Beginner's Guide to Your First Track Day Experience
- Will Monda-Morawski
- Oct 1
- 5 min read
Tired of just watching the action from the sidelines? Ready to channel your need for speed? When you see racers crash, do you think, "I could do better," and want to prove it? A track day is your perfect opportunity. Enjoy your car out in a fun, safe, and exhilarating environment that emphasizes technique and safety, ensuring you drive home with a huge smile. Explore both your own and your vehicle's limits, and deepen your connection with your machine.
Understanding Track Days
A track day is an exciting event where us car enthusiasts drive their vehicles on a racetrack, often with instructors available for support. These events promote a safe environment to explore your car's capabilities without the dangers associated with public roads. These events also greatly increase your understanding of vehicle dynamics, increase your situational awareness and decrease reaction times on the street. Making you a much safer driver in your day to day life.
Track days are NOT race days
Preparing Your Car
1. Vehicle Inspection
Before you hit the track, ensure your car is in excellent shape. Here’s what to inspect:
Tires: Check that your tires have ample tread life, and are in good condition with no cracks or rips. You also want to make sure your tire pressure is correct, in most cases shooting for 30-36 PSI hot is recommended, although every car is different. Remember too high tire pressure causes uneven wear and lowers grip while too low pressure can cause poor handling and excessive wear to entire tire.
Brakes: Ensure you check your brake fluid—this is crucial. If your car can use DOT-4 fluid and it didn't come with it from the factory, make the switch. This is especially important for tracks with extensive high-speed braking and long straightaways, such as Road America. Additionally, investing in a set of track brake pads designed for higher temperatures is highly beneficial. At the end of the day your car is only as fast as it can stop.
Fluids: Ensure your engine oil, coolant, and other fluids are in good condition. Track driving places significantly demands on your engine, making regular maintenance crucial. If you're approaching an oil change interval before a track day, make sure to change it in advance. Remember, track miles are far more demanding than street miles, necessitating more frequent oil changes. It never hurts to flush a fluid too early.
Use Self Tech: Many tracks will send out a tech sheet prior to the event that gives you a list of things you need to do to your car prior to getting on track. This is for your safety and should not be undermined. Remove all loose items in the interior and make sure all your lugs are torqued, all lights work (especially brakes!) suspension does not creak and moves as it should, no cracks in your engine mounts, belt, hoses.
2. Safety Equipment
Safety should always come first. Here’s what you need to bring:
Helmet: A DOT-approved helmet is essential. However, some tracks may mandate a Snell-rated helmet due to its increased safety. Ensure that your helmet complies with these requirements, or consider renting one from the track if available and necessary.
Clothing: Certain tracks mandate long sleeves, while others do not. Choose comfortable clothing that isn't overly loose to ensure it doesn't affect your driving. Closed-toe shoes are essential, and I recommend shoes with a round heel and minimal cushioning for optimal pedal feedback and control. Dress appropriately for the weather, and consider bringing a change of clothes as you are outside for an entire day.
Car: Working seatbelts or harness with good seats to hold you in place. For more serious track cars it is smart to mount a fire extinguisher within arms reach, just in case it gets a little too hot.
Preparing Yourself
3. Know the Rules
Each racetrack has specific rules and guidelines. Review flags and their meanings, passing rules, and vehicle requirements to avoid any unwanted surprises or conversations with black flag during your sessions.
4. Practice before your event
Freeway ramps are a great place to safely practice driving techniques such as upshifting, heel toe downshifting and even a bit of line choice for long sustained corners. Remember a public road is not a race track and stay well below the limit and follow all the rules of the road.
5. Self Preparation
Driving on a race track is extremely taxing both physically, but very much mentally. The night before the event make sure to get a good nights sleep and leave yourself enough time to get a small meal to give you energy for the morning session(s)
What to Bring
6. Essentials for the Day
Here's a list of items to ensure a smooth day:
Tools: Bring basic tools to make minor adjustments or repairs as needed.
Jack + Jack stands: much of the work you will perform at the track will require lifting the car up.
Water and Snacks: Staying hydrated and energized is critical. A few bottles and a snack or two minimum to keep you going throughout the day.
Chair and Shade: A portable chair and an umbrella can provide comfort during breaks, may not be necessary if you are in a beginner group with classroom sessions between track sessions.
The Day of the Track Day
7. Arrive Early
Get to the track early to check in, set up, and familiarize yourself with the paddock. Take this chance to meet fellow drivers and enjoy the atmosphere before the drivers meeting.
8. Warm-Up Sessions
Use your first session or couple laps as a warm-up session. Use this time to adjust to your car and the track. Don't push too hard at first; focus on finding your comfort zone and understanding technique.
9. Listen to Your Instructor
Always pay close attention to your instructor's advice if you have one. They offer valuable tips and help you maximize your time on the track.
Final Thoughts
Your first track day can be an exhilarating experience that enhances your passion for cars. By ensuring your vehicle is prepared, equipping yourself with the right gear, and knowing the track's rules, you can enjoy a fun and safe day out. This guide is by no means all of the information out there, keep doing your own research. Remember, the aim is to learn and appreciate the capabilities of both your car and your own driving skills. A track day is NOT a race. So gear up, hit the track, and let the excitement unfold!
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