YOUR FIRST TRACK DAY (gasp!!)
Congratulations!
We really mean that. We would like to sincerely congratulate you for making that big step toward your first track day. We admit that there seem to be lots of sometimes frightening unknowns but we hope to help you get rid of much of that anxiety.
For starters, some of us did our first track days in the early Seventies and are still, remarkably, ALIVE! Not only that, most of us have never damaged a car on a track day, unless it was a little gravel rash.
Today, of course, we are completely relaxed as we roll onto the track, but when we started, we had the same misgivings that much of you have.
HOWEVER, compared to running fast up in the canyons, consider these elements.
Everybody is running in the same direction, no oncoming traffic!
Everybody is a very similar skill level and wearing proper safety gear!
There is an ambulance parked right by the track with trained personnel inside ready to go!
There are workers on the corners to wave flags warning you of possibly dangerous things that might hurt you!
If somebody kicks some dirt onto the track, they will warn you about that also! Then, they sweep it off!
The track is shaped the same every time you make a lap, as opposed to running down an unknown mountain road!
You didn't have to worry about coming around a blind corner and find somebody in an RV trying to turn around!
Nobody cared how fast you go as long as long as it looks like you are doing it in a safe manner!
Which goes right with NO COPS!
In other words, it was FAR safer and much more fun than running quickly down a mountain road.
Don't worry about how fast you are. Nobody there cares except you. We tend to be remarkably self- centered creatures and everyone else really is just thinking about themselves.
So here is how you get started.
What groups do you run with?
West Coast HPDE and Hooked on Driving are friends and almost partners. West Coast is typically only a couple of events a year, normally at Willow Springs. But HOD offers HPDE (High Performance Driving Events) all over the country, so we like to put in a plug for them. David Ray, the founder is a great guy, a racer and really loves to promote safe and fun events.
But, HOD may not offer events in your area or you might have heard of some other HPDE organizer that does a nice event.
Regardless, you will need to send in an entry form. There are several items to which you need to pay special attention.
The first is the Tech Inspection form. The requirements will vary a bit between organizers, so please read it carefully. They may require that the inspection be done by a professional mechanic or someone other than you. Whether someone else does it or you do it yourself, really go down the items and carefully check everything on the list. This is for your own good, so be very thorough. You don't want to find out mid corner than your lug nuts are loose!
Second, don't sign up for an upper level run group. Start at the bottom until you gain experience both with the track and your car. As you become quicker, contact someone in authority and ask them what is required to move to a faster group. They will be happy to help. Believe me, it is much more fun to be in a lower group where you are catching and passing cars than a faster group where you have to watch your mirrors all the time to avoid being run over!
Ahhh! YouTube!!
YouTube is just great for track day newbies and also those with more experience. Just remember that there may be several different ways to take a corner depending on level of experience and type of car.
The Night Before
Assuming you are going to be spending a night at a hotel before your first track day, get there in time to get plenty of rest. So plan on going to bed early.
Whatever your dining habits are, try to eat something that will not interfere with getting a good night’s sleep.
Needless to say, you don’t want to drive within eight hours of consuming any alcohol.
But on a track weekend, especially on a fast or dangerous track, some coaches and virtually all serious racers, will limit alcohol intake. This is due to the slight impairment that might come, almost like a mini-hangover. You just lose a little bit of sharpness.
Now, that is just what they do.
Saturday- arriving at the track
Let's assume this is a two-day event. Get to the track much earlier than you think you need to. Virtually everyone coming in tends to come at a similar time and entrance to the track will be restricted by how fast the workers on the gate can have everyone sign releases, pay and get wristbands. Often the track owner will charge a small entrance fee which is in addition to what you paid the group who are hosting the event.
When you clear the gate, start looking for your parking place for the day. This may be influenced by friends in other cars or distance to the track entry or snack bar or who knows?? Just pick a nice clear spot and set out your trackside gear. If you need to have your car teched at the track, assuming that is offered, get in line right away.
If you need to change into your driving suit, the restrooms are usually the spot, so get that out of the way. Tossing a small towel in your gear bag sure helps when you are barefoot on a cold concrete floor.
Also most coaches never get into a car going on track without voiding their bladder. Bad things happen if you crash with a full bladder. So, make that a habit!
Next, check the schedule for two things. When is the drivers’ meeting and when is your first run group.
Since you are new, there may be a "chalk talk" or van sessions or both before you get to go on track by yourself.
Drivers Meeting
The Drivers’ Meeting is mandatory for all participants. Don't be late. You will hear a lot of general information such as:
How the run groups are established and why.
What the safety flags mean and what you should do when you see them.
How to enter the track properly.
How to exit the track properly.
Where it it OK to pass.
What to do when you are passing someone.
What to do if you are being passed.
How long the sessions will be.
In addition to the above, there will normally be a bit of Q&A, so you can speak up if you don't understand something. This is very much a situation where the only stupid question is the one you don't ask. So, don't be shy.
Toward the end of the Drivers Meeting, there will normally be some direct info for newcomers. Often, there will be vans or similar vehicles with an experienced coach at the wheel who can take you out for some orientation laps. Don't miss this! It will be extremely helpful.
After the van sessions, there will typically be a "chalk talk", as well. This will be more focused than the general Drivers Meeting, as all the participants are new to the track