .. as these burn very well... sorry to be morbid but....) and long trousers (not that you would ever wear shorts at snetterton)
- thin soles shoes or race boots
- driving gloves or race gloves ... your hands get sweaty from the nerves and these help you keep a grip on the steering wheel
- helmet .. get one that fits and is in good condition (preferably your own so that you know it hasnt been dropped etc)

Car:
pre-event checks:
- brake pads
- brake fluid
- tyre condition
- tyre pressures (best to add a bit extra PSI)
- fluid/oil leaks - dont be the one that drops oil onto the track

- wheel nuts tight
- tape glass headlights
- fit towing eye

on-event checks:
- wheel nuts
- tyre pressures
- tyre condition (some events wear tyres quickly)
- fluid levels
- petrol .. keep an eye on the fuel level - it goes quickly and it would be really embrassing to run out

- engine temps

good practice:
- warm up the tyres/brakes on the sighting lap/s (but dont weave around like a tit - it really makes you look daft)
- overtake only where allowed and with the permission of the car you are passing
- overtake on LEFT (unless directed to overtake on the right in the briefing)
- always check your mirrors and blindspots - helmets are quite restrictive vision wise and there may be someone close to you if you make a sudden change of direction
- cool down lap/s are a great idea
- leave engine running for a while after you come in
- do NOT put on the handbrake (try and find some level ground to stop on and leave in gear after engine turned off)
- you are not aryton senna and you will not impress anyone by trying to outdrive yourself ie build your speed up gradually

boucherie · Post by **boucherie** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:28 pm

Top advice! Hope i remember it all!! :-D

duncan · Post by **duncan** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 5:29 pm

After you have done one or two - it becomes ingrained

Ian (DaOne) · Post by **Ian (DaOne)** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 8:32 pm

stupid question here, bt why overtake on the left?? thats going to get some getting use to

duncan · Post by **duncan** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 8:48 pm

It has proven as the safest on clockwise circuits where the outside (left) is generally the racing line.

ps - not a daft question.

rayman gtir · Post by **rayman gtir** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 8:59 pm

i have a lid, but it has had the visor removed, is this acceptable? great advice by the way.

Shaker · Post by **Shaker** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 9:25 pm

Cheers for the heads up dunc 8) Very handy info. Am so looking forward to this

Thanks 8)

duncan · Post by **duncan** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 9:57 pm

rayman gtir wrote:i have a lid, but it has had the visor removed, is this acceptable? great advice by the way.

I dont use a visor. I know some people do, but rarely have them down.

Bladerider · Post by **Bladerider** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 10:16 pm

Dont forget to pack your manfoot
The wand of goodly extension
Lock of mighty angle
The manfoot
The high gears

And the manfoot !!!

Oh - hang on, thats the checklist for the driftnight !!!

Just listen to Dunc, he will give you far better answers than me - just make sure a couple of you have a stepladder to get into my track advisory vehicle !!!

boucherie · Post by **boucherie** » Tue Jun 12, 2007 11:07 am

just a quick thought, ive got some fog lights attached to the front bumper, so do i need to remove them or just tape them up??