Track days explained
A track day lets you drive your own car on a real circuit, without speed cameras, oncoming traffic or a race to win. Here is what to expect from your first one.
A track day is an organised day on a race circuit, open to ordinary drivers or riders in their own vehicles. It is not a race. There is no grid, no official timing for results and no prize. The point is to enjoy driving in a controlled environment, learn more about your car and yourself, and improve your skills safely.
The general structure is similar across the UK, but every organiser has its own rules. Read them carefully before you book, and follow the briefing on the day.
How track days are organised
Car days and bike days are almost always separate. Bikes and cars do not share the track at the same time.
Open pit lane days let you go out whenever you like, within the overall track time. You manage your own breaks.
Sessioned days divide drivers into groups, often by experience, and each group gets fixed time slots. Novice groups usually have stricter rules.
Overtaking rules vary. Some days allow overtaking only on the straights, others only on the left, and some only when the car in front signals you past. This is one of the most important parts of the briefing.
Tuition is often available from instructors who sit beside you. For a first track day it is one of the best investments you can make.
Before you book
Check what the organiser requires. Typical requirements include:
- a valid driving licence
- a minimum age, sometimes with extra conditions for younger drivers
- a vehicle that is roadworthy and, for road cars, usually road legal
- a helmet meeting the standard stated by the organiser, which you may be able to hire
- signing a disclaimer and attending the drivers’ briefing
Noise limits
Most circuits have noise limits, because they share the countryside with neighbours. Cars are often tested with a static test, where a meter is held near the exhaust at set engine speed, and sometimes with a drive-by test as the car passes a fixed point. The limits differ from circuit to circuit and sometimes from day to day.
If your car has a loud aftermarket exhaust, check the limits before you book. A car that fails the noise test may not be allowed to run, and the organiser is unlikely to refund you.
Insurance
Most standard motor insurance policies exclude driving on a track. That means damage to your own car on a track day is usually not covered by your normal policy. Specialist track day insurance exists, so read the terms carefully and decide what level of risk you are comfortable with. Damage to circuit property, such as barriers, may also be charged to you.
Preparing your car
A track day puts far more stress on a car than everyday driving. A day or two before, work through this checklist:
- Tyres: plenty of tread, no damage, correct pressures. Pressures rise as tyres heat up on track, so check them between sessions.
- Brakes: pads with plenty of material left, and brake fluid that is in good condition. Old fluid can boil under heavy use and the pedal goes soft.
- Fluids: oil and coolant at the correct level, no leaks.
- Wheels: nuts or bolts tightened to the correct torque.
- Interior: remove everything loose, from water bottles to floor mats that could slide under the pedals.
- Tow eye: know where it is and fit it if the organiser asks you to.
- Fuel: arrive with enough. Track driving uses much more fuel than normal driving.
What to wear
For cars, wear comfortable clothes that cover your arms and legs, made from natural fibres where possible, and thin-soled shoes that let you feel the pedals. Bike days require full protective kit, including leathers, boots, gloves and a helmet that meets the organiser’s standard.
On the day
A typical first track day goes like this:
- Arrive early for sign-on, where your licence and paperwork are checked.
- Noise testing and scrutineering, where the car is checked over.
- Drivers’ briefing, which is compulsory. It covers the flags, overtaking rules and circuit-specific details such as pit entry and exit.
- Sighting laps, often behind a lead car, so you can learn the layout at moderate speed.
- Track sessions, with breaks to let you and the car cool down.
Flags
Marshals use flags to warn you about what is ahead. On a track day, obeying them is not optional.
| Flag | What you do |
|---|---|
| Green | Track clear, carry on |
| Yellow | Slow down, no overtaking, be ready to stop |
| Red | Slow down and return carefully to the pit lane |
| Blue | Faster traffic behind, let it pass when safe |
| Yellow with red stripes | Slippery surface, take care |
| Black | Come into the pit lane, usually to speak to an official |
| Chequered | End of the session, complete a slow lap and return to the pits |
Good etiquette
- Check your mirrors constantly. It is your job to see faster traffic and let it pass in line with the rules for the day.
- Signal clearly if you are letting someone by, and keep a predictable line.
- Build your pace gradually. Most incidents happen early in the day or when drivers are tired.
- Take a cool-down lap at the end of each session, and do not use the handbrake on hot brakes in the pit area if your car allows you to leave it in gear instead.
- If something feels wrong with the car, come in. There is always another session.
After the day
Check your tyres, brakes and fluid levels before driving home, and expect brakes and tyres to wear faster than normal over the following weeks. Above all, think about what you learned. The best track day drivers are the ones who treat each day as a lesson rather than a lap time.