Track Days - What to know before you go
You enjoy driving. Not commuting, not rush hour traffic, not those cursed average speed cameras. Proper driving. The kind with proper corners, braking late, and the engine wailing past 6,000 rpm. Track days are where that is done.
A track day is the closest thing to being Lewis Hamilton without a race licence or a wealthy dad. It's you, your car, an actual racing circuit, and no speed limit. But before you blast into turn one like it's Silverstone, you need to know what you're doing.
What is a track day?
A track day means you get to drive your own car on a real race track. It's not racing, no timing, no trophies, and no pushing someone into the gravel to win. It's enjoying your car in a manner you can't do legally on the road.
You'll either drive out in timed sessions based on driver ability or have access to the circuit all day in an "open pit lane" format. There are rules of overtaking, mandatory safety briefings, and track marshals to keep things in order.
Track day requirements
Before you roll up and try to mimic your inner Max Verstappen, check the basics:
- Driving licence: You'll need a full, valid driving licence. No learner plates.
- Helmet: Most circuits require a good motorsport helmet (bike helmets are acceptable to start with, but check track rules). The majority of tracks provide helmets to rent - so it's very much worth while inquiring if you don't have one.
- MOT-worthy car: Your car needs to be road-worthy. That is, no drips, no bald tyres, no rubbishy brakes.
- Noise limits: Circuits have strict decibel limits. That de-catted screamer pipe might not make it past the marshals.
Preparing for your first track day
This isn’t just parking up at a Cars & Coffee meet. You’ll be flat out for 15–20 minutes at a time. That’s more abuse than your car sees in six months. Preparation matters.
- Check the car: brakes, tyres, fluids, wheel nuts. No excuses.
- Check the weather: don't shell out R888Rs if it's going to pour down.
- Pack essentials: see below.
- Consider tuition: many organisers offer instruction.
- Sleep some: sounds horribly obvious, but adrenaline crashes woefully after your third session.
What to bring with you
Bin the picnic blanket. Here's what you actually need:
- Driving licence
- Helmet
- Track day confirmation email and ID
- Tyre pressure gauge (and pump if you have one)
- Basic tools: socket set, fluids, jack
- Cable ties and duct tape: trust me
- Water and food: circuits aren’t cheap and queue times can be grim
- Fuel can: if the track has no petrol station, you’re stuffed without one
- Comfy chair (optional)
Preparing the car
You don’t need a roll cage or slick tyres. A stock road car is absolutely fine. But prep makes a big difference:
- Tyres: decent tread, even wear, and proper pressures (lower them a little cold, then re-check hot).
- Brakes: fresh pads and fluid. Factory pads tend to vaporize halfway through your first outing.
- Fluids: fill oil and coolant before you depart.
- Interior: clean out the cabin and boot. You don't want a loose charging cable slapping your ankle on braking.
- Wheel torque: check before and after your first outing. Don't be lazy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a helmet?
Yes, helmets are mandatory on all UK track days — no exceptions. But here’s the detail:
Open-face helmets are fine for most cars with a fixed roof.
Full-face helmets are usually required if you're in a convertible, even with the roof up. Some circuits insist on them for open-top cars due to the added risk in a rollover.
Bike helmets are generally accepted, but they must be in good condition and meet current safety standards (BS, ECE, or Snell approved).
If you don’t have one, many circuits and organisers offer helmet hire for a small fee - just book in advance as they go fast.
Do I need track day insurance?
What does open pit lane mean?
What if I go off the track?
What if my car breaks down?
What if it rains?
What if I crash?
What if I’ve never done one before?
Can I bring a passenger?
Track days are the best fun you can have with your car and a driving licence. Don’t worry about being slow. Worry about being safe, learning the lines, and keeping the car in one piece. Go for the experience, not the lap time.
And when you pull into the pits grinning from ear to ear, you’ll understand what it’s all about.
