Ever wanted to go on track but didn’t know where to start, well here is a basic breakdown of how a typical track day runs:
TYPICAL DAY
The following is a description of how a typical UK Track Day runs. Please be aware that times can vary depending on the weather, how the day is running or if it is a Sunday/Bank Holiday and those given here are for guidance only.
TYPICAL DAY
Make sure you arrive at the circuit as early as you can. At the circuits which have pit garages (Donington Park, Anglesey, Oulton Park, Snetterton, Croft, Silverstone,Brands Hatch) you usually need to be there by 7.00am to ensure you get a garage space. If all the garages are full, there will always be space in the paddock. Most circuits have electrical hook up with exceptions of Cadwell Park and very limited at Mallory and Bedford.
7.30am SIGN ON
Sign-on usually commences between 07:30 and 08:00. Make sure you check sign on & briefing times for your day on track. In order to get your day off to a good start, it is essential for us to get most of the riders signed on as early as possible as most circuits are now enforcing noise testing prior to the track sessions beginning. So if you would like your day to run as smoothly as possible, it is important to be punctual to assure you get maximum tracktime.
Bring your confirmation with you to show when you sign on. You can also use a smart phone, showing your confirmation email.
You will need to complete an Indemnity form for each track event, and at Motor Sport Vision (MSV) circuits (Cadwell Park, Brands Hatch, Snetterton, Bedford & Oulton Park) you must also complete a Motor Sport Vision Indemnity form as well.
Your full unrestricted driving licence or full ACU licence will also be checked at the Motor Sport Vision circuits. These tracks also require you to be over 18 (unless previously approved by MSV). Please note, this is a MSV requirement so if you do not present your licence on the day, you can not be allowed to drive or ride, (in exceptional circumstances the circuit can confirm it within office hours at DVLA on your behalf to confirm your entitlements. This will normally attract an admin fee which is payable to MSV but we recommend not to rely on this method) see our Terms & Conditions for details.
The sign-on is completed by issuing you a wristband according to the group you are riding in on the day, and a sticker to be placed on the front of your bike. At some circuits the stickers are handed out after the safety briefing. Please ensure it it clearly visible or it may delay your first session.
08:30am COMPULSORY SAFETY BRIEFING (For All Drivers or Riders)
The compulsory safety briefing as the name suggests is mandatory. Whether it’s your first time or your 500th, there is no exception. All participants must attend the briefing and collect a briefing sticker or wristband to confirm your attendance. These will be issued after the briefing, and will be checked in pit lane before each of your track sessions throughout the day.
No Sticker, No Wristband, No Tracktime!!
The briefing consists of a welcome, introduction, the format of your day, health and safety, issues on the day,rules and etiquette on and off the circuit, instruction available, services available, hints and tips and any questions. (please feel free to ask any questions)
After the main briefing, a separate briefing is held at all circuits for our novice group. Quite simply this is to quell any fears you may have, instil confidence and to go over some of the finer points of track craft, and what to do if you are riding a road bike.
Listen carefully to the safety briefing/novice group briefing, and do ask any questions you may have. The question you think is silly is the one that everyone else also wants to ask and tea and coffee is usually free!
Schedule
09:00 Intermediate group on circuit – 3 sighting laps then open session
09:20 Fast group on circuit – 3 sighting laps then open session
09:40 Novice group – 3 sighting laps then open session.
We will then run 20 minute sessions throughout the day (dependent on stoppages). Lunch is generally an hours break 1pm-2pm].
1 pm Lunch (The time can alter dependent on the weather) 2 pm Sessions resume, Intermediate group first, then Fast at 2.20pm and Novice at 2.40pm. 5 pm Home Time (circuit closes). Important to note that it is the track that is closed and not the paddock which is open for a further 1 hour for clear down purposes.
EVENING TRACKDAYS
We suggest getting to circuit timely, as you will have customers packing up from the day sessions and you need to secure a place in the garages or paddock and set your bike up.
Sign on is from 4pm and your compulsory safety brief will be at 5pm. The plan is to have the first of the 2 groups out at 5.30pm or as soon as the circuit is clear from the last session from the previous trackday.
All being well, we plan to run 2 groups over 4 sessions that evening. Comprising of 3 X 20 minute sessions and 1 X 15 minute session (circumstance and weather dependant) and finish for the evening at 8pm.
Open Pitlane Trackdays
Throughout the year there are a number of open pitlane (OPL) track days for experienced drivers and riders who prefer to drive/ride without the constraints of timed sessions. On these days, the number of participants is limited so you can be guaranteed maximum track time (Strickly no novices please.)
PLEASE NOTE *
We strongly recommend only fast group and confident upper inters riders for our OPL trackdays. This is for yours and our other customers safety as this event does attract the more confident faster riders. It is your responsibility to assess your ability before booking a OPL. (If you are unsure but would like to book a OPL, please ask an instructor on a normal trackday to ride go out with you and give feedback)
FLAGS
* YELLOW flag means that there’s danger ahead of you so take extra care, don’t overtake.
* RED flag means there’s been a serious incident and the sessions have been stopped, so slow down, don’t overtake and make your way back to the pits or as directed.
* YELLOW and RED striped flag means there’s debris on the circuit or poor grip so take care.
* BLUE flag means that another car wants to overtake you.
* BLACK flag means you have been naughty or there’s something wrong, you need to slow and come into the pits asap.
HINTS & TIPS
* Stay hydrated, bring plenty of fluid such as energy drinks and water.
* Stay energized, bring snack foods to keep your energy levels up such as chocolate (Or cake)
* Keep concentration, remove distractions so cover up speedo’s and remove mirrors.
* Stay controlled, both bike and rider be ready for your next session so its not a mad flustered dash.
* Stay on track, Check/adjust tyre pressures, assure good maintenance and ride within your ability.
* Stay inspired, ride out with one of our trained instructors who will show you abilities you only dreamed of on the road.
* Stay with the number one trackday company that’s here to assure its customers a 100% satisfaction experience and an unprecedented customer service.
For a list of available track days try UK Track Days here.
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