10 replies to this topic

[minisilverbullet]

I have been flirting with the idea of taking my mini (BMW K1100 twin cam on a 1380cc block) to a local track day. I have visited the circuit a good few times over the years and have always wanted to try. 

 

Tonight I went along to a track evening, just too look and take in the whole thing. seems like a good evening only 15 or so cars (everything from a toyota ago - a Skyline - to a M5 - handful of 3 series BMW). 

 

I am confident the mini is ready, maybe i harden the dampners but that is all the is needed.  

 

I am not sure I am ready. I am fairly nervous if I am honest 

 

What do I wear? The track hires out helmets, do i need a balaclava, a suit etc? 

 

Any tips for me on the track? 

 

 

[WillCarter]

Possibly contact the track. Have you got a roll cage, bucket seats and a harness? Also is your car insured for the track? Not too sure if you need insurance but I'd imagine it's a good idea.

[GraemeC]

The track will advise what they need you to have, but chances are a helmet is the only thing.

Basically get out there and enjoy - drive steady and smooth and keep within your capabilities.
Have your eyes open and get out of the way of faster cars in plenty of time - indicate so they know you’ve seen them. Then study their lines (again within your limits),

[KTS]

most important i think is to remember you're not racing when on the track !

[nicklouse]

no need to harden the dampers. doing that will only make the handling worse.

 

as above talk to the track

 

to be honest i cant remember the regs when i was on Kinnekulle but the main thing is which side do they pass on. we were just running in a 924 so not pushing hard.

 

they were all very friendly with advice and tips.

[jonny f]

Just get out and give it a go, its a lot less intimidating than you would think.

 

My top advise would be, if its the cars first go on track be prepared! There will be things that go wrong. Took me a good few track days to get everything right on my car. Breathers were a problem and cooling. Make sure you have some good brake pads to, recommend MS carbon metallic.

[JCmini]

My advice would be buy your own helmet. Similar to when I go karting. Venue helmets get used by hundreds of people with sweaty heads and heavy breathing. 

 

You can buy them fairly cheap now days around £30 cant remember if you have to have open face or closed. I used my shoei one from when I used to ride motorbikes but thats more like £300 but you wont need that.

[Carlos W]

Buy a helmet, the hired ones aren't nice. Then go out at the back of the pack, have a slowish drive around to learn the track. (Sighting laps). They also warm the tyres, brakes etc up. Do cool down laps too.

A lot of tracks over here have instructers who you can pay to go out with you for a few laps.

[minifreek1]

Most likely the minimum you will need is a helmet.

 

You would be hard pressed to get insurance for on track, or it will be very very expensive.

 

Drive within YOUR limits and not the car, build your confidence with each lap but don't expect to be Lewis Hamilton out there and dont race anyone. Its a track day not a racing day and the track will ask you to leave the track if they think you are either racing or driving dangerously.

 

Most I do is go out and have fun, Im not the fastest when on track but I have loads of fun whilst Im out there, and I move out the way of other cars when I get blue flagged...

[Cooperman]

Have a great day. Just one thing, do you have a centre oil pick-up? If you do then fine. If not be very careful in long right hand bends. The oil surges away from the pick-up pipe and you can end up pulling high revs with little or no oil pressure very easily.

[minisilverbullet]

My advice would be buy your own helmet. Similar to when I go karting. Venue helmets get used by hundreds of people with sweaty heads and heavy breathing. 

 

You can buy them fairly cheap now days around £30 cant remember if you have to have open face or closed. I used my shoei one from when I used to ride motorbikes but thats more like £300 but you wont need that.

 

When you put it like that! 

 

I bought a sparco helmet and balaclava yesterday.