As the weather warms up, we see more and more racers gearing up for a new season of fun, thrills, and the occasional spill. If you’re a first-time participant, there are a few general protocols to follow if you want to make sure your time is spent driving and smiling rather than panicking in confusion. Originally from an article in the June 2010 issue of Car and Driver, Tony Quiroga explains a few key steps below.
We often talk about “track days” as if they are some mythical time in which the rules of the universe have been suspended and all cars are faster and nobody complains about his prostate. But a track day is nothing more than an opportunity for everyday drivers to take their cars to a racetrack and drive them mercilessly, without fear of traffic citation. So, the newbie might ask, just what goes on at a track day, and how does one find out about them?
STEP 1: FIND IT
First, locate a nearby or interesting road course and go to that track’s website. Once there, find a schedule of events and look for “track day” or “driver school” events. Occasionally, tracks host their own “open lapping” sessions, but most track days are set up by car clubs. From the schedule, figure out which clubs are hosting a track day and then check out that particular club’s website to look up how to register and what it costs. Expect to pay about $200 for a day of lapping.
STEP 2: GEAR UP
Rules and requirements vary from club to club, so be sure to find out ahead of time what’s needed to lap your car. Some car clubs restrict events to their club’s make, or they have other restrictions, such as a roll-bar or hardtop requirement for convertibles. The rules will also spell out what sort of safety rating your helmet will need and whether you’ll be required to wear fireproof shoes and a racing suit while driving on the track.
STEP 3: DETERMINE FITNESS
Make sure your car is in good enough condition to survive high-speed lapping. Check the brakes, all fluids, and the tires. It’s also a good idea to service the car before and after running it on the track. These events often demand a “tech inspection,” so be sure in advance that your car can pass, thus avoiding a big pile of hassle.
STEP 4: BE PUNCTUAL
Plan on showing up early for the drivers’ meeting: It’s usually mandatory. It’s also important because it will make clear how the event will be run; what cars will be on the track, when, and for how long; where passing slower cars may take place on the track; the meanings of the flags; who is in charge of the event; and sundry other safety reminders. The drivers’ meeting is also a good time to ask questions. Find out if instructors are available to help you with driving tips and learning the track.
STEP 5: WEAR YOUR RUBBERS CAREFULLY
Most likely, first-timers won’t be prepared to buy a set of dedicated track tires, but at a minimum, bring a tire gauge to at least fine-tune your pressures to keep tires wearing evenly over the day. If you’re lapping on the tires that will take you home from the track, don’t forget to leave some tread for the return trip. Driving fast leads to wanting to go even faster, and while you’re repeatedly redlining your car and exploiting everything it has to offer, remember that your car still has to get you home.
STEP 6: STAY FULL
Food may not be available at the track—or nearby, for that matter—so it’s wise to stock up on water and sandwiches, plus sunscreen and whatever else you’ll need to sustain you throughout the day. Fill up your car’s fuel tank at a station near the track to avoid buying gas at the facility; fuel may be available at the track, but it usually costs about 50 percent more.