Great video and I'm sure you'll get the track day bug! My first day (2009) was massively overwhelming but also amazing! You'll probably end up making some friends for life! Here are my top tips: Fill up just before you arrive at the circuit so you know you've got a full tank. Keep an eye on the fuel level throughout the day! With your car I'd imagine you may only need to fill up once, if at all. Mine is really thirsty so I do 3-4 tanks and take cans with me. Take some basic tools and spare car fluids just in case. I now have a grab bag of spares! (Gaffer tape, zip ties, throttle cable etc) Take some sugary drinks to keep your own energy up. I find I do get dehydrated at track days. Take some spare clothes just in case. Take some warm clothes for when you're not driving. A lot of tracks get bloody cold and windy! You'll need to wear long sleeved clothes in the Caterham, so make sure you take some. Don't go out immediately after the sighting laps. Give it 20 mins as everyone tends to go out straight away and it's intimidating for a novice. Use this time to check the oil and levels just in case! When going out do a warm up lap for a lap or so to get everything warmed up. If you go maximum attack straight out the pits the tyres will be cold and you'll probably spin! Keep track sessions to 15-20 mins. It's likely you'll get tired before the car and then silly mistakes creep in. Don't feel pressured into going faster than you're comfortable with - there will be some seriously quick cars on track and also people of all levels. Make sure you both have a go! When coming in do a lap or two at 60mph to cool down and when you return to the pits leave the handbrake off to prevent warping. (Take some blocks of wood or chocks) Get a decent lunch during the break! It really helps with concentration. If you're passengering consider if you want to go out straight after lunch! It can make some people queazy. Be mindful towards the end of the day. I don't often go out after 4pm as I'm tired and that's when silly mistakes happen. If you have a spin take it easy and come in. The first few spins will be a huge adrenaline rush and you'll need 20 minutes to calm down and stop shaking! I would highly recommend doing some days in France, which you can turn into a long weekend! I use Lotus-on-Track a lot and they do some fantastic days in both UK and mainland Europe. Abbeville would be absolutely perfect for your car!!! Good luck and hopefully see you on track one day soon!
Great video and I'm sure you'll get the track day bug!
My first day (2009) was massively overwhelming but also amazing! You'll probably end up making some friends for life!
Here are my top tips:
Fill up just before you arrive at the circuit so you know you've got a full tank. Keep an eye on the fuel level throughout the day! With your car I'd imagine you may only need to fill up once, if at all. Mine is really thirsty so I do 3-4 tanks and take cans with me.
Take some basic tools and spare car fluids just in case. I now have a grab bag of spares! (Gaffer tape, zip ties, throttle cable etc)
Take some sugary drinks to keep your own energy up. I find I do get dehydrated at track days.
Take some spare clothes just in case.
Take some warm clothes for when you're not driving. A lot of tracks get bloody cold and windy!
You'll need to wear long sleeved clothes in the Caterham, so make sure you take some.
Don't go out immediately after the sighting laps. Give it 20 mins as everyone tends to go out straight away and it's intimidating for a novice. Use this time to check the oil and levels just in case!
When going out do a warm up lap for a lap or so to get everything warmed up. If you go maximum attack straight out the pits the tyres will be cold and you'll probably spin!
Keep track sessions to 15-20 mins. It's likely you'll get tired before the car and then silly mistakes creep in. Don't feel pressured into going faster than you're comfortable with - there will be some seriously quick cars on track and also people of all levels.
Make sure you both have a go!
When coming in do a lap or two at 60mph to cool down and when you return to the pits leave the handbrake off to prevent warping. (Take some blocks of wood or chocks)
Get a decent lunch during the break! It really helps with concentration.
If you're passengering consider if you want to go out straight after lunch! It can make some people queazy.
Be mindful towards the end of the day. I don't often go out after 4pm as I'm tired and that's when silly mistakes happen.
If you have a spin take it easy and come in. The first few spins will be a huge adrenaline rush and you'll need 20 minutes to calm down and stop shaking!
I would highly recommend doing some days in France, which you can turn into a long weekend! I use Lotus-on-Track a lot and they do some fantastic days in both UK and mainland Europe.
Abbeville would be absolutely perfect for your car!!!
Good luck and hopefully see you on track one day soon!
Thanks - we are really excited about it and no doubt will share our exploits here. Already making plans for 2024!!!!
What are your tips for anyone going on their first track day? We'd love to know.