Getting on track

[Frikkin Evil]

I'm really keen to get my Four up to Knockhill for a trackday this year. Ive never done anything like this before, so i'd appreciate some input from those who have.

The car is currently garaged, soon to be woken from it's slumber. I realise that a thorough service will be my first consideration. So,

1. Servicing - Fluids only? Or should I check anything else?
2. Tyres - Currently plenty on them, but they are budget tyres that came with my wheels... will they be ok?
3. Brakes - Plenty pad left, but would it be worth getting braided hoses to prevent fade?
4. Crash helmet - Worth getting my own? Can you hire them out?
5. Exhaust - It's a mongoose cat-back. I assume this will not exceed noise limits?
6. Insurance - track insurance worth getting?
7. Will I need to tape up my headlights?
8. Any other misc. advice to help out a novice like me?

Cheers y'all.

[ChrisW]

1. Servicing - Fluids only? Plus the usual suspects, fig 8's, wheel bearings, filters, check your clips on all your hoses, ensure your battery is secure

2. Tyres - how long have they been on the  car, any signs of wear, cracking? Consider slightly higher pressures for the higher speeds/cornering

3. Brakes - Plenty pad left, but would it be worth getting braided hoses to prevent fade? Yes to braided hoses, what fluid are you using? DOT 5.1?

4. Crash helmet - Depends if it MSA regs? You can get bike helmets for ~£40, worth it in the long run but do check to see if there are any restrictions for the track you visit otherwise you may need to acquire an MSA approved lid.

5. Exhaust - It's a mongoose cat-back. Check the spec of the exhaust and compare to the tracks limit, usually 95-96 dB but some are higher ~100

6. Insurance - If you can find a company offering track day insurance it is worth it for the peace of mind, imho. There are some options for covering 5 days per annum.

7. Will I need to tape up my headlights? Yes

8. Any other misc. advice to help out a novice like me? Take your time to 'learn' the track, build up from several slow sighting laps. Try to limit yourself to 5-6 laps before pitting to check over for any issues. This will also allow your brakes to cool if you have experienced any fading(do NOT apply the handbrake). It is worth chatting to someone who has driven the track previously, and maybe have a passenger ride to get ideas on lines. If there is the option of an instructor, they will be able to talk you through the track, can be expensive tho.
There should be a drivers briefing to take you through all the track regs and rules, e.g. overtaking etiquette, flags etc

If I think of anything else I'll add it

9. Most importantly of all: Enjoy the day

Cheers

[Frikkin Evil]

Thanks for the info ChrisW! Some really helpful stuff there. I'm sure i'll think of some more stoopid questions before the event.

For now i'm going to get her back on the road, which means trying to find the most cost effective way of insuring her as a second car for limited use. Definately confused (.com heh).

[fifegt4]

Quiet a helpful thread there must be a lot of people who wonder about these things (me for one)

[ChrisW]

I'm sure there will be plenty other people with experiences of track days who will chip in with useful ideas for us all

Cheers

[Frikkin Evil]

I found some good info on track scotland's website...

http://www.trackscotland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14

Man, I'm excited about doing this. I hope I can get there during the next few months, before I feel guilty about spending money on myself rather than the wee un'.

[fifegt4]

You got the Four back on the road yet? Mines currently sitting without an MOT because I bought braided brake lines instead and run out of money  It'll get done this week or next once i get paid.

[Frikkin Evil]

I just got her insured today! Taxing her tomorrow. Then we'll see how she's driving after her little stint in hibernation. Hope you get your MOT sorted ok. Do you mind me asking how much the braided hoses were?

[fifegt4]

I got them through a group buy from another forum, they are HEL ones from brakelines I got them for £65 delivered instead of £80 plus delivery.
http://www.brake-lines.co.uk./
The forum is www.clanjapan.co.uk I think there is still spaces on the group buy.

[Coyoteboy]

Evil - where did you get it insured as a second/low use car?

[Frikkin Evil]

Evil - where did you get it insured as a second/low use car?

I stayed with Sky in the end. They matched my NCD that I have against the Focus. I'm limited to 3000 miles TPFT... £225. I'm happy with that.

[Coyoteboy]

I just tried to renew my D estate with Sky, they couldnt get below 350 despite me having full 11 years NCB and living in a remote village. Shame as I liked them, Admiral only wanted 203. I'd like to get my celica back on the road but I suspect they'll want a vast amount for it - last renewal was £600

[Frikkin Evil]

I just tried to renew my D estate with Sky, they couldnt get below 350 despite me having full 11 years NCB and living in a remote village. Shame as I liked them, Admiral only wanted 203. I'd like to get my celica back on the road but I suspect they'll want a vast amount for it - last renewal was £600

Hmm. Doesen't bode well for the Focus renewal then, which is due next month. It's actually on my old Sky GT-Four policy, which I changed to the focus when I took the Four off the road to save cash. I was quoted £145 for the focus on gocompare recently! If Admiral do you a deal, you might get the NCB mirrored and save £££'s. I've heard they can do that.

I took the Four out for a spin this evening, first time in months. Big grin... even though the roads were busy and I couldn't really open her up as much as i'd have liked. I'm not sure about the brakes though, they don't feel as positive as they should. Deffo going to bleed them before I track her.

[Coyoteboy]

Admiral detest modified cars, so they're a no-go for the Four

I love the feeling of the four when you've not used it in ages, reminds you of why you're keeping it at some cost

[Frikkin Evil]

Amen to that. I'm going to remind myself a lot these coming weeks.